Course Syllabus Workforce Development with Critical Thinking LEAD 1200 Semester with Course Reference Number (CRN) Fall 2011 CRN 58071 Gail L. Baker, M. A. (Semester Substitute) Instructor contact information (phone 713-363-1688 number and email sstarinc@sbcglobal.net address) Office Location and Hours Before class by appointment, after class in classroom (Please, do not wait to schedule meeting until you experience problems) Course Location/Times Stafford—Scarcella Science & Technology, Room W112 Th 9 a-10 a, and Blackboard Vista Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH) (lecture, lab) If applicable Credit hours-- 2.00 Lecture hours-- 2.00 Total Course Contact Hours 32 NA Continuing Education Units (CEU): if applicable Course Length (number of weeks) 16 weeks (September 1-December 15, 2011) Type of Instruction Lecture, and Blackboard Vista Course Description: Development of leadership skills and critical thinking strategies that promote employment readiness, retention, advancement, and promotion 2 Course Prerequisite(s) None Academic Discipline/CTE Program Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate ability to select and apply industry standard software 2. Design and demonstrate use of software and techniques in practical applications 3. Develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates proficiency in skills for employment Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): 4 to 7 1. Identify characteristics of employees who are qualified for employment and worthy of promotion and retention in the workforce 2. Explain critical thinking strategies within the context of strong leadership 3. Apply effective business communication skills 4. Utilize data and information to make effective decisions 5. Identify roles and strategies used in group processes and team building Learning Objectives (Numbering system should be linked to SLO e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.) 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 2.1 2.2 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4.1 SCANS and/or Core Curriculum Competencies: If applicable Identify school policies and procedures Recognize sound practices to perform well in college Identify departments within the college such as Admissions, Counseling, Student Support, Financial Aid, and Job Placement Illustrate effective study and test taking techniques Describe roles, tasks, employment opportunities, and outlook for various workforce careers Identify educational requirements and licensing for various occupations Enumerate various occupations involved in a given field (business, accounting, health, education, engineering, public/human services, hospitality, information technology, transportation, construction) Recognize time management and prioritization techniques Demonstrate critical thinking strategies Identify effective communications techniques Demonstrate effective reading, listening, and note-taking strategies Write a résumé Describe effective job search and interviewing techniques Recognize common uses and applications of computers and software used in college and the workplace, including word processing and spreadsheets TEXAS STATE “SCANS” COMPETENCIES During the progress of this course, the student will demonstrate capabilities in the following categories of “United States Department of Labor Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills”: Managing Resources: Manage materials; manage time; manage money Working With Information: Acquire/evaluate data; organize/maintain information; interpret/communicate data Exhibiting Interpersonal Skills: Teaches others new skills; participates as a team member Applying System Knowledge: NA Using Technology: NA 3 Instructional Methods Demonstrating Basic Skills: Reading; writing; speaking; listening Demonstrating Thinking Skills: Creative thinking; decision making; problem solving; thinking logically; seeing with the mind’s eye Exhibiting Personal Qualities: Individual responsibility; sociability; integrity; self–esteem; self-management With your assistance, we can develop and maintain an effective and productive learning environment through lectures, class activities and discussions, and assignments—and meet the course objectives. The demands of college work may be new to you. This introductory course will help you to improve and expand your career opportunities and to enhance your ability to meet your myriad work responsibilities, as well as to enrich your daily personal activities. Each of you may have very different long–term goals, but together you all should be able to successfully progress toward them. This accomplishment will become your first major step toward even higher levels of learning. Achieving your fullest potential, you already know, is a lifelong effort. For now, read the textbook, complete your assignments, participate in class activities—again, strive for excellence, and enjoy the Fall 2011 semester! GLB Student Assignments Assignments and Web–enhanced activities have been planned to guide your learning and concept development. To better understand a topic or concept, you will be given assignments about key information that you will need to remember for success in your career in digital media. Student Assessment(s) Your work will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Adherence to assignment guidelines: Do not rearrange the assignment guidelines. Complete the right assignment. If the assignment is not clear to you, it is your responsibility to ask for clarification before doing it. Appropriateness: Follow course policies, attitude—check on how you handle projects and challenges along with working with others in class. Do not have someone do the assignment for you. Submit assignments on time. Techniques and concepts: Application of concepts and techniques. Design layout: Consider creativity, balance of elements, design techniques, use of white space, fonts, sizes and styles, and effects and color. Quality of execution: Content information. Strive for excellence. All work should be an attempt at portfolio quality. Using the above criteria, your work will be assessed on six levels: 100–90% A Exceptionally fine work; superior in presentation, visual observation, comprehension, and participation 89–80% B Above average work; superior in one or two areas 79–70% C Average work; good, unexceptional participation 69–60% D Below average work; noticeably weak with minimal participation ≤ 59% F Clearly deficient in presentation, style and content with a lack of participation Withdrawn W Excessive absence (> 12.5% semester absence) Students who wish to appeal a grade penalty should notify the instructional 4 supervisor within 30 working days of the incident. A standing committee appointed by the College Dean of Instruction (Academic or Workforce) will convene to sustain, reduce, or reverse the grade penalty. The committee will be composed of two students, two faculty members, and one instructional administrator. A majority vote will decide the grade appeal and is final. Instructor's Requirements 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Program/Discipline Requirements: If applicable All written assignments must be typed, in 12 point font and double spaced— with full name, CRN, date, and assignment title in header—and submitted as hard copy, stapled in upper left corner as necessary but with no plastic sleeves added, and saved on your jump drive as backup. Each student must visit an English tutor at least once during the semester to review an assignment draft—get the tutor’s signature with the date, and submit that draft with the final revision. I carefully review and critique each writing assignment, so that everyone can learn from past mistakes and suggestions made—but except for résumé only one rewrite of any assignment is allowed. Missed classroom work will not be rescheduled for any student with an unexcused absence. Announce your name and participate in classroom discussions, regularly— class participation is part of your final grade. GLB Complete and comprehend the objectives and technologies involved in all graded assignments. Demonstrate the ability to apply creative thinking and problem solving to all class projects and assignments. Complete all reading assignments pertaining to the subject matter of the course. Attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5% of instruction (12 hours). Arrive at class promptly and be prepared with necessary books, storage media, assignments, and anything else required. Exhibit safe and courteous lab habits. Develop and share knowledge and information with fellow students. Participate in keeping labs clean and organized; shutting down computers when finished; abiding by lab rules; and showing respect for Instructors, fellow students, and lab assistants. Participate in class discussions and critiques. Demonstrate the ability to communicate in a clear, coherent manner. Turn in all assignments on time and in the manner required by the Instructor. Demonstrate the ability to use computer–based technology and software applications as it applies to given class. Understand and be proficient in computer file management, including saving and retrieving files. When possible, demonstrate the ability to use and understand both Macintosh and Window operating systems. Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to use applicable peripherals and storage devices. Develop a portfolio that illustrates concepts, techniques, and programs used in solving class assignments, including a written statement describing project concepts and processes. Demonstrate ability and creativity in using computer–based technology in 5 communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Accept responsibility for personal understanding of course requirements and degree plan. HCC Grading Scale 100–90% A 4 points per semester hour 89–80% B 3 points per semester hour 79–70% C 2 points per semester hour 69–60% D 1 point per semester hour ≤ 59% F 0 points per semester hour In Progress IP 0 points per semester hour Completed COM 0 points per semester hour Incomplete I 0 points per semester hour Withdrawn W 0 points per semester hour Audit AUD 0 points per semester hour IP is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to receive credit. COM is given in non-credit and continuing education courses. To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades IP, COM, and I do not affect GPA. Instructor Grading Criteria Instructional Materials Textbooks and resources (for availability and best price, check online) Robert K. Throop and Marion B. Castellucci. Reaching Your Potential: Personal and Professional Development. 4th ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011 [ISBN-13: 978-1-4354-3973-3, ISBN10: 1-4354-3973-2]. (Review material and tutorials related to book chapters can be found at <http://college.cengage.com/collegesuccess/1435439805_throop/index.html#>. ) (Required) Fowler, H. Ramsey, and Jane E. Aaron. Little, Brown Handbook. 11th ed. New York: Longman Publishing, 2008 [0-205-65171-2] (or custom edition for HCCS—Southwest College). “The eleventh edition of this favorite builds on its best-selling features with five new emphases: (1) reading and writing across the curriculum, including a new chapter on academic writing, which covers the fundamentals of writing in all disciplines, and a revised chapter on academic skills, which emphasizes how to be successful in all college courses; (2) research writing, including new material on finding and evaluating library and Web sources—including blogs, wikis, and multimedia—and a new research paper on the environment; (3) up–to–date documentation guidelines, including the recent revisions to MLA, APA, and CSE documentation styles, with numerous models of new media in each style and new annotated sample sources; (4) more writing process instruction, including a new student work–in–progress on the topic of globalization and new discussions of voice in writing; and (5) grammar guidance, including new checklists and summary boxes to guide students in crafting clear and correct sentences.” (With purchase student has access to free tutorials at Companion Website—<http://wps.ablongman.com/long_fowler_lbh_11/>; you Assignments and activities—40% Midterm group project, and evaluation—20% Weekly Blackboard paragraph essays written during semester—30% Class participation—10% 6 will find numerous practice exercises with immediate feedback to your responses.) (Optional but highly recommended for this and future courses) Consult “The Online Writing Lab at Purdue (OWL)” for Modern Language Association of America (MLA) format—<http://owl.english.purdue.edu/> (and regularly do relevant exercises—submit printed records for extra course credit). Daily tools Pens, pencils, notebook, and paper Highlighter Folder or binder for your portfolio of assignments Materials when computers used—HCC Departments do NOT provide supplies! External storage device One ream 20 pound laser paper Blank DVDs and CDs HCC Policy Statement: Access Student Services Policies on their Web site: http://hccs.edu/student-rights Distance Education and/or Continuing Education Policies Access DE Policies on their Web site: http://de.hccs.edu/Distance_Ed/DE_Home/faculty_resources/PDFs/DE_Syllabus.pdf Access CE Policies on their Web site: http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines EVALUATION FOR GREATER LEARNING STUDENT SURVEY SYSTEM (EGLS3) At HCC, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time near the end of the semester, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research–based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and Department chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the HCC Student System online near the end of the semester at <https://hcc.smartersurveys.com>. FALL 2011— TRADITIONAL 16 –WEEK SESSION May 2 Monday Registration begins July 1 Friday Application Deadline for International Students Outside the U.S. July 11 Monday Veteran's Advanced Pay Application deadline for Fall August 5 Friday Application Deadline for International Transfer Students 7 August 20 Saturday Saturday Registration (9am -1pm) August 26 Friday Last Day for 100 % Refund August 27 Saturday Saturday Registration (9am -1pm) August 27 Saturday Classes Begin- Drop/Add/Swap Fee ($15.00) Begins August 27-September 13 70% Refund August 30 Tuesday Registration Ends August 30 Tuesday Last Day for Drop/Add/Swap September 5 Monday Offices Closed -Labor Day Holiday September 9 Friday Official Date of Record September 14-19 25% Refund October 14 Friday Priority Deadline for Spring 2012 Financial Aid Award October 14 Friday Priority Deadline for Fall Completion of Degrees or Certificates November 3 Thursday Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawals- 4:30pm November 23 Wednesday No Night Classes before Thanksgiving November 24-27 Offices Closed- Thanksgiving Holiday December 1 Thursday Veteran's Advanced Pay Application deadline for Spring December 11 Sunday Instruction Ends December 12-18 Final Examinations December 18 Sunday Semester Ends December 19 Monday Grades Due by- 12:00 Noon December 23 Friday Grades Available to Students December 20- January 2 Offices Closed- Christmas Break COURSE SCHEDULE (which may change as semester progresses) Session 1—September 1: Orientation Introduction of Instructor and students Updating and maintaining student data—name, ID number, address, and contact numbers and eMail • Understanding Official Date of Record • Assignment: Present goals statement 8 Session 2—September 8: Course Guidelines Review of Course Syllabus Tutoring services General Department Requirements Classroom Guidelines Computer Literacy Requirements and Laboratory Guidelines Instructor’s Methods and Teaching Philosophy HCC Course Withdrawal Policy • Parking rules and regulations • Importance of good writing • Handout: Optional résumé template Session 3—September 15: Résumé Writing (read Chapter 14—Preparing for Your Career) Résumé basics Effective résumé styles and techniques, and strengths and weaknesses Recommended information to be included and excluded from effective résumés Dos and don’ts on résumé Gathering pertinent information prior to writing résumé Keywords for effective discipline specific résumés Samples of effective discipline specific résumés Assignment: Research various styles for résumé writing, and write final discipline specific résumé and prepare cover letter Session 4—September 22: Time Management (read Chapter 2—Setting Goals and Managing Time) Blackboard Vista assignments, with revised Course Syllabus, will be available online tomorrow (eMail any questions regarding changes GLB) Effective time management techniques Prioritizing tasks and assignments Importance of meeting deadlines in college and in workplace Planning ahead Personal scheduling Effective calendars Effects of procrastination Goal setting Backward goal setting techniques Activity logs Using modern technology and tools for effective time management Assignment: In groups of approximately five—first half of class—prepare to present orally specific recommendations for time management (provide Instructor with written statement for approval of students in groups and topic selections) 9 Session 5—September 29: Critical Thinking (read Chapter 3—Improving Your Thinking Skills) Common terminology used in critical thinking Hypotheses, theories, points of view, explanations, conclusions, and evidence that can be used in classroom subject or context Conceptualization, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information Application techniques in problem solving and decision making Assignment: In groups of approximately five—second half of class—prepare to present orally specific recommendations for critical thinking (provide Instructor with written statement for approval of students in groups and topic selections) Session 6—October 6: Library Resources (read Chapter 1—The Power of Self–Belief) • Accessing HCC Web site Locating resources such as books and journal articles and reputable Web sites Accessing Blackboard Vista and Learning Web HCC degree and certificate plans, and course descriptions Student Handbook 2010-2011, D:2 Enrollment, and Student Records [<http:/hccs.edu/student-rights>] College catalog and semester schedules Student ID and password, to access HCC eMail and PeopleSoft Accessing computers at HCC labs Transfer resources Effective job search techniques, and keywords for effective discipline specific search Assignment: Begin search of various components of student support resources and HCC Web site, including encyclopedias and dictionaries, and write page summarizing career information identified Session 7—October 13: Student Support Resources (reread Chapter 1—The Power of Self–Belief) • Counseling services Financial Aid services Scholarship resources Job placement services Bookstores and additional textbook resources Understanding and computing GPA, and recognizing impact of low grades Student organizations and activities Importance of filing Advisement Report for your degree or certificate plan with counselor Assignment: Complete search of various components of student support resources and HCC Web site, including encyclopedias and dictionaries, and write page summarizing career information identified Session 8—October 20: Communication Skills—Speaking (read Chapter 9—Improving Your Speaking Skills) Effective speaking Ice breakers Questioning techniques Role of charts and graphs in effective presentations Speaking to audiences 10 Assignment: Write effective eMail page to classmate addressing specific communication problem and solution in your career field, and classmate will be graded for critiquing assignment Session 9—October 27: Leadership Skills, and Midterm Student Group Presentations (read Chapter 10—Getting Along With Others, and Chapter 11—Functioning in Groups) Importance of leadership in college and in workforce Qualities of leader Leadership styles Delegating tasks and mentoring process Cross cultural leadership Team building and team effectiveness Leadership models and resources Micromanagement Midterm: In first of three groups, present given situations in discipline specific subjects and offer solutions, including key ideas and supporting evidence, with student critique and feedback Session 10—November 3: Communication Skills—Writing (read Chapter 7—Communicating Effectively Importance of first impressions Elements of effective communication Effective writing Preparing for presentation Introduction to writing draft of final résumé Midterm: In second of three groups, present given situations in discipline specific subjects and offer solutions, including key ideas and supporting evidence, with student critique and feedback Session 11—November 10: Communication Skills—Listening (read Chapter 8—Improving Your Listening Skills) Effective listening Specific listening techniques Midterm: In third of three groups, present given situations in discipline specific subjects and offer solutions, including key ideas and supporting evidence, with student critique and feedback Session 12—November 17: Study Skills (read Chapter 4—Improving Your Study Skills) Learning styles Study guides and strategies Reading skills Note taking Memory aides Improving memory skills Time management applied to study skills Improving concentration skills Prioritizing significance of information in reading assignments Test taking skills Stress and test anxiety 11 Assignment: Summarize handout article Session 13— December: Career Exploration, and Job Applications and Interviewing Techniques (read Chapter 5—Eating Well and Chapter 12—Handling Change and Stress, and reread Chapter 14— Preparing for Your Career) • Career exploration Employment outlook and compensation for different occupations Role of various occupations and careers in a society—for example, accounting, business, construction, education, engineering, fashion, food service, health, hospitality, information technology, public and human services, transportation Personal interests and abilities required in various careers Employment requirements, education, and licensure for various careers Employment outlook and compensation for various careers Identifying discipline specific degree plan Degrees and certificates required for careers Career advancement and long term growth in careers Transfer options for careers • Job applications and interviewing techniques Filling out job applications Relevant information for job applications Effective interviewing techniques Preparing for job interview Proper attire for discipline specific job interview Dos and don’ts during job interviews Assignment: For first of three class sessions prepare approximately ten interview questions for role playing interview, with student critique and feedback on interviewing techniques; and write two page essays on two chapters read, answering questions on handout Session 14—December 8: Computers and Software in Today’s World (read Chapter 6—Staying Healthy, and Chapter 13—Managing Money) Common software utilized in college and in workplace Brief overview of word processing software (MSWord) Brief overview of spreadsheets (MSExcel), to develop simple budget Discipline specific software Assignment: For second of three class sessions prepare approximately ten interview questions for role playing interview, with student critique and feedback on interviewing techniques Session 15—December 15: Final Writing Assignment Discussion of most important advances in each student’s planned career path Discussion of pros and cons of course Assignment: For third of three class sessions prepare approximately ten interview questions for role playing interview, with student critique and feedback on interviewing techniques Final Blackboard assignment: Submit weekly Blackboard paragraph essays written during semester (if you want your submitted assignments returned, also submit self addressed envelope with two first class stamps) 12 Student Information Sheet Digital Communication Department Instructor ________________________________________ Class name ________________________________________ Semester ________________________________________ Day and time ________________________________________ CRN ________________________________________ Please Print Clearly Student name ________________________________________ ID number ________________________________________ Current address ________________________________________ City/state/Zip ________________________________________ Current contact numbers Home phone ________________________________________ Cell phone ________________________________________ Work phone ________________________________________ eMail (print clearly) ________________________________________ College experience Approximate number of credits ________________________________________ Colleges attended ________________________________________ Declared major ________________________________________ Reason for enrollment in this class (please circle one): Elective Requirement Personal Enrichment Please list any other DigiCom Department courses you have already taken: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ 13 Acknowledgement of Course Syllabus Digital Communication Department To receive credit for attendance, fill in this page and return it to the Instructor before leaving Orientation. Instructor __________________________________________ Class name __________________________________________ Semester __________________________________________ Day and time __________________________________________ CRN __________________________________________ I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the policies of Houston Community College and the contents of the Course Syllabus. I have had the attendance policies explained to me and I understand that I am responsible for keeping track of my absences and that I may be withdrawn from this class if I exceed the limits, regardless of reason. Please Print Clearly Student name __________________________________________ Student signature __________________________________________ Date signed __________________________________________ Release Agreement of Work Produced An agreement between Houston Community College and this student to use work produced by this student during the course of class activities. The student agrees to allow Houston Community College to use works created in this class in the following ways: 1. Digital Communication Department Gallery Shows 2. On-line Web sites sponsored by the Digital Communication Department 3. Printed materials produced by the Digital Communication Department The Department agrees: 1. The student’s work will not be sold or offered for sale without prior permission of the student. 2. Ownership of the work remains with the student. 3. The work will not be altered in any way except to optimize for display or for publication. 4. The student will receive credit for his or her work when it is used as described. I further agree to the above terms of use for any work created as a part of this class. Please Print Clearly Student name __________________________________________ Student signature __________________________________________ Date signed __________________________________________