Orientation and Course Launch

Lecture: Week 0 — Orientation & Getting Started Context: This module is available immediately upon logging into Canvas. It is the "Start Here" section.

Slide 1: Welcome to LIVT 301 (Week 0) [Image Suggestion]: A split screen. Left side: The University logo. Right side: A welcoming photo of the Tucson skyline with the text "Start Here." Student Notes:

Course: LIVT 301 - Living, Loving & Thriving in Tucson

Status: Week 0 (Orientation)

Action Required: Watch this slide deck, read the Syllabus, take the Quiz.

Goal: Unlock Module 1.

Speaker Notes: "Welcome to Week 0. This is your orientation week. Before we dive into the heat, the wildlife, and the relationship building, we need to cover the logistics. This short presentation will introduce your instructors, explain exactly what this course is, and tell you how to unlock the rest of the content. Think of this as your roadmap before the journey begins. Let's meet the team."

Slide 2: Meet Your Lead Instructor [Image Suggestion]: A professional yet warm photo of Dr. Marissa Lakewood hiking in Saguaro National Park. Student Notes:

Name: Dr. Marissa Lakewood

Role: Lead Instructor & Relationship Specialist

Focus: Emotional adaptation, transition psychology, and urban survival.

Contact: DrLakewood@HomePracticeUniv.edu

Speaker Notes (Dr. Lakewood - Exactly 18 Sentences): "I am Dr. Marissa Lakewood, and I am thrilled to serve as your lead instructor for this journey. My academic background focuses specifically on the psychology of life transitions and urban adaptation. I moved to Arizona from Minnesota ten years ago, so I understand your current experience intimately. I remember the specific shock of the heat and the confusion of a new landscape. I have spent the last decade teaching couples how to navigate this shift successfully. My teaching philosophy is built on honesty, humor, and practical application. I believe that moving is one of the most stressful things a human can do. However, I also believe it is a profound opportunity for relationship growth. We will tackle emotional resilience alongside practical survival skills. I am here to validate your confusion and celebrate your small victories. In my free time, I am an avid hiker who chases sunrises. I believe that iced coffee is a necessary food group in this climate. I want you to feel supported every step of the way. You can reach out to me whenever you feel overwhelmed. We are going to build a life you love here. Welcome to the class."

Slide 3: Meet Your Co-Instructor [Image Suggestion]: A photo of Professor Buck Roadrunner wearing a wide-brimmed hat, pointing at a lizard on a rock. Student Notes:

Name: Professor Buckley "Buck" Roadrunner

Role: Safety & Wildlife Expert

Focus: Desert ecology, animal behavior, and practical safety.

Motto: "Panic is dangerous; knowledge is safety."

Speaker Notes (Prof. Roadrunner - Exactly 18 Sentences): "Hello class, I am Professor Buckley Roadrunner, but please just call me Buck. I will be your co-instructor for the modules concerning safety, wildlife, and nature. I grew up right here in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by everything that pricks, bites, or stings. I have a deep respect for this ecosystem and the creatures that live in it. My goal is to replace your fear with knowledge and your panic with preparation. We will talk about how to handle scorpions in your home. We will discuss what to do when you see a coyote on your street. I believe that safety is not about avoiding nature, but about understanding it. You will learn to read the weather patterns to avoid dangerous storms. I want you to enjoy the outdoors without putting yourself at unnecessary risk. My teaching style is very direct, hands-on, and hopefully a little bit fun. When I am not teaching, I am usually out photographing lizards. I also spend my nights with a telescope looking at our incredible dark skies. I am excited to share my home state with you. We are going to make you desert experts in no time. Welcome to the adventure."

Slide 4: Course Description (Part 1) [Image Suggestion]: An infographic showing the course structure: "Online Learning" + "Real World Adventure" = "Certificate." Student Notes:

Credits: 8 Credits

Format: Semi self-paced.

Topics: Climate, Safety, Relationship Dynamics.

Structure: 15 Modules.

Speaker Notes (Course Description Part 1 - First 11 Sentences): "Welcome to LIVT 301, a course titled Living, Loving, and Thriving in Tucson. This 8-credit program is designed specifically to guide couples through the relocation process. We have built this curriculum to address both the logistical and emotional sides of moving. You will learn how to navigate the unique climate of the Sonoran Desert. We will cover essential safety skills regarding local wildlife and severe weather. The course also focuses on the relationship dynamics that shift during a major move. We explore how to manage stress and communicate effectively during this transition. This course is structured to be semi-self-paced to fit your busy schedule. There are fifteen distinct modules for you to complete over the semester. Each module contains online lectures and reading materials you can do at home. The goal is to make you feel competent and confident in your new city."

Slide 5: Course Description (Part 2) [Image Suggestion]: A collage of "Homework" activities: A couple at a museum, a train ticket to San Diego, and a hiking trail map. Student Notes:

The "Homework": Field trips and dates with your partner.

Outcome: Building Relationships Certificate.

Goal: To stop feeling like a tourist and start feeling like a local.

Speaker Notes (Course Description Part 2 - Last 11 Sentences): "While the lectures are online, the heart of this course is experiential learning. You will be required to plan and execute specific outings with your partner. These field trips range from museum visits to hiking trails and cultural festivals. You will even plan a weekend train trip to San Diego to understand regional travel. These activities are designed to help you bond while exploring your new environment. Upon completion, you will earn a Building Relationships Certificate to mark your achievement. We emphasize safety, cultural awareness, and personal growth in every single lesson. You will find that your identity shifts as you adapt to this new lifestyle. We are here to ensure that shift is positive and empowering. By the end of this course, you will no longer feel like a visitor. You will have the skills and memories to truly call Tucson your home."

Slide 6: Navigating Canvas (Optional Content) [Image Suggestion]: A screenshot of the Canvas dashboard highlighting the folder labeled "Explore Tucson (Just for Fun)." Student Notes:

Status: Optional (Not graded).

Content: Videos of local scenery, "Best of Tucson" lists, and restaurant recommendations.

Why watch?: To get excited about your new home without any pressure.

Speaker Notes: "If you look at the Canvas dashboard for Week 0, you will see a folder marked 'Optional.' In there, we have curated some beautiful videos showing what Tucson has to offer—from the gastronomy to the mountain views. None of that is graded. It is just there to remind you why you moved here and to give you some inspiration for your weekends. Feel free to browse that folder whenever you need a mental break."

Slide 7: The Syllabus (Required Content) [Image Suggestion]: A graphic of a document icon with a red "!" stamp next to it. Student Notes:

Status: MANDATORY.

Contains: Grading rubrics, safety waivers for field trips, and due dates.

Action: Read the PDF thoroughly.

Speaker Notes: "Now, for the business end. The Syllabus is not optional. Because this course involves physical activities—hiking, travel, and outdoor exposure—we have strict safety protocols and waivers that you must understand. The syllabus also outlines exactly how your field trips are graded. You need to read the PDF document linked below this video in its entirety."

Slide 8: The Gatekeeper (Syllabus Quiz) [Image Suggestion]: A graphic of a locked door (Module 1) and a key (The Quiz). Student Notes:

The Lock: Course content (Lectures 1-15) is currently locked.

The Key: You must score 100% on the Syllabus Quiz.

Attempts: Unlimited.

Speaker Notes: "You might notice that you cannot click on Lecture 1 yet. That is intentional. To unlock the course content, you must pass the Syllabus Quiz. This ensures we know that you know the safety rules. You need a score of 100% to trigger the unlock, but don't worry—you can retake the quiz as many times as you need to get it right."

Slide 9: What to Expect Next Week [Image Suggestion]: A calendar icon showing "Week 1" highlighted. Student Notes:

Module 1 Launch: "The Rude Awakening."

Focus: Comparison of MN vs AZ, dehydration, and initial shock.

First Assignment: A simple reflection paper on your arrival experience.

Speaker Notes: "Once you pass the quiz, Module 1 will open. Next week, we start with 'The Rude Awakening.' We will be diving deep into the climate differences between Minnesota and Arizona and setting you up for your first month of survival. It’s going to be eye-opening, so make sure you have your water bottle ready."

Slide 10: Action Items [Image Suggestion]: A large "Go" button. Student Notes:

Step 1: Download Syllabus.

Step 2: Watch "Pretty Things" video (if you want).

Step 3: Take Syllabus Quiz.

Step 4: See you in Lecture 1!

Speaker Notes: "That is it for your orientation. Your next steps are simple: download the syllabus, watch the fun videos if you want to get hyped up, and then take that quiz. Once you see that 100% score, the rest of the course is yours to explore. Welcome to the University, and welcome to Tucson. We will see you in Lecture 1."