CTCH 601-001 - the Community College

CTCH 601-001 - The Community College

Tuesdays, 7:20-10:00p.m. - Robinson A - Room 249

Fall 2009

Dr. Anne M. Kuhta

703-257-6694

Office Hours: by appointment

Course Description:

This course provides an immersion into the literature and practices of the community college movement; institutional character of community colleges, including a review of the history, purpose, clientele, organization, finance, faculty, workforce development, and community functions. Attention is given to current issues, the future, and key people who play a role in the development and augmentation of the two year college.

Required Text:

Cohen, A.M., & Brawer, F.B. (2008).The American community college.(5th ed.).

San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

An on-going bibliography of recommended resources will be distributed in class.

Recommended:

APA or MLA Style Manuals

Hacker, D. (2007).A writer's reference. (6th ed.) Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's.

Governing Principles for the Class:

Respect for all; collegiality; punctuality for class and for web and class assignments; class participation; valuing student diversity and differences.

Expected Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to converse and write intelligently about community colleges and issues related to them.
Students will gain an appreciation of the complexity of community colleges, their relationships to other levels of education, and their role in the community.
Students will review and build communication, writing, research, and citation skills.

Course Requirements

Use of printed and electronic resources for data gathering and discussions.
Active participation in Blackboard, class discussions, and cohorts. 20%
Current Issue in the Community College - Research Report (10-12 pages) 30%
Cohort Presentations - 20%
Research Articles and Response Papers 30%

Course Policies

All policies of the George Mason University Catalog and the Higher Education Program Handbook are in effect in this class.
GMU Honor Code:

Honor Code: To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the George Mason University community and with the desire for greater academic and personal achievement, we, the student members of the university community, have set forth this honor code: Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work.

Higher Education Program Website:
GMU student information and resources:
If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations please see me and contact the Office of Disability Services at 703.993.2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office. Students must inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester, and the specific accommodation will be arranged through the Office of Disability Services.
An incomplete grade (IN) is used only if the student requests it in writing. An IN counts as a failing grade until completed, and it automatically turns into an F if a grade is not turned in by the deadline in the Schedule of Classes.
The A Paper: The A paper reflects excellence in a student’s thinking and writing. The writing demonstrates the critical processes of questioning, reflection, and exploration. Judgments, interpretations, and beliefs are based upon in-depth research, analysis, and synthesis. As a result of these efforts, the writing has the potential to influence the ideas and actions of the reader. This paper deals with one topic, focused to fit the length and scope of the discussion. In addition, the paper offers a clear thesis that provides an opinion about that topic; this thesis guides the discussion throughout the remainder of the paper. Each paragraph in the A paper uses specific evidence to support the thesis. In turn, the paragraphs are related, and they lead smoothly from one to another. No ambiguity or illogical

thoughts affect the discussion. Also, the writer has carefully documented the ideas

and writing of others in an acceptable format. The writing in the A paper is clear

and concise, making use of proper academic diction. This paper maintains a

consistent point of view and is free from serious grammatical errors. If the

paper contains minor errors, they do not detract from the main points in the

discussion.

The Unsatisfactory Paper: (B- or less) The unsatisfactory paper may reflect the ability to write; however, the writing lacks the development, depth, or insight of an A paper. This paper usually has a broader topic (too global) and neglects to provide the pertinent information for the audience to understand the discussion. General, underdeveloped remarks are used to support a weak thesis; the paper lacks specific, expanded examples or explanations. Often the paper is too general, vague, or even digressive. The words and ideas are not documented satisfactorily. Contains serious grammatical errors, punctuation errors, and non-academic diction.
Late Work: Graduate students maintain a busy schedule in and out of their academic careers. Often, emergencies develop and the student cannot complete the assignment. However, if a student consistently hands in his / her work late, the grade for the assignment – and perhaps for the semester – will reflect this tardiness.
Grades: Less than a B- is an unacceptable grade for graduate students. A 3.0 average is required for graduate students in the Higher Education Program.

Fall 2009 Class Schedule

As we move forward during the Fall 2009 semester, the schedule of assignments may be adjusted to accommodate speakers and off-campus visits.

August 31- Classroom Meeting

Introductions and course overview.

Reading/research for next class:

Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 1, "Background: Evolving Priorities and Expectations of the Community College, pp. 1-41.

Select an issue addressed on pp. 35-41. Locate, read, and post a citation on the Discussion Board for one current (2006-present) article pertaining to one of these issues. Be prepared to discuss the value of the article and how it contributes to the 9/8 topic.

September 8 - Classroom Meeting

Topic - The Background and Mission of the AmericanCommunity College

[RSVP by 9/12 for Higher Education IF you plan to

attend.]

Reading/research for 9/15:

Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 13, "The Social Role: A Response to the Critics," pp. 417-445.

Locate, read, and write a review of two recent (2007-present) articles on the role of the community college--positive or negative. Post your two reviews in the Blackboard Discussion Board. Include a citation with each review. Post by 11:59p.m. 9/15.

September 15 - Assignment Due on Blackboard - No Class Meeting

Reading/research for 9/22:

Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 3, "Faculty: Building a Professional Identity, " pp. 81-111, and Chapter 6, "Instruction: Methods, Media, and Effects," pp. 183-217.

Locate, read, and post a citation to Blackboard Discussion Board -

one article pertinent to 9/22 topic. Be prepared to discuss the value of the article and how it contributes to the topic.

September 22 - Classroom Meeting

Topic - Faculty and Instructional Methods

Reading/Research for 9/29:

Select a book from the list provided. Read and post a review (approximately two pages, double-spaced) on the Discussion Board by 11:59p.m. 9/29.

September 26 (Saturday)

Higher Education Program Convocation

All students in our D.A. Ph.D. and MAIS higher education programs are strongly encouraged

to attend. The event will take place at George's Restaurant in the JohnsonCenter, where

you'll receive a free catered lunch.

September 29 - Assignment Due on Blackboard - No Class Meeting

Reading/Research for 10/ 6

Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 8, "Vocational Education: Occupational Entry, Change,

and Development," pp. 245-279; Chapter 10, "Community Education: Extending

College Services and Training," pp.313-344.

October 6 - Classroom Meeting

Topic: Workforce Development and Community Education Services

Speaker: Dr. William H. Gary, Sr., Vice President, Workforce Development,

Northern VirginiaCommunity College.

Reading/Research for 10/20:

Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 9, "Developmental Education: Enhancing Literacy and

Basic Skills," pp. 281-312; Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 11, Collegiate Function:

Transfer and the Liberal Arts," pp. 345-380. Locate, read, and post citation to

Blackboard Discussion Board - one article pertinent to 10/20 topics. Be prepared to

discuss the value of the article and how it contributes to the topic.

October 13 - No Classes

October 20 - Classroom Meeting

Topics: Literacy and Basic Skills; the Transfer Function

Speakers: Elizabeth L. (Libby) Sears, Northern VirginiaCommunity College,

Manassas Campus Office of Student Development.

Patricia Knight Gary, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas

Campus, Mathematics Faculty and Achieving the Dream Initiative

Coordinator.

Reading for 10/27:

Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 14, "Trends, Challenges, and Obligations," pp. 447-484.

October 27 - Off-Campus Class Meeting

Location: American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), One Dupont Circle, Washington, DC

Topic: Trends, Challenges, and Obligations of the American Community College

Speaker: Dr. George Boggs, President, AACC

Reading/research for 11/3:

Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 4, "Organization, Governance, and Administration: Managing the Contemporary College," pp. 113-156. Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 5, "Finances: Sustaining and Allocating Funds," pp. 157-182.

November 3 - Off-Campus Meeting

Location: NVCC Administrative Offices, 7630 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003. Large Board Room.

Topic: Organization, Governance, and Administration: Managing the Community College

Speaker: Dr. Robert G. Templin, Jr., President, Northern Virginia Community College

Assignment for 11/10:

Reflect on the presentations by Dr. Boggs and Dr. Templin. Consider how their roles and perspectives on issues facing the community college compare and contrast. Compose and post on the Discussion Board a one-page response paper, explaining what you learned, reconsidered, or found surprising as a result of their presentations.

November 10 - Blackboard Assignment - No Class Meeting

Reading/Research for 11/17:

Cohen and Brawer, Chapter 2, "Students: Diverse Backgrounds, Purposes, and

Outcomes," pp. 43-79. Chapter 7, "Student Services: Supporting Educational

Objectives," pp. 219-245.

Locate, read, and post a citation to Blackboard Discussion Board - one article

pertinent to the 11/17 topics.

November 17 - Classroom Meeting

Topic: Community College Students and Student Services.

November 24 - Cohort Meetings - No Class Meeting

Reading/Research for 12/1:

Cohen and Brawer: Chapter 12, "Scholarship and Assessment: Research in and

About the Colleges," pp. 381-415.

Locate, read, and post a citation to Blackboard Discussion Board - one article

pertinent to the 12/1 topic.

December 1 - Classroom Meeting

Topic: Community College Scholarship and Assessment

December 8 - Classroom Meeting - Last Class

Cohort Presentations (4) on Selected Community Colleges

Course Evaluations

Food and Farewells

December 15 - Current Issue in the Community College Research Report - Due

on Blackboard Discussion Board by 11:59p.m.