Welcome to "The Cosmos: A Spectacular Journey of Discovery Through Space and Time". For many of you this will be the first time you have taken an independent study course. This course was designed to provide you with the flexibility to earn college credit by fitting this course into your personal schedule.
Your Instructor is Mike Phillips.
You may reach me by phone at (815) 224-0394 or by e-mail at mike_phillips@ivcc.edu.Below is a list of questions most commonly asked by students. Please read them and let me know if you have any questions that I did not cover.
set up | tapes | books | exams | homework | grade | help | schedule | success | extra credit
The course consists of viewing 13 one hour video tapes, doing the assigned reading in the textbook, reviewing the enclosed study guide and, of course, completing the homework and taking the test. There are no required class meetings, so you will be working on your own for the most part. I recommend that you read the assigned chapter in your textbook first; then using the study guide, answer the stated QUESTIONS, and be sure to know the KEY TERMS AND NAMES. You are now ready to view the video tape for the assigned chapter. Be sure to check your notes from the textbook and study guide for corrections and additions when viewing the tapes.
2. WHERE CAN I WATCH THE VIDEO TAPES AND WHEN?
set up | tapes | books | exams | homework | grade | help | schedule | success | extra creditThe tapes are available in the IVCC Library (Building "C") and can be viewed any time the library is open. Please contact the library at 224-0306 to check the schedule. The tapes may also be viewed at the Princeton, Ottawa, Streator, and Mendota Libraries during their regular operating hours.
3. HOW DO I GET THE VIDEO TAPES?
Go to the main desk of the library and ask for the Cosmos Tapes. If you are not familiar with the operation of the tape machine, ask the librarian. It is very easy to use, very much like a regular tape recorder. As you progress, keep track of which tapes you've viewed and which ones you specifically need to watch or re-watch.
The college offers the opportunity for students to take videotapes home for the semester. A deposit of $60 is charged ($30 refunded when the tapes are returned) and students who have VHS equipment can view the telecourse in their own home. These tapes are available in the IVCC Bookstore.
set up | tapes | books | exams | homework | grade | help | schedule | success | extra creditBoth a textbook and a study guide are required and are available from the IVCC Bookstore. Make sure you get the study guide. The books are as follows:
Sagan, Carl, Cosmos, Random House, Hardcover 1980, Softcover 1983.
Study guide included in information packet
There are three 75 question tests (75 points each), consisting of multiple choice, true-false, and problem solving questions. The tests cover material from the text, study guide and tapes, so ALL should be studied thoroughly. Each test is of equal weight in determining your final grade. The tests are moderately-difficult college-level exams -- so please make sure you're well prepared when you take them. Some questions are very general in nature, while other questions go into great detail.
6. WHERE AND WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE TESTS?
The tests can be taken either in the libraries or at the IVCC Assessment Center. If you take the test in the library simply ask someone at the front desk for the test you want. Be prepared to leave your textbooks, notes, handbags, etc. with the librarian while taking the test. Also, you will be required to show your IVCC Student Photo ID.
If you choose to take the test in my office you may do so. Please call and make arrangements at least two days in advance if you choose this option.
Your test result will be mailed to you approximately one week after the deadline. Tests should be taken after completing the following units according to your text and study guide.
| TEST # | TEXTBOOK CHAPTERS & STUDY GUIDE |
| 1 | 1 Thru 4 |
| 2 | 5 Thru 8 |
| 3 | 9 Thru 13 |
Three homework assignments, worth 25 points each, are to be turned in when you take your exams. For each chapter in the book, select one of the study guide questions and answer it. Use complete sentences and explain your answer. Full credit will be given for complete answers.
8. HOW IS MY GRADE DETERMINED?
set up | tapes | books | exams | homework | grade | help | schedule | success | extra creditYour grade will be determined according to the total number of points you receive on the three exams and homework. There is a maximum of 300 points.
| GRADE | TOTAL POINTS |
| A | 270 - 300 |
| B | 240 - 269 |
| C | 210 - 239 |
| D | 180 - 209 |
| F | less than 179 |
You may reach me (Mike Phillips) by phone at (815) 224-0394 or by e-mail at mike_phillips@ivcc.edu. If there is no answer at the phone number, please leave a message and I will be happy to return your call.
10. IS THERE A SCHEDULE I MUST ADHERE TO?
set up | tapes | books | exams | homework | grade | help | schedule | success | extra creditBecause it is so important for you to maintain a schedule and often so difficult to self-pace, some guidelines are necessary. You are expected to complete each test according to the deadlines listed below. If you cannot take the test by the stated deadline, you will be given three additional days as a grace period. AFTER THIS TIME LIMIT, YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE CLASS UNLESS YOU CALL ME PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE TO INFORM ME OF YOUR PROBLEMS. IF YOU ENROLL LATE, PLEASE CALL ME TO SET UP A NEW SCHEDULE. If you receive this information after the start of the Semester and you may find that the first test date is too soon for you to prepare well for the exam. Accordingly, you may delay taking the test for a few days to give yourself adequate study time. By the second exam date, however, you should be back on schedule.
| TEST SCHEDULE | ||
| (sect.
101) MAY 22 start date |
(sect.
102) JUNE 14 start date |
|
| Test #1 | June 14 | June 30 |
| Test #2 | July 7 | July 15 |
| Test #3 | July 28 | July 28 |
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE THIRD TEST BE TAKEN ON OR BEFORE July 28, 2006, so that I can turn in your final grade on time. There is no grace period for this test. If you wish to withdraw from the course, you must notify me. (Refer to the college catalog).
11. WHO IS SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE?
Successful students are the ones that can get themselves to watch the tapes on a regular schedule. In other words, they approach this course much the same way they do their other courses in that they do something each week instead of trying to watch all the tapes near the end of the semester. For many students the flexibility is an exciting new way to earn college credit, for others it is a disaster. If you find yourself having difficulty getting the work done, give me a call or stop in an see me.
I encourage you to submit an extra credit report providing a more in-depth discussion of any of the topics covered in the course. Points will be awarded based on originality and your ability to support your ideas. Please call me so I can approve your topic. Extra credit may be submitted to me at the college or with your final exam.
IF A STUDENT IS CAUGHT CHEATING IN THIS COURSE HE/SHE WILL AUTOMATICALLY FAIL THE COURSE.
set up | tapes | books | exams | homework | grade | help | schedule | success | extra credit