AAA Program course offerings

CM101: Desktop Hardware/Software                       

The focus of this course is on the computer technology students are likely to encounter in the workplace.  The course is designed to acquaint students with the history of computers, hardware and software fundamentals, to teach students how computer technology can be applied to workplace situations, to introduce new methods for keeping up-to-date with new technology, and to help students develop confidence at using a computer creating a framework of basic skills on which they will build on in more advanced course. (4.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

CT101: Computer Fundamentals                                               

The focus of this course is on the computer technology that students are likely to encounter in the workplace.  The course is designed to acquaint the students with the history of the computer, to teach hardware and software fundamentals, to teach students how computer technology can be applied to workplace situations, to introduce methods for keeping up-to-date with new technology, and to help students develop confidence at using the computer.  (4.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

CT102: Introduction to the Internet

This introductory course is designed to develop skill in utilizing the Internet as an information source and a communicative tool.  Topics include understanding the history and functions of the Internet, using web browser software, finding information with a variety of search engines, transferring files using FTP, and sending and managing e-mail messages.  In addition, students will utilize Microsoft Outlook.  (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

CT105: Word Processing

The word processing course provides students with a highly comprehensive exposure to one word processing system in order to familiarize them with the concepts behind computerized word processing.  The course is comprised of lectures that give the student the necessary information base and laboratory sessions wherein the students apply the skills learned.  (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: OT101               Twelve Weeks

CT106: Spreadsheets

This course will introduce the student to the merits of spreadsheet technology.  The latest spreadsheet software will be utilized in the class.  Students will learn how to do what-if analysis, learn shortcuts on problem solving techniques, learn how to develop macros, and learn how to solve real world financial business problems efficiently.  (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: OT101               Twelve Weeks

CT202: Desktop Publishing

This course is designed to teach the student to produce any communicated document into layouts such as brochures, newsletters, newspapers, invitations, presentations, and other creative documents.  It also teaches how to integrate text and graphics.  (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: OT102, CT105          Twelve Weeks

EC101: English Composition 

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of writing, including the paragraph and different essay patterns.  Emphasis is placed on developing a coherent thesis, writing concisely, and on English grammar and usage.  (4.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

EC102: Communication   

This course is designed to assist students with the development of their verbal and nonverbal communication skills.  Emphasis is placed on interpersonal communication as well as public speaking.  (5.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

EC103: Technical Communication

This is an introductory course focusing on the development and application of the skills necessary for effective technical communication.  Attention is given to the basics of standard written English and to the fundamentals of writing.  The course includes practical applications through weekly writing assignments, beginning with memos, basic business letters and progressing toward short technical reports.  (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

EC201: Business Communication                                    

This course uses a human relations approach to written and oral workplace communication.  Special attention is given to audience analysis and to promoting goodwill both inside and outside of the organization.  With this in mind, students will practice writing direct and indirect memos and letters, as well as learn interpersonal techniques to help them be a successful communicator at work.  (4.0 credits)
Prerequisite: EC101, EC102          Twelve Weeks

MA101: Business Mathematics                                                

This course uses an integrated approach to learning business math.  The students will refine basic math concepts and gain knowledge of business related concepts, including: percentages, banking, markup, discounts, and payroll.  In addition, the student will apply this knowledge using the ten-key adding machine and a calculator, gaining accuracy and speed at both.  (4.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

MA102: Technical Math I

In the first half of this quarter, students will study basic math fundamentals, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.  This may be a refresher course for some students.  The second half includes an introduction to algebra, basic algebraic operations, and simple and complex equations.  (4.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

OT101: Keyboarding I

This course is designed to develop speed and accuracy in the typewriter keyboard.  It begins with learning the keyboard and completing concentrated exercises, enabling the student to become familiar with the location of the keys.  The course then covers the development of basic business correspondence, incorporating the correct usage of English grammar, correct spelling, correct punctuation, and capitalization and numbering rules.    (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

OT102: Keyboarding II

This course is a continuation of Keyboarding I and is designed to improve speed and accuracy on the typewriter/computer.  It entails specialized keyboarding drills in order for the students to build up to 5-minute timed writings with 5 or fewer errors.  It also covers the correct format of business letters, reports, memos, itineraries, envelopes, news releases, and other business documents.  The course incorporates the correct usage of English grammar, correct spelling, correct punctuation, and capitalization and numbering rules into the curriculum.  (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: OT101               Twelve Weeks

OT105: Business Office Procedures

This course is designed to “polish” the skills of the Office Administrator.  It integrates advanced typing and data processing techniques to give the students a real-world view of procedures used in a general business office.  Topics also include telephone techniques, travel arrangements, itineraries, and customer service protocols.  (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

PD100: Student Success

The subject of this course is SUCCESS…what success means to the student personally and how it can be achieved.  Students will learn proven strategies for creating greater academic, professional, and personal success.  Students who have transferred 15 or more credits from another institution are exempt from taking this course.  (1.0 credit)
Prerequisite:  None               Twelve Weeks

PD101: Professional Development I

This course is designed to have the student begin developing a career profile.  The students will research what qualities employers look for, set goals for self improvement, research professional qualifications and career options in their field, and begin developing resumes.  (1.0 credit)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

PS101: Introduction to Psychology

This is an introductory course to assist the students in preparing themselves for the many aspects of living in today’s complex, rapidly changing world and learning required for an understanding of oneself and others.  Topics include stress management, assertiveness, mental health, memory and learning improvements, social values, learning to deal with people of all ages, and problem solving.  (5.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None               Twelve Weeks

Courses offered may be changed at the discretion of Penn Commercial.  Course offerings are subject to change from quarter to quarter.  Penn Commercial reserves the right to determine the availability of a class (day or night) and change any course offering prior to the start of class due to seat availability, availability of instruction, and overall interest in the course.   Penn Commercial can not guarantee that the course listed will be available for both day and night scheduling. Not every course listed will be available during the timeframe that the AAA participant may be available.  Additionally, current students will receive scheduling precedence and all decisions are final.  In the event a course is not offered based on the above-mentioned reasons, AAA program participants will be provided with a list of courses available as a substitute to those courses that become unavailable.