Study Descriptions and Sample Contracts
This is not an exhaustive list of available studies. These descriptions and learning contracts offer a sample of potential topics and activities. Each student will work with the mentor to create an individualized study appropriate to the student.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
1. Organizational Behavior
Students will gain an understanding of human behavior in organizations at the individual, group, and systems level. The study will include research, theories, models, concepts, and contemporary issues in the field. Topics that can be included: power and politics, motivation, perception and attitudes, diversity, learning, leadership, communication, and culture, as well as other topics.
Sample Learning Contract for Organizational Behavior
2. Organizational Development and Change
The purpose of this study is to gain knowledge in the activity of improving the productiveness and efficiency of organizations through the understanding and application of behavioral science to the development and strengthening of the role of organizational development; leadership; organizational culture; motivation; diagnosing organizations; designing, evaluation, and institutionalizing interventions; human process and resource interventions; and organizational development in the global setting.
Sample Learning Contract for Organizational Development and Change
3. Training and Development
The purpose of this study is to explore and study the theory and application of the training and development function within an organization.
Sample Learning Contract for Training and Development
4. Women in Management
In this study the student will learn about various issues and problems that women encounter in the workplace, especially in management areas.
Sample Learning Contract for Women in Management
5. Human Resource Management
Students in this study will examine the personnel/human resource management function and related activities, addressing effective management and utilization of human resources in an organizational setting. Topics can include the theories and issues associated with recruitment, forecasting, development, utilization, allocation, motivation, compensation, and retention of human resources. Also emerging issues including equal employment, occupational safety and health, work restructuring, and employee involvement in both the private and public sectors may be incorporated.
Sample Learning Contract for Human Resource Management
6. Not for Profit Management
The student wishes to examine management principles and practices with application to not for profit organizations. Effective communications and decision-making, as well as strategies for coping with stress related issues, managing for the future, and merging of health agencies.
Sample Learning Contract for Not for Profit Management
7. Managerial Leadership
In this study the student will gain an understanding of the nature of leadership, particularly leadership effectiveness, the student will study a variety of topics. He/She will review theory as well as guidelines and recommendations for improving managerial leadership effectiveness, and will study the nature of managing and leading, behavioral indicators of managerial and leadership effectiveness, theories of leadership, and sources of power and influence.
Sample Learning Contract for Managerial Leadership
8. Educational Planning (for matriculating students)
The main objective of this study is to develop an individualized associate or baccalaureate degree program and its written rationale. In the process of fulfilling this objective, the student will actively identify and build upon her/his own prior learning (college study and experiential learning, if applicable), preferred learning styles, personal interests, and academic and professional expectations and goals.
Sample Learning Contract for Educational Planning
9. Theories of Adult Learning
The student will explore what is known about learners and learning, including adult development and learning; life phases, circumstances, and transitions that affect learning; how people learn, learning styles, and learning disabilities; motivation to learn; and barriers to learning. In addition, the student will look at diversity, characteristics of learners, self-directed learning, and the process of learning how to learn.
Sample Learning Contract for Theories of Adult Learning
10. Multiculturalism
In this study students will gain an opportunity to study issues related to how race, gender, social class, ability, and ethnicity have influenced the interrelation of groups within the United States. Major theories of multiculturalism will be reviewed along with concepts of assimilation, amalgamation and cultural pluralism.
Sample Learning Contract for Multiculturalism
11. Diversity in the Workplace
This study will explore how diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of society and why perspectives based in culture, race, gender, class, ability, and ethnicity are important social concerns, especially in the workplace environment.
Sample Learning Contract for Diversity in the Workplace