Course Descriptions
Communication 318
Intercultural Communication (ES) (3
credits) This course provides an examination of cultural influences on human
interaction in variety of contexts. Theoretical and practical aspects of
intercultural communication are explored. Prerequisite: Communications 118 and
236 or consent of instructor.
Liberal Studies 230
Introduction to Leadership (3 credits) This course will introduce students to a variety of theories and issues involved with leadership, including power and influence; vision, values and ethics; effecting change through teams and coalition; and the importance of embracing diversity. Examples will be drawn from a broad range of contexts, including organizations, education, politics, and communities
Liberal Studies 301
Contemporary Global Issues and Problems (3 credits)
This course explores
the ethical and religious dimensions of several global challenges in
contemporary international society: (1) the expanding role of religion as a
motivation for violence as well as a force for justice and peace; (2) the
increasing deterioration of the global environment; (3) international efforts to
protect human rights in countries where there is systematic oppression or
genocide; and (4) the chronic gap in wealth between rich and poor nations.
Liberal Studies 302
The Web of the Future: Workplace and Communication Trends (3
credits) Examines the history, operation, economics, and applications of computer
technology and its significance in contemporary life. Consideration is given to
a careful description of present technology and what some of the main decisions
are that must be made if humanity is to utilize and control this technology.
Liberal Studies 319
Creating Presentations in the Virtual Workplace (3 credits) This course offers guidance and examples on how to create effective online
mediated presentations in a workplace which is increasing dependent upon
computer technology as a means to communicate globally. The course provides
students with an understanding of effective presentation creating strategies
utilizing story-telling techniques. In addition students will learn the use of
new media techniques to optimize organizational, networked and web
presentations. Students will create web-based new media presentations utilizing
graphics, animation, and integrated recorded speech.
Liberal Studies 325
Introduction Organizational Administration (3 credits)
The course
provides the student an introduction to some recent and successful theories and
practices of organizational administration, including communication basics,
persuasion, critical and empathetic listening, leadership development, systems
and strategic thinking, planning, programming and budgeting, cognitive
complexity, leadership styles and development, total quality management, the
improvement of human performance, and learning organizations. The student will
also have an introduction to ethics, external affairs, and crisis planning and
management.
Liberal Studies 335
Transformative Leadership (3 credits) Transformative leadership is a creative, passionate and authentic,
expression of service inspired by the leadership wisdom of Bennis,
Drucker, Greanleaf, Hesselbein, Hooks, and Quinn. In this course
learners will have the opportunity to identify and develop individually
unique and effective leadership styles and approaches. Through a
combination of inventories, reflection and experiential activities
learners will explore their passion and what constrains their
leadership as well as how they impact and influence others. Learners
also will observe and analyze the leadership styles of leaders with
whom they associate.
Liberal Studies 336
Collaborative Leadership (3 credits) This course is designed to introduce a theoretical framework for
collaborative leadership and the elements of group dynamics that
support and maintain its success. Opportunities to integrate theory and
practice will be provided to assist learners in understanding how
groups function and how they as leaders, impact the ability/behaviors
of the group for solving personal, interpersonal, group and
organizational problems.
Liberal Studies 337
Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration (3 credits) Designed to introduce learners to the study of ADR or Alternative
dispute resolution, this course explores the resolution of conflict
through negotiation, mediation and arbitration. A variety of approaches
for resolving conflict are examined, from the adjudicative
(arbitration, private or special judging, neutral fact-finding), to the
evaluative (peer, lay, judicial, and expert evaluation) to the
meditative. Emphasis is given to the meditative process and its
practice in the development of conflict resolution skills.
Liberal Studies 405
Project Planning and Implementation (3 credits) This course includes
the "science" of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing
projects, following the proven structure developed by the
internationally-recognized Project Management Institute. Topics also cover the
"art" of time management, conflict resolution and effective communication and
partnerships-methods and behaviors associated with successful projects. This
course uses a series of case studies, problems and papers designed to help
learners demonstrate their ability to apply course topics to workplace settings.
Liberal Studies 436
Capstone Applied Learning Project (3 credits) This course is designed as a culminating or “capstone”
learning experience for adults nearing the completion of the baccalaureate
degree through the Center for New Learning.
The fundamental aim of the course is to equip participants with the
learning capacities and competencies necessary for continued personal, civic
and career growth. This course is an
individually planned learning project that combines the concepts and ideas
mastered through coursework with actual workplace environments. The student, the instructor and a workplace
mentor will agree on an applied learning project. Goals, objectives and a preliminary plan will
be approved in writing by all three parties before the project is begun. The project will be supervised by the
University instructor and the workplace mentor and will include a literature
review and commentary, original work and a final report and presentation. Prerequisite:
Senior-level standing.
Liberal Studies 466
Applied Data Gathering and Analysis (3 credits)
Using data effectively
in the workplace: the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data for
decision-making and problem solving within organizations. Topics include
question posing, qualitative data gathering and analysis, quantitative data
gathering and analysis, descriptive statistics, beginning inferential
statistics, feasibility techniques, and process analysis. This course will use
an extensive series of cases and problems and conclude with student projects
that demonstrate an ability to take a problem from inquiry and data gathering,
through analysis and solution identification, to formal presentation.
