Boots to Books
BOOTS TO BOOKS
COUN 159 On Course to Success
Fall Semester 2007
Mondays, 3:40 – 6:50 PM, in room LB 306
Instructor
Manuel Martinez, MS, East LA Veterans Center Counseling Therapist
Email: manuel.martinez2@va.gov
Office Phone: 323-728-9966
Course Description
Boots to Books is a new course specifically designed for all veterans (especially returning OIF/OEF veterans), their family members, friends, and supporters. The goal of Boots to Books is to assist the veteran student in making a positive transition from military to civilian life including school. This curriculum is designed to help the student veteran succeed in academics, work, family, and other social settings. The Boots to Books course will teach students interpersonal skills, methods of adapting to civilian life at work, school and at home, and techniques for managing Military Readjustment Transition Issues.
Course Objectives
Required
Basis of Grading
50 points Class participation/Quizzes
100 points Four (4) in-class assignments (worth 25 points each)
100 points Midterm exam
100 points Final exam
150 points Six (6) take-home assignments (worth 25 points each)
450 - 500 total points = A
400 - 449 total points = B
350 - 399 total point = C
300 - 349 total points = D
000 - 299 total points = F
Assignments/Tests
Class participation is determined by your active role in class activities. There will also be random quizzes based on your textbook reading.
In-class assignments will involve writing a few paragraphs on a particular subject in class.
The Midterm and Final exams will consist of questions requiring short narrative answers and will be open book and open notes.
Take-home assignments will be based on specific course material and will require short essay responses. These assignments should be typed.
ScheduleDate | Topic | Assignments |
WEEK 1 September 10, 2007 | Introduction: Goals and objectives and overview of Military Readjustment Transition Issues (MRTI), Battlemind Training | · In-class assignment 1 · Take-home assignment 1 · Read ch. 1-2 for next week Read MRTI handout for next week |
WEEK 2 September 17, 2007 | Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Combat Stress Reaction, Operational Stress, andPost Trauma Growth | · Take home assignment 1 due · In-class assignment 2 · Take-home assignment 2 |
WEEK 3 September 24, 2007 | Grief, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Transition from Active Duty to Civilian Life, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | · In-class assignment 3 · Read ch. 3, 8 for next week · Take-home assignment 2 due |
WEEK 4 October 1, 2007 | Stress Management, Motivation, and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) | · In-class assignment 4 View video “Opposite Action” and be prepared to discuss next class |
WEEK 5 October 8, 2007 | Anger Management, Conflict Resolution, DESC scripting, and Forgiveness | · Read ch. 5 · Take-home assignment 3 View Video ”Forgiveness” |
WEEK 6 October 15, 2007 | Assertive Behavior, Role Play, Empathy, Active Listening, Four Styles of Communication | · Take-home assignment 3 due · Study for Midterm |
WEEK 7 October 22, 2007 | MIDTERM Free Forum | · Read ch. 6 · Take-home assignment 4 |
WEEK 8 October 29, 2007 | Cognitive Therapy, 5 Column, Exercise, Cognitive Distortions, and Mindfulness | · Read hand out on Cognitive therapy · Take-home assignment 4 due · Take-home assignment 5 · View video “Power of Perception” and discuss in class Read ch. 4 |
WEEK 9 November 5, 2007 | PTSD’s Secondary Effects on Family and Relationships, Veterans Day, Role Playing | · Take-home assignment 5 due · View video “Inter-Gender Communi-cation” and discuss in class · Extra Credit: Attend Citrus College Veterans Day · Read ch. 7 |
WEEK 10 November 12, 2007 | *** VETERANS DAY *** NO CLASS MEETING | · Write up extra credit report |
WEEK 11 November 19, 2007 | Biology of PTSD, Self Care, Healthy Living | · Veterans Day extra credit due · Take-home assignment 6 |
WEEK 12 November 26, 2007 | Assessment, Identifying Stuck Points, Benefits of Treatment, Stigma, Resources | · Take-home assignment 6 due · Read ch. 9 |
WEEK 13 December 3, 2007 | Closing comments, review for Final | · Study for final exam |
WEEK 14 December 10, 2007 | FINAL EXAM | Have Fun and Be Well |
Policies
Note: If you need course adaptations and accommodations because of a disability, or if you have medical information you need to share with me, or if you need special arrangements, please notify me as soon as possible.