Syllabus
COURSE INFORMATION:
Title:
Career Skills
Number:
MKTPT 235
Section:
01
Semester:
Spring 2015
Class Schedule:
Monday & Wednesday 8:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Credits:
3
Textbook (Required):
Personal Development for Life & Work
Masters & Wallace, 10th Edition
Also Required:
3 Ring binder for a portfolio
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor:
Cara Thompson
Office:
SGC 227
Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday 10:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Telephone:
792-2765 (w/voice mail)
Email:
clthompson@lcsc.edu
Website:
http://connect.lcsc.edu/clthompson
COURSE PURPOSE:
This course presents practical guidelines, tools, and activities that prepare you to confirm an appropriate
career, to conduct a successful job search, and to lay the foundation for successful career development.
Emphasis is on activities and assignments, which you will use to assess your skills and interests, to
research prospective employers, to learn about current application requirements, to prepare resumes and
cover letters, to practice meeting with business people in your targeted career field, and to practice
interviewing. These assignments polish your job search and career management skills so you can apply
them directly to achieving your immediate and future career goals.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Communication is a very important part of every relationship. With proper communication channels being
used people can overcome almost any situation. Students are encouraged to keep this in mind as we
make our way through the semester. This instructor is very dedicated to your successful completion of
this course as well as your overall education. However, it must be noted that this communication is mostly
the student’s responsibility because it is the student’s grade and education.
E-mail is a requirement for this class. There will be a lot of communication through e-mail. The only email
address that I will send messages to is the one officially given by the LCSC Information Technology
department. All students registered are automatically given an email address. For more information about
LCSC’s email system you can go to the Information Technology office downstairs in Sam Glenn Complex.
Participation and attendance are critical to not only the individual but also the entire class. It is very
important that you acquire good work habits. Being on time and at the "job" each day is a good work
habit. For this reason, attendance and participation will be part of the grade. School activities are
considered part of the "job" and will be excused if presented to the instructor prior to the absence.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
The instructional methods used include lectures, class discussions, short team projects, written
assignments, and Internet research. Many of the written assignments at the end of each chapter will
enable you to meet and interact with employers in your business community.
METHODS OF EVALUATION:
Completion of all assignments and class requirements are the responsibility of the student. It is very
important that the student stays current with the course schedule. Staying current with the class is the
duty of the student, not the instructor. If a student must be absent he/she is expected to check with the
instructor about any work that was missed.
All make-up tests and/or assignments will have 10% deducted unless the instructor is notified prior to the
absence. All assignments must be submitted within one week of the due date; otherwise, the instructor
may deny credit for that assignment.
This course is designed with the intent that all projects, tasks, etc. are completed by the student before
the student receives a passing grade. Failure of the student to complete all assignments can constitute a
failing grade even if the existing grades calculate to a passing level.
Grading and evaluation criteria and emphasis are described in the following table:
Grading Criteria
Grade Emphasis
Successful completion of all Career Competency
Assignments (resume, cover letter, etc.)
Chapter Activities
30%
Chapter test scores
30%
Attendance & Work Ethic
10%
30%
Grading Scale
A
=
90—100%
C+
=
77—79%
B+
=
87—89%
C
=
70—76%
B
=
80—86%
F
=
Less than 70%
ATTENDANCE AND WORK ETHIC:
Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis and to participate in the classroom discussions
and activities. Students will also be required to have read applicable chapters prior to lectures and
activities in order to more fully participate. Work ethic includes such things as possessing a good attitude,
avoiding disruptions, being cooperative, displaying classroom courtesy, working well with others, asking
questions, using time wisely, and personal hygiene/grooming. Students are expected to be on time for
class. Students will receive 100 points if they have no more than four absences. Five absences = 90
points. Six absences = 80 points. Seven absences = 70 points. More than seven absences = 0 points.
CELL PHONES:
I expect courtesy in the classroom. Please either turn OFF the cell phone or change the ring to buzz (for
emergencies) prior to entering the classroom. If you are called and feel that you MUST (for emergencies)
use the cell phone, please do NOT answer until you have exited the classroom. In addition, talking on the
phone or texting in the classroom at any time is considered discourteous. Please use the phone
OUTSIDE of the classroom.
BTS DIVISION ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY POLICY:
Students enrolled in any BTS program or course have the right and privilege to use computer systems
and networks as far as that use does not violate guidelines set forth by the college and division. All
computer use must comply with the LCSC policy and procedures No. 1.108 and the Appropriate Use of
Technology Guidelines found
at www.lcsc.edu/it/Policy_&_Procedures/LCSCFY2002AppropriateUse.htm. Users must respect the
rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all
relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. Since electronic information is volatile and easily
reproduced, users must exercise care in acknowledging and respecting the work of others through strict
adherence to software licensing agreements and copyright laws.
FERPA STATEMENTS:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy
of student education records and is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. In essence, the act
states that 1) students must be permitted to inspect their own “education records” and 2) “school officials”
may not disclose personally identifiable information about a student without written permission from the
student. For further information on FERPA and LCSC’s directory information policy, visit
www.lcsc.edu/registrar or call 208-792-2223.
CONSUMER INFORMATION:
In 2008, the federal government required all post-secondary institutions offering federal financial aid
programs to provide key data to both prospective and current students. To comply with this requirement,
Lewis-Clark State College has developed a consumer information page, which may be accessed at
www.lcsc.edu/studentconsumerinformation.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:
Students requiring special accommodations or course adaptations due to a disability and/or a healthrelated issue should consult their course instructors and the LCSC Student Counseling Center
immediately (RCH 111, 792-2211). Official documentation may be required in order to provide an
accommodation and/or adaptation. Visit http://www.lcsc.edu/disability-services/ for more information.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Students have the responsibility for knowing their program requirements, course requirements, and other
information associated with their enrollment at LCSC. Students should review the LCSC General Catalog
(http://webdev.lcsc.edu/catalog) and the LCSC Student Handbook (available at
http://www.lcsc.edu/studentservices/contactus.htm) for more information.
ACCIDENTS/STUDENT INSURANCE:
Students participating in LCSC classes normally must look to their personal health insurance policy
(Student Health Insurance Plan or comparable private coverage) should an accident occur. In the event
of an accident, please seek medical help, if necessary, and report the incident to LCSC Security (7922226). Fieldtrips or other special student activities may also require students to submit a signed
participation waiver (forms can be obtained from the supporting Division Office).
ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION/ATTENDANCE:
Students who are not actively pursuing their classes may have to repay part or all of their financial aid
awards depending upon the circumstances.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Academic dishonesty, which includes cheating and plagiarism, is not tolerated at LCSC. Individual faculty
members will impose their own policies and sanctions regarding academic dishonesty. Students who are
accused of being academically dishonest may be referred to the Dean of Student Services for official
disciplinary action.
ILLEGAL FILE SHARING:
Students using LCSC’s computers and/or computer network must comply with the college’s appropriate
use policies and are prohibited from illegally downloading or sharing data files of any kind. Specific
information about the college’s technology policies and its protocols for combating illegal file sharing may
be found on the Dean of Student Services’ web page http://www.lcsc.edu/student-affairs/student-code-ofconduct/.
DIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT:
Regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or sexual
orientation, you will be treated and respected as a human being. http://www.lcsc.edu/diversity/diversityvision/
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of the required assignments, you should be able to achieve the following
performance objectives:

Increase your self-motivation and confidence-building skills

Identify and focus your job strengths and match them to the best possible job and career
targets

Develop a career portfolio with school and work samples that demonstrate your job readiness

Organize your job search and identify the best potential employers

Develop the a strong career network

Use social networking sites in your job search and career development

Prepare resumes and cover letters that get positive results

Apply for jobs using preprinted application forms and through job sites

Get interviews and interview skillfully

Negotiate for a fair salary and benefits package

Develop attitudes and work habits that will help you succeed in the workplace

Know how to seek a promotion professionally
Week #
1
Date
Jan 19
Jan 21
2
Jan 26
Jan 28
Feb 2
Feb 4
Feb 9
Feb 11
Feb 16
Feb 18
Feb 23
Feb 25
Mar 2
3
4
5
6
7
Mar 4
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Mar 9
Mar 11
Mar 16
Mar 18
Mar 23
Mar 25
Mar 30
Apr 1
Apr 6
Apr 8
Apr 13
Apr 15
Apr 20
Apr 22
Apr 27
Apr 29
May 4
May 6
May 11
May 13
Career Skills Tentative Course Schedule
Topic/Activity
Items Due
No Class – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Introductions/Expectations, Syllabus, Course
Outline
Chapter 1 – Self-Esteem
Chapter 2 – Self-Development
Prepare for Career Fair
Chapter 1 Test
Career Fair – U of I
Chapter 3 – Attitude
Chapter 2 Test
Chapter 4 – Image
Chapter 3 Test
No Class – President’s Day
Chapter 5 – Communication Essentials
Chapter 4 Test
Guest Speaker – Muna Crook
Chapter 6 – Getting Your Message Across
Chapter 5 Test
Using Social Media in Your Job Search/Digital
Dirt (Google Yourself)
Chapter 7 – Communicating with Coworkers & Chapter 6 Test
Supervisors
Chapter 8 – Managing Conflict
Chapter 9 – Meeting Essentials
Chapter 7 Test
Chapter 14 – Developing Leadership Skills &
Chapter 8 Test
Managing Change
Chapter 15 – Getting the Job
Chapter 9 Test
Resume, Cover Letters, Applications
Chapter 14 Test
Interview Questions
Chapter 15 Test
Resume, Cover Letter,
Application
Spring Break
Spring Break
Chapter 16 – Taking Charge of Your Career
Chapter 10 – Applying Critical Work Skills
Chapter 16 Test
Interview Questions
Mock Interview Preparation
Interview thank you
Chapter 10 Test
Mock Interview Day
Internship
Internship
Chapter 11 – Developing Customer Focus
Letter of Resignation
Chapter 12 – Valuing Diversity
Chapter 11 Test
Chapter 13 – Acting Ethically
Chapter 12 Test
Internship Paper
Presentations
Chapter 13 Test
Finals Week
Finals Week