FACS 56                                                                                    Cathy Gable   

Life Management                                                                                  646-4134

Fall 2008   www.mpcfaculty.net/mary_nelson/                                  mnelson@mpc.edu 

Course Description:  Skills to effectively manage and balance personal, family and work life including decision making, goal setting, conflict management, resource management, techniques for improving self-understanding and interpersonal relationships. 

Location:  FC 106

Time:  MW 11:10 am - 12:30 pm

Units:  3 

Text:  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,  Stephen Covey, 1990

            Life Management Skills, Joanne Driggers, 1999 

Course Objectives:  Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to

1.    Assess roles and develop goals based on each role.

                2.     Identify empathic listening skills and communication conflicts.

3.    Define the management process and its applicability to all areas of life.

                4.    Identify and practice decision making and problem solving strategies.

5.    Analyze and evaluate time use patterns based on personal values and goals.

                6.    Apply stress management techniques and coping skills.

7.        Evaluate the importance of nutrition and fitness in maintaining wellness.

8.        Assess current spending habits by keeping a record of expenditures.

9.        Balance a personal checking account.

10.     Develop a spending plan based on available income and needs.

Grading:  The course is letter grade or credit/no credit.  To choose the credit/no credit option, submit the correct form to the Admissions Office no later than Sep. 19.  Credit is based on:                               Participation in class                                        30%

                                    Completion of assignments/projects               55%                            

                                    Exams                                                              15%

 Absence Policy:  No unexcused absences are allowed.  More than three unexcused absences will result in no credit for the class.  Excused absences include illness, death in the family, or other serious situations. 

Last date to drop class is Nov. 18, 2008

Graduation application deadline is Nov 1, 2008 

A student:  -attends class regularly and on time

                                -turns in work on time

                                -demonstrates a level of work that shows personal dedication, innovation and study

                                -has a positive and inquisitive attitude

B student:         -attends class regularly and on time

                                -turns in work on time

                                -demonstrates a level of work that shows adequate preparation and study time

                                -has a positive attitude

C student:         -attends class regularly and on time

                                -turns in work due for most assignments

                                -demonstrates a level of work that shows basic adequacy and minimal preparation

Monterey Peninsula College is a non-smoking campus. If you are a smoker, please show your respect for the environment and for fellow students by smoking in parking lots only.

FACS 56 Course Calendar  (tentative)                                           Life Management 

Texts:   The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey 

            Life Management Skills, Driggers                       www.mpcfaculty.net/mary_nelson ______________________________________________________________________________

   Date                         Topic                                                   Reading Assignments

                                                (See the Assignments from Driggers sheet for specific homework)

Jan 30, Feb 1                 Effective learning/getting control                        Covey, p. 13-62

Paradigms and Principles                                   Driggers, p. 55-102

Feb 22                          Mission Statement                                             Driggers, p. 1-19

Feb 27, Mar 1               Goal Setting                                                      Driggers, p. 21-54

Decision Making                                 

Planning, implementing, evaluating                      Covey, p. 145-182        

Mar 6, Mar 8                Habit 3 – Time Management                              Driggers, p. 255-277     

Mar 13, Mar 15             Time Management

Midterm           

Mar 20, Mar 22             Paradigms of Interdependence                           Covey, p. 185-203

                                    Managing change                                              Driggers, p. 153-162     

Mar 27, Mar 29             Habit 4 – Interpersonal Leadership                     Covey, p. 204-234

                                                                                                            Driggers, p. 201-215

Apr 3, Apr 5                Habit 5 – Communication                       Covey, p. 235-                                                                                                     Driggers, p. 165-199

Apr 10-15                     Spring Break

Apr 17, Apr 19              Habit 6 – Synergy                                             Covey, p. 262-284                                 Managing work and family                                 Driggers, p. 217-225     

Apr 24, Apr 26              Managing stress and fatigue                               Driggers, p. 237-253     

May 1, May 3               Wellness                                                           Driggers, p. 113-152     

May 8, May 10              Managing finances                                            Driggers, p. 279-299

May 15, May 17            Managing finances 

May 22, May 24            Habit 7 – Affirmative living                                Covey, p. 287-307

                                                                                                            Driggers, p. 317-320     

 May 31                       Final Exam 10:30-12:30

FACS 56                                                                                 Life Management

Assignments from Driggers                                                     

This is meant to be a general guideline for assignments from the Driggers text.  Assignments may be added or deleted as the semester proceeds. 

Assignments that are not turned in on time will have points deducted.

Workbook Assignments:  Options for submitting workbook assignments are:

• Photocopy the pages due and place in the homework folder
• Scan the pages into a computer and submit via email to mnelson@mpc.edu
• Tear out the pages to put in homework folder
• Write out or word process assignment to put in homework folder
• Bring the entire book to the instructor to be checked each due date