Course Descriptions
Portfolio I is an introductory course for the College Experience Program. Students will focus on five domains: Functioning in the Environment, Integration into College Life, Learning, Self-Advocacy and Time Management. Students will explore and experience the college campus as well as the surrounding areas. Students will create a portfolio based on work that they have completed throughout the semester. Items contained within the portfolio will represent growth in the five domains as well as personal goals set by each student.
Portfolio II continues the process of achieving personal and course goals of the College Experience. Focus remains on five domains: Functioning in the Environment, Integration into College Life, Learning, Self-Advocacy and Time Management. An important emphasis in this course will be on continuing to integrate into the college environment. Students will begin to explore various careers, work on pre-employment skills and investigate obtaining an internship.
Health & Wellness is an introduction to health and well-being. Topics of discussion include healthy eating, daily exercise choices, as well as stress management. Students will be expected to participate in various physical activities and relaxation techniques.
Introduction to Computer Applications focuses on learning the foundations of basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, search engines, the internet and e-mail. Students will receive hands-on training and will apply these computer skills in required courses for the College Experience. Internet safety will be stressed.
Advanced Computer Applications assumes prior knowledge of basic computer skills and is paced for computer literate students. Topics of instruction include tools and functions of Microsoft Word, a wide array of search engines, data storage, internet use and safety, and e-mail tools. Students will receive hands-on training and will apply these computer skills in required courses for the College Experience.
American Political Culture gives students the opportunity to become a more knowledgeable and active citizen. Class discussions will include civic duties such as voting, local and national government, and local and national news. Students will be required to read the newspaper and/or watch the nightly news and participate in class discussions.
Personal Finance will study the management of funds. Topics discussed: importance of money, creating a budget, checking & savings accounts, pros and cons of varying forms of payment (cash, checkbook, credit/debit cards), keeping a balanced budget and identity theft. Students will be encouraged to join a local bank, since hands-on visits to the bank will be a necessary part of the class.
Community Exploration and Recreation Planning is designed to teach students about the process and importance of community and recreational activities. As a class, students plan one extended trip (3 to 4 days) to a vacation destination. Students will conduct research using a variety of tools, such as the internet, travel brochures, travel guides, travel agents, and the Chamber of Commerce. Students decide on all aspects of the trip, including transportation, lodging, and recreation. The course assessment will be based on an individually-produced travel guide and on a collaboratively-produced travel itinerary.
Advanced Internship This course consists of an internship (with in-service supervision provided through job coaching services) supported by a seminar. The seminar will focus on assuring students’ acquisition of skills in negotiating successful, real workplace situations, such as: communication, acceptance and rejection, conflict and resolution, co-worker and supervisor relationships, self-awareness and self-monitoring, stress management, and positive outcomes. Students use the Saint Rose Career Center in creating pre-employment documents (resume, cover letter) and practice interviewing skills.
Integrated Independence Seminar focuses on life after graduation from the College Experience. This class will prepare students for the outcome of living and working independently. A series of round table discussions will focus on topics vital to mastery of successful community interdependence. A variety of issues related to this outcome will be addressed through assignments and round table discussions. This course provides opportunities for summative reflection about the path to graduation and post-graduation goals.
Post-graduation Enrichment Exploration provides an experience for an optional practicum in planning and executing supported travel outside of NYS and neighboring states. Students engage in authentic collaborative planning for reaching their desired destinations. The course assessment will be based on a student-produced travel itinerary and travel guide.
Health & Wellness II works to establish and maintain healthy living choices, such as making educated food choices, creating a weekly exercise regime and dealing with the stress associated with daily life. Students will discuss ways to maintain these habits upon graduation. Students will be expected to participate in various physical activities and relaxation techniques, as well educate the class about a topic associated with health and wellness. The fitness center will be used as part of this class.
Personal Finance II will delve deeper into the world of managing personal finances. Topics of discussion will include: creating and balancing budgets, comparing banks, choices associated with saving money, credit, loans and identity theft. As part of this course, students will be required to manage their own savings and checking accounts and explore the banking options discussed in class.
Advanced Computer Applications II reviews the foundations of basic computer skills, including tools and functions of Microsoft Word, a wide array of search engines, data storage, internet use and safety and e-mail tools. Students will explore more complex programs such as Power Point and Excel. The dangers and safe guards associated with internet shopping will be discussed. Students will learn how to become knowledgeable shoppers by comparing various computer models and the variety of accessories being offered. Students will receive hands-on training and will apply these computer skills in required courses for the College Experience.
Interpersonal Communication teaches students about all forms of communication and practices using them effectively. This includes but is not limited to: body language, written communication, verbal communication, and facial expressions. The class will discuss the importance of context when communicating with others and will compare and contrast casual vs. work conversation. Miscommunication and misinterpretation will be topics of discussion. Students will practice in small groups and as individuals to become better communicators.
Return to Course listStudies in Self-Expression focuses on providing a means for self-expression. Students will practice expressing their thoughts and feelings of the world around them. Literature, journaling, poetry writing, creative writing, photograph, art and dance will be discussed and practiced. Students will be required to create an original work and present it.
Civics deals with the rights and duties of citizens. Students will briefly discuss the history and government of the United States and how it relates to their responsibilities as a citizen. Students will focus on ways to be conscientious, environmentally and socially responsible adults. The importance of volunteering and giving back to the community will be discussed. Students will be required to spend a set amount of hours volunteering.
Psychology will cover topics such as: the human body, brain chemistry, emotions, human behavior, personality, interpersonal relationships, learning styles, critical thinking and problem solving. Lab activities completed during class will enhance the topic of discussion. This course will give individuals a chance to learn more about their own personality and learning style.
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Field Work Instruction Descriptions
Beginning Cooking is a course for those students without little to no experience in the kitchen. The main focus will be on learning how to use the appliances, learning the names of the kitchen tools and kitchen safety. Students will learn how to cook basic foods independently. Food groups, healthy choices and portion control will be discussed.
Intermediate Cooking is a course for students with some kitchen experience and knowledge of food preparation. Review of kitchen safety and tool use will be included. Students will learn how to prepare multi-step balanced meals.
College Survival provides an opportunity for new students to practice newly learned skills required for life in college. Students will learn the routes to campus and local businesses. Bus routes will be practiced until students can independently ride the bus. Social skills will be discussed during this time as well. Possible topics include small talk, conflict resolution, coping skills, etc…
Sex education is a necessary class for all college students. Students are broken into groups by gender and meet in a private space with a sex ed instructor. Topics of discussion include but are not limited to: hygiene, self-esteem, relationships, dating, sexual intercourse, sexual abuse, etc…