This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to examine their life-space; to envision alternative possibilities in their personal and professional growth; and to foster the development of creative changes toward their future life-career. This course has two essential aspects. First, the theoretical and academic aspect in which the focus of the class and text is on major psychological theories and their applications for everyday life. Second, the experiential aspect in which the students are encouraged to participate in growthful exercises individually and in group situations. The course involves the various areas of life including relationships to family members, to friends and associates, and to professional colleagues. This course includes a Service-Learning and Community Engaged (SL/CE) component.

Supporting parents in the discovery of the child’s development from pre-natal to adolescent explosions, Parenting Children and Adolescents will give parents tools to be knowledgeable about appropriate actions and reactions in all stages of their child’s lives. This course will use strengths-based approaches to helping parents expand on what they are already doing well in helping them achieve their goals for supporting and interacting with their children.

Students will investigate and put into practice the various styles and methods of communicating publicly, from notes, ex tempore, memorized, and reading aloud.  Students will learn the skills relevant to good speech communication: conception, organization, techniques of generating interest, the use of audio-visual aids, audience inclusion and involvement, and overcoming performance apprehension.

Human Relations

Human Relations introduces students to the principles of psychology applied to the understanding of self and others. Students will study the interactions that exist between people at work, in organizations and in one’s personal life. The student will be provided with a clear, insightful, and comprehensive understanding to the principles and underlying psychological dynamics of interpersonal relations and have the opportunity to practice these skills.

Child & Adolescent Development

This course explores the growth and development of the child from conception through adolescence. Investigations of the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains are used to understand and describe the developing person. Students will understand the theories, research, and the multiple variables that affect the growth and development of children and adolescents. This is the second core course in the CDA certification series. The CDA certificate topics covered are: language and literacy development; literacy and the acquisition of second languages; development; cognition; discovery and problem solving; children as individuals; peer relationships and developing values; positive child guidance/discipline; observing and recording behavior; inclusion of children with disabilities; children at risk, developing self-esteem; developing identity, and the influence of family, peers, and community

Speech

This oral communication course offers experience in the selection and organization of speech content, audience analysis, and delivery. Classroom experience emphasizes preparation and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches, as well as other types of oral presentations.

First Year Experience

Students will actively and deliberately engage in the requirements of their transition into college. This seminar focuses on how to succeed. It will facilitate a strong start, empower with necessary skills and awareness, chart a path toward achievement of goals, and direct students toward supports as needed. Particular attention will be paid to navigating the college environment, expectations of the institution, individual learning style, career development, academic strategies, community building, time management and time theft. This is a pass/fail course.

In College Prep, you will acquire the skills you need to succeed.  It is divided into four areas of investigation: College readiness, Digital Literacy, College and Career Advising, and Basic Academic Skills.  The course is delivered in a “blended” fashion, which means it could combine face-to-face and online sessions through the “Schoology” platform.  Assignments will include readings, journal entries, writing a formal essay and annotated bibliography, math preparation, and other work in class.  College Prep is taught by WCACE staff.

Ethics

Ethics is the study of that which is of fundamental interest to every human. This course provides the student with the study of ancient and contemporary issues involving actions freely performed that significantly harm or benefit humankind and the reasoned methods of judging such behavior.