Topics in Literature
Topic: Career Decision-Making and English: Designing your Life
Class Information
Instructor: Martín, Desirée
CRN: 42104
Time: MW 2:10-3:30
GE Areas: Writing Experience
Description
This class will help provide answers to the perennial question: "What can you do with an English major?" In particular, the focus will be on career exploration and decision-making. Using the design thinking process, characterized by curiosity, trial & error, and collaboration, students will have an opportunity to explore a variety of traditional and innovative career paths and think critically about this process. While developing their own career narrative, students will research the career paths and decision-making of others. Students will prototype and refine career tools including networking, writing for the job search, and interview skills. Additionally, students will take self-assessments, read a variety of materials about the workplace today, and write critical reflections. Using such techniques, this class aims to help students in English understand and articulate the application of their major to the world of work.
Key Learning Objectives:
Explore career paths, jobs and organizations by connecting with employers and alumni
Describe their skills, achievements, and career goals orally and in writing
Apply design thinking and the mindsets of a designer to their career development
Grading
Assignments
Weekly required reflection 1-2 page papers (30%) - these will be due on Fridays
Career Portfolio - Job Posting(Part 1)/Resume (Part 2)/Cover Letter (Part 3) (15%)
Informational Interview (with an English major) (10%)
Odyssey Plans, Set 1 and 2 (10%)
Final exam (15%)
Participation (20%) - in-class participation, Pre/post class surveys, introduction video, completing assessments on time, mock interview, name of tentative individual students plan to interview for informational interview assignment (due in Canvas)
Texts
The Poet X, Elizabeth Acevedo
Educated, Tara Westover
PDFs provided on Canvas