The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.
HRER 505: Seminar in Human Resources (3 credits) Current human resource topics in the context of organizational strategy, planning, and responsibility.
Overview
HRER505 – Seminar in Human Resources is based on the premise that all managers will benefit from a foundation in human resources and employment relations. The content focuses on concepts, facts, techniques, and processes that have practical application and implication in all industries including small, medium, and large private, as well as public companies and organizations.
Throughout this course a general commentary will be provided for each topic. Further it is anticipated that you will read fully the readings related to the topic as noted in the Course Schedule. The lesson provides learning objectives for each topic at the beginning of the lesson. The readings also provide a summary, discussion questions, and activities. Many of these questions and activities will form the basis for peer-to-peer learning which will be emphasized throughout the course.
A typical week in this course will be comprised of reading the commentary, reading and studying the related reading assignment, taking a ten question, multiple-choice quiz, completing the individual or group activity and reviewing the response provided by the faculty member who is teaching the course.
In order to enhance the peer-to-peer learning opportunity, some group activities will be used. Some students will have had more workplace and/or course work experience than others. Experience can bring a myriad of observations and solutions to human resource challenges. Similarly, those with less experience can, by virtue of their questions surrounding the challenge, spark additional perspectives which may lead to yet other observations and solutions. It is that blending of degrees of experience, similar to that in most workplaces, which provides the richness of peer-to-peer learning.
One final comment on the variation of workplace and course work experience may be helpful. The individual and group assignments are designed to give you the opportunity to grow in your knowledge of human resource management. You are encouraged to challenge yourself, based on your experience, by selecting questions and activities that take your research and your thinking beyond the solutions you have already applied. And, in the case of group activities, use your varying levels of experience to challenge yourself and each other to reach a response that maximizes the group’s ability.
View the following video to reinforce the expectations of this Human Resource Management Seminar.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing the course, you will be able to:
- Define and use various management processes.
- Measure those aspects of human resource management for which you are responsible and relate them to the organization's success.
- Identify discriminatory or other illegal human resource activity and know where/how to seek remedy.
- Plan and assess the personnel needs of an organization.
- Identify types of training needed and develop appropriate training and development materials.
- Apply a pay plan used in an organization.
- Explain the traditional and the futuristic benefits and health and safety aspects provided in the workplace.
- Identify and ethically respond to issues as they arise in the workplace.
Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Additional Required Materials:
- You will choose a book to read on the topic of management leadership from the list provided on the course Web site. You'll need to purchase this book from a vendor of your choice by the end of Week 3 of the course.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You can view the Online Students' Library Guide for more information.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and services. Once you have a Penn State account, you will automatically be registered with the library within 24–48 hours. If you would like to determine whether your registration has been completed, visit the Libraries home page and select My Account.
Technical Specifications
| Operating System | Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8*; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher *Windows 8 support excludes the tablet only RT version |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2 GHz or higher |
| Memory | 1 GB of RAM |
| Hard Drive Space | 20 GB free disk space |
| Browser | We recommend the latest ANGEL-supported version of Firefox or
Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criterion,
and for advice on downloading a supported version,
please refer to the following ITS knowledge base article: Supported Browsers and Recommended Computers.
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching, older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 6 or earlier) do not work with our courses. |
| Plug-ins | Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player (v7.0 or later) [Download from Adobe] |
| Additional Software | Microsoft Office (2007 or later) |
| Internet Connection | Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required |
| Printer | Access to graphics-capable printer |
| DVD-ROM | Required |
| Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers | Required |
| Monitor | Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Schedule
| Lesson | Reading Assignment | Activities |
|---|---|---|
Lesson 01, Part 1: Lesson 01, Part 2: Human Resource (HR) Management |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 01, Part 1 Activities. Complete and submit the Lesson 01, Part 2 Quiz, Activity, and Preparation for the Lesson 09 Interview Project - Question List. |
| Lesson 02: Equal Opportunity in the Workplace |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 02 Quiz and Activity. |
| Lesson 03: Strategies in HR Management |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 03 Quiz, Activity and purchase a management book to read. The Lesson 03 Activity involves both individual and group work, so make sure to begin the activity early in the week to give yourself time to do the research before completing the assignment with your team members. Plan to read your management book during the following weeks, with its corresponding assignment due during the Lesson 11 time frame. |
| Lesson 04: Talent Management and Job Content |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 04 Quiz, Activity, and Seminar Paper Topic Description. Continue to read your management book. |
| Lesson 05: Planning and Recruiting |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 05 Quiz and Activity. The Lesson 05 Activity involves both individual and group work, so make sure to begin the activity early in the week to give yourself time to do the research before completing the assignment with your team members. Begin researching your Seminar Paper topic. Continue to read your management book. |
Lesson 06: Part 1 - Testing and Selecting Candidates Lesson 06: Part 2 - Interviews |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 06 Part 1 Quiz and Activity and the Lesson 06 Part 2 Quiz and Activity. The Lesson 06 Part 2 Activity involves both individual and group work, so make sure to begin the activity early in the week to give yourself time to do the research before completing the assignment with your team members. Complete and submit the HRER Mid-Course Survey Continue to read your management book. Continue to research your Seminar Paper topic. |
| Lesson 07: Training and Employee Development |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 07 Quiz and Activity. Conduct two interviews in preparation for the Lesson 09 Interview Project. Continue to read your management book. Continue to research your Seminar Paper topic. |
| Lesson 08: Performance Management and Appraisal |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 08 Quiz and Activity. Continue to read your management book. Continue to research your Seminar Paper topic. |
Lesson 09: Interview Project |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 09 Interview Project. Continue to read your management book. Continue to research your Seminar Paper topic. |
| Lesson 10: Part 1 - Strategic Pay Plans Lesson 10: Part 2 - Performance and Financial Incentives |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 10 Part 1 Quiz and Activity and the Lesson 10 Part 2 Quiz and Activity. Continue to read your management book. Continue to research your Seminar Paper topic. |
| Lesson 11: Benefits and Services |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 11 Quiz, Individual Assignment, and Activity. Complete and submit your Management Book Review. The Lesson 11 Activity involves both individual and group work, so make sure to begin the activity early in the week to give yourself time to do the research before completing the assignment with your team members. Continue to research your Seminar Paper topic. |
| Lesson 12: Safety and Health |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 12 Quiz and Activity. Submit an Outline of your Seminar Paper. The Lesson 12 Activity involves both individual and group work, so make sure to begin the activity early in the week to give yourself time to do the research before completing the assignment with your team members. |
| Lesson 13: Ethics in HR Management |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 13 Quiz and Activity. The Lesson 13 Activity involves both individual and group work, so make sure to begin the activity early in the week to give yourself time to do the research before completing the assignment with your team members. Start writing your Seminar Paper. |
| Lesson 14: Human Resources in the Global Workplace |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 14 Quiz and Activity. Continue to work on your Seminar Paper. |
| Lesson 15: Seminar Paper |
|
Complete and submit the Lesson 15 Seminar Paper. Prior to turning in your paper to the instructor you must run it through TURNITIN |
NOTE: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please see "Graduation" on the World Campus Student Policies website.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Grading
The World Campus follows the same grading system as the Penn State resident program. The grades of A, B, C, D, and F indicate the following qualities of academic performance:
A = (Excellent) Indicates exceptional achievement
B = (Good) Indicates extensive achievement
C = (Satisfactory) Indicates acceptable achievement
D = (Poor) Indicates only minimal achievement
F = (Failure) Indicates inadequate achievement necessitating a repetition of the course in order to secure credit
| Quizzes | 150 points (10 points each lesson) |
| Activities | 480 points (30 points each lesson) |
| Interview Project | 80 points |
| Management Book Discussion | 100 points |
| Seminar Paper | 190 points |
| Course Total | 1000 points |
| A | 93 |
| A- | 90 |
| B+ | 88 |
| B | 82 |
| B- | 80 |
| C+ | 78 |
| C | 70 |
| D | 60 |
| F | 59 |
HRER 505 Grading
| Lesson | Individual or Group | Discussion Forum | Drop Box | Quiz | Points Per Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Part 1 |
Individual |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Ungraded |
1 Part 2 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 01 Part 2 Activity |
|
30 |
1 Part 2 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 01 Part 2 Quiz |
10 |
2 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 02 Activity |
|
30 |
2 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 02 Quiz |
10 |
3 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 03 Quiz |
10 |
3 |
Group |
Lesson 03 Final Post |
|
|
30 |
4 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 04 Activity |
|
30 |
4 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 04 Quiz |
10 |
5 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 05 Quiz |
10 |
5 |
Group |
Lesson 05 Discussion Forum |
|
|
30 |
6 Part 1 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 06 Part 1 Drop Box |
|
30 |
6 Part 1 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 06 Part 1 Quiz |
10 |
6 Part 2 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 06 Part 2 Quiz |
10 |
6 |
Group |
Lesson 06 Discussion Forum |
|
|
30 |
7 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 07 Drop Box |
|
30 |
7 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 07 Quiz |
10 |
8 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 08 Drop Box |
|
30 |
8 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 08 Quiz |
10 |
9 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 09 Drop Box |
|
80 |
10 Part 1 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 10 Part 1 Drop Box |
|
30 |
10 Part 1 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 10 Part 1 Quiz |
10 |
10 Part 2 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 10 Part 2 Drop Box |
|
30 |
10 Part 2 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 10 Part 2 Quiz |
10 |
11 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 11 Drop Box |
|
30 |
11 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 11 Quiz |
10 |
11 |
Group |
Lesson 11 Discussion Forum |
|
|
30 |
11 |
Individual |
|
Management Book Review Drop Box |
|
100 |
12 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 12 Quiz |
10 |
12 |
Group |
Lesson 12 Discussion Forum |
|
|
30 |
13 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 13 Quiz |
10 |
13 |
Group |
Lesson 13 Discussion Forum |
|
|
30 |
14 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 14 Drop Box |
|
30 |
14 |
Individual |
|
|
Lesson 14 Quiz |
10 |
15 |
Individual |
|
Lesson 15 Drop Box |
|
190 |
| TOTAL FOR COURSE |
1000 |
||||
Deferred Grades
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Assignments
Assignments are due by 11:55 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the date listed on the Course Schedule. Late assignments will be marked down one grade. Assignments that are more than one day late will not be accepted without prior approval.
Note that you will be using Google Docs for several of your assignments. Instructions for using this free software program are included on the course Web site under the Course Resources link on the left menu. You are responsible for reading them. If you need assistance with this software, please contact the World Campus HelpDesk.
Students please note: The Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations does not view Wikipedia as a valid source for information cited in academic work. It can be a useful tool for quickly finding general information on subjects or as a starting point for research. However, students should not cite Wikipedia as a source in papers, reports, assignments, etc.
Seminar Paper—You will be expected to write a seminar paper on a subject relevant to the course. You will be permitted to choose the topic of your paper, subject to approval by the instructor. The paper should be approximately 3000 words, not including tables, references, etc. The American Psychological Association Citation (APA) Style should be used for this paper.
NOTE: Prior to turning in your paper, you must run it through TURNITIN. It is recommended that you do this a few days before the deadline in case this turns up any problems with your paper. To do so, you will use the information your instructor will provide to access their services. Then follow the instructions to download your paper to "First Submission." It sometimes takes several minutes for the program to analyze your paper. Eventually you should see your "Report." The Report should include a percentage score and a color code. If the color is green or blue, you are OK. If it is yellow or red, click to see comments. The report should indicate where your text is too similar to a publication. If the program turns up passages of more than one or two lines, this needs correction - you will need to paraphrase them and cite the source, indicate they are quotations and cite the source, or remove these passages.
Some of your assignments will include Group Work. Please read this helpful information on working in teams and groups.
As a Penn State student, you have access to Lynda.com, your one-stop shop for video tutorials on Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and hundreds more topics--all free to active Penn State faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students. Take tutorials to help with coursework, learn techniques for your own projects, and build tech skills to boost your résumé. Tutorials are not required or graded.)
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Accommodating Disabilities
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Additional Policies
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.