Syllabus

COURSE INFORMATION:

Title: Career Skills

Number: MKTPT 235

Section: 01

Semester: Spring 2015

Class Schedule: Monday & Wednesday 8:00 – 9:45 a.m.

Credits: 3

Textbook (Required): Personal Development for Life & Work

Masters & Wallace, 10th Edition

Also Required: 3 Ring binder for a portfolio

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Instructor: Cara Thompson

Office: SGC 227

Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 10:00 – 11:45 a.m.

Telephone: 792-2765 (w/voice mail)

Email:
Website: http://connect.lcsc.edu/clthompson

COURSE PURPOSE:

This course presents practical guidelines, tools, and activities that prepare you to confirm an appropriate career, to conduct a successful job search, and to lay the foundation for successful career development. Emphasis is on activities and assignments, which you will use to assess your skills and interests, to research prospective employers, to learn about current application requirements, to prepare resumes and cover letters, to practice meeting with business people in your targeted career field, and to practice interviewing. These assignments polish your job search and career management skills so you can apply them directly to achieving your immediate and future career goals.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Communication is a very important part of every relationship. With proper communication channels being used people can overcome almost any situation. Students are encouraged to keep this in mind as we make our way through the semester. This instructor is very dedicated to your successful completion of this course as well as your overall education. However, it must be noted that this communication is mostly the student’s responsibility because it is the student’s grade and education.

E-mail is a requirement for this class. There will be a lot of communication through e-mail. The only email address that I will send messages to is the one officially given by the LCSC Information Technology department. All students registered are automatically given an email address. For more information about LCSC’s email system you can go to the Information Technology office downstairs in Sam Glenn Complex.

Participation and attendance are critical to not only the individual but also the entire class.It is very important that you acquire good work habits.Being on time and at the "job" each day is a good work habit. For this reason, attendance and participation will be part of the grade.School activities are considered part of the "job" and will be excused if presented to the instructor prior to the absence.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:

The instructional methods used include lectures, class discussions, short team projects, written assignments, and Internet research. Many of the written assignments at the end of each chapter will enable you to meet and interact with employers in your business community.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:

Completion of all assignments and class requirements are the responsibility of the student.It is very important that the student stays current with the course schedule.Staying current with the class is the duty of the student, not the instructor.If a student must be absent he/she is expected to check with the instructor about any work that was missed.

All make-up tests and/or assignments will have 10% deducted unless the instructor is notified prior to the absence. All assignments must be submitted within one week of the due date; otherwise, the instructor may deny credit for that assignment.

This course is designed with the intent that all projects, tasks, etc. are completed by the student before the student receives a passing grade.Failure of the student to complete all assignments can constitute a failing grade even if the existing grades calculate to a passing level.

Grading and evaluation criteria and emphasis are described in the following table:

Grading Criteria / Grade Emphasis
Successful completion of all Career Competency Assignments (resume, cover letter, etc.) / 30%
Chapter Activities / 30%
Chapter test scores / 30%
Attendance & Work Ethic / 10%
Grading Scale
A = 90—100% / C+ = 77—79%
B+ = 87—89% / C = 70—76%
B = 80—86% / F = Less than 70%

ATTENDANCE AND WORK ETHIC:

Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis and to participate in the classroom discussions and activities. Students will also be required to have read applicable chapters prior to lectures and activities in order to more fully participate. Work ethic includes such things as possessing a good attitude, avoiding disruptions, being cooperative, displaying classroom courtesy, working well with others, asking questions, using time wisely, and personal hygiene/grooming. Students are expected to be on time for class. Students will receive 100 points if they have no more than four absences. Five absences = 90 points. Six absences = 80 points. Seven absences = 70 points. More than seven absences = 0 points.

CELL PHONES:

I expect courtesy in the classroom. Please either turn OFF the cell phone or change the ring to buzz (for emergencies) prior to entering the classroom. If you are called and feel that you MUST (for emergencies) use the cell phone, please do NOT answer until you have exited the classroom. In addition, talking on the phone or texting in the classroom at any time is considered discourteous. Please use the phone OUTSIDE of the classroom.

BTS DIVISION ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY POLICY:
Students enrolled in any BTS program or course have the right and privilege to use computer systems and networks as far as that use does not violate guidelines set forth by the college and division. All computer use must comply with the LCSC policy and proceduresNo. 1.108 and the Appropriate Use of Technology Guidelines found atwww.lcsc.edu/it/Policy_&_Procedures/LCSCFY2002AppropriateUse.htm.Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.Since electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, users must exercise care in acknowledging and respecting the work of others through strict adherence to software licensing agreements and copyright laws.

FERPA STATEMENTS:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of student education records and is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. In essence, the act states that 1) students must be permitted to inspect their own “education records” and 2) “school officials” may not disclose personally identifiable information about a student without written permission from the student. For further information on FERPA and LCSC’s directory information policy, visit www.lcsc.edu/registrar or call 208-792-2223.

Consumer Information:

In 2008, the federal government required all post-secondary institutions offering federal financial aid programs to provide key data to both prospective and current students. To comply with this requirement, Lewis-Clark State College has developed a consumer information page, which may be accessed at www.lcsc.edu/studentconsumerinformation.

Disability Accommodations:

Students requiring special accommodations or course adaptations due to a disability and/or a health-related issue should consult their course instructors and the LCSC Student Counseling Center immediately (RCH 111, 792-2211). Official documentation may be required in order to provide an accommodation and/or adaptation. Visit http://www.lcsc.edu/disability-services/ for more information.

Student Rights and Responsibilities:

Students have the responsibility for knowing their program requirements, course requirements, and other information associated with their enrollment at LCSC. Students should review the LCSC General Catalog (http://webdev.lcsc.edu/catalog) and the LCSC Student Handbook (available at http://www.lcsc.edu/studentservices/contactus.htm) for more information.

Accidents/Student Insurance:

Students participating in LCSC classes normally must look to their personal health insurance policy (Student Health Insurance Plan or comparable private coverage) should an accident occur. In the event of an accident, please seek medical help, if necessary, and report the incident to LCSC Security (792-2226). Fieldtrips or other special student activities may also require students to submit a signed participation waiver (forms can be obtained from the supporting Division Office).

Enrollment Verification/Attendance:

Students who are not actively pursuing their classes may have to repay part or all of their financial aid awards depending upon the circumstances.

Academic Dishonesty:

Academic dishonesty, which includes cheating and plagiarism, is not tolerated at LCSC. Individual faculty members will impose their own policies and sanctions regarding academic dishonesty. Students who are accused of being academically dishonest may be referred to the Dean of Student Services for official disciplinary action.

Illegal File Sharing:

Students using LCSC’s computers and/or computer network must comply with the college’s appropriate use policies and are prohibited from illegally downloading or sharing data files of any kind. Specific information about the college’s technology policies and its protocols for combating illegal file sharing may be found on the Dean of Student Services’ web page http://www.lcsc.edu/student-affairs/student-code-of-conduct/.

Diversity Vision Statement:

Regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation, you will be treated and respected as a human being. http://www.lcsc.edu/diversity/diversity-vision/

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of the required assignments, you should be able to achieve the following performance objectives:

·  Increase your self-motivation and confidence-building skills

·  Identify and focus your job strengths and match them to the best possible job and career

targets

·  Develop a career portfolio with school and work samples that demonstrate your job readiness

·  Organize your job search and identify the best potential employers

·  Develop the a strong career network

·  Use social networking sites in your job search and career development

·  Prepare resumes and cover letters that get positive results

·  Apply for jobs using preprinted application forms and through job sites

·  Get interviews and interview skillfully

·  Negotiate for a fair salary and benefits package

·  Develop attitudes and work habits that will help you succeed in the workplace

·  Know how to seek a promotion professionally

Career Skills Tentative Course Schedule
Week # / Date / Topic/Activity / Items Due
1 / Jan 19 / No Class – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan 21 / Introductions/Expectations, Syllabus, Course Outline
2 / Jan 26 / Chapter 1 – Self-Esteem
Jan 28 / Chapter 2 – Self-Development
3 / Feb 2 / Prepare for Career Fair / Chapter 1 Test
Feb 4 / Career Fair – U of I
4 / Feb 9 / Chapter 3 – Attitude / Chapter 2 Test
Feb 11 / Chapter 4 – Image / Chapter 3 Test
5 / Feb 16 / No Class – President’s Day
Feb 18 / Chapter 5 – Communication Essentials / Chapter 4 Test
6 / Feb 23 / Guest Speaker – Muna Crook
Feb 25 / Chapter 6 – Getting Your Message Across / Chapter 5 Test
7 / Mar 2 / Using Social Media in Your Job Search/Digital Dirt (Google Yourself)
Mar 4 / Chapter 7 – Communicating with Coworkers & Supervisors / Chapter 6 Test
8 / Mar 9 / Chapter 8 – Managing Conflict
Mar 11 / Chapter 9 – Meeting Essentials / Chapter 7 Test
9 / Mar 16 / Chapter 14 – Developing Leadership Skills & Managing Change / Chapter 8 Test
Mar 18 / Chapter 15 – Getting the Job / Chapter 9 Test
10 / Mar 23 / Resume, Cover Letters, Applications / Chapter 14 Test
Mar 25 / Interview Questions / Chapter 15 Test
Resume, Cover Letter, Application
11 / Mar 30 / Spring Break
Apr 1 / Spring Break
12 / Apr 6 / Chapter 16 – Taking Charge of Your Career
Apr 8 / Chapter 10 – Applying Critical Work Skills / Chapter 16 Test
Interview Questions
13 / Apr 13 / Mock Interview Preparation / Interview thank you
Chapter 10 Test
Apr 15 / Mock Interview Day
14 / Apr 20 / Internship
Apr 22 / Internship
15 / Apr 27 / Chapter 11 – Developing Customer Focus / Letter of Resignation
Apr 29 / Chapter 12 – Valuing Diversity / Chapter 11 Test
16 / May 4 / Chapter 13 – Acting Ethically / Chapter 12 Test
Internship Paper
May 6 / Presentations / Chapter 13 Test
17 / May 11 / Finals Week
May 13 / Finals Week