Housatonic Community College

Assistant Professor: Janet Lanci MS, LPC

 Office: A206, Phone: 203-332-8548

 E-MAIL: [email protected]

Office hours: On-ground - Wednesday 2pm – 4pm

On-Line – Sunday 10 pm – 11pm via Yahoo messenger ID is Prof_Lanci and via AOL instant messenger ID is Prof Lanci

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
A comprehensive survey of effective advocacy for and with human service agencies. Students will learn about power bases and influence in human service systems. The course will introduce students to advocacy theory and practice, providing lectures, practical hands-on assignments, and participatory learning Prerequisite(s):  ENG* 101

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

            GENERAL EDUCATION:

• 1.2        Demonstrate a knowledge of the behavioral and social sciences and their methods
• 2.1        State a problem clearly
• 2.3        Analyze and organize facts and ideas
• 2.4        Draw reasonable inferences from facts and ideas
• 3.1        Write and speak clearly in standard English
• 3.2        Receive and comprehend written and oral information
• 3.3        Develop and explain a main idea
• 3.4        Develop an argument to persuade an audience
• 4.1        Collect and organize information about a topic
• 4.2        Access information from libraries using printed and electronic sources
• 5.1        Recognize ethical issues, both personal and public
• 5.2        Understand the consequences of a decision or a course of action

OTHER:

• Know advocacy theories and methods
• Understand how advocacy can change human service outcomes
• Demonstrate ability to advocate on behalf of individuals or groups

1. Purposes and types of advocacy
2. Theories of Advocacy
3. Advocacy Goals and Methods
4. Advocacy Issues in Human Services Settings

Required Text:

Ezell, Mark, Advocacy In The Human Services.  Brooks/Cole 2001.

Recommended Web Sites:

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Articulate an understanding of the growing problems of aging in our society, particularly as it relates to young adults through the elderly
2. Critically analyze the physical, social and psychological problems of aging
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the process of aging as it relates to our personal lives and family
4. Articulate an understanding of the dilemma of placing an elderly relative in an extended care facility and/or Hospicing vs. keeping the elderly relative at home
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of grieving, death and dying as it relates to aging.

"Everything hinges on education. Without it, you can't advocate for proper health care, for housing, for a civil rights bill that ensures your rights."

 Steven Wright (American Comedian, b.1955)

Class Schedule (subject to change):

I encourage you to pay attention to current events by reading the newspaper, watching the discovery channel, PBS, Science channel, news programs and/or the History channel, if you should find something that you found interesting that is related to Advocacy please share it with the class.

Week 1 - VISTA and on-line student tutorial, answer your threaded discussion question. Take orientation quiz. Don't forget about the 1 to 2 page essay on your question to be sent to the professor.

Week 2 - Read chapter 1 , answer your threaded discussion question, 1 to 2 page essay on your question to be sent to the professor.

Week 3 – Read chapter 2 , answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 4 –APA formatting, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 5 ––  Read chapter 3, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 6 - Read chapter 4, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 7 –Midterm Exam, Answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 8 - Read chapter 5, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 9 -  Read chapter 6, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question 

Week 10 - Resource Manual is due.  Read chapter 7,answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 11 - Read chapter 8, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 12 -Read chapter 9, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 13 - Writing Assignment is Due!! Read chapter 10,answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 14 -Wrap up. Answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Final Exam

Always run your mouse over the graphics to see if the graphic is being used as a link! Also the following is an extremely important link you will see each Learning Unit. You will find all your homework assignments and directions under the following graphic:

Course Requirements and Evaluation:

Weights of assignments:

• Writing assignment 25%
• Threaded Discussions 25%
• Tests and Quizzes 25%
• Weekly Essays, and Resource Manual 25%

Resource Manual

Through out the semester you will compile via notebook, index cards, rola desk, data base a list of referrals for your clients. You will have a section corresponding with each of the subtopics in this course. There may be some overlapping of resources that is to be expected. Please submit in word a variety of examples of your resources from your manual. It might be easier for this class to put all of your resources in word.

Writing Assignment:

Assignment will deal with your reactions to the readings, on-line lectures and other material presented. Because of who you are, some of the experiences you have had will seem very un-natural, this is to be expected. If you found yourself looking at books, television programs, and/or movies differently that you have watched/read since the beginning of the semester include this information in your paper. Therefore, you are writing a reaction paper. Suggestion: Keep a little “diary”. As you are exposed to new information and/or experiences jot down your opinions at the time. See if your conceptions and opinions change over time as you gain more exposure to material. At the end of the course, you have all your material to put together for a paper – no frantic reading that produces a poor paper.

Paper due November 22nd

–            Paper is to be done in APA format         

–            If you quote you must document!!!!!!!!

–            Plagiarism Will Not Be Tolerated In Any Way Shape or Form!! I CHECK!!!!

–            Minimum of 5 typewritten pages in the body of the paper

–            NO large fonts or margins. 

–            NO clip art to be included in the body of the paper! 

–            Late papers, 3 points will be deducted per day for one week.  After seven days, your paper will not be accepted.

–            70% of the grade for this paper will be on the content 

–            20% of the grade will be on your grammar, spelling, sentence structure and paragraphing

–            10% of the grade is your ability to follow instructions.

It is highly recommended that you have this paper reviewed by a tutor.

Threaded Discussion Questions Assignment:
Read and respond to your assigned discussion question. You are assigned to answer whichever question has your name following it. You will also be responsible for responding to the posts of at least two other students to questions other than the one you answered. The questions are designed to bring about the key points of the module through peer interaction and group participation. Post your answers in the Threaded discussion for each learning unit. Place the number of the discussion question being answered in the subject line of your message along with a brief descriptor. Example: DQ4 Marx' theory.
Instructions:
1. Answer the discussion question assigned to you. You should answer the question that precedes your name.
2. Suggested length is a response approximately equivalent to 150-300 words.
4. You should do the reading assignment for the week before you answer your discussion question, and you are encouraged to refer to outside articles in your response, if appropriate.
5. Please put the number of your DQ, and a brief description in the subject line of your message
6. Write out the question before you write your answer in your posting. This will help us focus on the content and keep things in order.
7. Review the responses of your fellow classmates and post your comments and reactions as appropriate. You are NOT expected to comment on EVERYONE's postings - only those that interest you (but a minimum of two).
For further information please check the rubrics.

1 to 2 page essay
This is to be done in standard essay format with an opening paragraph a body supporting the opening paragraph and a closing paragraph. it is to be double spaced with a 12 font. Graphics are not included in the page size, so don't try to include the fluff to expand your paper. Margarine's should be the standard default size of word. Make sure that you put your name in the body of your paper. Please make sure that you have checked your email for viruses before you send it to me.

Attendance and Tardiness Policy:

This is an on-line class. You must sign on to the class at least twice a week. If you do not it will affect the final grade.

Extra Credit

This assignment will substitute for one low test score ( not a misses exam) or replace one missed assignment. This assignment is to be a minimum of a three page typed paper with a font size of 12 and double spaced. You can find the directions for this assignment on-line through WebCT VISTA. Follow this link:

Fall 2006 Syllabus supplement-Housatonic Community College
Important information for the semester:

Evacuation of the Building:

Please note the evacuation signs for the classroom, posted near the door.

Students must leave the building immediately by the most direct route when the alarm is
sounded and the strobe lights go off. Please take your books and coats. Students must move across the street either on Lafayette Boulevard, State Street, or Broad Street.
Students will be allowed to return to the building only when directed to by the campus
security staff.

Students with Disabilities:

A person with a disability is an individual with a psychology, medical, or learning
impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities. If that disability has an educational impact upon the student, the student should contact the Coordinator of
Disability Support Services to determine if the student is eligible for accommodations. It
is the student’s responsibility to provide the instructor with a copy of the accommodation
plan at the beginning of each semester. If there are any problems/questions, the student
and/or instructor should contact the Coordinator of Disability Support Services at
332-5018.

Weather delays and cancellations of on-campus classes:

For this information students may call the central phone number of the college, 332-5200. Announcements about classes will be posted to the following Radio Stations, TV Stations and websites:

Radio

WICC-AM 600 WEBE-FM 107.9
WEZN-FM 99.9 WKCI-FM 101.3
WELI-AM 960

TV

News 12 Connecticut WFSB
WCTX News 8 NBC 30

Websites

Housatonic Community College www.hcc.commnet.edu
CT Weather www.ctweather.com

Decisions about day classes will be made by 6:15 am, and about evening classes by 3 pm; for Saturday classes, decisions are made by 7 am; for Sunday classes, by 10 am.

Computer Lab Hours – Room A230 and A232

Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 9:00 pm Friday-Saturday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Sunday – 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Student financial obligations:

A student in good financial standing with the College is one who has no outstanding
financial obligations. In order to earn credit in this course, the student is expected to be
in good financial standing with the College.

Students must pay their bills to the College on time and in full. Students who do not do so are in financial default and will not earn credit for coursework done while in default.

Failure to maintain good financial standing does not oblige the College to grant credit for
a course, regardless of the student’s work or attendance in a course.

The professor’s only obligation is to inform the student that the student is not on the roster, and that the student needs to remedy the situation with the appropriate office at the College.

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook lists student rights, responsibilities and expectations for classroom behavior. Note as an example that cell phones and paging devices must be turned off or muted before class begins.

SYLLABUS SUPPLEMENT

LIBRARY HOURS
When classes are in session:
Fall/Spring Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday 8:30am - 3:30pm
Sunday 11:30am - 6:00 pm
Summer Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm
When classes are not in session:
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm
LIBRARY WEB PAGE: www.hcc.commnet.edu/library

The Housatonic Library exists to serve students, faculty, and staff and strives for maximum access. We are open seven days a week during Fall and Spring semesters, have at least one professional librarian available at all times, and offer online off-campus access to many of our databases. To foster communication between faculty and librarians and facilitate practical and efficient use of the library, here is some other information you may find useful:

Reference
Reference service is provided during all hours of library operation.

Library Instruction
Library (or Bibliographic) Instruction sessions to familiarize students with library services and resources are available upon request of the faculty member teaching the class. (The exceptions are the mandatory presentations given to Developmental Studies 99 and English 101 classes.) The presentations are adapted to the needs of the group and range from basic information to more advanced and/or subject specific sessions. If you wish to have a librarian give a presentation to your class, please contact Peter Everett at:
332-5074 or [email protected].

Library Databases
Currently, 13 separate and distinct databases (computerized magazine indexes and other informational directories), are available in the library. These databases offer mostly full-text articles. Most of these databases can be accessed from off-campus via the Internet.
A partial list:

InfoTrac OneFile General Interest/Comprehensive.

Business & Company Resource Center Comprehensive Business and Industry information.

ABI/Inform Global Worldwide Business & Management information.

Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe News/Business/Legal, a multi-layered database with magazine and newspaper articles, excerpts from reference books, etc.

Opposing Viewpoints Pro and con articles on current event topics.

Health and Wellness Resource Center Health/Medical/Psychological, a large
database with periodical articles and excerpts from reference books and pamphlets.

Ethnic Newswatch Indexes smaller publications representing different National, Ethnic, & Racial groups.

¡Informe! Spanish-language magazine index.

Library Computers
The library is one of the areas providing computer services to HCC students, faculty, and staff. The role of the library, and therefore the purpose of library computers, is to provide access to information. The computers are intended primarily for academic/research use. Access is provided for the following areas:

Catalog: For locating and gaining access to any books, videos, DVDs, or CDs that are found in the library.
Databases: For accessing full-text magazine, newspaper articles and other proprietary information via online periodical indexes.
Internet: For access to the Internet for purposes of research.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact:
Peter Everett, Public Services Librarian x5074 [email protected] or
Nancy Blomstrom, Library Director x5072 [email protected]

ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER

The Academic Support Center provides students with a variety of services designed to enhance their academic and personal experiences at HCC.

Some of the specific services offered include:

• One on one tutoring with Master and Peer Tutors in over 90% of the courses listed in each semester's catalog.
• Study Groups are a very effective way to review class materials, stay on top of assignments, and make the grade. Bring your classmates in for a tutor facilitated group review.
• Specially trained writing tutors work with students on all types of writing from developing a paragraph to drafting a research paper.
• A writing lab where students can work with their tutor at the computer.
• "Computer Tutors": computers that have specific software for developmental studies courses (including reading, algebra and basic math), psychology, pre calculus, science and ESL.
• Audio Video resources in basic and intermediate algebra, calculus, statistics, foreign languages and more.
• On Line Tutoring is available 7 days a week. Many evening and weekend hours are available. Come to B 1 16 to get your password.
• Workshops and training sessions provide students with academic skills and personal enrichment. We offer regularly scheduled workshops on such diverse topics as study skills, coping with test anxiety, computer basics, navigating the Internet, and stress reduction.

The Center, located in B116, B118, and B120, is comprised of the Tutoring Center, the Writing Across the Curriculum Center, Disabilities Support Services, and the Center for Testing Services. We're open 8:30 7:30 Monday Thursday, 8:30 4:00 Friday, and 9:00 3:00 Saturday.

The ASC is the available free of charge to all HCC students. Tutoring has been a key to consistent improvement for students doing well in classes and for those who are having difficulty in a course.

Come in to B116 and make an appointment.

We Help You Help Yourself