Catalog Description

Hours: 36 lecture
Description: Interactive lessons designed to teach college students, adult learners, and workforce development representatives the transferable skills all modern workers need for success in our global economy. Topics include: Adaptability, Analysis/Solution Mindset, Collaboration, Communication, Digital Fluency, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Empathy, Resilience, Self-Awareness, Innovation and Creativity and Social/Diversity Awareness. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Identify employable skills, competencies and soft skills for the 21st century.
  • CSLO #2: Describe work habits and character traits that are necessary to succeed in the rapidly changing world of work.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

36

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

108

Course Objectives

1. Define key 21st-century skills and their role in career success.

2. Identify important employable skills needed in the modern workforce.

3. Recognize the importance of adaptability and flexibility in work environments.

4. Describe ways to handle stress, setbacks, and constructive criticism.

5. List personal strengths, transferable skills, and workplace preferences.

6. Identify the Big Five Personality Traits (OCEAN Model) and how they relate to work habits.

7. Describe professional and ethical behavior in workplace settings.

8. Explain the importance of setting goals and making backup plans.

9. Identify strategies for staying motivated and overcoming challenges.

10. Describe ways to use personal and professional networks for career growth.

11. Describe the characteristics of a professional online presence.

12. Demonstrate how to create and update a LinkedIn profile.

13. Use appropriate tone, language, and content in professional communication.

14. Identify digital tools and technology used for workplace communication.

15. Describe proper etiquette in verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.

16. Demonstrate active listening by asking clarifying questions and summarizing information. 

17. Define collaboration and explain its importance in workplace success.

18. Identify characteristics of effective teamwork and group dynamics.

19. Describe common roles and responsibilities within a team.

20. Explain ways to build trust and create positive team relationships.

21. Differentiate between empathy and sympathy in professional settings.

22. Recognize techniques for building rapport and professional relationships.

23. Describe how emotional intelligence (EQ) impacts workplace interactions.

24. Identify cultural and generational differences in professional settings.

25. Explain basic workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles.

26. Recognize ethical norms and professional expectations in diverse workplaces.

27. Recognize common workplace and community challenges.

28. Describe steps to develop simple solutions for work-related problems.

29. Explain the importance of staying motivated and completing tasks.

30. List brainstorming techniques used to generate ideas.

31. Recognize time management techniques for meeting deadlines.

32. Describe ways to manage stress in a professional setting.

33. List the key components of an effective resume and cover letter.

34. Identify transferable skills that apply to different career fields.

35. Describe how to create a professional personal brand.

36. Explain the concept of a value proposition and how it applies to career goals.

37. Recognize common job interview questions and appropriate responses.

38. Demonstrate how to give a short (60-second) introduction of professional skills.

39. Describe basic networking strategies to expand career opportunities.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: 1. Through an instructor lead discussion on diversity in the workplace, students should actively participate in the discussion and be able to define diversity in the future workplace and whether or not diversity will remain an issue in the future. Students are evaluated based on actively participating in the discussion and their ability to appropriately answer questions.
          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: Students write an essay for a final assignment on a 21st century skills topic with work based learning. Rubric Grading. Example topics may include: Adaptability in the workplace, Communication in the workplace, Collaboration in the workplace.
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will take multiple-choice test on Workplace etiquette, standard grading. Example Question: Which of the following is not an appropriate response to emails? A. Use a professional email B. Include a clear and direct subject line C. Use a bunch of exclamation points D. Try and stay short and to the point

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Create a LinkedIn account and build a professional profile incorporating the key elements of the lecture and focusing on the elements of a profile that will hols an employers' interest. (Objective 13)
          2. Following an instructor lead lecture on developing an action plan for work attainment, students will develop an action plan to continue their entrepreneurial efforts towards work attainment. (Objective 36)

          Distance Learning

          1. Following an instructor lead lecture on interviewing, students will work in teams of two and utilizing virtual meeting software such as Zoom or Flipgrid, deliver a 60 second elevator pitch. The other person will provide feedback and the roles will switch do both students have delivered a pitch and received feedback. (Objective 35)
          2. Using a Discussion Board Forum students will research and develop their own value proposition as a potential employee. Students will respond to at least 3 posts of their classmates providing comments and examples to support those comments. Instruction will review, grade and provide incremental feedback to each post for further learning and comprehension.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Students will read the communication etiquette handout and prepare a list of common etiquette mistakes. 2. Students will read self-awareness brainstorm and professional evaluation sheets and list the key steps in the brainstorming process. Students will also compare and contrast the positive and negative aspects of the evaluation process.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. After reading the team development handout, students will write a 1 page paper identifying the critical components of developing a team. 2. In small groups, students will identify the key trends in generations and present their findings to the class.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

            Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

            Instructional material provided by the instructor.