Course Catalog
College Experience Program Course Descriptions
Advanced Computer Applications
This course 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 Program. Internet safety will be stressed.
Advanced Computer Applications II
This course 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 Program.
Advanced Internship
This course consists of an advanced 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 refinement, acceptance and rejection, conflict and resolution, co-worker and supervisor relationships, self-awareness and self-monitoring, stress management and positive outcomes. Students will be engaged in performance assessment, involving input from students, employers, college professors, and job coaches.
American Political Culture
Through this course, students will be given 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.
American Sign Language Workshop
This workshop will introduce basic ASL to beginners while using intermediate ASL students as models for practice. The class will include learning signs but more importantly using these ASL signs to carry on a conversation.
Apartment Life workshop
This hands-on workshop will allow students to practice the skills required for independent living. Topics may include but are not limited to: household maintenance, environmental services, laundry care, medical management, recreation and achieving a balanced lifestyle.
Canine Careers
In this course, students will have the opportunity to explore careers and volunteer opportunities related to working with dogs. The course will also focus on how to be a responsible dog owner, and the costs and responsibility of owning a pet. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to do research based on characteristics and personality of different breeds of dogs.
The course will include field trips to the following settings:
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A veterinary clinic
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A privately-owned kennel
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A grooming business
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One of the local humane societies
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Local pet store
In addition, there may be class presentations by individuals involved in raising and training guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, as well as a possible visit from the local or state police K-9 unit.
Civics
This course will deal 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.
Community Exploration and Recreational Planning
The course is designed to encourage independent emotional/social enrichment through community and recreational activities. Students engage in authentic collaborative planning for reaching a vacation destination related to their interests. At least one extended trip (3 to 4 days) will be planned authentically from conception through implementation. The course assessment will be based on an individually produced travel guide and travel itinerary.
Creative Writing
This course is an introduction to creative life writing. It will allow the students to write and reflect on their college experiences. Students will explore journal writing, personal essays, poetry, and short stories. Students will be expected to practice and improve their writing abilities through multiple revisions. The final project will involve compiling a chapbook of their personal writings.
Digital Photography Workshop
In this workshop students will learn the complexities of how to take a quality digital photograph. Techniques and camera functions will be taught and practiced. Computer editing software will be used to alter and improve student photos. A digital camera is required for this course.
Diversity
This course will look at diversity and differences in the US from a historical and cultural perspective. The curriculum will explore differences in race, gender, and disability as they have evolved through history with emphasis on the impact of the Civil Rights Movement. Student will learn how the current climate of strengths, celebrating diversity, and self-advocacy has developed.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about what types of criteria are in place to provide support to individuals with disabilities through the federal and local government, such as social security, VESID, and accommodations consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act. They will be able to utilize this knowledge in accessing future employment, housing, and support services. Students will also learn about funding issues related to services for individuals with disabilities, and the impact of lobbying and self-advocacy.
Guest speakers and field trips will allow student to learn more about specific disabilities such as visual impairments, culture of the deaf, and spinal cord injuries. Documentary and films will be utilized to help emphasize the "People First" philosophy of looking at individual differences.
Drama
Exploring your theatrical side is the focus of this new course. Students will begin by participating in a series of structured physical movements and guided meditation to warm up their bodies and their minds. The class will engage in theatre and improvisational games designed to open their creative thought and allow them to become comfortable. A final performance will be developed with input from the class and performed in front of an audience. The ultimate goal of this course is to foster creative self-expression, improve confidence and advance overall social skills.
Ecology
This hands-on, experiential course will give students an overall view of the concepts of ecology and conservation, as well as a closer look at local environmental conditions and concerns. Neighborhood field trips and at least one long distance field trip will highlight the concepts presented in the class.
Environmental Science
This course will provide a broad overview of current environmental issues, with a focus on global climate change; pollution and waste reduction; and human interventions that can reduce our impact on local and global ecosystems. Students will work on several projects in class:
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A local wildlife census
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Display and timeline of current climate-change issues
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Display and/or timeline of current waste-management and –reduction issues
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One or more additional ecology topics, according to student interests.
Fashion
This course is designed to teach students the basic principles of fashion. They will learn a brief history of fashion and where the styles we see today originated from. There will be emphasis on fitting to make clothes more flattering to the body, as well as how to combine colors: including complementary, neutrals and patterns. We will discuss Eco-fashion and what that means today and why it's so important. Students will make a book of the different types of fabric and how to care for them while learning how to read garment tags and what they mean. There will be field trips to thrift stores to learn how to put together an outfit and sewing one simple garment.
Finance
This course 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 balancing budget and identity theft. Students will be required to join a local bank, since hands-on visits to the bank are a necessary part of the class.
Finance II
This course 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.
First Aid
This hands-on class will focus on the importance of First Aid and Emergency Preparedness. Students will learn the basics of First Aid and CPR and have the opportunity to earn their American Red Cross certifications. Practice of the techniques will be integral during this course. The importance of Emergency Preparedness will be discussed and guest speakers will teach students how to create an emergency kit and how to be prepared in case of natural disaster or other crisis.
Health and Wellness
This course 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.
Health and Wellness II
The focus of this course is 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.
International Studies Workshop
Students in this workshop will learn about the cultures of many of St. Rose's international exchange students. Focus will be on learning the culture of the country and comparing/contrasting to the United States. Each week students will learn about a new culture.
Integrated Independence Seminar
The seminar prepares students for the culminating outcome: living and working independently. A series of discussions will focus on topics vital to mastery of successful community interdependence. Issues related to living with quiet enjoyment, healthy eating, balanced lifestyle that includes exercise and recreation, employment maintenance, life-long learning, and reciprocal personal relationships. The course provides opportunities for reflection about the path to graduation and post-graduation goals.
Interpersonal Communication
Through this course, students will learn about all forms of communication and practice 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.
Introduction to Computer Applications
This course 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 Program. Internet safety will be stressed.
Music Appreciation
This course will focus on enhancing the students' enjoyment and understanding of all aspects of music. The curriculum will include learning about different elements of music, characteristics of composers from different historical periods, types of instruments, leading up to folk, rock, disco, rap and other forms of popular music that the students may enjoy. In consultation with the music department at St. Rose, the students will learn in advance about the composers and music that will be played at several concerts during the semester, and will be required to attend those concerts and share their reactions to the music. Music students from St. Rose will be invited to come to the class to demonstrate and discuss their instruments. Students will research musicians and/or musical genres and prepare power point presentations to share with the class.
Music and Movement
The goal of this course is for students to explore movement and become more aware of their body in space. Class will begin with structured warm-ups to awake the body and increase flexibility and strength. Dance vocabulary and technique will be used but the emphasis will be based on rhythm, body coordination and improv.
Perspectives
The focus of this course is for students to explore contemporary and historical issues and develop a stance which will be presented to classmates in a debate and/or panel discussion. Students will learn the structure of debates and panels and oral presentation skills will be emphasized.
Portfolio I
Portfolio I is a course for students enrolled in their first semester of the College of Saint Rose/Living Resources College Experience Program (CEP). The course is designed to encourage students to explore and experience college life such as attending class, living with roommates, and engaging in college activities. Students also will be expected to learn the areas surrounding the College of Saint Rose. Five domains are addressed:
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Functioning in the Environment
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Integration into College Life
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Self-Advocacy
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Learning;
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Time Management
Students will create individual portfolios 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
Portfolio II is a course for students enrolled in their second semester of the College of Saint Rose/Living Resources College Experience Program (CEP). The course will focus on the beginning steps for employment: resume development, career assessment and interview skills. Students will set personal goals related to careers and employment. Students will continue to build competencies in the five domains from Portfolio I, including:
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Functioning in the Environment
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Integration into College Life
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Self-Advocacy
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Learning
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Time Management
Students design their portfolios for this course so that artifacts reflect their growth in experience since Portfolio I. For each of their artifacts, students provide an explanation of how this item reflects their increased individual growth within the program.
Post-graduation Enrichment Exploration
The experience is an optional practicum in planning and executing supported travel. Students engage in authentic collaborative planning for reaching their desired destination. The course assessment will be based on a student-produced travel itinerary and travel guide.
Practical History
The objective of this course is to give students an opportunity to become more knowledgeable about the history of the College of Saint Rose, the City of Albany, and New York State. The curriculum will include historical text, field trips to historical sites and guest speakers with an historical perspective. The emphasis of the course will be geared toward the practical, observable links between the past and present.
Psychology
This survey course 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.
Stress Management
Although in many situations, stress prompts us to respond to life's challenges, we generally view stress as something to minimize and manage. Chronic stress affects our susceptibility to illness and disease, our ability to learn and retain information and the quality of our interpersonal relationships. In this course, students will learn specific stress management techniques that include breathing, yoga, and relaxation exercises aimed at reducing the physiological consequences of stress. In addition, students will learn behavioral and cognitive strategies that promote adaptive responses to various physical, psychological and emotional stressors that are an inevitable part of life.
Studies in Self-Expression
The focus of this class is to provide 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.
Studio in Bead Design
Students will use nature and the jewelry arts of primitive cultures as visual inspiration to create original beads. Students will sketch their designs on graph paper that represent finished pieces. Color theory through mixing of clay colors will develop understanding of color and design. Methods of instruction: demonstration, lecture, slide presentation. Original art work will be available to experience and explore. Students will create work with increasing complexity.
Visual Arts
This survey course will explore the world of art using various mediums. Mediums may include: drawing, painting, collage, digital photography, crafting. Students will investigate art in their world, in fashion and as a means of self-expression.
Living Resources
300 Washington Avenue Extension Albany, New York 12203
