thinkPhD

The Syllabus July 9, 2006

Posted by thinkphd in : MGT5031 , trackback

I know what to expect in a syllabus. I create them; I pass them out to students. I talk about them in class. I refer to them as a “contract” between me and the student.

So, why was I so intimidated by the syllabus that I received for MGT5031?

I think that it must be the fact that I held in my hand proof that I was really doing this. It’s kind of like when you are ready to take a vacation trip but it seems like it is not real until you get the plane tickets or the final confirmation. My first thought when I read the syllabus was, what the heck was I thinking?

Actually, the syllabus is well laid out and very complete. The assignments are listed and it is cram packed with information that will help me succeed. Of course, the class appeared to be a lot of work. There are three papers to write and the topics are related to the history of management, beginning with the industrial revolution until today. There are five “Modules” dividing the course into swallow-able portions.

The student webpage is very nicely formatted and even includes discussion areas where students can exchange information. One of the topics is Buy/Sell Books. I zeroed in on this topic right after I looked at the prices in the official bookstore, run by MBS Direct. Way too expensive for me! I posted a note about the books that I was looking for, and immediately got some feedback from a few folks selling their books. Paul F. and I made a quick deal and soon my check for $75 was headed his way and his books were headed my way.

We use APA in all classes at the University of Phoenix, so I have the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. The primary text for the course is The History of Management Thought, 5th edition by Daniel A. Wren. A quick perusal and I knew this book and I would get to know each other very well. Luckily, it is not big and heavy so I can carry it easily in my briefcase.

I hole-punched and three-ring-bindered the syllabus and read it four times. I started reading the first six chapters in the Wren book, which is the first reading requirement for Module 2. I thought it might end up being dry. To my surprise, the text is very readable and Mike (my husband) and I have discussed some of the topics. He is a history buff and jumped right in with some insight.

I think I am going to make it.

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