SPEX 065: Professional Development American University Fall 2016

Master Accelerator Program (MAP) School of Professional & Extended Studies

Instructor: Alex R. Hodges
Office: 107, Bender Library
Office Hours: By appointment & Fridays after class
E-mail/Gchat: hodges@american.edu / alex.hodges@gmail.com
Phone: voicemail/text 202.210.8850
In-person meetings on Fridays, 11:20am-12:35pm
Location: Spring Valley Building, Rm. 517
Course description
The Professional Development course is part of the Master's Accelerator Program (MAP). The course is
designed to train students to be successful graduate students in their chosen field, and to help prepare
graduates for successful employment after graduation. The course trains international students by
equipping them with field specific vocabulary and cultural norms and offering opportunities to practice
and utilize their new training through professional development activities, including developing a
professional resume; attending professional and academic conferences in their fields; conducting panel
discussions; learning to manage work-life-study balance; among other activities.

Course objectives:
1. Create and refine a targeted resume and a cover letter.
2. Articulate career skills, interests, values and goals.
3. Develop an online presence and/or portfolio and use social media effectively to promote career
goals and develop career networks.
4. Engage socially and professionally with classmates, faculty and others through networking and
other activities.
5. Participate in a student or professional conference or workshop in the chosen field of study.
6. Exhibit a working knowledge of the major journals for research and major contributors in the
chosen field.
7. Apply the necessary skills important for work-study-life balance.
8. Develop a proposal for a panel presentation at a student or professional conference.
9. Participate effectively in mock interviews and business events.
10. Conduct an internship/job search utilizing multiple marketing strategies.
11. Develop a systematic decision making style for use in career development.

Required Reading:
American University Career Center Library
American University International Student Resources
Creating Career Success; F. Fabricant, J. Miller, and D. Stark
Located in library reserves (lower level) / 2-hour checkout Call#: 4054

Suggested Texts/ Readings/ Resources:

You Majored in What?, Katharine Brooks, Ed.D, Penguin Group, 2009

Located in Career Center Library Call#: HF5382.75.U6 B755 2009

Getting from College to Career, Lindsey Pollak, Harper Business, 2012

Located in library reserves (lower level) / 2-hour checkout Call#: 4250

There is life after college : what parents and students should know about navigating school to
prepare for the jobs of tomorrow - Jeff Selingo, 2016
Located in Career Center Library Call#: HF5382.5.U5 S436 2016

Do What You Are; P. Tieger, B. Barron

Located in Career Center Library Call#: BF698.9.O3 T54 2014

Jackson, Tom. (2004). The Perfect Resume: Todays Ultimate Job Search Tool
Located in AU Library, 2nd floor Call#: HF5383 .J25 2004

Bolles, R. (2015). What Color is Your Parachute? Ten Speed Press. ISBN 978-1-60774-555-6
Located in AU Library, 2nd floor, and in Career Center Library Call#: HF5383 .B56 2015

Current selected readings from relevant websites, such as the following:

o
o

o
o

McLelland, Christine, V. The Nature of Science and the Scientific Method. The
Geological Society of America: http://www.geosociety.org/educate/NatureScience.pdf
Kolata, Gina. (2013). Scientific Articles Accepted (Personal Checks, Too). New York
Times. Published 4/27/13. Last accessed on 12/18/2015 at
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/08/health/for-scientists-an-exploding-world-ofpseudo-academia.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Elliott, Celia, M. (2008). Writing Effective Abstracts. The University of Illinois. Last
accessed on 8/11/15 at http://physics.illinois.edu/undergrad/SeniorThesis/Abstracts.pdf
Gebhard, Nathan. (2015). Four Steps to Choosing a Career Path. New York Times. July
31, 2015. Last accessed on 12/18/2015 at
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/education/edlife/four-steps-to-choosing-a-careerpath.html?hpw&rref=education&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=wellregion&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

Selingo, Jeffrey, J. (2015). Finding Direction in LinkedIn Profiles. July 31, 2015. New
York Times. Last accessed on 7/31/2015 at
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/education/edlife/finding-direction-in-linkedinprofiles.html?action=click&contentCollection=Education%20Life&module=RelatedCover
age&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article
Santos, Megan. (2015). Are you the cyborg of your office? It may affect your career.
Financial Post. Published on August 3, 2015. Last accessed on 12/18/2015 at
http://business.financialpost.com/executive/careers/are-you-the-cyborg-of-your-officeit-may-affect-your-career

WEEKLY SCHEDULE FALL 2016 SPEX 065.002

Note: These details are subject to change. Be aware of in-class & online announcements.
Week
Sept. 2
Class 1

Topics
Introductions
Syllabus Review
Grad Student
Regulations
Intro to Career
Services

Reading Due
(In class)- AU Career
Center intro
http://www.american.
edu/careercenter/

Assignment Due

Sept. 9
Class 2

Informational
Interviews

Informational
Interview Tips

Sept. 16
Class 3

Self-Branding &
Digital Footprints:
Resume
Overview
LinkedIn
Profiles

Watch: Linkedin
Videos:
http://youtu.be/YWp6
AN00D_c
http://youtu.be/B8WZ
xYFaSmI
Review:
http://www.american.
edu/careercenter/Resu
mes.cfm

Homework #1
Questions for conducting
an informational
interview

Sept. 23
Week 4

Skills, Interests, Career

Options

Course Reserves:
Fabricant et. al.
Skills: Pages 25-35
AU employment data
Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS)

Homework #2
1) LinkedIn Profile draft
2) Resum draft
3) From BLS, determine
the career outlook for
your field
4) From AU data, where
are the alumni
connections for you?

Week
Sept. 30
Class 5

Topics
Library-based Research

Reading Due
Review library web
site:
http://www.american.
edu/library/

Assignment Due
Homework #3 (not
collected)
Questions about
Research

Oct. 7
Class 6

More on Research &

Citation Management
Zotero

Complete the AU
Information Literacy
Tutorial

Homework #4
Questions about
Research

Oct. 14
No Class

Fall Break Holiday

Oct. 21
Class 7

Academic Integrity &

Graduate Student
Expectations
Adjudication of code
violations

1) AU Academic
Integrity Code
2) Academic Rules and
Regulations for
Graduate Students

Homework #5
Observations about the
Code

Oct. 28
Class 8

Professional Web Sites, Read about Weebly:

Part 1
https://www.weebly.c
om/features
Weebly

Nov. 4
Class 9

Professional Web Sites, Watch the Beginners

Part 2
Guide to Weebly:
https://hc.weebly.com
Weebly
/hc/enRegistration update
us/articles/201704087MBTI introduction
Beginner-s-Guide-toWeebly

Homework #6
Begin work on your
Weebly site. Be ready to
share your first edits to
your Web site.

Nov. 11
Class 10

Professional
Associations &
Conferences
Conference codes
of conduct
Preparing to attend
and participate in a
conference

Homework #7
Identify and read about a
professional conference
in your field.

Choose a conference
from this list, go to its
web site, and read
about its participation
requirements.

Week
Nov. 18
No Class

Topics
Work on your Weebly
site, take the MBTI (see
email from Alex), and
read about
professional networks
for Dec. 2

Nov. 25
No Class
Dec. 2
Class 11

Thanksgiving Holiday

Dec. 9
No Class

Work on Final Project

Dec. 16
No Class

Final Project
ALL parts due online

Professional Networks
for Scholarship

Reading Due

Academia.edu
ResearchGate
SSRN
Mendeley
ORCID

Assignment Due

Homework #8
Create an ORCID
account, and others if
you wish. Link your
ORCID account to your
professional website.

Final Project Due:

Email final professional
web site link to
hodges@american.edu
by Fri, Dec. 16, 12:35pm

Technology Policies:
1) You are required to bring a charged laptop and a charger to each class
session. Tablets or mobile devices will not suffice. Make use of the
Librarys laptops for loan from the Technology Services Desk.
2) Out of courtesy to your colleagues, please turn your cell phone ringers
to off or vibrate before each class session.
3) Unless directed to by the instructor, do not use personal email, chat
(Gchat, iChat, etc.), or social media, or browse the Internet during class.
4) If you must send a text, do so before or after class, or during any breaks.
Please do not text during class discussion or activities.
5) Develop and model professional technology etiquette for one another.

Course Requirements
Professionalism: Attendance & Participation (30 Points)
Your attendance and critical engagement are crucial for your success. You are expected to be
on time and to be active participants during all sessions. Students should plan their schedules
to attend all in-person sessions and complete all online work on schedule. One unexcused
absence will not be penalized; however, if required course work is missed, then that specific
coursework grade may be in jeopardy. Students who accrue two absences will receive a
participation grade deduction (to be determined depending on the circumstances). Three
missed classes will result in automatic course failure. Only registered students can attend class.
Non-registered students or family, children, or guests of registered students cannot attend
class. Additionally, only registered students will get credit for the course.
Homework (40 Points)
Details for each homework assignment will be announced to the class prior to the due date.
Final Project: Portfolio (30 points)
Students will create a professional, online portfolio on the Weebly web platform to include
their resume, LinkedIn profile, and any other media that positively highlights their digital
footprint. More information about the portfolio will be discussed in class.

Course Points / Grading Scale:

Late work is accepted, but will be penalized. All assignments must be completed and
submitted in order to pass the course.
Assignment/Project
Professionalism: A & P
Homework
Final Project: Portfolio
Total Available Course Points:
Course Grade
P=Pass
F=Fail

Points Value
30 points
40 points
30 points
100 POINTS
% Value
100-80
79-0

Library Research Information Literacy Tutorial

AUs librarians provide assistance with developing search strategies and information evaluation.
As a course assignment, you will complete this online tutorial that will help your search
acumen: http://subjectguides.library.american.edu/infolit
You can also seek help through the librarys chat research assistance service. For assistance,
chat with the librarians at askaulibrary via AIM/GTalk/Yahoo!/MSN.
Using Appropriate Documentation Formats
Use APA or MLA style for research citations, footnotes, list of references, and layout, and all
written work. All style guides can be found in print in the library next to the reference desk.
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association, Sixth Edition. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. (At
Research Assistance Desk Call number: PN147 .A7 2010)
Gibaldi, J. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed. New York: Modern Language
Association, 2009.
(At Research Assistance Desk Call number: LB2369 .G53 2009)
Green Teaching
This will be a Certified Green Course. This means, for example, that I will not hand out many
printed materials, but I will use Blackboard or email extensively to distribute handouts, collect
assignments, and provide you with feedback on assignments. To help make our class as green
as possible, I encourage you to minimize paper use by submitting assignments electronically as
instructed, and read course readings online rather than printing copies. If you choose to print,
please print double-sided, and recycle the paper after the end of the semester.
Emergency Preparedness
In the event of a semester disruption, American University will implement a plan for meeting
the needs of all members of the university community. Should the university be required to

close for a period of time, we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of our educational
programs will be delivered to our students. These may include altering and extending the
duration of the traditional term schedule to complete essential instruction in the traditional
format and/or use of distance instructional methods.
In the event of an emergency, this course will continue through our online communications. I
will communicate class-specific information to students via email or Blackboard, while students
must inform me immediately of any absence. Students are responsible for checking their email
regularly and keeping themselves informed of updates. For clarification, students should refer
to the AU Emergency Preparedness Web site (http://www.american.edu/emergency/) and the
AU information line at (202) 885-1100 for general university-wide information, as well as
contact me for course-specific information.
Support for AU Students
American University provides numerous services that help students maximize their academic
success and social and emotional well-being.
Academic Support and Access Center MGC 243, 202-885-3360 supports the academic
development and educational goals of all AU students while also providing support to
students with disabilities. They offer workshops on topics of interest to all students such as
time management, note taking, critical thinking, memory skills, and test taking. Additional
support includes free private and group tutoring in many subjects, supplemental
instruction, The Math Lab and The Writing Lab.
Counseling Center MGC 214, 202-885-3500 is here to help students make the most of their
university experience, both personally and academically. They offer individual and group
counseling, urgent care, self-help resources, referrals to private care, as well as
programming to help you gain the skills and insight needed to overcome adversity and
thrive while you are in college. Contact the Counseling Center to make an appointment in
person or by telephone, or visit the Counseling Center Web site.
Center for Diversity & Inclusion MGC 201, 202-885-3651 is dedicated to enhancing LGBTQ,
Multicultural, First Generation, and Women's experiences on campus and to advance AU's
commitment to respecting & valuing diversity by serving as a resource and liaison to
students, staff, and faculty on issues of equity through education, outreach, and advocacy.
OASIS: The Office of Advocacy Services for Interpersonal and Sexual Violence
202-885-7070 provides free and confidential advocacy services for anyone in the campus
community who is impacted by sexual violence (sexual assault, dating or domestic violence,
and stalking).
American University expressly prohibits any form of discriminatory harassment including
sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The
university is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance

with applicable laws and regulations, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital
status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political
affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information, or any
other basis under federal or local laws in its programs and activities.
If you experience any of the above, you have the option of filing a report with the AU
Department of Public Safety 202-885-2527 or the Office of the Dean of Students 202-8853300 dos@american.edu. Please keep in mind that all faculty and staff - with exception of
counselors in the Counseling Center, victim advocates in the Wellness Center, medical
providers in the Student Health Center, and ordained clergy in the Kay Spiritual Life Center who are aware of or witness this conduct are required to report this information to the
university, regardless of the location of the incident.
The Writing Center, 1st floor of the University Library, offers free, individual coaching
sessions to all AU students. In a 45-minute session, a student writing consultant can help
you address your assignments, understand the conventions of academic writing, and learn
how to revise and edit your own work. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through
Thursday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Call 202-885-2991 to arrange a session.
International Student & Scholar Services, Butler Pavilion, 4th floor, Room 410 has resources
to support academic success and participation in campus life including academic
counseling, support for second language learners, response to questions about visas,
immigration status and employment and intercultural programs, clubs and other campus
resources.
Incomplete Grades
Incompletes are granted only in cases of severe, or special, well-documented circumstances. I
must approve student requests for an incomplete grade. The request must be made by Friday,
November 18, 2016. If permission is granted, then the student must complete and submit -immediately within 3 days of approval -- a Course Completion Contract that outlines the details
of course completion with benchmarked due date(s) for incomplete readings and assignments. I
must approve the Course Completion Contract before I submit an Incomplete as a final grade.
Sharing of Course Content
Students are not permitted to make visual or audio recordings, including live streaming, of
classroom lectures or any class related content, using any type of recording devices (e.g., smart
phone, computer, digital recorder, etc.) unless prior permission from the instructor is obtained,
and there are no objections from any of the students in the class. If permission is granted,
personal use and sharing of recordings and any electronic copies of course materials (e.g.,
PowerPoints, formulas, lecture notes, and any classroom discussions online or otherwise) is
limited to the personal use of students registered in the course and for educational purposes
only, even after the end of the course.

Exceptions will be made for students who present a signed Letter of Accommodation from the
Academic Support and Access Center. See: How Do I Request Accommodations?
http://www.american.edu/ocl/asac/Accommodations.cfm
To supplement the classroom experience, lectures may be audio or video recorded by faculty
and made available to students registered for this class. Faculty may record classroom lectures
or discussions for pedagogical use, future student reference, or to meet the accommodation
needs of students with a documented disability. These recordings are limited to personal use
and may not be distributed (fileshare), sold, or posted on social media outlets without the
written permission of the faculty member.
Unauthorized downloading, file sharing, distribution of any part of a recorded lecture or course
materials, or using information for purposes other than the students own learning may be
deemed a violation of American Universitys Student Conduct Code and subject to disciplinary
action (see Student Conduct Code VI. Prohibited Conduct).
Services for Students with Disabilities
http://www.american.edu/ocl/sccrs/Services-for-Students-504.cfm
Appropriate modifications to academic requirements may be necessary on a case-by-case basis to
ensure educational opportunity for students with disabilities, and individual faculty members may
need to modify specific course requirements to permit equal participation by students with
disabilities.
Attention Graduate Students
Admission to a graduate program at American University signifies the Universitys belief that
each student admitted has the ability to succeed academically and be awarded a graduate
degree. Each year, however, some students who appear to have the ability to succeed
encounter academic problems, which affect performance and lead to grades that do not meet
minimum university standards.
In the interest of candor and clarity, this is a summary of the current Graduate Regulations:
Grad students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all courses taken.
If a graduate students cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, this results in the student being
placed on probation for the following semester.
If a graduate student remains on probation after one semester, that student will be
automatically dismissed from the university. There is no possibility of exceptions to this
policy, or for appealing this decision.
Example:
A graduate student who receives grades of B, B, and C+ in a semester will be placed on
probation because the cumulative GPA is less than 3.0. Even if a student receives
grades of B, B, B in the following semester, the cumulative GPA will be less than 3.0,
and the student will be dismissed from the university.

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A student cannot voluntarily withdraw from the university during a semester while on
probation in order to avoid dismissal. Dismissal from the university is permanent, and a
dismissed student cannot re-apply to AU.
Comprehensive Examinations
It is University policy that all masters degree students must complete a comprehensive
examination. The term comprehensive examination is broad and can be satisfied in a variety
of ways such as a portfolio, an oral or written examination, a thesis or project, or completion of
a seminar or sequence of courses. Comprehensive examinations are based on the contents of
the entire program, with the content of specific courses demonstrated cumulatively in the
particular format used. Students should consult with the program director or the graduate
student advisor for details and timetables.
Faculty Expectations of Graduate Student Performance
SPEX faculty members expect grad students to attend all classes, complete assigned readings
before the class period in which they are to be discussed, participate actively and thoughtfully
in class discussions, complete required writing assignments on time, submit completed work
that is proofread and free from error, treat class members and the faculty with respect, and
comply with University regulations.
Protection of Human Subjects
Any research involving interviewing, surveying, or observing human beings is subject to review
and approval by the University Institutional Review Board (IRB) and information about the
universitys IRB process is outlined at http://american.edu/irb. The university IRB liaison can be
contacted at irb@american.edu.
Ethical Principles Related to Conducting Research
Students are expected to be familiar with the guidelines and criteria that ensure all research
activities they undertake conform to ethical standards related to the protection of human
subjects. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in and complete the free tutorial,
Protecting Human Research Participants, offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Office of Extramural Research. In some courses, completing this training is required.
The NIH online training program consists of seven modules addressing the principles used to
define ethical research using humans and the regulations, policies, and guidance that describe
the implementation of those principles. Four of these modules are followed by a quiz. The
online training program takes approximately 3 hours to complete. To access the NIH website,
go to: https://pphi.nihtraining.com

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