EMPOWER Courses
Students in the EMPOWER program have a course of study designed to meet their needs,
interests and skill levels using a personal planning model. Their vocational goals
also will be a factor in determining their course of study. EMPOWER students will
take courses designed for the EMPOWER program as well as regular university courses
for non-credit. All EMPOWER students are required to take 15 hours per semester to
ensure full time student status.
EMPOWER students are required to take the prescribed 20 hours plus 24 hours of internships. The remaining courses in the program will include a combination of EMPOWER courses and regular university courses. EMPOWER students enrolled in regular university courses, for non-credit, will have a learning contract outlining specific learning objectives for each course. This contract will be developed by the student, faculty member and EMPOWER staff.
The following represents a general outline of courses included in an EMPOWER program.
Course Options for EMPOWER students
EMPR 1003. Seminar. This course is taken for credit each semester. It provides an opportunity for all EMPOWER students to meet, discuss any issues and focus on independent living, work and social opportunities.
UNIV 1001. University Perspectives. The course is designed to teach/encourage critical thinking and civic engagement. Additionally, this class will explore strategies for dealing with stress and time management to promote solutions for maintaining a physically and mentally healthy body, and to develop communication and leadership skills to benefit students in their education and their careers.
COMM 1313. Public Speaking. Application of the communication techniques needed to organize and deliver oral messages in a public setting. Emphasis given to theory and practice of message strategies and preparation, audience analysis and presentational skills including multimedia support, speech criticism and the listening process.
ANSC 1032. Introductory Animal Sciences. 2 Hours. Students will be introduced to biological sciences associated with modern systems of care and management of livestock. Foundation sciences include topics in genetics, growth and development, physiology, nutrition, animal health, and animal behavior. Fall and spring semester.
ANSC 1001L. Introductory to Animal Sciences Laboratory. 1 Hour. Study of facilities used in production, processing and management in animal agriculture. Identification, selection evaluation and testing of livestock, meat and milk. Laboratory 3 hours per week.
HOSP 1603. Introduction to Hospitality Management. 3 Hours. Study of the hospitality industry from a global perspective. Emphasizes an introduction to the different sectors of the hospitality industry: food service, lodging, travel and tourism, and marketing of the sectors. Exposes students to experienced practitioners who provide real-life case studies and perspectives on management in the hospitality environment. Provides career development perspectives and instruction as well as management roles and techniques.
THTR 1223. Introduction to Theater. 3 Hours. Examination of the various elements that make up the theater art form. Provides hands-on experience in the artistic and technical aspects of theater. Playwriting, directing, acting and design principles are discussed. Covers dramatic history, literature, theory and the role of the theater in society. Course culminates in collaborative group projects. Prerequisite: Theater major or minor. This course is equivalent to THTR 1003.
RESM 1023. Recreation and Natural Resources. 3 Hours. An examination of the use and management of natural resources for outdoor recreation with consideration of multiple use, environmental ethics, risk management and other current considerations. Several field visits will be required as part of the class, including a weekend outing. Prerequisite: RESM major or RESM minor or by instructor consent.
RESM 2853. Leisure and Society. 3 Hours. This course is an examination of leisure and its effect on society. Course content includes identification and exploration of motivating factors related to various traditional and contemporary leisure expressions as it occurs across diverse populations.