Human Resource Development (HRD)

Hands-on practicum of leadership strategies and techniques designed to give each student a better appreciation for the dynamics of leadership in intimate, physically challenging and stressful environments, both indoors and out. Students operate in teams which are formed and reorganized on a continuous basis, surrounded by peers at several levels of leadership experience and training. Collaborative learning is enhanced when students apply what they learn in class by describing relevant lessons learned though experiences outside the classroom. The focus of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to lead and follow in an observed setting and receive constant feedback and mentoring on their demonstrated leadership skills. Students learn though leading as well as through a critical reflection, inquiry, dialogue and group interaction. Everyone is responsible for contributing to the learning process.

An introduction to: various leadership styles and their effect on organizations; insight into the leaders' roles and responsibilities within the context of the organization; character- and values-based leadership; basic leadership actions; the importance of self improvement in the areas of time management, health and fitness, goal setting, academic accomplishment and communications; group dynamics, and the development of interpersonal skills.

This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of social identities, and they will gain the necessary skills to facilitate training, programs and dialogues focusing on areas of diversity, multiculturalism, inclusion and access. Students enrolled in this course will be prepared to become a diversity educator in the Diversity Education Empowerment Program sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Student Services at James Madison University.

The purpose of this course is to cover the emergence and advancement of the field of human resource development and provide essential skills for the process of planning, implementing and evaluating workplace learning.

Explores the dimensions of creative and innovative leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the leadership framework (train and behavior theories). Students practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership skills labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of institutional structures, duties and responsibilities of organizational/institutional leaders, and leadership in small organizations. Case studies provide tangible context for learning leadership skills, values, actions and attributes as they apply to a contemporary setting.

An introduction to the role and scope of human resource development with particular emphasis on required competencies for HRD professionals. Critical moral and ethical issues are introduced.

An examination of the principles of leadership and their application within organizational settings. Emphasis will be placed on the critical appraisal of the facets of leadership through the use of cases and readings.

Leadership, motivation and management: how do they relate to workplace learning? This course explores such themes and examines various leadership theories. In addition, learners will develop an understanding of the competencies and skills needed to succeed in a leadership role in HRD.

Through authentic workplace scenarios and case studies, adult learners will analyze jobs and tasks to identify performance gaps or improvement needs. Applying systems thinking, students will design and develop effective HRD solutions, such as detailed performance improvement plans or targeted training programs, tailored to address specific workplace challenges. This course empowers learners to make strategic HRD recommendations that enhance workforce effectiveness and align with organizational objectives.

Provides the basic skill level for students in the area of performance analysis and subsequent assessment. Particular emphasis is placed on actual analysis and assessment situations with application to program and curricular design.

A structured internship experience designed to provide students with the opportunity to contribute within an actual work setting the role and scope of human resource development efforts. Minimum 400-hour experience approved by the program coordinator. The minor does not provide internships.

The purpose of this course is to develop adult learners by focusing on adult learning theories, cognitive and noncognitive learning processes, and diverse cultures and systems of knowing and learning in the workplace.

Designed to provide senior-level students with the opportunity to face some of the dilemmas of leadership. Students will be encouraged to critically examine leaders and organizations to draw from real events the ambiguities of leadership. Course will involve extensive reading, case work and a range of guest speakers.

This course is a study of the learning processes of the adult learner with an emphasis on adaptations of the instructional process to accommodate the differences inherent in the adult learning environment. Practical applications to actual adult learning situations are included.

This course is designed to provide students with the basic skills necessary to design and develop performance-based training programs and courses. Emphasis will be placed on the actual design and development of training materials while working with an actual client.