CAS 170: US Life: Customs & Practices

Spring 2019 Semester

Douglass, Room 420, 11:50-13:05

Instructors:
Molly Jolliff, Director, International Student Engagement, molly.jolliff@rochester.edu
Meredith Doubleday, International Student Academic Advisor, Meredith.doubleday@rochester.edu
Office hours by appointment, email or call 275-2354 to schedule

Course Description: Through this course students will explore campus, community and American
culture, enhance their intercultural competence, and build academic skills to improve their success in
the American classroom. Students will compare cultures through a variety of readings, in class
discussions, blogs and outside class activities. Topics include culture, cultural values, cultural capital,
communication, and a variety of topics related to college success.

At the end of the semester, students will be able to:

 Identify the role of culture in daily life

 Apply concepts of culture, cultural values, culture shock, and cultural capital to your
experience
 Navigate resources for success in and out of the classroom
 Think critically about your study abroad experience

Required Readings:
Blackboard or in class handouts.

Learning Format:
This course will be based upon the assumption that best learning comes about through action and
reflection, incorporating the whole person - their mind, being and actions - into the process of
learning. Thus, this course will feature a variety of learning styles - readings and lectures, guest
speakers, small group and whole class discussions, video and on & off campus field study excursions.

Course Requirements:

1. On Time Attendance

Attending every class on time and ready to engage is necessary to meet the objectives of the course. The
objective of this course is your success! Because we have limited time to meet and many topics to cover
you should only miss class when it is absolutely necessary due to illness or an emergency situation. If
you are ill or have an emergency please email the instructor in advance. More than two absences will
jeopardize your ability to pass this class.

2. Homework and grading

The amount of thought and effort you put in to this class will determine the benefits you will receive
from it. The way to demonstrate your learning to the instructors is through class participation and
homework assignments. We understand that not all students are comfortable speaking up in class.
This is a great safe place to practice this skill. But, we will also take in to account the effort put in to
your written assignments so that you have both opportunities to demonstrate your learning. For
each assignment you will be given an opportunity to resubmit it in order to better demonstrate your
learning. 100 points possible/75 required to pass.
1. 2 interviews and blogs (20 total, 10 points each)
a. Interview peer blog
b. Interview resource
2. 2 Field activities (20 total, 10 points each)
a. Field Activity Off campus
b. Field Activity On Campus
3. Presentation (20 points)
4. Reflection 3-5 pages (20 points)
5. Attendance and Participation (20 points)

3. Field Studies (2 total)

Throughout the semester, students will engage in field studies that will allow you to observe and
practice some of the topics and skills we discuss in class. Students will submit individual critical
reflections (250 – 350 words) about their field study experience.
 OFF CAMPUS field studies options will be provided and discussed in class. This is an adventure
off campus that you will plan and execute with a group of your classmates.
 ON CAMPUS field studies include events such as student organization events, campus lectures,
cultural events for a culture other than your own, worship services for a religion other than your
own, etc. Ask yourself, would I go to this event if I were not in this class? If the answer is “yes”
then it is not an acceptable event!

4. Presentation

In a group of 2-3 of your classmates you will teach the class about an area of U.S. culture of
your interest and compare it to your home culture and experience. You will be expected to
use at least 2 articles and present the information in Powerpoint, Prezi or similar.

5. Final reflection paper based on class notes and experiences

A 3 - 5 page reflection paper will be due at the end of the semester. You will respond to 3 - 4
questions posed by the instructors.

Academic Honesty: In this course we will discuss the different world views on Academic Honesty and
the underlying values that those concepts are derived. Like all your classes at UR you are required to
understand and practice academic integrity as explained on the website
http://www.rochester.edu/college/honesty/students.html . This course you will have be allowed to
work together in groups for field activities, in class discussions and the presentation. But, you are
expected to contribute unique work. For example, you may do field activities together but the field
activities reflection assignment should be done on your own. For any written assignments such as
blogs and your final reflection paper you are not required to use citations unless you are using
someone else’s ideas, words or referring to a specific website or article.
Students with Disabilities: The University of Rochester’s policies and resources to support students
with disabilities is documented on the “ACCESS Rochester” web page at
https://www.rochester.edu/college/cetl/undergraduate/disability.html Please contact your instructor
during the first week of classes if you require accommodations.

Schedule is subject to change! Check the syllabus for updates.

UNIT 1: Culture, Classes 1-5

Class 1
Topics: Introductions, Where are you a local?

Class 2
Topics: Defining culture and discussing American culture.

Class 3
Topics: Values (personal and cultural): the engine that drives cultural norms, behaviors and attitudes.

Class 4
Topics: Communication, the real deal - small talk and slang.

Class 5
Topics: Understanding culture shock. Cultural misconceptions and conflict - stereotypes, racism,
ethnocentrism.

UNIT 2: Success in and out of the classroom, Classes 8-12

Class 6
Topics: Cultural Capital, resources and supports that really work.

Class 7
Topics: What does it mean to work smarter not harder? Building academic skills and strategies.

Class 8 – 9
Topics: Presentations! Your turn to teach the class.

Class 10
Topics: Drinking, Drugs and Sex on US/UR campus’. What is Title IX and how can you avoid problems
and go for help if needed?

Class 11 – 12
Topics: Goal setting within my cultural context. See it. Believe it. Act on it.