Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include: writing analysis and practice, revision, research paper, and formatting and documentation.  Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

Emphasizes practical knowledge of technical communications techniques, procedures, and reporting formats used in industry and business. Topics include: reference use and research, device and process description, formal technical report writing, correspondence, and technical report presentation.

Provides a description and analysis of economic operations in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of economic concepts and policies as they apply to everyday life. Topics include: basic economic principles; economic forces and indicators; capital and labor; price, competition, and monopoly; money and banking; government expenditures, federal and local; fluctuations in production, employment, and income; and the United States economy in perspective.

This course emphasizes the basics of psychology. Topics include: science of psychology; social environments; life stages; physiology and behavior; personality; emotions and motives; conflicts, stress, and anxiety; abnormal behavior; and perception, learning, and intelligence.

Introduces basic industrial manufacturing processes using material shaping, joining, and assembly techniques.

Provides students with an overview of the functional and structural composition of manufacturing organizations. Topics include: supply and demand, product overflow, types of manufacturing process, structure of manufacturing organizations, manufacturing business principles, employee impact on the bottom line, and workplace ethics.

Provides students the personal and interpersonal effectiveness skills required to succeed in the manufacturing environment. Topics include: listening, communication, team skills, personal wellness, managing change, and creating a positive image.

Provides students with the knowledge and skills associated with quality and productivity in the manufacturing environment. Topics include: world class manufacturing, tools for excellence, and statistical process control.

Provides students with an introduction into computerized process control and the operational requirements associated with automated machines in the manufacturing environment. Topics include: basic mechanics, mechanical systems, hand tools, power tools, industrial controls, electrical safety, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, troubleshooting principles, and computer and automation principles.

Provides students with an introduction to representative manufacturing skills and associated safety requirements. Topics include: plant safety, materials movement equipment, and precision measurements for manufacturing and blueprint reading.

Develops an understanding of how fostering employer/employee relationships in the work setting improves work performance. Develops legal counseling and disciplinary techniques to use in various workplace situations. Topics include: the definitions of coaching, counseling, and discipline; importance of the coaching relationship; implementation of an effective counseling strategy; techniques of effective discipline; and performance evaluation techniques.

Addresses the challenges of improving the performance and career potential of employees, while benefiting the student in their own preparation for success in the workplace. The focus is on both training and career and personal development. Shows the student how to recognize when training and development is needed and how to plan, design, and deliver an effective program of training for employees. Opportunities are provided for the student to develop their own career plans, assess their work-related skills, and practice a variety of skills desired by employers. Topics include: developing a philosophy of training; having systems approach to training and development; the context of training; conducting a needs analysis; critical success factors for employees: learning principles; designing and implementing training plans; conducting and evaluating training; human resource development and careers; personal career development planning; and applications in interpersonal relationships and communication.

Introduces the fundamental concepts and operations necessary to use microcomputers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include: computer terminology, introduction to the Windows environment, introduction to networking, introduction to word processing, introduction to spreadsheets, and introduction to databases.