HR60, Human Resource Management, Section 6791
Spring 2018 Course Syllabus

Course Description

Overview of the Human Resources profession and the role it plays in contributing to the success of the organization. Emphasis is on Human Resource responsibilities and procedures, such as employment law, staffing, compensation, ethics, employee relations, training, performance management, benefits, metrics, labor relations, and administration. Best practices, current trends, and the role of Human Resources in strategic planning are consistently highlighted.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes: On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of human resources responsibilities and procedures.
2. Apply the elements of effective Human Resource management techniques to specific employment situations.
3. Demonstrate analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills in addressing Human Resource problems.

 Objectives:

1. Identify and describe the importance of the key components of employee relations, employment law, and human resource planning to an employer in today’s business environment.
2. Identify and explain the role that the Human Resource profession plays in developing and administering the strategic business plan.
3. Explain how the Human Resources function meets the employment needs of an organization.
4. Identify and describe how labor laws, best practices in employment, and employment policies impact the management of employees. 

Class Meetings

In the Spring, classes meet on Thursday evenings, 6:00 to 9:00. In the Fall, classes meet on Monday evenings, 6:00 to 9:00. Maggini Hall, Room 2711

Class Schedule is imbedded in the Word version of this syllabus: Syllabus Spring 2018-1.docx

Instructor Contact:  Eleanore Webster

Email: ewwebsterco@msn.com; ewebster@santarosa.edu

Phone: (707) 280-3448

Office Hours: by appointment 

Course Web Site

Students will use the Canvas course web site to check on handouts, submit research paper and quizzes, to chat with each other, and to receive announcements.

Textbook

REQUIRED TEXT:         Human Resource Management: Functions, Applications, Skill Development, Robert N. Lussier and John R. Hendon (Sage Publications, 2013).

If you want to use the library copy, the information is:

LIST TITLE	AUTHOR	TITLE	EDITION	CALL NO	CHECK OUTS	BARCODE
Human Resources 60 - Webster (D)	Lussier, Robert N.	Human resource management: functions, applications and skill development.	2nd ed.	HF5549 .L825 2016 PersCopy Webster	16	33155005 929750

 

SECONDARY TEXT:

Please see below for information on the reading assignment that is required for HR66. This is mentioned here only to give you plenty of time to prepare this assignment IF you intend to take HR66.

In 1911 to 1912, Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott both set out to lead the first expedition to reach the South Pole. Both reached their destination, although Amundsen reached the destination four weeks ahead of Scott. Amundsen and his team returned to their base safely. Scott and his team died on their return journey.

The reasons for one team’s success and the other team’s failure have been the subject of much discussion since then. The reasons for Scott’s failure to return are highlighted often (transportation selection, nutrition, route, etc.). I believe there are lessons to be learned here in terms of human resources and leadership, especially if you view the team members as employees. Both Scott and Amundsen had to make decisions regarding recruitment, training, supplies, safety, employee relations and performance management.

As part of your grade in HR66, you will be required to turn in a two page paper that briefly reviews the highlights of both expeditions, and then identifies the human resources decisions that led to the success of one mission and the failure of the other. There are a number of readings that compare and contrast these expeditions. There is no one required selection. Books are available in the library as well as online and in book stores. The book that I enjoyed was written by Roland Huntford (1985), The Last Place on Earth. There are others, but be sure to select a work that discusses both expeditions. While the internet provides some interesting articles on this topic, I would not rely only on internet sites such as Wikipedia; there is not sufficient detail in these readings.

You must come to class the first day in HR66 ready to discuss this topic with a group of your fellow students, so the required reading must be accomplished prior to the beginning of class.

Important Dates

Date Class Begins: 1/18/2018 Date Class Ends: 5/17/2018 Last Day Add w/o add code: 1/21/2018 Last Day Add with add code: 2/4/2018 Last Day Drop for Refund: 1/28/2018 Last Day for P/NP option: 2/25/2018 Last Day Drop w/o W: 2/4/2018 Last Day Drop with W: 4/22/2018 FIRST CENSUS DATE: 2/5/2018 Date Final Exam: 5/24/2018 Date Midterm Roster: 3/12- 4/22/2018

Dropping the Class

If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it. A student may be dropped from any class when that student's absences exceed ten percent (10%) of the total hours of class time. It is strongly advised that if you need to miss more than one class/homework deadline in a row that you contact the instructor to avoid being dropped from the class.

Attendance

For face-to-face courses, students who fail to attend the first class meeting may be dropped by the instructor.

Cancelled Class: 

If any classes have to be canceled, scheduled tests will be given and assignments will be collected during the next class period.  You should check at the instructor's office for any new assignments. You may call the department “Hot Line” after 3:30 PM on the same day of the evening class to learn which instructors will be absent that night. This should be helpful if you are traveling from far away. Simply dial (707) 527-4999; then enter the voicemail box 5400 to receive a message listing those classes that will be cancelled for that evening.

Pass‐NoPass (P/NP)

You may take this class P/NP. You must decide before the deadline, and add the option online with TLC or file the P/NP form with Admissions and Records. With a grade of C or better, you will get P.

You must file for the P/NP option by the date stated above. Once you decide to go for P/NP, you cannot change back to a letter grade. If you are taking this course as part of a certificate program, you can probably still take the class P/NP. Check with a counselor to be sure.

Instructor Announcements and Q&A Forum

The instructor will post announcements on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences. 

Late Policy

WRITTEN AND ORAL WORK:  All work must be submitted and/or presented by 11:59 PM on the assigned date.  It is required that all submissions be typed.  Late assignments are generally not be accepted; if accepted (at the discretion of the instructor) the lateness will result in a lower grade than would otherwise have been earned.

Exams

There will be midterm and final exams. The material comes from the textbook, class lectures and supplemental materials. If any exam is missed, a zero will be recorded as the score. It is your responsibility to take the exams on the due date.

Grading Policy

Click the “Grades” link in Canvas to keep track of your grades. I grade per assignment and post grades and comments in the Canvas gradebook.

EVALUATION: Grades will be based on individual performance as follows:           

• 10% class attendance and participation
• 13% mini-quizzes (or current events)
• 20% midterm exam                            
• 12% research paper                
• 20% team presentation                                   
• 25% final exam.         

EXTRA CREDIT: An extra credit assignment is defined by the instructor near the end of the semester. It is optional. The grade for the extra credit will be added to the final exam grade as follows:

Extra Credit Grade           Points added to final exam grade

• A                                1.0 (Example, B- changes to A-)
• B                                0.75
• C                                0.50

GRADING:  Students must obtain a “C” grade in order to pass this course. You should keep an updated total of your points.  Individual totals will be computed once--at the end of the semester. Under normal conditions, the following scale will prevail:

 A--90%         B--80%          C--70%          D--60%

If taking Pass/No Pass you need at least 70% of the total class points and complete the midterm exam and the final exam to pass the class.

Standards of Conduct

Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Student Code of Conduct page Link .

Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. Students are encouraged to share information and ideas, but not their work. See these links on Plagiarism:
SRJC Writing Center Lessons on avoiding plagiarism
SRJC's statement on Academic Integrity

Special Needs

Every effort is made to conform to accessibility standards for all instructor-created materials. Students should contact their instructor as soon as possible if they find that they cannot access any course materials. Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (527-4278).

List of assignments

Note to students: see the Assignments tab in the menu on the left. A separate outline will be handed out in class during the first session.

Emergency Evacuation Plan:

In the event of an emergency during class that requires evacuation of the building, please leave the class immediately, but calmly, following your instructor’s instruction on the evacuation route. Our class will meet at the ball field by Maggini Hall to make sure everyone got out of the building safely and to receive further instructions. If you are a student with a disability who may need assistance in an evacuation, please see me as soon as possible so we can discuss an evacuation plan.

This syllabus is intended to give the student guidance in what may be covered during the semester and will be followed as closely as possible. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify, supplement and make changes as the course needs arise.

This syllabus is an agreement. Continued registration in this course means that you agree to the policies and procedures outlined in this syllabus.