CSSH102, Course Outline

CSSH102 is a course designed to help students develop effective learning strategies for academic and personal success, focusing on skills such as time management, goal-setting, and effective communication. It emphasizes holistic development through positive psychology fundamentals and experiential learning, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence. The course includes opportunities for teamwork, personalized feedback, and exploration of career pathways, aiming to create a supportive community for students' academic journeys.

Uploaded by

yazanhappy2

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

0% found this document useful (0 votes)

38 views

CSSH102, Course Outline

Uploaded by

yazanhappy2

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

You are on page 1/ 4

1/18/25, 6:40 PM CSSH102, Course Outline

Course Description
The development of effective learning strategies appropriate to particular situations is a crucial skill for thriving in a university setting and
for life beyond formal education. Students in this course will reflect on the dynamics of formal education in the 21st century, assess their
own learning needs and develop appropriate strategies for evaluating information, practicing effective communication and pursuing
substantive learning. This course includes opportunities for team work, application and skill development. (Formerly ACS 102).

Course Focus and Scope

The development of effective learning strategies appropriate to particular situations is a crucial skill for thriving in a university setting and
for life beyond formal education. In this integrative course, students will learn positive psychology fundamentals, like the growth mindset,
mindfulness, and self-compassion, woven together with holistic learning strategies, from time management to note-taking, studying to
essay-writing. Throughout the course, students will also explore career pathways and key Toronto Metropolitan University services. This
course will form a mind-body-heart-spirit bridge into a sustainable, healthful, and hopeful academic journey. Students will walk away with
an introduction to metacognition, growth mindset, an expanded toolbox of academic strategies, and a felt sense of belonging and
community – key components to flourish as a student, especially at this time.

Key topics students will explore include:

1. Academic success: The course facilitates the development of essential skills and practices for achieving academic success, such
as time management, goal-setting, effective reading and note-taking, test and exam preparation, and academic success planning.
2. Personal growth: The course is designed to support students' holistic development by addressing both cognitive and non-cognitive
factors that impact student success. Through reflective exercises and personal growth exercises, students will develop emotional
intelligence, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills.
3. Learning strategies: The course approaches learning as a skill that can be cultivated. Through practicing self-reflection, students
will gain a deeper understanding of their own learning process and develop strategies to integrate their develop appropriate
strategies for evaluating information, practicing effective communication, and pursuing substantive learning.
4. Application and skill development: The course provides students with opportunities for team work, skill development, and practical
application of strategies learned in class. Regular check-ins with the instructor will give students the opportunity to receive
personalized feedback and support.

https://de.torontomu.ca/de_courses/templates/m/?c=8CB94E7A9661EA20B1293C589216D396&m=1&p=240135 1/24
1/18/25, 6:40 PM CSSH102, Course Outline

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

Develop effective learning strategies appropriate to different situations for success in higher education and personal growth.
Learn practical skills such as time management, goal-setting, and effective communication for academic and personal success.
Reflect on personal growth and progress through mid-semester interviews and end-of-semester reflections.
Gain self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills to support academic and personal success.
Access opportunities for skill development, practical application, and additional support through Student Success Consultations.
Foster a sense of belonging and community through group discussions and a mind-body-heart-spirit approach to learning.
Cultivate a sustainable and healthful academic journey with an expanded toolbox of academic strategies.
Develop strategies for test and exam preparation, focus, and concentration, and academic success planning.
Rediscover and enhance inner learner skills, purposeful reading, and effective note-taking techniques.
Explore personal growth beyond academia and develop a holistic approach to learning and development.
Gain a deeper understanding of one's own learning process and become a more successful learner in various contexts.
Enhance academic and personal success by applying strategies learned in class beyond formal education.
Form a bridge between mind, body, heart, and spirit for a holistic approach to learning and personal growth.
Develop a sense of hope, belonging, and community in the academic journey.

Instructional and Learning Strategies

This fully online course uses several different instructional and learning strategies to provide students with opportunities to engage with
course content, collaborate with peers, and monitor their learning progression. Key features of the course design include:

Experiential learning
This course utilizes group discussions, and interactive exercises to help learners actively engage with the course material and apply it to
their own lives. This approach allows learners to learn from their own experiences and reflections, making the learning process more

https://de.torontomu.ca/de_courses/templates/m/?c=8CB94E7A9661EA20B1293C589216D396&m=1&p=240135 2/24
1/18/25, 6:40 PM CSSH102, Course Outline

meaningful and impactful.

Self-directed learning
The course will require learners to take ownership of their own learning and development. Students will be encouraged to set their own
learning goals, create their own learning plans, and take responsibility for their progress. The goal of self-directed learning is to facilitate
motivation, autonomy, and self-reflection.
Feedback and reflection
Students will receive regular feedback and opportunities for reflection. Through the feedback and reflection, students will have the
opportunity to track their progress and reinforce their learning. The course will use self-assessments, peer assessments, and reflective
activities, such as group discussions to promote self-awareness, self-assessment, and self-reflection, which are important aspects of
personal development.
Real-life examples and guest speakers
The course will incorporate examples from within the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) environment. Where possible, guest
speakers who have achieved personal development success in TMU programs will be invited to provide learners with practical insights,
inspiration, and motivation. Hearing real-life stories and experiences will be used as a tool to make the course material more relatable
and help learners connect theory with practice.

Course Schedule
Week 1 (January 12, 2025)

Module 1
Introduction to Course Technology and Semester Preparation

Topics
Introduction to online learning video
Create and participate in online discussions
How to read and download content
Submitting an assignment
https://de.torontomu.ca/de_courses/templates/m/?c=8CB94E7A9661EA20B1293C589216D396&m=1&p=240135 3/24
1/18/25, 6:40 PM CSSH102, Course Outline