An MLER student will be sure to meet all the SMLR objectives by taking required courses, which together, encompass the seven areas of learning established as important for our students:

  • Introductory Seminar  (I, IV)
  • Research Methods (II, III)
  • Workforce Diversity choice among courses (V)
  • Collective Bargaining (VI, VII)

SMLR learning objectives have been established for each MLER course. By taking additional courses to round out their program of study, MLER student will have additional opportunities to excel in important areas of learning.

MLER Has the Same Three Core Areas for Success as SMLR

  1. Cognitive Skills and Processes
  2. Knowledge of Theory, Practice, and Application 
  3. Professional Development

The MLER Program also has the same seven goals that are nested under these overarching areas of success. The specific subgoals listed here are those which are appropriate for the MLER program. They are the sub-set of the specific sub-goals for SMLR as a whole.

Cognitive Skills and Processes

The goals here involve skills students need for lifelong learning, participation in society, and success in the workplace.

I) Written & Oral Communication

Communicate effectively at a level and in modes appropriate to an entry level professional.

  • Communicate complex ideas effectively, in standard written English
  • Analyze and synthesize information and ideas from multiple sources to generate new insights
  • Make an argument using contemporary and/or historical evidence either orally or in writing
II) Quantitative Skills

Apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods for analyzing employment relations or workplace issues.

  • Analyze employment relations or workplace issues using appropriate methods: qualitative, quantitative or a combination of the two
  • Formulate, evaluate, and communicate conclusions and inferences from quantitative information
III) Research Skills

Demonstrate an ability to collect, analyze and synthesize information to make logical and informed decisions. Use evidence to evaluate hypotheses, theories and approaches to employment relations or workplace issues.

  • Employ current technologies to access information, to conduct research, and to communicate findings
  • Evaluate the quality and relevance of evidence and research findings
  • Use evidence-based analysis to appraise the validity of various hypotheses, theories, and approaches to workplace issues

Knowledge of Theory, Practice and Application

The goals here involve the key theoretical and foundation areas of study in the employment relations field and the ability to apply that knowledge.

IV) Theoretical Perspectives

Demonstrate an understanding of relevant theories and apply them given the background context of a particular work situation.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of various perspectives, theories and concepts in Employment Relations
  • Evaluate and apply theories from multiple science disciplines to employment relations or workplace issues
V) Understanding Context

Evaluate the context of workplace issues, public policies, and management decisions.

  • Analyze the degree to which forms of human difference shape a person’s experience of, and perspectives on work
  • Analyze issues related to business strategies, organizational structures, and work systems
  • Analyze issues of social justice related to work both in local and global contexts
VI) Application

Demonstrate an understanding of how to apply knowledge necessary for effective work performance.

  • Apply concepts and substantive institutional knowledge, to understanding contemporary developments related to work
  • Understand the legal, regulatory and ethical issues related to Employment Relations

Professional Development

VII) Professional Development

Demonstrate an ability to interact with and influence others in a professional manner, and to effectively present ideas and recommendations.

  • Develop effective presentation skills appropriate for different settings and audiences
  • Develop career management skills to navigate one’s career
  • Develop capabilities to work and lead in a multicultural and diverse environment
  • Work productively in teams, in social networks, and on an individual basis
  • Demonstrate lifelong personal & professional development skills

Number

Short Name

SMLR Learning Categories

500

Introductory Seminar

I, IV

501

Research Methods

II, III

502

Writing in Employment Relations

I

503

Problem Solving Tools

II, III

504

Leadership

VI, VII

505

Negotiation

VI, VII

506

Theories of LER

IV

507

Strategic Corporate Research

III

508

Group Process and Teams

VI, VII

509

American Workers & Politics

V

510

The Inclusive Workplace

V, VI

511

Emotional Intelligence

IV, VI

512

Self-Development for Prof Success

VI, VII

513

Enforcing Worker Rights

IV, VI

515

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

VI

516 Inter-Personal Conflict at Work VII

520

Benefits and Social Insurance

V

525

Public Sector Employment Issues

V

526

Immigration & Public Policy

V

527

Econ & Public Policy in Global Context

IV, V

528

Employment Relations in Sports

V, VI

530

Globalization & Corp Restructuring

V

535

Women & Global Labor Movements

V

538

Financial Analysis & Corp Governance

II

541

Women and Work

V

543

Org Leadership & Change Management

IV

544

Creating/Sustaining a Learning Org

IV

550

Labor Law

V, VI

551

Identity & Discrimination

V

555

Globalization & Work

V

556

Organizational Design & Structure

V

557

Trends & Problems – Nonunion

V

558

Seminar in Workplace Democratization

V

559

Organizing for Social Change

IV, VI

560

Collective Bargaining

VI, VII

562

Global Employment Relations Today

V

563

New Directions in Collective Bargaining

VI

565

Public Sector Collective Bargaining

VI

566

Work and Social Change

IV

570

Interest Dispute Settlement

VI

575

Employment Arbitration Today

VI

581

Structure & Government U.S. Unions

V

604 Survey Design II, III

612

Labor/Employment History

V