PD Course Descriptions

Professional Development (2009-2010)

This course will explore aspects of career development related to preparing for and being successful in co-op work terms, such as understanding CECS policies and procedures, using JobMine, preparing resumes, interviewing effectively, meeting employers' expectations and preparing work term reports.

This course will develop students' analytical, critical thinking, and report writing skills by focusing on critical reflection and thinking, analysis, and best practices in report writing. This course will lead students through the creation of a report to the co-op guidelines for work-term reports.

In this course, students will come to understand the nature and function of communication, particularly communication in the workplace, with a view to assessing , monitoring, and improving their own communications skills. At the end of this course, students will be equipped to converse cordially with peers; collaborate more effectively in teams; give and receive clear instructions and messages; resolve conflicts amicably; and appreciate the ethical dimensions of workplace communication.

An introduction to the processes and skill required of high-performance teams. Application of teamwork skills to decision making, conflict resolution and leadership. Development of self-awareness and relational skills to improve one's ability to collaborate effectively, give and receive assistance, and empower others. Personal reflection and case discussion is integrated with observations of teamwork in the co-op experience work environment.

This course is intended to provide students with knowledge of basic project management techniques and practices while placing these within their organizational context. Students should understand how these techniques and practices are used and the human issues in their application.

This course emphasizes that problems are opportunities for solutions that engage analytical, interpersonal, and creative skills that are valued in all employees and entrepreneurs. It offers a scaleable model for problem-solving, and demonstrates the application of the model to a range of sample problems. The course focuses on the kind of problems that co-op students might experience in their workplaces.

This course will help students analyze and understand typical sources of conflict in the workplace, individual and group conflicts, mediation, negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, working with difficult people, and how to recover from conflict. Students will develop a personal vision/model of conflict and communication skills.