MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE
KENDALL CAMPUS
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
CLP1006 Psychology of Personal Effectiveness
CREDITS:
3
REFERRENCE #:
666144
SCHEDULE:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
TEXTBOOK:
Abascal, Brucato, Stephenson, Brucato. Essential Elements
for Effectiveness: A Guide to Personal and Professional Success in our Global
Community; Fourth Edition; Pearson Custom Publishing, 2009.
INSTRUCTOR:
E-mail:
OFFICE HOURS:
Room # 6206-10
Jose A. Guntin LMHC, CAP
jguntin@mdc.edu Phone 305-237-2668
Monday
: 12:00 - 3:00pm
Tuesday
: 7:50am – 9:50am & 12:40pm – 3:10pm
Wednesday : 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Thursday
: 12:40pm – 3:10pm
Welcome! During this class, we will look into Positive Psychology and the nature of
effectiveness. We will seek to discover the attitudes, thoughts, behaviors, language,
and habits of successful people. We will explore the theories of excellence and the
studies that support them. Yet, the goal of this class is not merely to have you become
an expert on effectiveness and incorporate those behaviors into your own life, but to
cultivate your awareness as an interconnected, global citizen. This course is designed
to provide you with the tools and expertise that future employers want and that a world
committed to sustainable development demands. Among these are the following:
learning to learn; listening and communication skills; creative thinking and problem
solving; stress management; goal setting and self motivation; teamwork and group
effectiveness skills; and leadership skills. This is certainly a tall order but one that can
be accomplished if we begin by practicing that which we want to learn. That is, we
must actively cooperate with one another to master these skills. I am expecting that
you will read the book and, specifically, that you will read each chapter prior to it
being covered in class.
Course Description:
This is an applied psychology course which emphasizes understanding of the principles
of effective human behavior and applying these to the areas of personal awareness,
interpersonal relations, communication, and work/career development.
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Course Competencies:
Competency 1 – THE STUDENT WILL EXPLORE THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
REGARDING PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS BY:
• Describing an overview of the major theoretical approaches to personality and human
behavior
• Analyzing the theory of self-concept and the factors involved in its development,
relating this to personal behavior
• Distinguishing the causes and characteristics of high and low self - esteem and the
relationship of these to behavior
• Discovering the holistic nature of humankind including the cognitive, emotional, social,
spiritual, and physical influences on behavior
Competency 2 – THE STUDENT WILL LEARN TO MANAGE STREE BY:
• Demonstrating knowledge of stress, its sources, and the physical, psychological, and
behavioral outcomes
• Applying effective stress management theory
• Demonstrating effective self-management in the use of resources such as time,
money, and personal assets
Competency 3 – THE STUDENT WILL UNDERSTAND THE THEORIES of HEALTHY
& SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIPS BY:
• Describing how these theories apply to family, friends, social groups, work teams,
and culturally diverse groups
• Practicing effective verbal and nonverbal communication applying effective listening
skills
• Applying theories related to assertive behavior
• Practicing conflict resolution skills and analyzing the process
Competency 4 – THE STUDENT WILL UNDERSTAND THE NATURE of THE
WORLD BY:
• Exploring future occupational and academic trends
• Using knowledge and skills of personal and interpersonal effectiveness to achieve
career related goals
• Valuing diversity in the workplace
Competency 5 – THE STUDENT WILL UNDERSTAND THE ROLE of PERSONAL
RESPONSIBILITY IN WORKPLACE SUCCESS BY:
• Describing the characteristics of effective employees and their response to
performance assessment and varying leadership styles
• Demonstrating understanding of the necessity for policies and procedures in the
workplace
• Demonstrating knowledge of job satisfaction, including intrinsic and extrinsic work
motivations
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• Describing factors which interfere with effective job performance such as alcohol
and drug use; sexual harassment; racial, gender, and age discrimination; and
violations of the ethical and moral standards
MDC Learning Outcomes
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical
perspectives.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social
responsibilities.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in
society.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on
the environment.
* See the College’s Learning Outcomes Web Site:
http://www.mdc.edu/main/academics/learning outcomes.asp
Course Requirements:
You must meet all course requirements in order to pass this course.
Attendance: I would like you to consider this class as your job for the semester. As
with any job, attendance is absolutely necessary. It has been said that 80% of success
is showing up. You cannot "get" this class without being present. Consequences in
terms of your learning and your grades will result from either absences or
tardiness. If you are absent two consecutive times, I may drop you from the
class. If you have what you believe to be extraordinary circumstances which require
flexibility regarding your attendance, please see me privately as soon as possible so
that we can determine together whether or not you can succeed in this class.
You will be awarded points each time you come to class. You will get 2 points per class
if we meet MWF or 3 points per class if we meet TR. If you are late to class, no
points will be awarded for that day.
Classroom Behavior: As with any worthwhile job, it is a requirement that we have fun
throughout the course. In order to accomplish this, the active participation of all of us
will be necessary. In addition the following considerations will help create the optimum
learning environment for all of us.
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Arrive in class on time and stay for the entire class. If you must be late, respect
those who arrived on time. Enter the room silently and quietly take your seat. If
you must leave early, please make sure you let me know before class
starts.
Be patient and courteous to the other students when they ask questions even
when answers seem obvious to you. Unless we are engaged in group
activities, only one person should be speaking at any one time. Private
conversations during a lecture disrupt the learning environment. You may be
asked to leave the room should this type of behavior persist.
Turn off all beepers and cellular phones before coming to class. They are
disruptive to everyone in class. If you must be reachable due to special
circumstances, please inform me ahead of time and keep all electronics on silent
functioning.
Cheating on exams will not be tolerated. Any form of academic dishonesty will
result in a “0” for that test or assignment.
Academic Requirements: Your grade in this course will result from a combination of
objective assessments, written assignments, class participation and my overall
assessment. The latter will consider such things as attendance, quality of work,
personal growth, attitude, and completion of assignments. Grades will be earned on a
cumulative point system. In each section, you will be able to earn a designated number
of points as follows:
1.
Test 1 – Chaps. 1–3
100
2.
Test 2 – Chaps. 3-5
100
3.
Test 3 – Chaps. 6-8
100
4.
Test 4 – Chaps. 9-11
100
5.
Quizzes – Chaps 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
120
6.
Global Perspective Reaction Papers (2)
100
7.
Attendance/participation*
100
8.
Presentation
100
9.
Service Learning (Class Project)
100
___
TOTAL
920
Extra Credit
*Perfect attendance gets extra points
20
At the end of the semester, the points will be totaled and a grade assigned according to
the following chart:
828 or more = A
736 to 827 = B
644 to 735 = C
552 to 643 = D
551 or less = F
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Chapter Quizzes:
To do well in the class, it will be necessary for you to read the chapters prior to when
they are being discussed in class. To encourage you to do this, we will have chapter
quizzes at the beginning of class. There will be 9 such quizzes, each with 12 questions.
Each will be worth 20 points but only the best 6 quizzes will count towards your final
grade. There will be absolutely no make up for these quizzes. You must be in
class and on time in order to be able to take them.
Global Perspective Reaction Papers:
Your writing assignment this semester will comprise of two reaction papers to assigned
global perspective readings contained in your textbook. You will be required to write
from 450 to 500 words for each reaction paper. Please be clear, the assignment is not
to merely summarize the global reaction piece, but to give your reaction to it. Thus,
your feelings and opinions are important. Your grade will be based in the rubric below.
Group Presentation:
You will be responsible for a group presentation. This group presentation will consist on
a selected chapter from your textbook. Your grade on the presentation will be based on
the rubric below. The presentation should be between 20 to 30 minutes long.
Rubric for Written Work and Presentations
90-100 Shows ability to analyze and explore points presented. Ability to
45-50 incorporate own ideas and external ideas other than textbook. Ability to
self-question. Recognizes other possible perspectives.
80-89 Points presented come from textbook. Recognition of points for further
40-44 study without exploration. If there are references to emotional reaction,
they are not explored. In presentation, PowerPoint has aesthetic value.
70-79 Lacks detail and depth. Key argument or information is missing. Flow
35-39 of ideas is disconnected. In presentation, PowerPoint lacks aesthetic
value.
60-69 Demonstrates lack of effort or comprehension of assignment. Does not
30-34 have minimal requirements. Minimal or no creativity. In presentation,
reading slides with minimal or no explanation.
0
Assignment is missing.
Access Disability Services:
Students with documented disabilities should contact ACCESS Disability Services in
advance for information and for obtaining assistance. No retroactive accommodations
can be provided. The ACCESS department is located in Room 2121 at the Kendall
Campus. They may be reached at 305-237-2767.
Policy Against Academic Dishonesty:
All students are expected to meet the College’s academic conduct standards. Acts of
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academic misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, and facilitating
academic dishonesty will be referred to the Dean of Students. Students caught
plagiarizing will be charged with misconduct charges. For more information on these
standards, refer to Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook at:
http://www.mdc.edu/policy/student rights and responsibilities.pdf Any form of academic
dishonesty will result in an “F” for that test or assignment and may result in an “F” in the
course.
Make-up and Attendance Policy:
Attendance is MANDATORY. You are expected to arrive punctually at the designated
time of class. Two consecutive unexcused absences may result in withdrawal from the
course. Having a history of being late shall result in loss of points, UP TO A WHOLE
LETTER GRADE WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR RECURRENT TARDINESS.
Assignments must be handed in or emailed to me on the day and time they are due.
NO MAKEUPS unless previously arranged. A deduction of up to 75% of the points will
be made for late work, even when approved due to extenuating circumstances. For
instance, if the assignment was worth 100 pints originally, it may only be worth 25
points if turned in late. This also applies to exams.
Withdrawal Policy
Withdrawal from a course is not encouraged and should be considered as a last
alternative. You are responsible for filling out the withdrawal card and turning it in to the
Registration Office before the deadline.
NOTE: Failure to attend class without an official withdrawal will result in failing the
course. The last day to drop a class to receive a “W” is Mar. 14, 2012.
Policy regarding the use of electronic devices in the classroom:
Electronic devices for personal use such as cellular phones and i-Pods should not be
used in the classroom. Please turn off or place on vibrate all gadgets before entering
the classroom. Students failing to turn off these electronic devices will be asked to
leave the room. Continual failure to do this may result in the lowering of points for nonparticipation/attendance.
Visitors in the classroom:
In order to maintain an appropriate learning environment, only individuals that are
registered and have paid will be allowed in the classroom. Any special arrangement
must be made in advance with the instructor.
I look forward to working with you this semester and encourage you to seek any
individual help you may need or want. My goal is for this course to make a positive
difference in your life. I know we can work together to accomplish this.
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CLASS SCHEDULE
Introduction to class- Group activity
Ch. 1 A Reality Check/Service Learning Visit
Ch. 2 Making Positive Choices
Quiz Chapter 2 Global Reaction (p.41)
Ch. 3 Experiencing Positive Emotions
Quiz Chapter 3
TEST 1 CH 1-2-3
Ch. 4 Learning to Accept Yourself
Quiz Chapter 4
Ch. 5 Understanding Stress
Quiz Chapter 5
Ch. 6 Developing Wellness Skills
Global Reaction (p.168)
TEST 2 CH 4-5-6
Presentations (9-10-11-12-13-14)
Ch. 7 Creating a Meaningful Vision
Quiz Chapter 7
Ch. 8 Managing Yourself in Time
Quiz Chapter 8
Ch. 9 Developing Your Emotional Intelligence
Quiz Chapter 9
TEST 3 CH 7-8-9
Ch.10 Building Effective Communication Skills
Quiz Chapter 10
Ch.11 Establishing Positive Relationships
Quiz Chapter 11
Ch. 12 Knowing the Workplace
TEST 4 CH 10-11-12
HOLIDAYS: 
Jan. 16
Feb. 20
Apr. 06
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Letter to the Student
Dear Student,
It is my intention to provide the best learning environment that I can. Although I have been teaching
for more than seven years, it is difficult to predict what will happen in this course. I personally find it
stimulating and fun when students get involved in class discussions. As a student, you will be
provided with daily opportunities to share your thoughts on topics related to the material at hand.
Through the years I have been obtaining feedback from my students about both how to get A’s and
how to make the course more engaging for students. Successful students indicate that getting A’s is
not a matter of intelligence or studying long hours and denying yourself. They indicate that getting
A’s is a matter of studying effectively. Keeping up with the work weekly seems to be linked with
success, while studying without a plan is linked to feeling lost in the course and getting low grades.
With the aim of helping you succeed in the course, I will provide you with copies of PowerPoints for
each of the chapters that we cover. The PowerPoints can be used as a guide when you study.
I will now give you the secret to get an A in this course. This secret is the result of years of
feedback collected from students who got A’s in the tests. The secret consists of four simple steps.
If you follow the next four steps regularly, you will see that your grades will improve. First, survey the
chapter in the textbook and the PowerPoint that will be available to you. It will take you no more than
five minutes, doing this will get you ready for the lecture. Second, pay attention during the lecture,
bring a copy of the PowerPoint that I sent and add information or underline key concepts right on the
slides. Third, review the slides as soon as possible after each class. Make sure you pay close
attention to the key concepts that are underlined or highlighted by you. This will help you keep up to
date. Fourth, review the information before the test. This will help you to get good grades. If you
find that you have to study before a test, you are doing too much and working too hard to be able to
get the A that you want. If you follow the simple four steps regularly, you will be surprised to find that
getting A’s may not be that hard. Getting A’s doesn’t require extra work or studying long hours before
a test. Getting A’s requires getting used to doing a little bit of work throughout the semester.
I understand that we will be covering a lot of material and a lot of new terms; but, if you keep up with
the work, not only you will get good grades, but you will find that this course could be fun and
interesting.
One final and most important word: I’m here to help you. Come to see me during office hours, talk
to me before or after class, or keep in touch by sending e-mails about any concerns you may have. I
will always try to help you.
I wish you the best of success.
Prof. Guntin
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