Graduate Student Professional Development Courses for Spring 2014

GS 600-401: Special Topics: Preparing Future Professionals (2 credit hours) 
THUR  6:00-8:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Nathan Vanderford 
An introduction to various career paths available to master’s and PhD graduates. Students will explore careers paths outside traditional research faculty lines, develop an understanding of what is needed to transition into such careers, identify resources that can aid in obtaining a job within a chosen career path, and gain an appreciation for what can be done today to prepare. The course will be heavily based on student-led discussions. Students will have the opportunity to interact with a number of guest speakers in fields including, but not limited to, teaching, academic administration, industry, consulting, entrepreneurship, and publishing/editing/writing. 
Prerequisite: Graduate student standing

GS 610-001: College Teaching Seminar (1 credit hour)
M 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Linda Worley
Note: Begins on February 10
This seminar addresses a wide spectrum of teaching and learning issues in the college classroom. Intended for graduate students who want to prepare for future academic careers and enhance current teaching activities, this seminar examines pedagogical issues in a general format with opportunities for discipline-specific applications.
Prerequisite: Graduate student standing

GS 630-001: Instructional Technology (1 credit hour)
W: 5:00-7:00 p.m. 
Instructor: Dr. Christopher Rice 
This course will prepare you to evaluate instructional technologies and to determine the best way to deploy them in different instructional contexts and for different pedagogical goals. While not required, students are encouraged to have completed GS 610 (College Teaching) or have a solid comprehension of instructional practices. This course will require you to integrate appropriate instructional technologies with effective instructional practice.
Prerequisite: Graduate student standing

GS 650-401: Preparing Future Faculty (2 credit hours)
Tue: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Linda Worley 
Note: Begins on February 11
An introduction to the roles and responsibilities of college and university faculty and to the variety of institutions where they serve. Students will focus on the academic expectations, institutional identities, and particular policies and procedures which characterize different types of institutions of higher learning. Skills to help students apply for positions and achieve success in their appointments will also be addressed.
Prerequisite: Graduate student standing