Course Syllabus
Workforce Leadership and Critical Thinking for Student Success
LEAD 1370
Semester with Course
Reference Number (CRN)
Instructor contact information
(phone number and email
address)
Spring 2016, CRN: 87261
January 18, 2016 – May 15, 2016
Lawrence Williams, M.Ed., Adjunct Professor
Lawrence.Williams@hccs.edu (HCCS email)
Lwilli43@houstonisd.org (HISD email)
713-696-6168 (office)
Office Location and Hours
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing
in this course. You do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade
before asking for my assistance. Your performance in my class is very important
to me. I am available to hear your concerns and just to discuss course topics. Feel
free to speak with me 30 minutes before or after class.
Course Location/Times
Course Semester Credit Hours
(SCH) (lecture, lab) If applicable
Total Course Contact Hours
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 PM
Central Campus – Willie Gay Hall – Room 111
Credit Hours
Lecture Hours
Laboratory Hours
48
3.00
3.00
0.00
Course Length (number of
weeks)
Type of Instruction
16
Course Description:
LEAD 1370 is a study of the development of leadership skills and critical
thinking strategies that promote employment readiness, retention,
advancement, and promotion for student success.
None
Course Prerequisite(s)
Course Student Learning
Outcomes (SLO): 4 to 7
Learning Objectives
(Numbering system should be
linked to SLO - e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
etc.)
Lecture (50%) / Web-enhanced (50%)
1. Identify characteristics of employees who are qualified for employment,
promotion, and retention in the workforce.
2. Explain critical thinking strategies within the context of strong leadership.
3. Apply business communication skills.
4. Utilize data and information to make decisions.
5. Identify roles and strategies used in group processes and team building.
SLO #1 Identify characteristics of employees who are qualified for
employment, promotion, and retention in the workforce.
1.1 Identify skills needed for a career in an area of expertise.
1.2 Acquire techniques and skills for personal and professional success.
1.3 Explore career options incorporating the use of related assessments, search
tools, and job placement resources.
1.4 Identify and file the appropriate career plan with proper advisement.
1.5 Develop personal skills of persistence, self-reliance, accountability,
resilience, and resourcefulness.
SLO #2 Explain critical thinking strategies within the context of strong
leadership.
2.1 Identify personal learning style, as well as strengths and weaknesses as a
strategic learner, and apply knowledge to classroom learning.
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2.2 Demonstrate the use of learning strategies and study skills.
2.3 Brainstorm an issue and create a mind map to problem solve it.
2.4 Expand financial capabilities by gaining and exercising financial knowledge.
2.5 Develop strategies used in creative/innovative processes.
2.6 Use deductive and inductive reasoning to come to a leadership decision.
SLO #3 Apply business communication skills.
3.1 Identify communication styles and describe how communication problems
arise.
3.2 Use social networking and electronic communications appropriately.
3.3 Write a resume or create an e-portfolio.
SLO #4 Utilize data and information to make decisions.
4.1 Use data and information obtained from technological tools and library
resources to acquire information, solve problems and communicate effectively.
4.2 Access online college resources and services to make college and career
decisions.
SCANS and/or Core Curriculum
Competencies: If applicable
SLO #5 Identify roles and strategies used in group processes and team
building.
5.1 Write and prioritize both short-term and long-term personal and group goals.
5.2 Apply knowledge of group goals, roles, and norms to a specific group.
5.3 Explore strategies for adapting to different learning environments and
delivery formats.
5.4 Rate self as an active group member in the classroom.
5.5 Decide which leadership styles work best in specific situations; specifically to
build a team.
1. Resources—An ability to identify, organize, and allocate time, money,
materials, space, and people. Much of what you do in the classroom can help
students develop competency with resources. Emphasize planning skills in
relation to preparing, working, and completing assignments.
2. Interpersonal—Skills to participate as a member of a team, teach others,
serve customers, exercise leadership, negotiate, and work with others
possessing diverse backgrounds. Cooperative/collaborative learning activities
are an effective way to teach interpersonal skills. In discussions after group
activities, emphasize interpersonal lessons and challenges of the activities.
3. Information—An ability to acquire, organize, evaluate, interpret, and
communicate information along with using computers to process information.
Competency with information is basic to any classroom. Emphasize those
efforts to master information skills prepare students for future employment.
4. Systems—An understanding of social, organizational, and technological
systems; an ability to monitor and correct performance; a competence in the
design and improvement of systems. Look for opportunities for students to use
critical thinking skills to identify and analyze systems in their school, community,
nation, and world.
5. Technology—The knowledge and skill to select equipment and tools, apply
technology to specific tasks, and maintain and troubleshoot software and
hardware. Although there are many forms of technology that can be used in
your class, computers create real interest and opportunities for your students.
Encourage your students to make computers an important part of their
education, whether the computers are used in self-paced learning or in group
projects.
The following skills will be developed in the Workforce Development with Critical
Thinking course:
—Plan—Manage
—Negotiate—Lead
—Apply—Enhance
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—Support—Improve
—Communicate—Apply
The three SCANS foundation skills are the following:
Basic Skills—Reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking.
classroom activities can develop and reinforce all these basic skills. Teaching
these skills in the classroom can provide cross-curricular opportunities.
Thinking Skills—Creative thinking, decision-making, and problem solving,
seeing things in the mind’s eye, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. During
their careers, students will need this foundation to adapt to a rapidly changing
society. Helping students to think critically becomes very important so that they
may adjust to change. Seek opportunities for students to stretch their minds,
find new answers, ask hard questions, and lay foundations for lifelong learning.
Personal Qualities—Responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management,
and integrity. Throughout their lives, your students will need to get along with
others: with classmates, friends and family, customers, and coworkers. Look for
chances to reinforce good personal qualities. And remember the power of
teaching by example.
Instructional Methods
Face to Face / Web-enhanced (49% or less)
A variety of instructional methods are used throughout the semester. Examples
may include class discussions, lectures, readings, group projects, video/DVD,
internet searches, and presentations.
As an instructor, I want my students to be successful. I feel that it is my
responsibility to provide you with knowledge and opportunities for critical
thinking and applications as appropriate.
Student Assignments
As a student wanting to succeed at your academic and career endeavors, it is
your responsibility to do the assigned readings, submit assignments on time,
participate in discussion forums and other activities, attend class (face-to-face,
and online portions), and enjoy this learning experience as you learn how to use
tools for success.
Assignments have been developed that will enhance your learning. You will be
required to successfully complete these assignments.
 Learning Labs
 Chapter Assessments
 Knowledge Checks
Also, students will be required to completed the following:
 Meet with an assigned Senior Advisor at least twice this semester
 Complete student questionnaire
 Review IAAR and complete the Academic Planner
Students who fail to complete the above mentioned tasks will receive a grade of
“F” no matter their otherwise earned grade. Also, they will have a block on their
enrollment for the next semester.
Student Assessment(s)
Instructor's Requirements
Knowledge checks are given in most of the online topics sections. Knowledge
checks are given in most of the online topics sections. In addition, a mid-term and
final exam will be administered.
As your instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student
grades are to be derived.
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities,
discussions, and lectures or other forms of presenting materials.
 Provide the course outline and class calendar, which will include a description
of any special projects or assignments.
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

Program/Discipline
Requirements: If applicable
Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required.
Inform students of policies, such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and
make up.
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities.
 Read and comprehend the textbook.
 Complete the required assignments and exams:
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem.
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts, and all
assignments.
 Complete the course with a passing score.
You will be required to complete the Financial Literacy & Capabilities Survey,
declare your major, populate your student planner with the appropriate courses,
and meet with your assigned advisor during this course.
HCC Grading Scale
A = 100- 90
4 points per semester hour
B = 89 - 80:
3 points per semester hour
C = 79 - 70:
2 points per semester hour
D = 69 - 60:
1 point per semester hour
59 and below = F
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress)
0 points per semester hour
W (Withdrawn)
0 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete)
0 points per semester hour
AUD (Audit)
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must
re-enroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) 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.
http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/student-handbook/
Instructor Grading Criteria
These guidelines will be followed for determining students’ grades:
20% Chapter Assessments / Knowledge Checks
10% Attendance and Participation / In-Class Quizzes
15% Homework / Online Activities
20% Mid-Term Exam
20% Final Examination
10% Career Research Presentation
05% Degree Plan______________________________
100% Total
All assignments will have established deadlines. Please be sure to plan ahead and
adhere to the deadline. Assignments submitted late (after the deadline) will not
be graded and assigned a zero. If technical difficulties occur, i.e. Eagle
Online/My Student Success Lab is down; or the Campus Network is down; you will
not be penalized if you are not able to submit an assignment on time. There are no
make-up examinations unless you receive prior approval from the instructor.
Late Work Policy
It is the student’s responsibility to submit all assignments on time and late
submissions are not accepted. All assignments have to be typed. Please be aware
that there are no make-ups for any quizzes, tests, assignments and practices. If
you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out about all class discussions,
assignments and exercises by contacting a fellow student before the next class. It
is also your responsibility to turn in assignments on time even if you are absent on
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the day the work is due. You can turn in the assignments BEFORE the specified
deadlines. If the assignments are received AFTER the specified deadlines through
email, they will not be graded. If you are absent when I give an assignment or
modify an existing one, you are still responsible for the assignment and the due
date.
In the event of extraordinary circumstances, you may make arrangements for
extensions, but these arrangements must be made with me privately and
BEFORE the assignments are due. Also, legitimate evidence has to be provided
to support the requests for extensions. No assignments will be accepted after the
due dates unless the student has successfully demonstrated a circumstance that
prohibited the completion of the assignments BEFORE the assignments are due.
Instructional Materials
Ellis, D. (2014). From Master Student to Master Employee, (4th Ed.) Mason, OH:
Cengage Learning.
ISBN 9781305772625
EGLS3 – Evaluation for
Greater Learning Student
Survey System
HCC Policy Statement:
Access Student Services
Policies on their Web site:
Attendance Policy:
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student
feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated
time, 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 division chairs for continual improvement of
instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student
System online near the end of the term.
http://www.hccs.edu/district/about-us/policies/d-student-services/
Attendance is required in this class. By registering for this course, you are
indicating that you will be able to attend classes on the dates and times published.
You must be in class-on time and present for the entire class –to earn attendance
credit. Roll will be taken 15 minutes after the class starts. If you are not there when
roll is taken, you will be considered late. If you are late, you must approach the
professor at the end of class to make sure that you are on the attendance record.
Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is
attendance! Therefore, attendance and punctuality are mandatory. Parking is a
continuous problem, so leave early for class and avoid excessive absences. HCC
policy states that your instructor can withdraw you after missing 12.5% of the
course. If you are withdrawn from a class for excessive absences PRIOR to the
withdrawal deadline, you will receive a grade of “W”. This is not negotiable and
cannot be changed for a letter grade. If you are on financial aid or an F1 student,
you may be particularly affected and could forfeit your financial aid or be out of
compliance, and have your F1 status revoked. These are serious consequences,
and it is your responsibility to maintain required attendance.
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Besides regular attendance, active participation is also required. In a college
class, more is expected of you than merely showing up. Active participation means
that, in addition to being on time, you attend class regularly with all your required
books and materials, and you regularly complete your coursework: homework,
quizzes, exams, and writings.
Access DE Policies on their
Web site:
Excused absences are NOT differentiated from unexcused absences; you are
either in class or you are not. Three tardies, leaving early for three times or a
combination of both will be considered an absence. Class will begin at the time
stated. Students with transportation or other personal issues should visit an
academic counselor sooner rather than later. It is your responsibility to be
extremely prompt to each class session. If you find it difficult to arrive on time, you
may want to enroll in another session that better fits your schedule. If you decide,
for any reason, to drop this course, please talk over your decision with me since
there might be other options / alternatives to dropping the course. Ultimately, you
are responsible for withdrawing if you decide not to complete the course. After the
official withdrawal date passes, I must give a grade to everyone still enrolled in the
course. You will receive the grade that you are making in this class.
All students are responsible for reading and understanding the DE Student
Handbook, which contains policies, information about conduct, and other important
information. For the DE Student Handbook click on the link below or go to the DE
page on the HCC website.
The Distance Education Student Handbook contains policies and procedures
unique to the DE student. Students should have reviewed the handbook as part of
the mandatory orientation. It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with the
handbook's contents. The handbook contains valuable information, answers, and
resources, such as DE contacts, policies and procedures (how to drop, attendance
requirements, etc.), student services (ADA, financial aid, degree planning, etc.),
course information, testing procedures, technical support, and academic
calendars. Refer to the DE Student Handbook by visiting this link:
http://de.hccs.edu/media/houston-community-college/distance-education/studentservices/2013-2014HCCDEStudentHandbook-%28Revised8-1-2013%29.pdf
HCC Policy Statement -Title IX Discrimination
HCC Policy Statement -ADA
HCC is committed to providing a learning and working environment that is free
from discrimination on the basis of sex which includes all forms of sexual
misconduct. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that when a
complaint is filed, a prompt and thorough investigation is initiated. Complaints may
be filed with the HCC Title IX Coordinator available at 713 718-8271 or email
at oie@hccs.edu.
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric,
vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must
contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of
each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the accommodations
requested by the Disability Support Services Office. For questions, please contact
Donna Price at 713.718.5165 or the Disability Counselor at your college.
To visit the ADA Web site, please visitwww.hccs.edu then click Future students,
scroll down the page and click on the words Disability Information.
HCC Policy StatementAcademic Honesty
District ADA Coord.–713.718.5165 | Central ADA Coord. 713.718.6164
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the
coursework has been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not
available to other students. The instructor is responsible for measuring each
student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete
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on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading,
and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy
on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are
charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you.
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in
fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be
initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic
dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a
test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
 Copying from another students’ test paper;
 Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in
whole or part the contents of a test that has not been administered;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged
incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing
written work offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may
include a grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or
recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the
Student Handbook.
Advising
A Sr. Advisor is connected to this class section and will meet with the class within
the first two weeks of class. The Sr. Advisor will review the advising syllabus and
the ways in which you can communicate with them. Students are required to meet
with their advisor at least twice within the semester. Participation in these advising
sessions is required and will be a part of the grade in this success class.
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Additional Notes:
It will be the instructor's prerogative to make any changes deemed necessary
in order to meet the learning outcomes of the course. Students will be notified
in writing of any change.
Complete homework assignments before coming to class; in other words,
come to each class prepared. In general, you should plan to spend 1-2 hours
studying outside of class for every hour spent in class. Your course calendar
indicates the chapter in your textbook that should be completed for each day of
class, and any additional work (or changes) will be indicated by your instructor.
HCCS policy does not allow students to bring their children to class under any
circumstance. If you find that you need care for your child, you will have to use
one of your allotted absences.
Food and drinks are not allowed in any classroom.
Cellular phones, laptops and iPad computers create annoying and
unnecessary interruptions during class. Please turn them off, switch them to
vibrate, or leave them at home. Talking on the phone and text messaging in
class is strictly forbidden. Do not use your cell phone in the classroom: don’t
even let them appear on your desk. Above all, throughout this semester you
should keep in mind that the primary objective of this class is to prepare you for
college and career success.
Written and verbal profanity, rudeness and/or disruptions of any kind will NOT
be tolerated. Sleeping in class is a violation of HCC Policy. Students are
expected to be self-disciplined and demonstrate respect for yourself and exhibit
mutual respect, dignity and rights of your fellow classmates and your instructor.
Any student(s) that violate this policy will be asked to leave the class or
escorted out by HCC police. The consequences will result in an “F” and/or
immediate withdrawal from the course.
Discrimation
Students should be aware that discrimination and/or other harassment based on
race, sex, gender identity and gender expression, national origin, religion, age,
disability, sexual orientation, color or veteran status is prohibited by HCC Policy
G.1 Discrimination and Harassment and D.1.1 Equal Educational Opportunities.
Any student who feels they have been discriminated against or harassed on the
basis of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion,
age, disability, sexual orientation, color or veteran status including sexual
harassment, has the opportunity to seek informal or formal resolution of the
matter. All complaints/concerns should be directed to the Office of Institutional
Equity, 713 718-8271 or oie@hccs.edu. Additional information may be obtained
online. Visit http://www.hccs.edu/district/departments/institutionalequity/
Complaints involving sexual misconduct to include but not limited to: sexual
assault, stalking, dating violence, sexual harassment or domestic violence should
be directed to the HCC Title IX Coordinator, Renée Mack at 713 718-8272 or
renee.mack@hccs.edu
Useful Web Resources:
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Information: www.hccs.edu ; http://learning.hccs.edu
Tutoring & Support: www.hccs.askonline.net
Mind Tap Online Lab: http://login.cengagebrain.com
Eagle Online: https://hccs1.mrooms3.net/login/index.php
Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
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