The Learning Objectives for Module 1 are:  (version 1)

1. Demonstrate adaptive responses to diverse population.
2. Explore decision-making strategies to make effective decisions in unclear/ambiguous situations.
3. Recognize and interpret interpersonal and environmental signals.
4. Build trusting team relationships in the context of the workplace environment.
5. Identify and evaluate the unwritten rules of the workplace and apply to performance measures.
6. Recognize the transitional levels of attitudes and apply to workplace settings.
7. Make sound decisions that incorporate effective practice of professionalism attributes into successful performance in the workplace.

Module 1 Learning Objectives:  (version 2)

1. Comply with course requirements in a timely manner.
2. Define professionalism.
3. Identify and evaluate personal style of professionalism and compare to workplace code of ethics.
4. Understand the concepts of Professionalism and Work Ethic.
5. Consider Hidden Rules of the workplace.

NOTE:  Both the above learning objectives are listed in the original text (Word doc).  Which one is correct?

Expectations for successful course completion:

• Attendance and tardiness
• Participation
• Assignments
• Learning journal upkeep
• Grading
• Culminating group project (a creative group presentation at end of course)

Behavioral Expectations:

• Be present physically and mentally
• Suspend judgment
• Identify & manage assumptions
• Listen actively
• Avoid personal distractions (phones, gum, and negative body language, talking while others are speaking, etc.)
• Have fun!

Why study professionalism?

1. As with good health, the absence of professionalism is usually more obvious than its presence. Who will notice whether you have this quality or not? Your boss definitely will as will your customers and co-workers, and it can affect your ability to keep your job and advance in your career.

1. The intent of this course is to explore professionalism behaviors that employers expect in addition to knowledge and skills acquired in your chosen field. Organizations have specific values and opinions on what professionalism looks like. Often these are implied. The concepts in this course will help you to identify potential expectations of a variety of employers.

During the course you will meet the course objectives noted above. Additionally, there will be learning objectives for each module.

View the following videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3aR3yP4aKg – Front Desk First Impressions”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vstg5c3c3g8 – “Ethics” from The Office TV show  (maybe not include this video here?  The following questions seem to be directed at the first video.)

What are the first 3 words that come to mind after watching this video?

• What did you observe in the video?
• What was your reaction to what you saw in the video?
• How would you rate his/her performance?
• What personal assumptions do you have about what should have occurred?
• Do you have other examples of unprofessional behavior that you could share?
• How would you respond if you worked with the person you just observed? Why or why not?
• How can you use what you observed in the video in the future?

Write a personal definition of professionalism on a separate piece of paper and bring it to class.  Should this instruction be included in this online textbook?

Watch one of the following movies:
Reflect on the relevance to professionalism and be prepared to share thoughts in the next class session.

• Office Space
• The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit
• The Devil Wears Prada
• Clerks

Consider these questions:

• Why would employees act this way?
• What is expected of employees? How do you know?
• Why would employers set up rules?
• Why do employees break them?