Course Syllabus
Workforce Development with Critical Thinking
LEAD 1200
Semester with
Course Reference
Number (CRN)
Fall 2011
CRN 58119 (A) and CRN 58056 (P)
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
West Loop—Room C125
M 11 a-2 p and M 2 p-5 p, 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)
8 weeks (August 29 through October 17, 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
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Working With Information: Acquire/evaluate data; organize/maintain
information; interpret/communicate data
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Exhibiting Interpersonal Skills: Teaches others new skills; participates as a
team member
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Applying System Knowledge: NA
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Using Technology: NA
3
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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 and projects 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
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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.
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Instructor Grading
Criteria
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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
Assignments and activities—30%
Midterm group project, and evaluation—15%
Three final career–specific essays—15%
Weekly Blackboard paragraph essays written during semester—30%
Class participation—10%
6
Companion Website—<http://wps.ablongman.com/long_fowler_lbh_11/>; you
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
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One ream 20 pound laser paper
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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>.
7
FALL 2011— FIRST 8 –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
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 6
70% Refund
August 30
Tuesday
Registration Ends
August 30
Tuesday
Last Day for Drop/Add/Swap
September 2
Friday
Official Date of Record
September 5
Monday
Offices Closed -Labor Day Holiday
September 7-8
25% Refund
September 30
Friday
Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawals- 4:30pm
October 14
Friday
Priority Deadline for Fall Completion of Degrees or Certificates
October 14
Friday
Priority Deadline for Spring 2012 Financial Aid Award
October 18
Tuesday
Instruction Ends
October 19-21
Final Examinations (Please see below for more information)
October 21
Friday
Semester Ends
October 24
Monday
Grades Due by- 12:00 Noon
October 26
Wednesday
Grades Available to Students
December 1
Thursday
Veteran's Advanced Pay Application deadline for Spring
Classes that meet 1 day a week will take finals at regular class time on last class day
8
COURSE SCHEDULE (which may change as semester progresses)
Week One: Orientation and Course Guidelines, and Résumé Writing
(read Chapter 14—Preparing for Your Career)
 Orientation
 Introduction of Instructor and students
 Updating and maintaining student data—name, ID number, address, and contact numbers and eMail
 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
• Understanding Official Date of Record
• Importance of good writing
 Résumé writing
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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: Present goals statement, and research various styles for résumé writing, and write final
discipline specific résumé and prepare cover letter
Week Two: Study Skills, and Communication Skills
(read Chapter 4—Improving Your Study Skills, and Chapter 7—Communicating Effectively, Chapter
8—Improving Your Listening Skills, and Chapter 9—Improving Your Speaking Skills)
 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
 Communication skills
 Importance of first impressions
9
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Elements of effective communication
Effective listening
Effective speaking
Ice breakers
Questioning techniques
Role of charts and graphs in effective presentations
Speaking to audiences
Effective writing
Preparing for presentation
Introduction to writing draft of final résumé
 Assignment: Summarize handout article, and write effective eMail to Instructor addressing specific
communication problem and solution in your career field
Week Three: Library Resources, and Student Support Resources
(read Chapter 1—The Power of Self–Belief)
 Library resources
 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
 College catalog and semester schedules
 Student ID and password, to access HCC eMail and PeopleSoft
 Accessing computers at HCC labs
 Transfer resources
 Student support resources
 Counseling services
 Financial Aid services
 Scholarship resources
 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: Search various components of student support resources and HCC Web site, including
encyclopedias and dictionaries, and write page summarizing career information identified
Week Four: Leadership Skills, and Midterm Student Group Presentations
(read Chapter 10—Getting Along With Others, and Chapter 11—Functioning in Groups)
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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
10
 Midterm: In three groups, present given situations in discipline specific subjects and offer solutions,
including key ideas and supporting evidence, with student critique and feedback
Week Five: Time Management, and Critical Thinking
(read Chapter 2—Setting Goals and Managing Time, and Chapter 3—Improving Your Thinking
Skills)
 Time management
 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
• Critical thinking
 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, prepare to present orally specific recommendations for
either time management or critical thinking (provide Instructor with written statement for approval of
students in groups and topic selections)
Week Six: Career Exploration, and Job Applications and Interviewing Techniques
(read Chapter 5—Eating Well, and Chapter 12—Handling Change and Stress; and Chapter 6—
Staying Healthy, and Chapter 13—Managing Money)
• 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
11
 Preparing for job interview
 Proper attire for discipline specific job interview
 Dos and don’ts during job interviews
 Assignment: Write two page essays on two chapters read, and switch essays with partner who will be
graded for critiquing assignment; and prepare approximately ten interview questions for role playing
interview, with student critique and feedback on interviewing techniques
Week Seven: Computers and Software in Today’s World, and Career and Employment Resources,
and Final Writing Assignment
• Computers and software in today’s world
 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
• Career and employment resources
• Internet career sites
• Effective job search techniques
• Keywords for effective discipline specific job search
• HCC Job Placement Services
• Job search assignments
 Final assignment: Write three one–page text–, course–, and career–specific essays (and see Texas State
“SCANS” Competencies and Course Learning Objectives)
 Final Blackboard assignment: Submit weekly Blackboard paragraph essays written during semester
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
__________________________________________