Our weekly schedule for the semester is outlined in detail bellow. Making note of a few important things now will ensure you have the most enjoyable and rewarding BGS experience possible.
- This is not a traditional class! That means we will do lots of different things and approach content from lots of different angles. In the end, our goal is to better know ourselves and to be better able to share ourselves with the world.
- Always be sure to view the Keynote materials and complete prep work before arriving at your Synthesis Seminar on Tuesday or Thursday.
- Bring your laptop or tablet to your Synthesis Seminar so that during workshops, you can… work!
- Look ahead in the schedule for upcoming deadlines, and look for email, OAKS, and website updates about your Synthesis Seminar meetings and community happenings.
Events of the Week!
Check Cougar Connect to update your calendar with events hosted by all your favorite organizations!
Week 1 (Aug. 22-27): Welcome and Introductions
Keynote: What is HONS 100?
- What is BGS?
- What is a Scholar-Citizen?
- Introductions: The Honors FYE Team
- Syllabus and Assignment Review
- How We Assess Our Learning Outcomes
Preparatory Work:
- View the Week 1 Keynote linked under “Content” in your HONS 100 OAKS course. If you’ve already attended your seminar meeting this week, it’s okay to go back to this now!
Synthesis Seminar:
- Meeting Your BGS Peers
- Preparing for the Semester
Resources:
Assignments Due:
- Complete the Week 1 Quiz on OAKS by 8/27
- Sign up on OAKS for your first consultation with your PF by 8/27.
- Complete the Syllabus, Blog, and OAKS Quiz on OAKS by 8/27.
Individual Consultation 1:
- During weeks 1-2, you will meet individually with your PF; the goal of this informal meeting is simply for you to get to know your PF better and vice versa. Come prepared with any questions or concerns you might have about the class, or about your transition into college more generally.
Trouble with your OAKS classes?
Week 2 (Aug. 28 - Sep 3): Living and Working with Integrity
Keynote: Academic, Professional, and Civic Integrity
- Meeting the Dean of Students
- College of Charleston’s Honor Code
- Academic Honesty and Why It Matters
- Self- and Community-Monitoring and the Social Contract
Preparatory Work:
- View the Week 2 Keynote linked under “Content” in your HONS 100 OAKS course.
- Read this AAUP statement regarding academic freedom-and-responsibility.
- Peruse the College of Charleston Honor Code found here.
- Pay particular attention to pages 8-18 and 42-45.
- Remember: “At the core of the College of Charleston community are individuals from diverse backgrounds whose
lives are intertwined in support of the uplifting of the human condition through comprehensive studies.
As with all communities, there is a moral code of ethical behavior that binds participants together, and
a body of official rules and regulations that defines personal freedoms and responsibilities. The latter is
codified in the College of Charleston Honor Code and Code of Conduct – our Honor System.”
Synthesis Seminar: Campus Resources
- Getting to Know What Resources are Available to You
- Learning how to Access Your Resources
Resources:
- Follow this link to a comprehensive list of resources available to College of Charleston students.
- Center for Student Learning:
- About the CSL
- WATCH this video about Supplemental Instruction
- The Counseling Center:
- About the Department
- Check out the Students 4 Support team
- Also, find them on Instagram
- Mindfulness
- Sexual Misconduct and Consent:
- Check out this presentation and other resources on OAKS regarding sexual consent and misconduct. These can be tough topics to discuss, and you have the right to decide how you want to participate in related discussions. In any case, please know that you have rights and that the Honors FYE Team is a resource for you.
Week 3 (Sep. 4-10): Diverse Communities in Shared Environments
Keynote: Engaging Diverse Communities with the Office of Institutional Diversity
Preparatory Work:
- View the Week 3 Keynote linked under “Content” in your HONS 100 OAKS course.
- Begin reading How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America. You should complete the chapters: “Prologue” and “Monticello Plantation” before your Synthesis Seminar meets.
- Read this article on intersectionality: Crenshaw-Why-Intersectionality-Cant-Wait
- Be sure to follow the links – especially “Intersectionality: A Primer”
Synthesis Seminar: How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America
- Group discussions of Intersectionality and How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America
- Understanding Intersectional Identity and Human Experience
- Restorative Justice Practices for Serious Conversations
Resources:
- Peruse this reading guide for How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America
- Visit the Office of Institutional Diversity’s website to explore their campus and community programs.
- CofC’s Center for Civic Engagement
- How do you plan to get engaged and find your activities, your friends, yourself while in Charleston? Be sure to attend BEst Fest on September 6th between 2 and 8 PM. Many of our Honors Engaged partners, campus resources, and student organizations will be there – along with live music, food, and fun!
Assignments Due:
- Complete the Diversity EDU Module on OAKS and upload your completion certificate to the dropbox on your HONS 100 OAKS site by 9/10.
Week 4 (Sep. 11-17): History. Made. Here. Whose History? Told by Whom?
Keynote: History. Made. Here. – Whose History? Told by Whom?
- Our #CharlestonSyllabus
- Please know we are aware that at times our course material covers sensitive topics and refers to events that may trigger past traumatic experiences. Some people are also sensitive to specific imagery, or may be experiencing ongoing grief from these course topics. If you think this might affect you please get in touch with your PF or Professors Permenter or Landis.
Preparatory Work:
- View the Week 4 Keynote linked under “Content” in your HONS 100 OAKS course.
- Read these Charleston Syllabus selections: CHS Syllabus Selections 1
- Continue reading How the Word is Passed. You may opt to read “The Whitney Plantation” or “Blandford Cemetery.”
Synthesis Seminar:
- Exploring Historic Charleston
- Reflecting on Place and Narrative
Resources:
Assignments Due:
- Begin exploring your Know Thy City, Know Thyself Assignment, linked in the Assignments section of your HONS 100 OAKS Course.
- Reminder that if you select the Avery assignment, you will need to watch a recorded instruction session before you visit the Center.
- Please email bgs@cofc.edu to request the recording of the virtual instruction meeting.
- Reminder that if you select the Avery assignment, you will need to watch a recorded instruction session before you visit the Center.
Week 5 (Sep. 18-24): Know Thy City, Know Thyself
Keynote: Know Thy City, Know Thyself
- Voices of Charleston
- Institutions for Preserving the Broader History of Charleston
- Know Thy City, Know Thyself Assignment Options
- Please know we are aware that at times our course material covers sensitive topics and refers to events that may trigger past traumatic experiences. Some people are also sensitive to specific imagery, or may be experiencing ongoing grief from these course topics. If you think this might affect you please get in touch with your PF or Professors Permenter or Landis right away.
Preparatory Work:
- View the Week 5 Keynote linked under “Content” in your HONS 100 OAKS course.
- Read these Charleston Syllabus selections: CHS Syllabus Selections 2
- Continue reading How the Word is Passed. You may opt to read “Angola Prison” or “Galveston Island.”
Synthesis Seminar:
- Connecting Primary Sources to On-Site Experiences
Resources:
- Charleston Syllabus readings
- PF Ben also curated some wonderful artistic resources to complement these readings! Check these out:
- Discovering Our Past App
- Google Maps
- Courageous Conversations and Brave Space Guidelines in OAKS Content: Resources
- International African American Museum
Assignments Due:
- Continue working on your Know Thy City, Know Thyself Assignment.
- Reminder that if you select the Avery assignment, you will need to watch a recorded instruction session before you visit the Center.
- Please email bgs@cofc.edu to request the recording of the virtual instruction meeting.
- Reminder that if you select the Avery assignment, you will need to watch a recorded instruction session before you visit the Center.
Week 6 (Sep. 25 - Oct. 1): Know Thy City, Know Thyself
Keynote: No Keynote!
Preparatory Work:
- Finish reading How the Word is Passed by selecting either “New York City” or “Goree Island” along with the “Epilogue.”
Synthesis Seminar:
- Connecting Primary Sources to On-Site Experiences
Resources:
- Charleston Syllabus readings
- Discovering Our Past App
- Google Maps
- Courageous Conversations and Brave Space Guidelines in OAKS Content: Resources
- International African American Museum
Assignments Due:
- Complete your Know Thy City, Know Thyself Assignment and submit it to your HONS 100 OAKS dropbox by 10/1.
Week 7 (Oct. 2-8): Academic and Extracurricular Planning
Keynote: 4-Year Planning in Honors
- Review of General Education Curriculum and Requirements
- Review of Honors Curriculum and Requirements
- Introduction to the PACE Navigator
Preparatory Work:
- View the Week 7 Keynote linked under “Content” in your HONS 100 OAKS course.
- Watch and Listen to our Honors College Advising Presentations featuring Dr. Ganaway and Professor Landis:
- One of these, the “Curriculum Overview” is already embedded in our main Week 7 VoiceThread.
- To access all advising presentations, log into OAKS.
- Once you are in OAKS, go to the “Honors Advising Class of 2027” course home.
- Click on the “Content” tab and then the “Advising Presentations and Voice Threads” Module.
- View the one or both of the PACE Navigator examples for Humanities or STEM majors.
- Resource Exploration:
- Check out the progam of study for your potential or current major.
- Access Degree Works through My Portal and explore the interface and tools available (e.g. the “what-if” audit and the planning tool).
- Explore the Honors Curricular Requirements and Courses Offered on the Honors HUB.
Synthesis Seminar: PACE Navigating
- PACE Navigator – Workshop
- Bring a charged laptop to the workshop so that you may begin future planning and working on your PACE Navigator.
Resources:
Assignments Due:
- Begin Working on the PACE Navigator
- Before class, you should look over and begin your PACE Navigator.
- Write down any questions that arise while completing your PACE Navigator. You will have time in class to direct these questions to your PF and/or an Honors advisor.
- The PACE Navigator is a working document. It doesn’t have to be completed entirely this week. Don’t let it intimidate you! It is simply a tool to assist you in your planning for the future. There will be plenty of opportunities in class and in your upcoming consultations to address any anxieties or confusion you encounter.
- By the end of this week, your PACE should include your majors/minors, transfer credits, current courses, and a scaffold of the main Honors and general Education requirements – basically what you already have with some forethought for moving forward!
- Please note: if you are meeting with your Honors Advisor this week, they may be looking for more development of the PACE (i.e. major requirements) than what we require in this week of BGS. Please be in touch with them to ensure you know and can meet their expectations before your advising meeting.
- By the end of this week, your PACE should include your majors/minors, transfer credits, current courses, and a scaffold of the main Honors and general Education requirements – basically what you already have with some forethought for moving forward!
- Sign up on OAKS for your second Consultation with your PF by 10/8.
- Attend the Faculty Fair on 10/5 in RITA 101 from 4-5:30 PM.
- This is required unless you have an academic, official athletic, or Honors Engaged conflict. (Note, there are no Honors Engaged class meetings this week.)
- Please email bgs@cofc.edu if you do have one of these types of conflicts.
Individual Consultation 2:
During Weeks 7-9, you will meet individually with your PF to discuss how your first semester is going; learn about resources specific to your needs, interests and personal transition to college; and begin mapping out some academic and professional goals for your time at the College.
Week 8 (Oct. 9 - 15): Reading the Room
Keynote: Reading the Room – Effective Self-Presentation in Any Situation
- Professional Communication
- Audience and Tone
- Modes of Communication
- Opportunities and Leadership
Preparatory Work:
- View the Week 8 Keynote linked under “Content” in your HONS 100 OAKS course.
Synthesis Seminar: Critical Communication Skills
- Professional Communication with Faculty
- Professional Communication with Employers
- Professional Communication in Civic Settings
Resources:
Assignments Due:
- Continue Working on the PACE Navigator
- Remember, the PACE Navigator is a working document. It doesn’t have to be completed entirely this week. Don’t let it intimidate you! It is simply a tool to assist you in your planning for the future. You can always reach out to your Honors and/or major advisor(s) for additional advice after you’ve workshopped the document.
- By the end of this week, your PACE should include your majors/minors, transfer credits, current courses, a scaffold of the main Honors requirements, and a scaffold of general education and major/minor requirements – basically what you have and what you need!
- Remember, the PACE Navigator is a working document. It doesn’t have to be completed entirely this week. Don’t let it intimidate you! It is simply a tool to assist you in your planning for the future. You can always reach out to your Honors and/or major advisor(s) for additional advice after you’ve workshopped the document.
Week 9 (Oct. 16-22): Fall Break - No BGS Classes
Keynote: No Keynote!
Synthesis Seminar: No Meetings this Week
- Enjoy your Fall Break!
Resources:
Take some time this week to explore the following resources that may be of interest to you as you develop your PACE Navigator/4-year plan. Although you may not be ready to apply for these opportunities this semester, it is helpful to start thinking about them now and even inserting some basics about them into your PACE early. Over the next few weeks, there will be additional events and opportunities to learn more about these excellent academic resources.
Week 10 (Oct. 23 - 29): BGS Advising Week
Keynote: No Keynote!
Synthesis Seminar: No Meetings this Week
- Instead you will be expected to attend an advising appointment with your assigned Honors advisor in preparation for Spring 2024 registration, which begins next week.
- Continue working on your PACE Navigator
Resources:
If you haven’t already done so, take some time this week to explore the following resources that may be of interest to you as you develop your PACE Navigator/4-year plan. Although you may not be ready to apply for these opportunities this semester, it is helpful to start thinking about them now and even inserting some basics about them into your PACE early. To stay up to date on information sessions, opportunities, and deadlines, you can also follow these campus offices on instagram: @cofcurca, @cofcabroad, and @cofc_nca.
- Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA)
- Study Abroad with the Center for International Education (CIE)
- Nationally Competitive Awards (NCA)
Assignments Due:
- You must complete the 2023-2024 Honors College Advising Form and email it to your Honors Advisor. Check with your advisor about whether they prefer it emailed ahead of the meeting and any other specific procedures they use for advising.
- Upload a complete draft of your PACE Navigator (at least the first 4 semesters outlined and all 4 years of Honors requirements scaffolded) to the OAKS Advising Class of 2027 “PACE Navigator” dropbox by 10/29.
- Use your meeting with your Honors advisor to ask more questions about your PACE Navigator/4-year plan. They will be able to access your PACE from the OAKS dropbox, and you should make adjustments and resubmit based on their recommendations.
- By the end of this week, your PACE should include your majors/minors, transfer credits, current courses, a scaffold of the main Honors requirements, a scaffold of general education and major/minor requirements, and the specific classes you want to take in Spring 2024 – basically what you have and need + what you want!
- Use your meeting with your Honors advisor to ask more questions about your PACE Navigator/4-year plan. They will be able to access your PACE from the OAKS dropbox, and you should make adjustments and resubmit based on their recommendations.
Week 11 (Oct. 30 - Nov. 5): Professional Development and the Living Resume
Keynote: Presenting Your Professional Self with the College of Charleston Career Center
- From academic major to professional career
- Facts about the job market
- Resumes
- Cover Letters
Preparatory Work:
- View the Week 11 Keynote linked under “Content” in your HONS 100 OAKS course.
- Prepare a list of experiences, awards, and/or skills you can bring to class to begin working into a resume.
- Spend at least 10 minutes exploring the Career Center Website. Explore some of the available resources.
Synthesis Seminar: Being “Desktop Ready”
- Resume building
- LinkedIn profiles
- Bring your charged laptop to the workshop so that you can access Google docs in class as well as create/update your LinkedIn profile.
Resources:
- Career Center
- LinkedIn Checklist for College Students
- Resume Assignment Sheet
- Resume and Cover Letter Examples
Assignments Due:
- Continue working on your resume
- Connect with your PF on LinkedIn by 11/5
Week 12 (Nov. 6 - 10): Professional Development and the Living Resume
Keynote: No Keynote!
Preparatory Work:
- Send a draft of your resume to your PF by Sunday, 11/5.
- Have a full draft of your resume ready to share in a Google doc for Peer Review by the time your class meets.
Synthesis Seminar: Continue Resume Workshop
- Resume and LinkedIn Peer Review
Resources:
- Career Center
- LinkedIn Checklist for College Students
- Resume Assignment Sheet
- Resume and Cover Letter Examples
Assignments Due:
- Upload a final draft of your Resume to the OAKS Advising Class of 2027 “PACE Navigator” dropbox by 11/12.
Week 13 (Nov. 13 - 19): Creating a Personal Narrative
Keynote: Creating Your Personal Narrative
- What is a Personal Narrative?
- Best Practices for Creating Your Personal Narrative
Preparatory Work:
- View the Week 13 Keynote linked under “Content” in your HONS 100 OAKS course.
Synthesis Seminar: Narrative Writing Workshop
- Pre-writing/recording/crafting
- Take some time to reflect on your life experiences. What makes your story unique? This can be personal, professional, or academic. Consider how these experiences shape your values and goals, and think about which of these you may want to emphasize in your personal statement.
- Outlining assignment for self-reflection
- Be sure to bring your charged laptop to class!
Resources:
Assignments Due:
- Continue working on your Personal Narrative. It is not due this week, but the best Personal Narratives are those which develop over time, so don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your story!
- Sign up on OAKS for your third Consultation with your Peer Facilitator by 11/19.
Week 14 (Nov. 20 - 26): No BGS Classes - Thanksgiving Week
Keynote: No Keynote!
Synthesis Seminar: No Meetings this Week
- Continue working on your Personal Narrative.
Assignments Due:
- Submit your Personal Narrative in an appropriate format to the OAKS Advising Class of 2027 Dropbox by 11/26.
Week 15 (Nov. 27 - Dec. 1): Open Workshops
Keynote: No Keynote!
Synthesis Seminar:
- Open workshop time to complete/submit any outstanding assignments. This means attending class is optional for students. Please check in with your PF if you are unsure of your status.
- Evaluations:
- Please take time during your Synthesis Seminar time (whether in class or on your own) to complete official Course/Instructor evaluations as well as a survey created specifically for BGS.
- CofC Course/Instructor Evaluations
- Please check your CofC email for a link to a HONS 100 course evaluation. This is the campus-wide evaluation applied to all CofC classes.
- ALL COURSE SURVEYS ARE ANONYMOUS.
- Please check your CofC email for a link to a HONS 100 course evaluation. This is the campus-wide evaluation applied to all CofC classes.
- BGS Course Survey
- Please be sure to complete this survey so that your voice is heard as we make future improvements to the Honors First-Year Experience!
- CofC Course/Instructor Evaluations
- Please take time during your Synthesis Seminar time (whether in class or on your own) to complete official Course/Instructor evaluations as well as a survey created specifically for BGS.
It is important that all portfolio documents (PACE, Resume, Personal Narrative) are submitted to the appropriate OAKS dropbox in an appropriate format by 12/1.
- Your PF will review your portfolio with BGS faculty and schedule a final consultation with you to occur by December 8. However, your PF will not be telling you your grade at this meeting. Instead, the final consultation is a time for your PF to share qualitative feedback on your first semester and offer advice for Spring 2024 and beyond. This consultation is a course requirement.
- Many individual consultations will take place well before 12/8. Be sure you have scheduled your final consultation with your PF in a timely manner.