Applied Arts & Sciences (AAS)

AAS 1100. University Foundations for Adult Learners. 1 Hour.

University Foundations for Adult Learners serves as an introduction to higher education and is designed to assist BAAS students become engaged members of the A&M-Texarkana academic community. This course assists students in acquiring essential academic success skills and developing a better understanding of learning processes. Focus is placed on the benefits of higher education and the expectations and values of the university. Students will examine factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. NOTE: This is required of all BAAS students meeting 2015-16 and subsequent catalog degree requirements. Prereq: ENGL 1301 & 1302 with a grade of C or better.

AAS 1301. Prior Learning Assessment Theory and Practice. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to assist students in identifying areas of learning that may be evaluated for college-level equivalency. The course guides students through the preparation and compilation of all components required for the evaluation of a portfolio of prior learning. Students use critical reflection skills to conceptualize the value of prior learning and its implications for future learning. Adult learning theory, models, and concepts are discussed and applied to case studies. Admission to course requires BAAS program admission and permission by BAAS Coordinator. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 & ENGL 1302 with a grade of C or higher.

AAS 289. Independent Study. 1,3 Hour.

This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.

AAS 301. Careers and Work-Life Integration. 3 Hours.

This course examines evolving work-life issues with respect to contemporary organizations and the changing landscape of careers. Major topics will include new career models, career development strategies, the interrelationship of work and family, and career development over the lifespan. Students will conduct a rigorous self-assessment to clarify values, interests, skills and career goals and aspirations.

AAS 305. The Adult Learner and Self-Development. 3 Hours.

This course will provide a formal space to introduce adult learners to the theories of adult development and learning and allow them the opportunity to explore those theories in light of their own personal and professional development. The course will also introduce students to the importance of well-developed skill-sets that include critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, leadership, personal responsibility, and self-directed development. In addition, this cours will house tutorials to help returning adults acclimate to higher education, specifically its environment and expectations.

AAS 390. Psychology of Work. 3 Hours.

AAS 390 assists students in analyzing effective occupational practices as they relate to adult learning theory. The course topics include a comparison of traditional and adult learning theories, self-directed learning, transformative learning, experiential learning, motivation, personality traits, communication, and how these areas of knowledge assist in developing career goals and effective workplace interaction. Prerequisite: ENG 340 or ENG 350 or ENG 345, and must be enrolled in the BAAS program.

AAS 395. Inductive Learning: Prior Learning Assessment Theory and Practice. 3 Hours.

This cours is designed to lead students through the inductive learning process by assisting students in identifying specific learning events, reflecting upon those experiences, and then conceptualizing the prior learning within theoretical frameworks. Specific areas to explore include occupational-based communication and interpersonal skills, leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and time-management. Utilizing Bloom's Taxonomy and Kolb's Experimental Learning Cycle, the course guides studens through the preparation and compilation of all components required for the evaluation of a portfolio of prior learning for collegiate credit. Students use critical reflection skills to coneptualize the value of prior learning and its implications for future learning. Prerequisite: BAAS program admission and completion of ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302 with a "C" or higher.

AAS 489. Independent Study. 3 Hours.

This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.

AAS 490. Deductive Learning: Self-development in Professional Contexts. 3 Hours.

As the summative course of the BAAS program, this course leads students through the deductive learning process of applying theoretical knowledge to experiential settings. The course requires students to develop and present a research project based on an area of professional development within their field of practice. Students will conduct a research report over the selected topic within the context of a specified setting. Prerequisite: AAS 390 or AAS 305 with a C or better, ENG 340 or ENG 350 with a C or better, and senior status.