• Be able to understand and apply theoretical concepts of leadership and conflict resolution to workplace organizational situations.
• Be able to grasp selected theories and practices of organizational administration.
• Be able to understand the impact of diversity in the workplace and the ability to appreciate diverse perspectives in organizational settings.
• Be able to understand the research process and ability to take a problem from inquiry and data gathering, through analysis and solution identification, to formal presentation.
• Be able to apply new found knowledge and competencies in critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making to the current work environment.
• Be able to apply basic self-directed lifelong learning skills, i.e. oral, written and computational skills to current work environment.

Communication 318: Intercultural Communication (three credits) (ES)

An examination of cultural influences on human interaction in a variety of contexts. Theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication are explored.

Liberal Studies 209: Critical Thinking & Writing (three credits)

Introduces the concepts related to self-directed, life-long learning with a focus on various types of 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.

Liberal Studies 230: Introduction to Leadership (three 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 (three 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: Contemporary Technology and Trends (three 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 (three credits)

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 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 web presentations utilizing graphics, animation, and integrated recorded speech.

Liberal Studies 325: Introduction to Organizational Administration (three 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 (three 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 Dynamics (three 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 (three 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 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.

Liberal Studies 405: Project Planning and Implementation (three 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 students demonstrate their ability to apply course topics to business settings.

Liberal Studies 436: Senior Project (three credits) (14 weeks)

This course is designed as a culminating or “capstone” learning experience for adults nearing the completion of the baccalaureate degree through 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 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.

Liberal Studies 466: Applied Data Analysis (three 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, qualitative 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.