Assignment Type	Number of Assignments	Points each	Total Points	% Course Grade
Pre-Speaker paper summary & questions	7	10	70	25
Post-Speaker analyses	7	10	70	25
Dependable Strengths homework	5	varies	100	36
Participation	N/A	N/A	40	14

II. Specific Assignments & Grading

You will be given a reading in advance of each speaker(s) that relates an important environmental issue to the work that the speaker does. Based upon this reading, you are required to hand in a one-page (single-spaced) document at the start of class when the speaker is scheduled. Your document should contain two parts:

(1) A half page summary of the article you read, in either normal text or bullet point form. You should summarize the most important points rather than all of the issues.

(2) The other half of the page should be devoted to a list of at least 3 questions that you could ask the speaker during her / his presentation.

Be sure to make a second copy of this for yourself to keep during the presentation (so your questions are in front of you to ask).

Following each speaker’s presentation / discussion you are required to write a one-page paper (single-spaced) that connects what you learned about your "dependable strengths" so far in the quarter to what the speaker presented concerning their discipline. You should keep this in mind and be sure to query the speaker about useful skills and personal characteristics in regard to their job so that you can write about it later. You should include in the paper:

(a) What skills / strengths are important for success in the speakers’ discipline and why?

(b) How do your skills / strengths relate to (a)?

(c) Do you find this discipline of personal interest? Why or why not?

(d) Given your answers to a, b and c above, would you consider this field for your future? Why or why not?

This paper is due at the start of class following the speakers’ presentation.

 

Speaker	Date Assignment DUE	Points
Greg Narum	Oct 18	10
Mary Ruckleshaus	Oct 25	10
David Chapin	Nov 1	10
Leslie Brown et al.	Nov 8	10
Environ. Ed panel	Nov 15	10
Political panel	Nov 29	10
Gillian Mittelstaedt	Dec 6	10

3. Dependable Strengths Exercises

You will have a workbook exercise for analysis of your dependable strengths most weeks. The assignments are described in more detail below the table and these will be discussed in even greater detail in class the week before they are due.

You will NOT be graded based on what strengths you describe in the assignments. Rather you will be graded based on the clarity of writing, thought put into the assignments, and connections made between the speakers and the Dependable Strengths process.

A) Dependable Strengths Report

Your report reveals your worth at the present moment—what you have learned from all of your experiences. Your report will address your strengths, evidence of effectiveness, related experiences, and interests and education. The format for this report will be provided at the October 7 workshop.

B) Good Experiences Assignment

Provide examples of "Good Experiences" you have had that would be appropriate to share in an interview with today’s speaker? If so, what are they and what are the Dependable Strengths you have extrapolated from these experiences? – ½ page answer

C) Salary Negotiation Assignment

Answer this question: Have you ever negotiated for a higher salary, different benefits, different job responsibilities? If so, what strategies were effective, what strategies were less effective? If not, how would you go about doing this? – ¼ to ½ page answer.

D) Non-profit / Government Salary Negotiation Assignment

How would you incorporate what you have learned today about salary negotiations into a governmental or non-profit job situation? – ¼ to ½ page answer

E) Goal Setting Assignment

Complete the goal setting method for one career goal. Take it through every step of the process and come prepared to share it in class next week (Nov. 15). – 1 page answer

You are expected to actively participate in the class sessions. When speakers come everyone is expected to ask at least two questions of the speaker. You may use your prepared questions (from #1 above) in this regard. 40 points (14% of your class grade) will be associated with your participation. If you are engaged and ask at least 2 questions of every speaker you will be awarded full points for participation.