Course Syllabus

Course Information
(course number, course title, term, any specific section title) ED 4358 Using Chess in
Elementary Schools

Professor Contact Information

(Professor’s name, phone number, email, office location, office hours, other information)
Dr. Alexey Root, 940-484-2265, aroot@utdallas.edu, GR2.240 (administrative assistant's
office)--her name is Debbie Buckner and her phone is 972-883-2057, office hours by
appointment.

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

(including required prior knowledge or skills)
No prerequisites.

Course Description 3 semester hours. This course provides a curriculum development

model for chess. In this model, humanistic and academic goals for learners are addressed
through chess. For learners, chess enables experiences of flow and competition. Chess
may help develop an internal locus of control. By tapping into visual-spatial intelligence,
chess makes accessible hierarchical reading and math concepts. Chess exemplifies how
people solve problems.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes The student will read and discuss with the
instructor and classmates theories of curriculum and the role of chess in K-12 schools.
The student will interact with a classmate through a chess game, exchanging chess moves
and information about the course either in person, by phone, or by email.
The student will create two lesson plans that combine educational goals and chess subject
matter. The student will teach those two lesson plans and then reflect on the teaching to
look for what went well and what could be improved.

Required Textbooks and Materials

Science, Math, Checkmate: 32 Chess Activities for Inquiry and Problem Solving by
Alexey W. Root. Publisher: Teacher Ideas Press, an imprint of Libraries Unlimited
(January 30, 2008). ISBN: 1591585716.
Children and Chess: A Guide for Educators by Alexey W. Root. Publisher: Teacher
Ideas Press, an imprint of Libraries Unlimited; (March 30, 2006). ISBN: 1591583586.
Read, Write, Checkmate: Enrich Literacy with Chess Activities by Alexey W. Root.
Publisher: Teacher Ideas Press, an imprint of Libraries Unlimited; (March 30, 2009).
ISBN-10: 1591587549.
Chess for Success by Maurice Ashley. Publisher: Broadway (August 9, 2005). ISBN-10:
0767915682.

Course Syllabus Page 1

Check out or buy a literature book to read during Unit Six. Course texts are on reserve at
the UT-Dallas library. Course texts are available for sale at the UTD bookstore, Off
Campus books, and through online book retailers. Students also receive a First Lessons in
Chess© CD, available from UTD Interdisciplinary Studies, Debbie Buckner
<dbuckner@utdallas.edu> or (972) 883-2057.

Suggested Course Materials

Gardner, H. (1999). Intelligence reframed: Multiple intelligences for the 21st Century.
New York: Basic Books. ISBN: 0465026117 (Paperback issued Sept. 20, 2000).

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. New York:

HarperCollins. ISBN: 0060920432 (Paperback issued March 1991).

Technical Requirements
Computer requirements, browser configuration, tools and resources, and 24/7 help desk
are listed on this following Web page:
http://www.telecampus.utsystem.edu/technicalinformation.aspx

Assignments & Academic Calendar

(Topics, Assignments, Due Dates, Exam Dates)
Each Unit takes around two weeks if the students take ED 4358 on the 16-week schedule.
Each unit takes around one week if the students take ED 4358 on the 8-week schedule.
You must check the Course Calendar (a separate document created for each semester) for
specific due dates and deadlines.
There are no exams in the course. Please note that in weeks where there are not reading
assignments that there are other types of assignments: playing chess with a classmate,
teaching a chess lesson, etc. And since this course is online, every week the students read
my Unit (my lecture) online. Most lectures are about six single-spaced Microsoft Word
pages long.
All assignments must be completed by Monday midnight at the end of the Unit.
Here are the points broken down by Unit, with each Unit being worth 100 points, and
then the grading scale for the entire course. Note that you must read the module online,
and the reading assignments listed in each module, to be successful.
Unit One: Meeting classmates, learning chess, and buying course texts.
The pages in the online module provide greater detail for each of the assignments. Buy
the course texts, Science, Math, Checkmate: 32 Chess Activities for Inquiry and Problem
Solving by Alexey Root, Read, Write, Checkmate: Enrich Literacy with Chess Activities
by Alexey Root, Chess for Success by Maurice Ashley, and Children and Chess: A Guide
for Educators by Alexey Root. Check out or buy a literature book to read during Unit
Six.
I. Within three days of course access, you must establish a UTD email account, and
notify the instructor of your UTD email. (10 points)
II. Within five days of course access, your UTD email must also be the email you list
with the UT TeleCampus Web site http://www.telecampus.utsystem.edu. (10 points)

Course Syllabus Page 2

III. Read the syllabus for your course. Syllabus links are on the Welcome page for the
course. (0 points)
IV. Post on the Discussion Board your Discussion A. Self-introduction: Where you teach,
or what you study, or your job; your interest in the course; and your level of chess play.
(30 points)
V. Play through the First Lessons in Chess© part of the CD. This free CD is available
when you register from UTD Interdisciplinary Studies, Debbie Buckner
<Dbuckner@utdallas.edu> or (972) 883-2057. (0 points)
VI. Compare three chapters in the CD with the corresponding sections in chapters 2 or 3
of Read, Write, Checkmate: Enrich Literacy with Chess Activities. (50 points)
Unit Two: Playing chess and selecting your chess students
I. Read chapter 4 of Read, Write, Checkmate. Then post on Discussion B one new thing
you learned about how to notate and annotate a chess game from reading Chapter 4 of
Read, Write, Checkmate. If you are an experienced chess player (and didn’t learn
anything new), comment on which pages of chapter 4 are particularly important for
beginning chess players, and why you think the topic covered in those pages is important.
(25 points)
II. Play at least 5 moves of chess with a classmate. The instructor will assign you a
classmate to play with. You will need to finish the game by the end of Unit Five. You
will post the notation and annotations of the first five moves of the game in Discussion C.
(50 points)
III. Post on the Discussion Board your Discussion D to whom you will teach two lessons
of chess this semester. You can pick your own children, students at a school, adult
friend(s), a spouse, a chess club, a recreation center group, a youth group, etc. (25 points)
Unit Three: Lesson Plan One (adapted from Science, Math, Checkmate), and Ashley
Discussion postings; ED 5344 paper (first step)
The pages in the online module provide greater detail for each of the assignments.
I. Adapt an activity from Science, Math, Checkmate into a lesson plan for your student or
students. You will teach this plan, and a Reflection on your teaching of it will be due
during Unit Four. Email me your adaptation in paragraph form. (60 points)
II. Post on the Discussion Board your Discussion E, about Chess for Success up to page
54. In your Discussion posting, tell what most struck you about Ashley’s life history. For
example, did his transformation in high school remind you of someone you know or have
heard about who was lifted up by an interest in a hobby or sport? Quote from the text,
using different quotes from those students who posted before you, to prove that you did
the reading. (40 points)
III. ED 5344 paper does not apply to ED 4358 students. You may ignore the first step
instructions in the module.
Unit Four: Reflection One, flow Discussion posting
The pages in the online module provide greater detail for each of the assignments.
I. Email the instructor your Reflection One of how your teaching of your Lesson Plan
One went. (50 points)
II. Post on the Discussion Board your Discussion F. Read Chess for Success (pages 55-
106) and Children and Chess: A Guide for Educators (Chapter 2). Compare the readings
on the topic of flow. Also mention flow experiences from your own life, and what you
think the value of flow is in education. (50 points)

Course Syllabus Page 3

Unit Five: Chess game and competition Discussion postings.
The pages in the online module provide greater detail for each of the assignments.
I. Post on the Discussion Board your Discussion G, the notation and annotation of your
chess game with your in-class opponent. Please repeat the first five moves from Unit
Two/Discussion C. Then continue with posting the remaining moves (from move 6 until
the end of the game). Please have one annotation for every five moves or so, i.e. a 20-
move game would have at least four annotations. (50 points)
II. Post on the Discussion Board your Discussion H: Compare what you learned about
competition and tournament chess from Ashley (pages 107-186) and Children and Chess
(Chapter 3). Be sure to cover all three of the following topics: 1) females and chess, 2)
how tournaments are run 3) feelings about wins and losses and/or chess etiquette. (50
points)
Unit Six: Lesson Plan Two (rough draft), chess in literature Discussion posting; ED
5344 rough draft (second step of paper)
The pages in the online module provide greater detail for each of the assignments.
I. Email the instructor a rough draft of your Lesson Plan Two. To write Lesson Plan Two,
review Chapters 1 and 8 of Children and Chess: A Guide for Educators. (50 points)
II. Read Chapters 4 and 5 of Children and Chess: A Guide for Educators and four more
activities from Science, Math, Checkmate: 32 Chess Activities for Inquiry and Problem
Solving. (0 points)
III. Post on the Discussion Board your Discussion I: Read a literary work (or a small
portion of a literary work) in which chess is featured. Explain how you would meet one
or more reading objectives using excerpts from this work. A list of literary works that
include chess themes is on pages 38-39 of Children and Chess: A Guide for Educators
(50 points)
IV. ED 5344 students only. Submit either a rough draft or an outline of your paper.
NOTE: This does not apply to ED 4358 students. You can ignore the module pages about
this assignment.
Unit Seven: Lesson Plan Two (final draft), life lessons Discussion posting
The pages in the online module provide greater detail for each of the assignments.
I. Email the instructor the final draft of your Lesson Plan Two. Once she has responded to
your final draft, you may go ahead and teach Lesson Plan Two to your chess student or
students. (50 points)
II. Post on the Discussion Board your Discussion J. Read Ashley (page 187-203) and
Root (Chapter 7) and post regarding what chess can teach people about life. Quote,
giving different quotes than students that posted before you. Also include your own story
(or that of your chess student or students) about how life skills have improved because of
chess. (50 points)
Unit Eight: Reflection Two, Course Evaluation; ED 5344 paper due (third step of
paper)
The pages in the online module provide greater detail for each of the assignments.
I. Email the instructor your Reflection Two of how the teaching of Lesson Plan Two
went. (50 points)
II. All students email the instructor what they liked and didn’t like about ED 4358 or ED
5344. Be specific in your suggestions for what to keep and what to change. (50 points)

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III. All students submit the online evaluations of the course via UT TeleCampus.
These are anonymous evaluations. (0 points)
IV. ED 5344 students: Submit your final drafts of your paper. This does NOT apply to
ED 4358 students. You may ignore the pages in the module that are about the ED 5344
paper.

Grading Policy
(including points for assignments, grade scale, etc.)
Each Unit is worth 100 points. Thus, for undergraduates, 800 points is the highest
possible grade.
ED 4358 Grading Scale:
790-800=A+
740-789=A
720-739=A-
710-719=B+
660-709=B
640-659=B-
610-639=C+
580-609=C
560-579=C-
480-559=D
Below 479=F

Course & Instructor Policies

(make-up exams, extra credit, late work, special assignments, class attendance, classroom
citizenship, etc.)
Each unit is valued at 100 points. Because the course is 8 units long, the highest possible
score for unit completion is 800 points. Most assignments within each 100 point unit are
worth 10-60 points. Late assignments are penalized 5 points per day late. Deadlines are
indicated by the Course Calendar. You must finish all assignments listed within a unit by
midnight of the last day of that unit.
The undergraduate ED 4358 grading scale is based on 800 points, and the
graduate ED 5344 grading scale is based on 1000 points. The Gradebook will show the
graduate grading scale, but undergrads need to keep in mind the 800 point scale available
above.

Student Resources

Access to many University resources are available to students. Some sources of interest
include:

UTD Distance Learning: http://www.utdallas.edu/distancelearning/students

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McDermott Library: Distance Learners (UTD students who live outside the boundaries of
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, or Tarrant counties) will need a UTD-ID number to
access all of the library’s electronic resources (reserves, journal articles, ebooks,
interlibrary loan) from off campus. For UTD students living within those counties who
are taking online courses, a Comet Card is required to check out materials at the
McDermott Library. For more information on library resources go to
http://www.utdallas.edu/distancelearning/students/libraries.html

Technical Support
If you experience any problems with your UTD account you may send an email to:
assist@utdallas.edu or call the UTD Computer Helpdesk at 972-883-2911.

Field Trip Policies

Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities

Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law
and University policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities.
Information regarding these rules and regulations may be found at the website address
http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm. Additional
information is available from the office of the school dean. Below is a description of any
travel and/or risk-related activity associated with this course.

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and
regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility
of each student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and
regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student
conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is
provided to all registered students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the
Rules and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1,
Chapter VI, Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the
university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations
are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are
available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-
6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of
citizenship. He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the

Course Syllabus Page 6

Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to
discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or
off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work
done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high
standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related
to applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s
own work or material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty
involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying
academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary
proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from
any other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on
plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of
turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.
Copyright Notice

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and software.
Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may infringe the copyright
owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as
criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only appropriate when that
usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright Act. As a UT Dallas student, you are required to
follow the institution’s copyright policy (Policy Memorandum 84-I.3-46). For more information
about the fair use exemption, see http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm

Email Use
The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises
some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange.
The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from
students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the
university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual
corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each
student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university
personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method
for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.
Withdrawal from Class

Course Syllabus Page 7

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog.
Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle
withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any
student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final
grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and
Activities, of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a
serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or
committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”).
Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and
evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be
submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If
the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student
may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the
School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate
or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic
Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the
academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably
missed at the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An
incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the
subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the
incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is
changed automatically to a grade of F.

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational

opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in
room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to
6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.

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The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:
The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable
adjustments necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example,
it may be necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals
(in the case of dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment
requirement may be substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation
for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility
impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or
university may need to provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or
mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty
members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations.
Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or
during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required
activities for the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose
places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas
Code Annotated.
The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused,
will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time
after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one
week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or
assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the
exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that
exam or assignment.
If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose
of observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the
student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or
examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or
designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student
and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.
These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor.

Course Syllabus Page 9