Critical Thinking and Communication

 #Semester#

I.Instructor Information

Instructor’s name:Sheila Boysen

Lewis office location:virtual

Office hours:by appointment

How to make appointments outside of office hours: Please contact the instructor via email.

Lewis office phone number:847.754.5678

Lewis email address: boysensh@lewisu.edu(Expected response time is maximum of 24 hours)

II.Course Information

Course Name, Number, & Section:BSAD 50100-001 Critical Thinking and Communication

Course Credit Hours: 3

Course description: Through exploring today’s complex business problems, students will develop a critical thinking attitude while learning how to apply an array of critical thinking skills. Emphasis will be placed on using logical reasoning supported by qualitative and quantitative evidence to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and justify decisions. It is expected that students will become better listeners, more capable communicators – both in writing and speaking – as well as better at reflecting upon their own thinking. The class is based on the premise that critical thinking and communication skills are best learned through practice. Being able to communicate across cultures is a highly sought-after skill for businesses today. You will learn to apply your emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence to make every cross-cultural interaction a success and demonstrate your emotional intelligence and your cultural communication competency.

Course meeting times, days, and location: Online

Student Learning Outcomes:

Course student learning outcomes:

1. The student identifies the impact of innovation in personal and professional settings.
2. The student utilizes evidence-based techniques to make strategic decisions.
3. The student applies emotional intelligence (EI) to improve intrapersonal and interpersonal interactions.
4. The student demonstrates cultural intelligence (CI) within multicultural and contemporary business situations.
5. The student employs effective professional communication strategy.
6. The student applies active listening techniques to generate positive influence and help others to feel seen and heard.
7. The student creates a personal and professional branding strategy.
8. The student utilized effective career communication techniques and strategies. Analyze and use several quantitative models

MBA Program student learning outcomes:

The graduate leverages data to make ethical and strategic decisions.

The graduate applies purpose-driven and stakeholder-oriented management strategies, theories and processes to build a shared vision while achieving goals.

The graduate anticipates needs, conceptualizes solutions and produces positive outcomes by actively engaging, listening to and influencing others.

The graduate applies a mindset of resilience ,self awareness and self-reflection to define and navigate personal and professional purpose.

The graduate designs, implements and evaluates data-informed and culturally conscious strategies, theories and processes to generate results.

III.University Mission Statement

Lewis University, guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, provides to a diverse student population programs for a liberal and professional education grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth.

Lewis promotes the development of the complete person through the pursuit of wisdom and justice. Fundamental to its Mission is a spirit of association which develops community in all teaching, learning and service.

How this course connects to the University Mission:

Lewis University is a Catholic University in the Lasallian Tradition. Our Mission is integrated into all aspects of University life, including this course. This course embraces the Mission of the University by fostering an environment in which each student is respected as an individual within a community of learners. In the spirit of the vision of Lewis University, the goals and objectives of this course seek to prepare students to be successful, life-long learners who are intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, socially responsible, and globally aware.

IV.Required Course Materials

Textbook(s):

• Bradberry, T., Greaves, J., & Lencioni, P. (2009). Emotional intelligence 2.0. Talent Smart. ISBN-13 : 978-0974320625 
• Perez, N., Ballinger, M. (2016). The 20- Minute Networking Meeting - Professional Edition: Learn to Network. Get a Job. Career Innovation Press. ISBN-13 : 978-0985910648

• HBS Course Pack to be purchased here:https://hbsp.harvard.edu/import/813805

Supplemental readings, videos, online materials: Additional sample questions and notes can be posted on Blackboard by the instructor. Access to New York Times and Wall Street Journal through Lewis University Library channels will be demonstrated.

V.Instructional Methods and Activities

Modality of Instruction: Online

VI.Course Schedule

Date	Topics	Assignments
Week 1	Innovation and Design Thinking	Introductions Discussion Question Written Case Assignment
Week 2	Critical Thinking	Discussion Question Presentation Case Assignment
Week 3	Emotional Intelligence	Complete the Emotional Intelligence Assessment Assessment Written Reflection Paper VoiceThread Assignment
Week 4	Cultural Intelligence	Discussion Question
Week 5	Professional Communication	Discussion Question
Week 6	Effective Listening	Discussion Question Written Reflection Paper
Week 7	Your Professional Value Proposition and Effectively Leveraging LinkedIn	Discussion Question LinkedIn Optimization and Peer Feedback Assignment PVP VoiceThread Assignment
Week 8	Creating and Using Foundational Resume for Career Success	Resume Creation and Peer Review Assignment

Schedule Changes: Any possible change to the schedule will be posted on Blackboard.

NOTE: The Class Schedule provides a general guideline for planning and preparation purposes only. Actual dates may vary at the instructor’s discretion reflecting subject difficulty, length of discussions, addition of supplemental materials, etc.

VII.Grading Criteria and Course Policies

Grade Components

Grade	Percentage
A	100% to 93%
A-	92% to 90%
B+	89% to 87%
B	86% to 83%
B-	82% to 80%
C+	79% to 77%
C	76% to 73%
C-	72% to 70%
D+	69% to 67%
D	66% to 63%
D-	62% to 60%
F	59% or less

The course grade will be determined by the following:

VoiceThread Assignments (x3)75 points

Discussion Posts (x7)175 points

Assignments (x4)200 points

Total Points450 points100%

Grading Criteria

Grade A, A- Requirements

1. Demonstrates accurate and sophisticated understanding of readings and issues. Does more than repeat text or lectures. Draws out additional important implications.
2. Shows a critical stance toward opinions expressed in class or readings. Expresses their own views articulately and defends them well.
3. Shows originality of thought in pressing the critical stance, in drawing out additional implications from readings and class discussions, and in finding personal meaning in the readings and issues discussed.
4. Expressed ideas clearly. Papers contain very few grammatical or stylistic weaknesses.
5. Demonstrates a leadership role in team assignments and attends all teamwork sessions.

Grade B+, B and B- Requirements

1. Shows all elements of “A” work, but will less accomplishment.
2. There is still accurate understanding of readings/issues with a demonstrated ability to do more than repeat text.
3. Critical stance with some effort, not always successful to defend that stance.
4. Some attempt to find personal meaning, with at least hints of originality and creativity of thought.
5. Very clear expression of thoughts and ideas.
6. Contributes more than their required portions in team assignments and participates in all team work sessions.

Grade C+, C and C- Requirements

1. Overall, demonstrates an accurate grasp of the readings and issues, but with some inaccuracy and without deeper sophistication and the ability to draw out additional implications.
2. Some attempt to take a critical stance, but with little effort or success in defending that stance.
3. Some attempt to find personal meaning.
4. Sufficient clarity of expression to communicate ideas but stylistic or grammatical weakness creates some difficulties.
5. Performs their portion of team assignments thoroughly and accurately / participates in most team work sessions.

Grade D+, D and D- Requirements

1. A genuine effort to understand has been made, with some demonstrated understanding of reading and issues but with serious deficiencies.
2. Generally lacking in critical stance or in a defense of that stance.
3. The attempt to find personal meaning is either lacking or greatly hindered by difficulties in understanding.
4. Despite some errors, performs most of their portion of team assignments thoroughly and accurately / participates in some team work sessions.

Grade F Requirements

1. Simply an unsatisfactory effort in key respects, especially in understanding and clarity of expression.

Changes to Course Assignments or Grades: Any changes to course assignments and/or grades will be posted on Blackboard as an announcement.

Course Policies:

Requirements for Submitting Assignments

All assignments are due on the date specified in class. All graded assignments will be returned as soon as possible.

The student is responsible for completing all assignments, within the allotted time period for each, following all instructions as outlined by the professor. Assignment due dates will be published on the Lewis University Blackboard course shell. (http://lewisuniversity.blackboard.com)

Late Submission and Make-Up of Assignments/Quizzes/Exams

The student is responsible for submitting the assignments on or before the scheduled due date and time. This time is designated by the instructor and is not open to negotiation. Absence from class does not excuse the student from any assignments made during the class period. The only valid excuses for late submissions are a documented medical case, jury duty etc. A student who misses a class should check with the instructor or another student to determine if an assignment was made during the class that was missed. Students are expected to work on assignments in assigned pairs, however each student is expected to submit their own work individually.

Make-up exams can only be taken with the approval of the instructor following an assessment of the student’s excuse. Assignments and exams not completed as noted, will receive a grade of 0.

Participation

Students are expected to follow professional and courteous netiquette rules to maintain a positive learning environment. Netiquette guidelines posted on Blackboard will be followed.

The collaborative adult learning model requires students to participate and actively engage in the learning process.

Participation is not the same as attendance. Attendance is simply being present in the classroom. Participation requires students to be actively involved in the learning process. The contributions made by the student should be related to the course content, be relevant to class discussion, and advance shared learning. In preparation for every course, students will be expected to achieve defined learning outcomes – upon which a student’s grades depend. Students bear the responsibility to come to class prepared to fully participate in each class session.

Attendance

In business, not showing up for work can be viewed as grounds for disciplinary action, not getting paid, even dismissal. In the classroom, we will follow the same principle. Attendance will be taken at the start of class. Each class meeting will represent an equal share of the attendance total point value (see page 2). Weather-related campus closures and class cancellations will of course be the exception.

Students are responsible for obtaining material, which may have been distributed on class days when they were absent. This can be done by contacting a classmate who was present or by contacting the instructor during normal office hours.

Confidentiality

Sometimes during class discussions, students will offer information from their place of employment. This may include polices, practices, strategies, and future initiatives. With respect for the other members in the class, we will treat all discussions as CONFIDENTIAL CLASS DISCUSSIONS – that is, as information that will not leave the classroom.

Academic Honesty, Computer Ethics, and Copyright Laws

In the classroom, as in business, plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses. Offenders may receive a grade of zero on the exam, paper or project; or even failure in the course; or expulsion from the University. For more information, refer to the Academic Honesty, Computer Ethics, and Copyright Laws policies in the University Catalog.

Additionally, all Lewis students must abide by the Lewis University Information Services Acceptable Use Policy. This is an agreement between members of the Lewis community and Lewis University regarding use of the Internet, on-campus network, Web Page, Course Management Systems, Student Information System, and all electronic systems. See: http://www.lewisu.edu/welcome/offices/infoservices/All_AcceptableUsePolicy.htm

Use of Electronics during Class

Cell phones and smart phones must be turned off during class. Except in emergency or special situations, use of cell phones and smart phones is forbidden in class.

Mobile Technology

Cell phones and smart phones must be turned off during class. Except in emergency or special situations, use of cell phones and smart phones is forbidden in class.

By Lewis policy and practice, the Lewis email system will be the preferred method of communication to students. Students should normally expect a response within 24 to 48 hours.

VIII.Practices and Policies during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Responsiveness to Change

Understanding that the COVID-19 pandemic could influence the course of this semester, Lewis University will be guided by our Lasallian mission and the well-being of our community of students, faculty, and staff in respond and adapting to any sudden changes or circumstances. Based on the guidance of the State of Illinois and the Centers for Disease Control, it may be necessary to change the planned modality this course.

Flexibility, Accommodations, and Student Absences

Because we are committed to student success, the University community is committed to academic standards while maintaining flexibility and empathy. Absences relating to the Coronavirus crisis will be recognized as excused. Students experiencing disruptions in their lives related to the Coronavirus that impact class attendance and participation should contact their instructor and/or college Dean’s Office for assistance. Students directly impacted by Coronavirus will have the ability to request alternative grading this semester. Requests will be evaluated on a case by case basis and will require documentation.

Students who require academic accommodations due to disability caused by COVID-19, or to limit risk of exposure to Coronavirus, can engage in an interactive process with the Learning Access Coordinator to explore all avenues for accommodations. Students can contact the Academic Services office at 815-836-5593 or learningaccess@lewisu.edu to request an appointment.

Face Coverings, Physical Distancing, and Surface Cleaning

Face coverings are required in classrooms. Students will be expected to maintain physical distancing in the classroom (6 ft minimum) and to keep their nose and mouth covered at all times. Faculty will require students without face covering to obtain a disposable mask at the nearest University office providing them. While the University will disinfect classrooms and common spaces throughout the day, cleaning supplies will be provided in classrooms and offices so that students and faculty can wipe down work surfaces before class begins.

IX.Information for Students

Requests for Reasonable Accommodations

Lewis University is committed to providing equal access and opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. If you are a student with a disability who would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please speak with the Learning Access Coordinator at the Center for Academic Success and Enrichment (CASE). Please make an appointment by calling 815-836-5593 or emailing learningaccess@lewisu.edu. Since accommodations require early planning and are not provided retroactively, it is recommended that you make your request prior to or during the first week of class.  It is not necessary to disclose the nature of your disability to your instructor. For more information about academic support services, visit the website at: www.lewisu.edu/CASE.

Lewis University has adopted Blackboard Ally providing alternative formats for files uploaded by instructors. Students can click the down arrow next to any file, and select Alternative Formats.

Sanctified Zone

Guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, Lewis University is firmly committed to fostering a campus atmosphere that is permeated by its Mission values of Fidelity, Wisdom, Knowledge, Justice, and Association. Accordingly, we have declared the University campus to be a Sanctified Zone, a place and a people United in Diversity. The active promotion of diversity and the opposition to all forms of prejudice and bias are a powerful and healing expression of our desire to be Signs of Faith (Signum Fidei) to each other. To learn more about the Sanctified Zone, please visit: http://www.lewisu.edu/sanctified zone.

Academic Integrity

Scholastic integrity lies at the heart of Lewis University. Plagiarism, collusion and other forms of cheating or scholastic dishonesty are incompatible with the principles of the University. Students engaging in such activities are subject to loss of credit and expulsion from the University. Cases involving academic dishonesty are initially considered and determined at the instructor level. If the student is not satisfied with the instructor’s explanation, the student may appeal at the department/program level. Appeal of the department /program decision must be made to the Dean of the college/school. The Dean reviews the appeal and makes the final decision in all cases except those in which suspension or expulsion is recommended, and in these cases the Provost makes the final decision.

University Student Complaint Policy

The University Student Complaint Policy can be found at lewisu.edu/studentcomplaints

University Grade Appeal Policy

The University Grade Appeal Policy can be found at lewisu.edu/studentcomplaints

University Copyright and Intellectual Property Guidelines

The University Copyright and Intellectual Property Guidelines can be found at https://www.lewisu.edu/osp/pdf/Intellectual%20Property%20Rights%20Policy.pdf

Center for Health & Counseling Services

To support student success, all Lewis students are eligible for free health and mental health services on the Romeoville campus. This includes commuters and those living on campus, part-time and full-time students, graduate and undergraduate students, and those taking Lewis classes at other locations.  For more information, visit the Center for Health & Counseling website at www.lewisu.edu/studentservices/health or call (815)836-5455. 

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) modules have now been added to all degree plans as a requirement for students. MBA students will be required to complete the RCR modules during their Legal, Social, & Ethical Foundations of Business course unless they complete them ahead of time. If students have not completed LSE by September 1, 2015, then the RCR modules will be a prerequisite for Strategic Management.  MSF, MSBA and MSPM students will need to complete the RCR modules prior to their respective capstones.

•     In accordance with the Institutional Review Board (IRB), all students active in a program on September 1, 2015 are required to complete ethical research training prior to receiving a degree from Lewis University.  As a graduate student, you are required to take the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) online modules through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative program (CITI). 

 

•     The RCR modules became implemented into the MBA core course BSAD-60100 Legal, Social, and Ethical Foundations of Business (LSE) in the Summer 2014 semester.  There are eleven modules.  Nine of them consist of a three-minute case study video, text about the module topic, and a multiple-choice quiz consisting of five questions. 

 

•     Students must pass the program with an average of 80%.  They can go back and retake the quizzes as often as needed.  Completing the modules should take between 2-4 hours total, and it doesn't have to be done all at once. 

 

•     Students can complete these modules any time prior to taking LSE.

 

•     Completion of the RCR modules will also be a prerequisite for the MBA BSAD-62000 Strategic Management capstone course, so if they have already taken LSE without the RCR modules, then they will be required to complete them prior to Strategic Management - students will not be allowed to start Strategic Management without successful completion of the RCR modules.

•     Students in the MSF, MSBA or MSPM programs will be required to complete the RCR modules prior to the respective capstone course, FINA-58500 Financial Management Strategies and PROJ-59000 Project Management Capstone.

•     Students will be required to submit a copy of the completion report to the Graduate School of Management.  This can be e-mailed to Patty Perez as soon as they finish and pass the modules.

•     Registration information for the modules is posted on the GSM Blackboard site at https://lewisuniversity.blackboard.com/webapps/blackboard/content/listContentEditable.jsp?content_id=_1763539_1&course_id=_1787_1&mode=reset.

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes & the Major Field Test (MFT) (MBA, MSN/MBA & MSF Students only)

The College of Business (COB) assesses student learning outcomes and uses this for quality improvement of the COB programs. This is consistent with the goals of both of our accreditors, the North Central Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). As a College, we are striving to develop “Competent business professionals, who are the best 21st century communicators.”

The assessment of subject matter content is accomplished through the Educational Testing Service’s Major Field Test (ETS MFT). Each course in our programs contributes content-knowledge that your future employers and our society expect you to acquire. Analyzing the data the MFT allows the COB to improve the content of our courses. The COB posts composite results of students’ performance on the ETS MFT, against a predetermined COB standard.

• To help prepare for the ETS MFT, the COB has created a number of review modules, which are made available to students when they register for the Major Field Test (BGEN-69600).
• Students must register for the MFT in the last semester before graduation.
• Completion of the MFT is a requirement for graduation!

Course and Instructor Evaluations

Course and instructor evaluations will be available the last two weeks of class.

Your confidential responses to the survey statements and your written comments are valuable in maintaining and improving the quality of teaching and learning in the College of Business and Graduate School of Management.

Students will receive an e-mail from Course-Evaluation@lewisu.edu with a link to the evaluation.