Course credit
3 credit hours
Course description
This course of reading and guided reflection emphasizes the process of discerning the fit between life and work; the alignment of values, beliefs and motivations; and making genuine connections with those with whom we work. Designed for individuals working in K-12, community college, university and other human service settings.
Delivery
This course is available in an online format using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. While most students encounter very few technical difficulties, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed.
Prerequisites
UNI students: junior standing
Instructor
Michael Waggoner, Professor
Evaluation
12 assignments, 1 final project
Overview
For much of the world, the idea of choosing work according to personal preferences and abilities is luxurious. Without education and opportunity, most people do not enjoy the rich array of choices available to those of us in affluent developed societies. Even within these societies, access can be far from equitable. So, we are very fortunate. And while we wish this choice for all, and we work to extend this benefit to more people through education and social service, we must for now, as a beginning, be responsible stewards of our own ability to choose.
By nurturing our own talents and abilities, we can make our unique contribution to society. This is particularly important to those of us who aim to enter the human services professions. If we have the regard for our fellow women and men that we think we do as we prepare for a profession serving them, then we owe it to them and to ourselves to carefully inventory our values, beliefs, and motivations. Particularly, we must note how these qualities align, or do not, with the work we aim to do. This is important because effective helping professionals require genuine connections with those being served. This comes more naturally for some of us than it does for others with important consequences. If we operate outside our values and beliefs, the tension over time will diminish our energy and eventually undercut our commitment. If, however, we are operating within our values and beliefs, our energy reserve will be renewed and sustained by our work. The importance of discerning the fit between our life and our work may be reflected in this principle: the greater the alignment of values and beliefs with the work we aim to do, the greater the possibility of relating truly to those with whom we work and of sustaining energy and commitment to our work over time.
This course of reading and guided reflection is a tool to aid in such a process of discernment. Closely following the themes and readings of Parker Palmer’s book, Let Your Life Speak, this course draws the reader into reflection on life lived authentically and with integrity. As you think through your own experiences about people, work, and leadership, I hope that you will be able to respond affirmatively to the poet William Stafford: “Ask me whether what I am doing is my life.”
Requirements
Reading and Writing Assignments
Students need to read the assigned text and complete the twelve (12) units of writing assignments and the three (3) commitment statements. It is recommended to proceed one section at a time through each unit since the writing prompts are closely related to each section. Each writing prompt provides direction for the length of responses expected; they range from ‘one or more paragraphs’ to ‘100 to 250 words.’
Point of View
Each of us experience life with a worldview comprised of values, beliefs, and ideas about the way things work and how they ought to be in relation to each other. Parker Palmer writes from the Quaker tradition and occasionally uses religious language and ideas. You may be comfortable with this, take issue with his approach, or be indifferent. It only matters that you acknowledge the perspective from which he speaks as much as you would have you own perspective acknowledged. Part of your writing responses may react to his outlook – agreeing or disagreeing, but hopefully clarifying your own ideas in the process.
Send in each unit as you complete it.
Course Outline
UNIT 1
Listening to Life
4 writing prompts
UNIT 2
A Vision for Vocation
7 writing prompts
UNIT 3
Journey into Darkness
5 writing prompts
UNIT 4
Selfhood, Society and Services
4 writing prompts
UNIT 5
Way Will Open
2 writing prompts
Learning Our Limits
4 writing prompts
UNIT 6
The Ecology of Life
6 writing prompts
UNIT 7
The God of Reality
5 writing prompts
Turn Around to Discover the World
2 writing prompts
UNIT 8
Mystery of Depression
3 writing prompts
From the Outside Looking In
2 writing prompts
From the Inside Looking Out
1 writing prompt
The Way to God is Down
1 writing prompt
UNIT 9
Back to the World
3 writing prompts
Shadows and Spirituality
4 writing prompts
UNIT 10
Out of the Shadows and Into the Light
5 writing prompts
Inner Work in Community
3 writing prompts
UNIT 11
From Language to Life
1 writing prompt
Autumn
2 writing prompts
Winter
4 writing prompts
Unit 12
Spring
5 writing prompts
Summer
4 writing prompts
Final Project
Summary Reflections and Commitment Statements
After reading the book and completing the twelve (12) units of writing assignments, respond to two summary writing prompts and write a statement [at least 250, but not more than 300 words] for each of the three Commitment statements.
Grading
Each of the 12 unit writing assignments will represent seven (7) percent of the final grade. Each of the three Commitment Statements will represent five (5) percent of the final grade. There are no exams for this course.
Textbook(s)
Palmer, Parker J. (2000). Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Texts are available from www.bookfinder.com
University Book and Supply carries most books used in guided independent study.
To search for textbooks by course, click on "Select a Campus Term" and select Univ.Northern Iowa - Guided Independent Study
Visit the store at 1009 West 23rd Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 319-266-7581 or 800-728-7581
Fax: 319-277-1266
E-mail: bookstore@panthersupply.com
To enroll
ONLINE
GIS enrollment information
IN PERSON
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
2637 Hudson Road (corner of 27th St. and Hudson Rd.)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223
Campus map (Look for Building 31)
For more information
Diane Tournier
Guided Independent Study
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
319-273-2123 or 800-772-1746
gis-program@uni.edu