Professional Studies    202

3 (crs.)

The Humanities Confront Violence and Aggression (XC)

Explores various forms of violence, including war, and considers the reaction of creative talent in the humanities to the problem of violence in American society. The course gives particular attention to two forms of mass media that have shown a preoccupation with violence, the motion picture and the novel, for an in-depth humanistic approach to this important social issue.

Professional Studies    208

3 (crs.)

The Ecology of Occupation (XS)

Examines the relationships between occupation (both work and discretionary) and values, identity and health/wellness in contemporary society. Focuses on the complex variables (economic, psychological, sociological, genetic) which affect occupational choice, and hence our freedom (or lack thereof) to engage in meaningful, rewarding occupation.  Prerequisites: WRT 188.

Professional Studies    209

3 (crs.)

Critical Thinking and Writing (GC) (XC)

Guides the student through the transition to the online learning environment. Introduces the concepts related to self-directed, reflective, critical thinking and writing skills through exposure to a broad range of academic subjects. Students will be introduced to the principles and processes involved in developing a learning portfolio, which will be required in their Capstone course. Prerequisites: WRT 188 or ENGLISH 101.

Professional Studies    209Q1

3 (crs.)

Critical Thinking and Writing, Quest 1 (GC) (XC)

Guides the student through the transition to the online learning environment. Introduces the concepts related to self-directed, reflective, critical thinking and writing skills through exposure to a broad range of academic subjects. Students will be introduced to the principles and processes involved in developing a learning portfolio, which will be required in their Capstone course. Prerequisites: WRT 188 or ENGLISH 101.

Professional Studies    210Q

3 (crs.)

Sustainability & Community (XS)

This three-credit course will provide a unique view of sustainability through the lens of civic (community) engagement. As a Quest II and III Explore Society course in the University Studies Program, it will focus on the ethical implications of sustainability in organizations. The Signature Questions for this course are “How do people understand and engage in community life?” and “How do people understand and create a more sustainable world?” To answer these questions, students will work with an organization in their community to analyze its sustainability.

Professional Studies    230

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Leadership

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.

Professional Studies    240

3 (crs.)

Dynamics of Leadership and Civic Participation

This course will explore the connections between self-directed lifelong learning, the development of leadership skills, and engagement with community. Students will learn by reflecting on their roles and experiences as students and community members and by drawing connections with principles related to a variety of academic disciplines. Particular focus will be on learning related to direct participation in community-based organizations. Ethical principles related to civic responsibility and democratic citizenship will also be addressed.

Professional Studies    270

3 (crs.)

Writing with Purpose

This course offers intensive instruction in (1) writing clear, coherent, correct, persuasive prose, (2) reading and thinking critically, and (3) conducting library research and/or interviews and integrating primary and secondary sources into your own texts. The focus will be on writing clearly and purposefully, developing individuals’ writing skills necessary for academic and professional success.  Taught exclusively on-line, learners will be engaged in reading analyzing, researching, thinking, writing, and re-writing to learn that everything written holds power to persuade, inform, or confuse by writing memos, reports, and essays. Prerequisites: WRT 188 or ENGLISH 101.

Professional Studies    301

3 (crs.)

Contemporary Global Issues and Problems

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.

Professional Studies    302

3 (crs.)

Contemporary Tech and Trends

This course provides an overview of several contemporary technological areas, focusing on those important to leadership positions and how those areas of technology impact the individual, the work environment, and society at large. Students will examine topics such as Social Engineering, Intellectual Property, Security and Privacy, and Social Media and Personal Technology such as smartphones and tablets. The strategic use of technology will also be explored.

Professional Studies    303

3 (crs.)

Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in the U.S. (ES)

This course will examine the historical influence of varied ethnic settlements, cultural diversity, changing economic foundations, and population shifts upon the government and politics of the United States with specific concentration to the deepening of our understanding of cultural diversity.

Professional Studies    305

3 (crs.)

Religious and Ethical Values in American Society

This course examines the role of religion in American public life historically and in recent times. It provides a perspective on the meaning of the separation of church and state as understood by the Founding Fathers, as interpreted by the Supreme Court over time, and in current political debates. The course also analyzes a variety of ethical and religious perspectives that underlie contemporary cultural conflicts over the proper direction of some of our most important social institutions-the family, schools, and the legal system. Finally, the course explores the moral and religious arguments surrounding four critical issues-abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and affirmative action-and what public policies should result from these positions.

Professional Studies    306

3 (crs.)

Popular Culture in Mass Media

This course will examine key issues related to popular culture and its representation in different media. In an attempt to focus and organize our consideration of this rather nebulous phenomenon, we will approach the course theme in three ways. First, we will discuss some narratives about popular culture. Second, we will then study the role of narrative in popular culture (and its importance in how we make sense of the world in general). Third, we will explore a couple of the most prevalent “pop culture” genres such as a gangster film, a mystery novel and others.

Professional Studies    307

3 (crs.)

Encountering the Arts

An interdisciplinary study of the arts in which relationships are drawn among music, visual arts, literature and drama.  Students gain insights into the various artistic expressions of human feeling–their distinctive relationships and individual qualities. Significant cultural patterns that have influenced the arts in the Western and non-Western world are explored.

Professional Studies    309

3 (crs.)

Development of Scientific Ideas

Encourages analysis and understanding of the ideas that have effected scientific developments over the last two thousand years. Examines the growing ability of scientists to understand the phenomenon of nature; specifically, it peruses seminal ideas in astronomy, biology, physics and other sciences. Addresses broad scientific ideas and notes their practical significance for man.

Professional Studies    311

3 (crs.)

Environmental Issues

Introduces students to the complexities of environmental problems confronting today’s global citizens. Focuses on a series of environmental issues that are, and have been, difficult to resolve. Readings, audiovisual materials, and discussions on three or more environmental controversies are employed to illustrate the many aspects of each issue that should be explored.  Students investigate a problem of their choice for presentation to the class in written or oral form.  A field trip extends ecological background and provides additional information on a major issue addressed in the course.

Professional Studies    315

3 (crs.)

Managing People at Work

Examines the human resource management component of the management process. The course includes both theory and application related to effectively managing individuals in their work roles.

Professional Studies    318

3 (crs.)

Ethics and Decision Making in Organizations

Analysis of the influences on decision making in a variety of organizational contexts and the impact on individuals and society. Students will investigate how culture, science and technology, religion, politics and the economy affect the decisions made at a variety of levels in organizations, and the effects of those decisions. Particular focus will be on the resolving ethical dilemmas which might result from value conflicts, such as between social and responsibility and financial interests. Prerequisites: Concurrent or prior enrollment in PRF STDS 325.

Professional Studies    319

3 (crs.)

Creating Presentations in the Virtual Workplace

This course offers guidance and examples on how to create effective online mediated presentations in a workplace, which is increasingly dependent upon computer technology as a means to communicate globally. The course provides students with an understanding of effective presentation creation strategies utilizing storytelling 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 web presentations utilizing graphics, animation, and integrated recorded speech.

Professional Studies    320

3 (crs.)

Gendered Lives

Analysis of how gender affects human experiences throughout the lifespan, from infancy through old age. Using insights from social science theories of human development and of gender, explores how males and females are expected to behave, how they actually define themselves, and how they act out or challenge gender prescriptions, at each stage of the life cycle. Cross-listed: PRF STDS 320/ WG STDS 320.

Professional Studies    325

3 (crs.)

Foundations of Organizational Development

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.

Professional Studies    331

1 – 3 (crs.)

Study Tour

Study tours to various world regions directed and led by faculty members of the Professional Studies Program. Tours are designed to provide undergraduate students with direct contact with other cultures and societies. Tours include background reading and classes, field lectures, presentations, a trip log and reporting by students as specified by the instructor. Information on specific tours, fees, transportation, and expenses will be announced each time the course is scheduled. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and program director. Course may be repeated with different content.

Professional Studies    335

3 (crs.)

Transformative Leadership

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.  Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in PRF STDS 230.

Professional Studies    336

3 (crs.)

Collaborative Leadership Dynamics

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. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in PRF STDS 230.

Professional Studies    337

3 (crs.)

Conflict Resolution: Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration

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 usefulness in a wide range of venues.  Learners will be given multiple opportunities to integrate theory and practice in the development of conflict resolution skills. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in PRF STDS 230.

Professional Studies    338

3 (crs.)

Mentoring and Development

This course will examine the principles and techniques of effective mentoring, the mentor as change agent within the organizational entity and the impact mentoring programs have in organizational settings overall. Students will examine and critically analyze their mentoring experiences as well as the content of existing programs, and propose recommendations on how to develop or enhance a mentoring culture in a given organization. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in PRF STDS 230.

Professional Studies    380

3 (crs.)

Learning Systems in the Workplace

This course studies the theory, development, and implementation of training and its relationship to Human Resources Development and business goals and objectives.  Focus is on entire systems from analysis to delivery including needs assessment, program design, training methodologies, and evaluation. Team development and presentation of a comprehensive training module required. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in PRF STDS 230.

Professional Studies    400

1 – 3 (crs.)

Topics in Organizational Administration: Optional Content

This course presents a study of selected current, relevant organizational administration topics.  Students may repeat the course once provided the topics presented are different.  Topics will stress the continuing development of learning organizations, continuing changes in organizational leadership and process, and/or continuing application of critical thinking to organizational problems. Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

Professional Studies    405

3 (crs.)

Project Planning and Implementation

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. Prerequisite: PRF STDS 325

Professional Studies    410

3 (crs.)

Capstone Seminar

Designed as a culminating or ‘capstone’ learning experience, this course focuses on the integration of concepts and ideas from previous Professional Studies courses.

Professional Studies    411

3 (crs.)

Senior Research Seminar

The Senior Research Seminar provides an overview of approaches to research and the assumptions that underlie each. Particular emphasis is given to the correspondence between research methods and epistemological orientation. Students develop a research question and perform a preliminary literature review around a topic of their choice. Prerequisite: Program consent.

Professional Studies    412

3 (crs.)

Senior Research Project

The Senior Research Project guides the student through the completion of a research project. Working with a mentor or adjunct faculty member and the instructor, the student conducts the appropriate research and presents the conclusions in an acceptable format and style. The successful completion of this project is contingent upon upper-level thought processes – analysis, synthesis, summarization and drawing conclusions – as well as competence in reading, writing and speaking. Prerequisites: PRF STDS 411.

Professional Studies    425

3 (crs.)

Professional Studies Capstone Experience

Focuses the student’s prior work, both on and off campus, on the applied and the theoretical basis of the organization, of leadership, and on the efforts of people within an organization. This seminar will, through reading, class lectures and discussions, applied research and presentations, in written and oral reports, seek understanding of the theories and operational definitions of organizations and leadership. The student will be able to analyze existing organizations for problems or opportunities in organizational operation, leadership, and team efforts. The student will be able to design plans, programs, strategies, tactics, and resource requirements to accomplish predetermined goals and objectives.  The student will be required to convince his/her classmates of the validity of the findings and proposals. They will be evaluating each other’s work and that evaluation will likewise be evaluated.

Professional Studies    436

3 (crs.)

Senior Project

This course is designed as a culminating or “capstone” learning experience for adults nearing the completion of the baccalaureate degree through the Division of Online and Continuing Education. 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 has 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.

Professional Studies    446

1 – 3 (crs.)

Independent Study

See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. Prerequisite: Satisfaction of USP Math requirements.

Professional Studies    456

1 – 3 (crs.)

Related Readings

See Related Readings under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements.

Professional Studies    463

3 (crs.)

Budgeting for Program Managers

This course provides the students an opportunity to learn the basics of budgeting and bookkeeping.   The course of study will help prepare program and profit center managers to develop and manage their budgets and expenditures. They will also have the opportunity to learn to use accounting information and make monetary and financial decisions.  The relationship between organizations and the national economy and monetary decisions will also be discussed. Prerequisites: Satisfaction of USP Math requirements; also, PRF STDS 315 or 325 or PUB ADM 362 or FERM 362.

Professional Studies    466

3 (crs.)

Applied Data Analysis

Using an extensive series of case studies and problems, this course examines using data effectively in the workplace, specifically the analysis and interpretation of data for decision making and problem solving within organizations. Topics include qualitative and quantitative data analysis, descriptive statistics, beginning inferential statistics, feasibility techniques, and process analysis. Prerequisites: MATH 112, 113 or 114 or MATH 109; also, PRF STDS 315 or 325 or PUB ADM 362.

Professional Studies    495

1 – 3 (crs.)

Special Topics in Leadership

This course provides students an opportunity to increase and/or practice applying their knowledge of leadership theories. Topics may focus on specific theories of leadership, on the application of leadership principles to particular disciplines or situations, or on the successful application of leadership theories in specific technological, social, and economic environments. This course may be offered with different content.