Professional Communications Course
HSPVA- Syllabus for the 2016-2017 school year
Instructor: Alyson Landry Conference Time: 3rd period- 10:20-11:50 (Red)
Room 223 9th period- 2:05-3:35 (Grey)
[email protected] and by appointment
HSPVA Mission Statement:
HSPVA exists because the arts are a central and vital component of the human experience. The mission of this unique school is to educate and inspire artistically gifted and talented students in specific disciplines while maintaining an equal focus on academic, social, and personal growth in a diverse environment.
Overview:
The overall goal of this course is to develop your creativity and communication skills so you may participate more successfully in your professional and social life.
While we will cover some theory to enhance your understanding of the business world, the bulk of our time will be spent focusing on your applied skills. I would like you to walk out of this class confident that you can deliver excellent presentations; feel comfortable and be successful in interviews; market yourself through first-rate resumes, portfolios, and a strong social media presence; and comport yourself in a productive, creative way in collaborative group environments.
Learning Outcomes
Careers in the global economy require individuals to be creative and have a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong and solid academic foundation, and a proficiency in professional oral and written communications. Within this context, students will be expected to develop and expand the ability to write, read, edit, speak, listen, present, apply software applications, manipulate computer graphics, and work collaboratively in groups.
Requirements for the Course
Class Procedures
Statement on Academic Dishonesty
Academic honesty is an integral component of a student’s education. Presenting the words or works of others as your own is plagiarism, is dishonest, and is a violation of the HISD Policy on Academic Honesty. All graded academic exercises (including homework, quizzes, tests, essays, research papers and projects) are expected to be conducted individually and completed as the student’s original work unless otherwise instructed. If you are not certain of what is permissible, you should contact me/other teachers prior to submitting the assignment.
A student found in violation of academic honesty will be subject to a grade of zero for the assignment with no opportunity for retake, a “P” in conduct for that marking period, administrative referral, and/or further disciplinary action.
Required Textbooks/Reading
Grading
For further details on district grading policies, please see the HSPVA handbook and the HISD Grades Policy
http://www.houstonisd.org/Page/62070
Participation and Insights 40% (daily grade based on attendance and substantive in-class group participation)
Assignments 60% (papers, presentations, projects)
Assignments, class schedules, and other information contained in this class syllabus are subject to change without notice. Students are expected to regularly check the Senior Capstone website for assignments and updates, and be aware of any additional policies presented by the teacher during the course.
Class Participation- Grading Elements
Rubrics will be provided in advance for each of the following:
Written Assignments
Collaborative Group Work
Presentation
Website
We will be using the class website to access class handouts, notes, answers, calendar and recorded lectures/guest speakers. You can access the website at: http:\\HSPVAProfCom.weebly.com
Parents/Guardians
Parents and Guardians are important role models and an essential part of every student’s education. Students will receive a progress report at the midpoint of each six weeks; if grade falls below a 70, students are required to bring this progress report back to me with a parent or guardian’s signature. If you have any questions concerning assignments and/or grades, check your account on Gradespeed and then email me any concerns.
Make Up Work
Make up work is the student’s responsibility. If away on school activities, be sure to get any assignments before you leave (check the website!). Being on school trips etc. is not an acceptable excuse for not turning in assignments. If absent, you can check the assignment list posted on Gradespeed or the website to see what you have missed. Make up work must be turned in the next time we meet for class or a zero will result unless prior arrangements have been made with me.
Late Work
Assignments turned in after the due date will receive a flat 20 point deduction on top of the grade they receive.
Dress Code
When hosting a guest speaker or giving a presentation, you should plan on dressing in Professional Attire or ‘business casual’. You should look presentable and professional. PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE WILL COUNT FOR A GRADE. You will be given notice in class and on the website for these days.
Please reference this site if you need further clarification: http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Professionally
A Quick Reference- What NOT to wear:
Projects
Collaborative projects are intended to support the development of higher-order thinking skills, research skills and logical reasoning (they provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate such attributes). Projects will be worked on DURING CLASS so your attendance is vital to not only your success, but the success of your group as well.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit will not be available. All work (with the exception of readings for Out of Our Minds) can be completed during class time.
HSPVA- Syllabus for the 2016-2017 school year
Instructor: Alyson Landry Conference Time: 3rd period- 10:20-11:50 (Red)
Room 223 9th period- 2:05-3:35 (Grey)
[email protected] and by appointment
HSPVA Mission Statement:
HSPVA exists because the arts are a central and vital component of the human experience. The mission of this unique school is to educate and inspire artistically gifted and talented students in specific disciplines while maintaining an equal focus on academic, social, and personal growth in a diverse environment.
Overview:
The overall goal of this course is to develop your creativity and communication skills so you may participate more successfully in your professional and social life.
While we will cover some theory to enhance your understanding of the business world, the bulk of our time will be spent focusing on your applied skills. I would like you to walk out of this class confident that you can deliver excellent presentations; feel comfortable and be successful in interviews; market yourself through first-rate resumes, portfolios, and a strong social media presence; and comport yourself in a productive, creative way in collaborative group environments.
Learning Outcomes
Careers in the global economy require individuals to be creative and have a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong and solid academic foundation, and a proficiency in professional oral and written communications. Within this context, students will be expected to develop and expand the ability to write, read, edit, speak, listen, present, apply software applications, manipulate computer graphics, and work collaboratively in groups.
Requirements for the Course
- Read the assignments and thoroughly prepare for each class.
- Actively participate and bring insights to class discussions based upon the readings and your experience.
- Turn in senior-level quality work on time in both digital and hard copy form as applicable.
- Demonstrate excellent reasoning, writing, and collaborative skills.
Class Procedures
- Be in your seat ready to learn on time.
- Tardies will be addressed according to HSPVA school policy. Time will be based on the school computers.
- Any and ALL absences from class require written notification via email to Mrs. Landry.
- College visits and arts related performances should be submitted prior to the absence.
- Emails should be sent from a student account NOT a parent or guardian and sent directly to Mrs. Landry's email at [email protected]. This expectation is similar to what you will experience in the college/work environment; it is vital to communicate DIRECTLY with your professor/supervisor.
- Electronic devices (including cell-phones, MP3’s, etc.) used without permission will be taken up and turned into the AP. This is your warning.
- Absolutely NO recording in the class without express permission. This includes (but is not limited to) photographs, Snapchats, and any type of motion recording.
Statement on Academic Dishonesty
Academic honesty is an integral component of a student’s education. Presenting the words or works of others as your own is plagiarism, is dishonest, and is a violation of the HISD Policy on Academic Honesty. All graded academic exercises (including homework, quizzes, tests, essays, research papers and projects) are expected to be conducted individually and completed as the student’s original work unless otherwise instructed. If you are not certain of what is permissible, you should contact me/other teachers prior to submitting the assignment.
A student found in violation of academic honesty will be subject to a grade of zero for the assignment with no opportunity for retake, a “P” in conduct for that marking period, administrative referral, and/or further disciplinary action.
Required Textbooks/Reading
- Robinson, Ken, Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative, West Sussex: Capstone Publishing Ltd.
- Additional materials will be assigned and provided.
Grading
For further details on district grading policies, please see the HSPVA handbook and the HISD Grades Policy
http://www.houstonisd.org/Page/62070
Participation and Insights 40% (daily grade based on attendance and substantive in-class group participation)
Assignments 60% (papers, presentations, projects)
Assignments, class schedules, and other information contained in this class syllabus are subject to change without notice. Students are expected to regularly check the Senior Capstone website for assignments and updates, and be aware of any additional policies presented by the teacher during the course.
Class Participation- Grading Elements
- 5 Points- Strong participation shows initiative and excellence in written and verbal work. The student helps to create more effective discussions and activities through his or her verbal and written contributions. Reading and writing assignments are completed on time and with attention to detail. In discussions and activities, comments to peers are tactful, thorough, specific, and often provide other students with a new perspective or insight.
- 4 Points- Satisfactory participation demonstrates consistent, satisfactory written and verbal work. Overall, the student is prepared for class, completes assigned readings and writings, and contributes to small group activities and large class discussions. Reading and writing assignments are completed on time. In discussions and activities, comments to peers are tactful and prompt, but could benefit from more attentive reading and/or specific detail when giving comments.
- 3 Points- Weak participation demonstrates inconsistent written and verbal work. The student may be late to class, unprepared for class, and may contribute infrequently or unproductively to classroom discussions or small group activities. Reading and writing assignments are not turned in or are insufficient. In discussions and activities, comments to peers may be missing, disrespectful, or far too brief and general to be of help or to be insightful.
- 1 Point- Unacceptable participation shows ineffectual written and verbal work. The student may be excessively late to class, completely unprepared, and not able to contribute to classroom discussions or small group activities. This student may be disruptive in class. Reading and writing assignments are not turned in or are insufficient. In discussions and activities, the student is completely unprepared, disruptive, or sleeping and otherwise not participating.
- 0 Points- The student is absent from class, or leaves early from class.
Rubrics will be provided in advance for each of the following:
Written Assignments
- Purpose
- Evidence Based Reasoning
- Organization
- Mechanics and Style
Collaborative Group Work
- Participation/Collaborative Effort
- Creative Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Correspondence and Communication
- Completion and Quality of Work
Presentation
- Body language
- Eye contact with the audience
- Voice
- Pace/speed of presentation
- Language
- Timing of presentation
- Power Point
- Addressed the topic
Website
We will be using the class website to access class handouts, notes, answers, calendar and recorded lectures/guest speakers. You can access the website at: http:\\HSPVAProfCom.weebly.com
Parents/Guardians
Parents and Guardians are important role models and an essential part of every student’s education. Students will receive a progress report at the midpoint of each six weeks; if grade falls below a 70, students are required to bring this progress report back to me with a parent or guardian’s signature. If you have any questions concerning assignments and/or grades, check your account on Gradespeed and then email me any concerns.
Make Up Work
Make up work is the student’s responsibility. If away on school activities, be sure to get any assignments before you leave (check the website!). Being on school trips etc. is not an acceptable excuse for not turning in assignments. If absent, you can check the assignment list posted on Gradespeed or the website to see what you have missed. Make up work must be turned in the next time we meet for class or a zero will result unless prior arrangements have been made with me.
Late Work
Assignments turned in after the due date will receive a flat 20 point deduction on top of the grade they receive.
Dress Code
When hosting a guest speaker or giving a presentation, you should plan on dressing in Professional Attire or ‘business casual’. You should look presentable and professional. PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE WILL COUNT FOR A GRADE. You will be given notice in class and on the website for these days.
Please reference this site if you need further clarification: http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Professionally
A Quick Reference- What NOT to wear:
- Excessively tight or revealing clothing (low cut shirts, etc.)
- Excessively short clothing (Skirts, shorts, pants, and dresses must be at least fingertip length)
- Pajamas
- Flip flops
- Bare midriffs
- Leggings (may only by worn under a dress or skirt of fingertip length)
- Exercise wear (bike shorts, yoga pants, sports jerseys, etc.)
- Any clothing that sports an offensive image or slogan
- Items which are excessively stained, torn, and worn-out
Projects
Collaborative projects are intended to support the development of higher-order thinking skills, research skills and logical reasoning (they provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate such attributes). Projects will be worked on DURING CLASS so your attendance is vital to not only your success, but the success of your group as well.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit will not be available. All work (with the exception of readings for Out of Our Minds) can be completed during class time.
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
There will be a research/reflection paper AND presentation assigned each Unit.
Basic technology and Keyboarding skills will be developed throughout the year.
Readings for Out of Our Minds will be completed outside of class.
UNIT 1: THE PATH TO PVA… (August 22 – September 16)
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UNIT 2: MARKETING (September 19 – October 21)
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UNIT 3: ARTS INTEGRATED PROJECTS (October 24 – December 16)
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END OF FALL SEMESTER
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UNIT 4: FINANCE (January 4 – February 10)
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UNIT 5: LAW AND THE ARTS (February 13 - March 31)
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UNIT 6: ARTS AND THE COMMUNITY (April 3 – May 25)
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END OF SPRING SEMESTER
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There will be a research/reflection paper AND presentation assigned each Unit.
Basic technology and Keyboarding skills will be developed throughout the year.
Readings for Out of Our Minds will be completed outside of class.
UNIT 1: THE PATH TO PVA… (August 22 – September 16)
- Introduction- Overview of the Course Syllabus, Assignments, Expectations
- Context- Your journey in the arts and the world you are entering
- Leadership and Collaboration
- COLLEGE PREP IN NAVIANCE
- Out of Our Minds: Chapters 1 and 2
- Guest Speaker: Fleurette Fernando – Director of the Masters of Arts Leadership Program at University of Houston
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UNIT 2: MARKETING (September 19 – October 21)
- Storytelling and Marketing
- Portfolios
- Resumes
- Business Cards
- Social Media presence
- COLLEGE PREP IN NAVIANCE
- Out of Our Minds: Chapters 3 and 4
- Guest Speaker: Melissa Williford – Director of Human Resources at Houston Grand Opera
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UNIT 3: ARTS INTEGRATED PROJECTS (October 24 – December 16)
- Collaborative Project
- COLLEGE PREP IN NAVIANCE
- Out of Our Minds: Chapters 5 and 6
- Guest Speaker: Perryn Leech – Managing Director at Houston Grand Opera
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END OF FALL SEMESTER
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UNIT 4: FINANCE (January 4 – February 10)
- Finance
- Fundraising
- Development
- Grants
- Taxes
- COLLEGE/SCHOLARSHIP PREP IN NAVIANCE
- Out of Our Minds: Chapters 7 and 8
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UNIT 5: LAW AND THE ARTS (February 13 - March 31)
- Law and the Arts
- Trademark
- Copyright
- Contracts
- Out of Our Minds: Chapters 9, 10 and Afterword
- Guest Speaker: Brendettae Payne - Attorney/Judge- Entertainment Law
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UNIT 6: ARTS AND THE COMMUNITY (April 3 – May 25)
- Community Engagement
- Guest Speakers: Radu Barbuceanu - Community Liaison for the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs
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END OF SPRING SEMESTER
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