SELF-MANAGEMENT: THEORY AND APPLICATION (FOCUS) -  PSYC 103L

  1. Course Description

The Focus Program incorporates the content of the Self-Management course with assignments and activities designed to enable the students to explore various majors, attend campus activities that focus on a particular major, and have personal contact with a faculty member in a discipline of interest to the student.

The Self-Management: Theory and Application course exposes students to a practical self-management model that enables them to increase academic and personal achievement in a college environment. A self-management framework is applied to thinking and communication skills, motivation, time management, study habits, assertiveness and self-esteem. Through an integrative approach to self-management, the elements common to all of these topics are emphasized.

  1. Course Goal

Through an understanding and application of the principles taught, the student will acquire a foundation for becoming a self-directed, self-motivated learner. In addition, Focus students will acquire an understanding of the range and requirements of available majors so an informed and timely choice can be made.

  1. Course Outcomes and Objectives

The Self-Management Component

  1. The student will be able to identify the affective, behavioral and cognitive components (ABC) of any personal or academic area (s) that he/she would like to improve, discuss the interrelationships among the ABC’s, and analyze personal and academic issues in terms of these three components.
  2. The student will be able to identify different styles of distorted thinking processes when he/she engages in them, and know how to change them when they occur.
  3. The student will be able to identify dysfunctional and/or problematic beliefs, recognize when these beliefs affect his/her feelings and behaviors and change them accordingly.
  4. The student will be able to identify the essential components of self-motivation, analyze motivational situations in terms of the ABC’s, and apply this analysis to the resolution of motivational concerns (particularly in academics).
  5. The student will be able to determine how he/she presently spends his/her time, will have ordered his/her goals and priorities, and will have set up and implemented a time management program.
  6. The student will be able to study and learn in a systematic manner.
  7. The student will learn how to function in an assertive manner by expressing his/her opinion in class, conducting an interview with one of his/her professors, and delivering a formal presentation and doing an analysis of the video of this presentation.
  8. The student will be able to identify past achievements and apply the skills inherent in such achievements to future development. This will result in greater self-esteem and a more positive self-image.

The Focus Component

  1. The student will determine personal and academic goals for the semester.
  2. The student will learn about the academic organization of the College:  the six schools and the majors in each school.
  3. The student will report on two majors of possible interest.
  4. The student will learn about Marist’s Core/Liberal Studies Program:  its content, its value, and the rationale for the Core.
  5. The student will meet individually with the instructor to discuss possible majors and the student’s progress in his/her courses.
  6. The student will learn how to register for classes.
  7. The student will attend and report on a campus-wide Career Expo.
  8. The student will clarify values and long-term goals, which lead to reflection on a major that would support this.
  9. The student will interview a professor in a discipline of interest, then report and present the results to the class.  The presentation will be videotaped. 

 

 

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR SELF-MANAGEMENT: THEORY AND APPLICATION (PSYC 103L)

 

  1. Required Texts

O’Keefe, E. & Berger, D.                 Self Management for College Students, 2nd Ed.

The instructor may choose a second text.

  1. Supplemental Materials (See instructor for availability)

Books:

            Lazarus, A., I Can if I Want To

            Walter, T. & Siebert, A., Student Success

            Watson, D. & Tharp, R., Self-Directed Behavior

Audio Cassettes:

            Guerra, J. & Cotler, S.B. & Cotler, S.M.

            Assertion Training Workshops (4 tape set)

            McKay, M. & Fanning, P. Combating Distorted Thinking

            New Harbinger Publications. Thought Stopping

            Rappaport, A. Relaxation Procedures

Video Cassettes:

            Insight Media Psychology: Motivation

            CRM McGraw-Hill Motivation: The Classic Concepts

            Thaxton Associates, Inc. Believe In Yourself

            Thaxton Associates, Inc. Do Right

            American Media Inc., Whether You Think You Can….

O’Keefe Edward, Presentation of the Core

            CRM Films Who Moved My Cheese?

  1. Related Readings

Dyer, W. Your Erroneous Zones

Ellis, D. Becoming A Master Student

Fensterheim, H. & Baer, J.  Don’t Say Yes When You Want to Say No

Gardner, J. & Jewler, A. College Is Only The Beginning

Goleman, Emotional Intelligence

Goldfried, M. & Merbaum, M. Behavior Change Through Self-Control

Karoly, P. & Kanfer, F. Self-Management And Behavior Change

Rudestam, K. Methods Of Self Change

Townsend Press, Taking Charge Of My Life

            Johnson, S. Who Moved My Cheese?

  1. Course Grading - Although each instructor assigns particular weights to each category, the following common criteria are considered in grading:

Attendance/Participation                

Assignments                                     

Tests

Mid-term and Final examinations                           

 

  1. Course Requirements

a. Attendance is required at all classes and at the mid-course conference.     

Punctuality is expected. Appropriate documentation for absences is required. MORE THAN TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES WILL RESULT IN A LOWERED GRADE.

It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor at least one day prior to the next class to discuss any missed quizzes and/or assignments.

All written assignments must be completed, even if late. Late written assignments will result in a reduced grade (note grading procedures).

b. All homework (readings and assigned activities), tests and participation in class will be evaluated and counted as part of the final grade.

 

6.      Guidelines

Tests

    1. There will be a test on every chapter. Some tests may cover several chapters.
    2. Neatness, writing legibility, organization, spelling, grammar, etc. count.

Written Assignments

c.      All assignments collected by the instructor must be word processed.

    1. The visual presentation of your paper, its organization, and correct spelling and grammar will count in your grade.

 

7.      Academic Honesty

            It is the responsibility of all Marist students to familiarize themselves with the Student Handbook and the College’s expectations for academic honesty. Academic honesty is an absolute expectation of all students for all assignments under any circumstance! It applies to every course element: written, verbal, attendance, etc. Violation of these guidelines will, at minimum, result in an automatic failure of the course.