This syllabus is subject to change without notice. Contact the professor for most recent changes.

Capstone Seminar – URSI 489

MN. State University, Mankato

Tues. 2-4:45 p.m. MH 206 - Spring 2001

 

Instructor:     Dr. J.E. Cherrington (Dr. J)                    Phone/Voice Mail: 507-389-5031

Office:  Morris Hall - 106B  Office Hours:  See * also by appointment

*Instructor’s web page (www.intech.mnsu.edu/cherrington)

Class bulletin board (for updates/announcements)  “      “      click on “bulletin boards” then “capstone”

 

Text:   • The City Reader,2nd edition, Richard T. LeGates and Frederic Stout,
ISBN 0=415-19071-1

            • Front Page 2000: Essentials Concepts and Techniques, Shelly, Cashman, Mick  ISBN 0-7895-5773-8

Reserved Readings:  Life Work Portfolio.  A copy of this workbook will be made available at the reserve desk in the library.

 

Course Rationale:  This course will provide senior-level students the valuable experience of preparing a hard-copy annotated portfolio of select samples of their professionally oriented work.  A “hands-on” aspect of the course will also provide students the opportunity to prepare an “online” portfolio.  Synthesizing student course work into “tools” to use in job and admission committee interviews will be the main focus of the course.  Students will also learn critical job-hunting strategies and techniques.  Finally, the course will survey classic literature as it relates to urban studies, which will build a foundation for public sector managers and planners as well as for students applying to graduate schools.

 

Course Outcomes:  Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate:

 

A.  Knowledge of:

  1. changing paradigms for job seekers and future employers.
  2. interview skills and strategies
  3. preparing an annotated hard-copy portfolio and presenting it at job interviews.
  4. preparing a basic online portfolio.
  5. the challenges and rewards of public sector employment.
  6. classic urban studies literature.

 

B.  Skills in:

1.      developing and maintaining a professional life work portfolios

2.      assembling a personal narrative supportive of portfolio content, relevant to your professional-oriented work.

3.      designing a professional resume and cover letter.

4.      communicating effectively in writing and orally.

5.      using the Internet to do electronic job searching.

6.      using PowerPoint presentation software for oral presentations

7.      leading small group discussions.

8.      exhibiting a professional image during job interviews, professional meetings, and conferences.