Learning Community Residency Studies for January 2017
***Students are required to attend the three scheduled meetings in Syracuse***
January 28, March 4, April 8
****Subject to Change****
Arts Learning Community
9:00 – 11:15 Music Across Cultures, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, fulfills general education requirement for The Arts or Other World Civilizations
Instructor: Peggy Lynn
The purpose of this study is to explore the lives, experiences, and cultures of people around the world through their music. Students will examine musical expression and identity in the context of culture and geographic location. Students will learn to compare and contrast musical styles and genres from diverse cultures and locations. They will examine and discuss musical instruments, melodies, rhythms and lyrics. They will learn about the uses of music in culture and society.
12:45 – 3:00 Academic & Experiential Approaches to Creativity, 4 credits, liberal, introductory or advanced, fulfills general education requirements for The Arts
Instructor: Yvonne Murphy
This intensive, interdisciplinary Arts residency group addresses the nature and development of creativity in individual and social contexts. There will be a minimum of three required face-to-face meetings, an online component and presentations. We will encounter an array of discussions surrounding the topic of creativity, from early attempts at quantification of creativity as "divergent thinking" to theories about "flow" and analysis of the role of discipline in art. The student will also look at practical and theoretical aspects of creative thinking, writing, making, performing, movement, teaching and more. Students will work independently, online, and in meetings with the mentor.
Students will engage in individualized, intensive self-directed learning activities including, a daily artist’s notebook, two academic papers (a creative self-assessment and a paper on one of Gardner’s "minds"), related creative works, a Challenge to complete work outside of their genre, extensive formal research, and collaborative projects. All of this work will be conducted surrounding shared readings and, ultimately, students will complete an individualized final project based on a self-generated bibliography with consultation by the mentor.
12:45 – 3:00 Nature Drawing, 4 credits, liberal, introductory or advanced, fulfills general education requirements for The Arts
Instructor: Alan Stankiewicz
Drawing on previous knowledge as inspiration, this course of study will introduce the fundamentals of Drawing through materials and processes, while addressing historic and contemporary values of drawing to the artist by using current conceptual thinking of aesthetic problem solving and environmental issues. Previous drawing experience is not required but an appreciation of drawing as an essential artists’ tool will prove useful in the studio portion of the class, providing direction for critiques and for the research paper examining the early works of an environmental artist. Students outside of the arts area of study are encouraged to register for this study as a way of developing and examining new ways of communications within their chosen fields.
Drawing is an essential study in any visual arts degree and this study can be modified to address specific needs of the student prior to the start of the term. Outside of the face to face meetings students are expected to maintain regular communications with the instructor using email or by phone.
3:15 – 5:30Creating Children’s Picture Books, 4 credits, liberal, introductory or advanced, fulfills general education requirement for The Arts or The Humanities
Instructor: Yvonne Murphy and Heidi Nightengale
For many, one of the warmest memories of early childhood is being enraptured by a special picture book which we asked to have read over and over. Many feel they have a special picture book of their own inside of them waiting to be written. In this multi-disciplinary study, the student will learn the "back story" of picture book psychology, language, plotting, the development of a likeable character and how to create a story for publication that interests both the child and the adult who is going to buy it and read it to the child. An additional project will be learning about and making an individual art book based on our original stories for children. We will learn several book art techniques while investigating and cultivating interpretations of the picture book as art object.
This study will be offered at both the introductory and advanced levels in order to serve interested students from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and experiences. We expect that different students will have proficiency in different areas and especially encourage those interested in or already working with children and families. Finally, the study will pay particular attention to found materials and techniques incorporating natural elements in our stories and books.
This study meets the general education requirement for the Arts OR Humanities, not both.
3:15 – 5:30Photographs and Photoshop, 4 credits, liberal, introductory or advanced, fulfills general education requirement for The Arts
Instructor: Lee Herman
In this study, students will gain experience in making and viewing photographs. Students will also gain experience in using Photoshop and understanding its possibilities. Beginners will learn how to use Photoshop to change their photographs: cropping; improving detail, brightness and color; converting color to black and white; removing blemishes and other unwanted elements; and preserving work for future editing and use. More advanced participants will concentrate on individual projects. Each student will participate in learning ways of assessing one's own and others' work.
There are no pre-requisites except that participants must have a digital camera, some experience using it, and the current version of Photoshop (CS5 or 6). This study can be done for 4 or more credits.
Business Learning Community
9:00 – 11:15Corporate Finance, 4 credits, non-liberal, advanced, no general education
Instructor: Jim Mahan
This study will focus on the dynamic economic environment in which corporate financial decisions are derived, the role of the financial manager within the firm and the empirical aspects of corporate finance. Topics include: the financial environment, techniques of financial analysis and planning, management of working capital, fixed assets and capital budgeting, cost of capital, and lastly, dividend policies and sources of financing.
9:00 – 11:15 Organizational Behavior, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, fulfills general education requirement for Basic Communication or Social Sciences
Instructor: Roselyn Dow
This study focuses on the sociological and psychological foundations of behavior in the organization and includes topics on decision making, motivation, communication, group dynamics, leadership and organizational culture. Attendance at three residencies and active participation in all aspects of the course is required. Online posts, case studies, oral presentations and research papers are some of the ways in which students will demonstrate mastery of the subject.
12:45 – 3:00 Survey of College Mathematics, 4 credits, liberal, introductory, fulfills general education requirement for Mathematics
Instructor: Jim Mahan
This study of mathematics will introduce the student to algebraic principles to solve equations and the applications of those principles to different consumer situations. The student will also learn how to organize data for analysis in the form of graphs, tables, and frequency distributions. A basic introduction to several topics in statistics will be covered along with conversions between measurement systems and different numerical bases.
This study will benefit students who only need to meet the General Education requirement for mathematics and do not have to meet the course requirement of quantitative methods or skills as found in several of the Empire State College degree programs.
12:45 – 3:00 Diversity in the Workplace, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, no general education
Instructor: Margaret Sithole
The workplace is changing dramatically, becoming more diverse in many ways. This study examines patterns of diversity in the workplace, focusing on issues of race, class, ethnicity, and gender. Students will discuss the challenges that diversity brings to the workplace and strategies to successfully manage diversity.
3:15 – 5:30 Microeconomics, 4 credits, liberal, introductory, fulfills general education requirement for Social Science
Instructor: Jim Mahan
In this study, the student will develop an understanding of the micro aspects of economics -- the study of components of larger aggregates -- by investigating a wide range of problems from prices to monopolies and from urban decay to industrial pollution. Topics include the anatomy of the market system, prices and allocation of resources, competition and the firm, big business, market imperfections, income distribution, trade, the underdeveloped world and economic planning.
3:15 – 5:30Strategic Management, 4 credits, non-liberal, advanced, no general education
Instructor: Margaret Sithole
This capstone study synthesizes all of the knowledge, skills, and tools that students have acquired so that they can learn how to identify challenges and opportunities and then prioritize and execute strategies. Focusing on the perspective of the senior manager who must make enterprise-wide decisions, students will explore a variety of proactive business strategies for sustainable enterprise that address the triple bottom line of economics, equity, and the environment.
Human Services Learning Community
9:00 – 11:15 Abnormal Psychology, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, fulfills general education requirement for Social Sciences
Instructor: Lynnette Nickleberry
This study will explore the realities of living with, treating, and researching psychological disorders. Students will cover definitions and history of abnormal behavior, theories of causes of behavior disorders, psychoneuroses, psychoses, psychophysiological disorders and problems in living (e.g., stress, anxiety, coping).
9:00 – 11:15 Home School and Community Collaborations, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, fulfills general education requirement for Social Sciences
Instructor: Heidi Nightengale
In this residency based study, student will investigate the social, emotional and cognitive impacts of the various environments in which children, teens and students of all grade levels live, attend school and connect or disconnect with their immediate community. Students will learn about the importance of the integration of a child or teen's three critical and natural environments: the home; the school, and the community and neighborhoods in which they live. Research validated programs will be examined as they work to integrate these three key natural environments to positively impact the growth and development of youth. Students will also learn how to consider cultural competency as an element in their current or future practical career experiences; and finally, students will be able to identify programs on a local, state and national level which are working in research validated modes to integrate these three elements of every youth's life experience. Students will examine the current challenges within this integration movement as they read and research contemporary case studies and examples of practice.
9:00 – 11:15 Ethics and Human Services, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, fulfills general education requirement for The Humanities
Instructor: AnaMaria Ross
This study will focus on ethical issues from a philosophical perspective but will have practical applications for those in the educational and human service fields. Through readings, case studies, and self-reflection students will better understand how to think and talk through ethical issues faced in a variety of situations within a variety of professional fields.
12:45 – 3:00Family and Society, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, fulfills general education requirement for Social Sciences
Instructor: Teal Abel
Most humans grow up in a family context, thus, students bring specialized knowledge to this study, that is, your individual experiences with and observations of human behavior within family contexts and social and cultural environments. This study explores intimate relationships, marriages, and families as social structures, whose meanings and purposes change over time, differ from place to place, and have been and are being impacted by economic, political, cultural, and historical contexts.
12:45 – 3:00 Motherhood Across Culture, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, fulfills general education requirement for Social Sciences
Instructor: Lynette Nickleberry
This comparative study investigates the bio-cultural and socio-demographic significance of values, practices, and beliefs concerning motherhood across racial and ethnic groups. This study will explore rituals and management models surrounding reproduction, labor and delivery, prenatal care, and early caregiver bonding.
12:45 – 3:00 Advocacy in Human Services, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, no general education
Instructor: Heidi Nightengale
In this study, we will critically consider the role of advocacy through history and where we find ourselves today as advocates for those who are oppressed by a variety of institutions. We will discuss and review writings by individuals who have advocated on a national, international and community scale and consider the risks that are involved in advocating for those who are in need of our help. We will also look at the various forms advocacy takes and what strategies can be used in the current environment in which we find ourselves.
3:15 – 5:30 Family Intervention, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, no general education
Instructor: Lue Turner
This study is designed to expand students' knowledge and skills to effectively work with individuals and families. Family systems theory will be explored including some of the major family therapy approaches. Students will also examine how their personal beliefs and values influence their work with others in a helping profession. Through written assignments, personal application and group discussion, students will become familiar with assessment tools such as the genogram, strengths/needs evaluation and engagement approaches.
Students should have basic knowledge and skills in counseling and interviewing. Knowledge of introductory psychology is also required.
3:15 – 5:30Social Policy and Human Services, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, no general education
Instructor: Desalyn De-Souza
This study will focus on the connection between community and human services and social policy. Theories used in the development of social policy will be explored, as well as the impact that government and human service policy have upon American life and human service delivery. Students will examine social policy, as it relates to children and families, through analyzing what policies are pursued, why specific policies are pursued and the outcomes of these policies.
3:15 – 5:30Social Science Research Methods, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, meets general education requirement for Social Sciences
Instructor: Dee Britton
The objective of this study is to help students to think critically and analytically about our natural resources and the environment, economics and policy, and sustainability. Ecological economics is a relatively new field that tries to incorporate fundamental resource constraints and environmental problems with the economy, markets and policy. Much of the focus is on systems, global perspectives, and long run concerns.
Students registering for this study should have a prior course or a very good understanding of economic theory and a desire to look at complex economic issues from a social science, natural sciences, and humanities perspective.
Studies Offered in all Learning Communities
9:00 – 11:15 Nutrition and Healing, 4 credits, liberal, introductory, fulfills general education requirement for Natural Sciences
Instructor: Jennifer Orlowski
This study is designed to introduce students to the powerful effect of food on human health and how food can be used either alone or in conjunction with other modalities to restore health and wellness to a diseased organism. This study will examine the basic concepts of nutrition and the clinical application of food's influence on the development or remission of disease. Students will be required to read a nutrition text and supplemental material provided, complete a personal diet diary and analysis, complete a paper on nutrition and its impact on health, case studies and a final project of their choice.
12:45 – 3:00 Managing Sustainable Organizations, 4 credits, liberal, advanced, fulfills general education requirement for Basic Communication
Instructor: Roselyn Dow
This is an advanced management study focusing on strategic planning and 'greening' business operations. The study acquaints the student with the practical foundation needed to understand the role of management in the context of business and environmental sustainability. The student will explore formulation and implementation of "green" strategy through industry analysis, competitive advantage, and SWOT analysis. Also covered in this study: business as a "green" change agent, implications of government policies, plans and agencies (EPA, 'Green' incentives), laws (CAA, OSHA), standards (ISO, recycling) and green accounting (energy efficiency). Additionally, we will consider building organizational "green culture", hiring and training for "green" jobs and marketing eco-friendly businesses. Ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility, leadership and sustainability management will be discussed.
12:45 – 3:00 College Writing, 4 credits, liberal, introductory, fulfills general education requirement for Basic Communication
Instructor: Paul Miller
The purpose of the study is to prepare students for college-level reading and writing assignments and help you realize your capabilities as a writer. Objectives include recognizing successful study strategies and the situation of adult college students, evaluating time management practices and developing a plan for study, using the writing process to complete written assignments of different genres, distinguishing types of research materials and knowing how to find a range of sources through the ESC on-line Library, and properly citing source materials.
3:15 – 5:30 Ethics and Ecology of Business,4 credits, liberal, advanced, meets general education requirement for the Humanities
Instructor: Dongho Kim
This study will explore various theories of ethics and moral philosophy. The study will take a critical stance toward the issue of corporate responsibility, and students will analyze various forms of externalities created by corporations and organizations today. As students learn about stakeholder theory, they will consider ways that businesses can transform their practices, policies, and strategies from those that degrade the environment to those that transform and sustain the environment.
Rev. 10/03/16