Course Syllabus
Fall Semester 2008
BIT 421 : Philosophy of Career and Technical Education
Main 214 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. MW 3 semester credits
Instructor: Mrs. Jan Repnow Office Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri: 7:30 -8:00 a.m.
Office: Old Main 301K Mon/Wed: 9 – 11 a.m.
Telephone: (701) 858-3325 Or by appointment.
E-mail: jan.repnow@minotstateu.edu
Students enrolled in Business Teacher Education or Management Information Systems
programs engage in learning opportunities focused on developing technical
competence, global perspective, communications skills, and professional and human
relationship skills. Course work emphasizes situational analysis, critical thinking,
creativity, and application as such skills are applied in a reflective decision-making
process. Courses are built around the ARK model, whereby students practice decision-
making through Action, Reflection, and Knowledge.
Course Description:
This course addresses the history, growth, legislation (past and present), and elements
of career and technical education. Students research principles and practices of
career and technical education and its relationship to general business education and
other areas of career and technical education. Visitation to local career and technical
education facilities, guest presentations dealing with current topics, and a thirty (30)
hour practicum are required for this course. Fifteen (15) of those hours will be
designated for Tech Day. Tech Day is a business competition for area high school
completely designed and implemented by BIT 421 students. It is held the first
Wednesday in December each year.
Prerequisite Courses: Co-Requisite:
Admission to Teacher Education BIT 423
Junior Status
Required Text:
The History and Growth of Career and Technical Education in America, Third
Edition, Howard R. D. Gordon
Career and Technical Educator’s Survival Guide,Revised Edition, Association for
Career and Technical Education.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete BIT 421 Philosophy of Career and Technical Education
(ARK) 1. organize a written and an oral message coherently and effectively
(AK) 2. demonstrate ability to research a topic, prepare a report, and present their findings to
all organizational levels.
(AR) 3. demonstrate the ability to work in teams
(AR) 4. practice ethical conduct in their decision making and behavior
(AK) 5. demonstrate acceptable social business behavior
(AK) 6. demonstrate their understanding of cultural differences
(AR) 7. demonstrate use of critical thinking skills when solving problems
(AK) 8. demonstrate the ability to transfer a general concept to a specific situation
(ARK) 9. demonstrate ability to interpret and synthesize information
(A) 10. observe technological applications in real-life settings
(ARK) 11. apply skills in projects, practicums, internships, and/or student teaching
(AR) 12. understand the overriding ideas of career and technical education
(AR) 13. plot a promotional campaign for a career and technical education
(AR) 14. prepare a proposal for classroom equipment
(RK) 15. understand the hierarchy of career and technical education at the national, state,
and local levels
(AR) 16. make decisions as a result of reflective thinking—first as students and later as
persons in the workplace
Course Contents Instructional Methodology
Issues in career and technical Class discussion of topics and issues
education Projects
History of career and technical Guest speakers and field trips
education Readings
Legislation in career and technical
education
Teacher certification
Assessment of Student Learning
Grades will be determined by total points as earned from projects and assignments
using the following Grading Scale:
92 – 100% A 76 – 83% C
84 – 91% B 64 – 75% D
Course Policies
Regular daily assignments and projects will have individual grading scales which will be
included with assignment/project details. Late work shall be assessed ½ of a letter grade for
each day that work is late.
Accommodations
Accommodations and alternative formats of materials are available through the Disability Support
Service located in the basement of Lura Manor (858-3371) or evelyn.klimpel@minotstateu.edu
Minot State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, religion, creed, national origin, race,
age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you believe you have been discriminated against
unlawfully, please bring this matter to the attention of your instructor or MSU’s Human Resource Office
at 858-3352.