BOOTS TO BOOKS

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

1. Transition from military to civilian life.
2. Understand problems veterans of previous wars have encountered.
3. Develop coping skills to deal with operational stress and learn early detection of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
4. Learn anger and stress management techniques.
5. Learn problem solving, interpersonal, conflict resolution, assertiveness and other skills to enhance the college, work, home life of the veteran.

Required Reading

1. On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life by Skip Downing

2. Additional readings are in the form of handouts that will be provided by the instructor

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.

Policies

1. Think ahead, turn work in on time.  NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED unless you can provide documentation of your severe injury, illness or other uncontrollable event or circumstance.
2. Please be aware of and review the CitrusCollege guidelines on academic honesty.
3. Please feel free to express yourself; just do so with respect for others.
4. Be prepared.  If you have a home or work situation that is interfering with your study-time, let me know early so we can work something out.
5. All take-home and in-class assignments will be explained in class. You must be in attendance to get these assignment prompts.
6. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED EXCEPT FOR IN CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

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.