Occupational & Life Skills
OLS is an associate degree program designed for postsecondary adults with disabilities. This degree prepares students to become self-determined, responsible citizens and confident employees. Students develop a career pathway, interpersonal skills, and participate in related internship experiences.
Need more info? Visit the Occupational Life Skills website
OLS 100 Nutrition Health & Fitness I • 2 Cr.
Examine the concepts of nutrition as it applies to personal health, wellness, and safety. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 101 Nutrition Health and Fitness II • 2 Cr.
Builds on the concepts covered in VENTU 100 to develop dietary and fitness strategies for a healthy lifestyle. Course explores the relationship between diet, exercise, and health, the role of culture and personal lifestyle in making food choices, and eating healthy in today's fast paced, fast food world. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 100 or permission of instructor.
OLS 102 Human Sexuality • 2 Cr.
Explores sexual attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes within the context of the students immediate environment. Students examine adult lifestyles, sexual relationships, reproduction, and responsible sexual behavior. Prerequisite: OLS 107, 110, 111 and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 104 Disability Awareness • 2 Cr.
Designed to increase awareness of different types of disabilities within our community. Individuals reflect upon their own disability and when and how to disclose this information. Prerequisite: OLS 110, 143, 170 and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 105 Introduction to Communication • 2 Cr.
Covers developing and improving fundamental and effective communication skills. Includes understanding interpersonal communication, active listening, non-verbal communication and communicating purposefully in the community. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 106 Communication in the Workplace • 2 Cr.
Students practice assertive communication and speaking effectively in a variety of work situations. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 105 or permission of instructor.
OLS 107 Healthy Relationships & Conflict Management • 2 Cr.
Emphasizes appropriate behavior in a variety of settings involving healthy relationships and the correlated strategies. Students explore and practice conflict management. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 110 Learning Strategies • 2 Cr.
Practice techniques for remembering information, organize study time and space, cooperate in group tasks, and interpret graphic aids. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 111 Learning Strategies in the College Environment • 2 Cr.
Techniques to improve learning including creating notes from text and lecture, synthesizing and summarizing information from multiple sources, cooperating in group tasks, composing basic paragraphs and monitoring comprehension. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 110 or permission of instructor.
OLS 112 News and Daily Living • 3 Cr.
Discusses the types of news and how it effects your daily life. Covers the correlation between reality and representation and how various points of view enter into the elements of news and applying it into an article. Prerequisite OLS 110, 111, 140, 141 and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 113 Critical Thinking through Writing • 2 Cr.
Identify and practice critical thinking strategies. Students research, analyze, and debate current social issues using argumentative and persuasive formats. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 110, 111, and 112 or permission of instructor.
OLS 114 Critical Thinking through Media • 2 Cr.
Explores how media advertising works and why it is so successful with consumers. Analyzes the way buyers are influenced. Takes advertising and correlates it into purchase choices and personal attitudes. Prerequisite: OLS 110, 111, 112, 113 and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 120 Personal Finance I • 2 Cr.
First in a three quarter series covering personal finance. Students participate in hands-on activities, examine personal relationship to money, banking terms, value, checking and savings accounts, reconciliation, needs and wants, and money scams. Students apply math to personal finance and business problems. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 121 Personal Finance II • 2 Cr.
Second in a three quarter series. Students participate in hands-on activities, examine checking an savings accounts, discounts, credit and debit cards, and identify theft and money scams. Students apply math and spreadsheet software skills to personal finance and business problems. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 120 and either 141 or 142 or permission of instructor
OLS 122 Personal Finance III • 2 Cr.
Third in a three quarter series. Student participate in hands-on activities, examine paycheck information, consumer applications, and household financial organization. Students apply math and spreadsheet software skills to personal finance and business problems. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 120 and 121 or permission of instructor.
OLS 123 Environment & Our Community I • 2 Cr.
First in a three course series that address our impact on the Puget Sound, the dynamic nature of the physical environment and how people's interactions shape the world around us. Critical thinking and problem solving are used to determine sense of space. Prerequisite: OLS 110, 111, 130 and acceptance to the program.
OLS 124 Environment & Our Community II • 2 Cr.
Second in a three course series. Continues to builds awareness of the Puget Sound by engaging students in the pressing issues facing our communities. Prerequisite: OLS 123 and acceptance to the program.
OLS 125 Environment & Our Community III • 2 Cr.
Third in a three course series focusing on individual connection to place. Students explore their own relationship to the Puget Sound through the lens of service and volunteerism identifying ways they can contribute to the environmental movement. Prerequisite: OLS 124 and acceptance to the program.
OLS 126 Cultural Awareness • 2 Cr.
Increases cultural awareness both locally and globally. Students begin by reflecting on their own culture and examine how cultural diffusion effects the lens in which they see the world. Students explore how culture, gender, race, politics, and religion shape their lives and the importance of diversity. Prerequisite: OLS 111, 113, 114 and acceptance to the program.
OLS 130 Critical Thinking through Science • 3 Cr.
Introduction to the scientific inquiry methods used to develop critical thinking skills as they apply to personal and workplace situations. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 134 Social Change in America • 2 Cr.
Students examine cases of social change to understand how and why change occurs. Students identify and issue and make a plan to initiate or continue with others toward social change in their community. Prerequisite: OLS 111, 113, 114 and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 136 Citizenship • 2 Cr.
Examine and debate core democratic values, compare and contrast the organization of governments of multiple countries, examine and observe laws and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, analyze the multiple histories, cultures, perspectives, contributions and/or struggles of various peoples, with focus on people with disabilities. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 140 Introduction To Computers • 2 Cr.
Develops basic skills in touch keyboarding and data entry for personal and workplace use. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 141 Computer Fundamentals • 2 Cr.
Builds on material in OLS 140 with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook. Includes resumes and cover letters and professional versus personal computer use. Prerequisite: OLS 140 or permission of instructor.
OLS 142 Computer Applications in the Workplace • 3 Cr.
Includes keyboard review and covers presentation and personal information manager applications. Students create and apply presentation applications, e-mail, calendar and contacts to business solutions in the workplace. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 140 and 141 or permission of instructor.
OLS 143 Career Portfolio • 1 Cr.
Students begin developing a career portfolio based on courses taken, adding to the document throughout the program identifying personal values and strengths. The information is used to begin a career pathway setting an initial career goal. Prerequisite: OLS 105, 106, 110 and 111 and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 144 Office Procedures and Customer Service • 2 Cr.
Covers typical office procedures and customer service skills. Includes filing, forms, faxing, copying, e-mail and telephone protocol, ten-key, and money handling. Emphasis is on developing quality customer service skills through discussion and role playing. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 172 or permission of instructor.
OLS 150 Strength & Fitness • 1 Cr.
Students use a variety of fun and innovative techniques such as resistance and cardio exercises to build endurance and core strength. Emphasis is on overall physical conditioning for both strength and flexibility using the Swiss ball tubing, and/or other equipment. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 151 Self Defense for Mind & Body • 1 Cr.
Develop body awareness with basic knowledge about and applications of self-defense including hand and foot techniques, blocks, defense zones, and the eight directional movements. Explore techniques for conflict resolution and philosophy. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 152 Tai Chi for Mind & Body • 1 Cr.
Develop body awareness with basic knowledge and applications of Tai Chi including hand and foot techniques, slow coordinated movements 1-8, meditation level 1-3, breathing techniques, and five elements 1-3. Emphasis on kinesthetic awareness, flexibility and stress reduction. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 153 Qigong for Mind & Body • 1 Cr.
Increase body awareness through basic knowledge and applications of Qigong including hand and foot techniques, slow coordinated movements, meditation, and breathing techniques. Emphasis on kinesthetic awareness of muscles and bones, flexibility, Qigong theory, and stress reduction. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 154 Martial Arts for Mind & Body • 1 Cr.
Develop body awareness with basic knowledge about and applications of martial arts including hand and foot techniques, blocks, and sequential forms. Explore techniques for conflict resolution, self-defense, increased mental awareness, kinesthetic awareness of muscles and bones, flexibility and stress reduction. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 155 Yoga for Life Balance • 1 Cr.
Covers basic Yoga postures, breathing techniques, anatomy and physiology to enhance balance, self control, self confidence, and physical competence. Emphasis is placed on integrating these elements within the individual and into his or her life. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 158 Introduction to the Theatre • 2 Cr.
Explores the theatre experience from a variety of perspectives, including the audience, the playwright, the actor, the designer, and the director. Attendance at a performance on campus is required. Prerequisite: Entrance to the program.
OLS 159 Introduction to Acting • 2 Cr.
Introduces the basic techniques and tools used by the actor. Moving from improvisation to scene work, students learn warm ups, theatre games, vocal physical and emotional awareness, listening skills, and beginning textual analysis using objectives, obstacles and tactics. Prerequisit: Entrance to the program.
OLS 160 Visual Thinking I • 2 Cr.
Introduces students to visual thinking using elements of design and principles of composition. The aesthetic scanning method of visual viewing is introduced and practiced. Classroom experiences cover a wide range of applied art, media and subject matter. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 161 Visual Thinking II • 2 Cr.
Continues and builds upon concepts covered in OLS 160. Focus is on art history including styles, artists, cultures, concepts and techniques. Incorporates two or three-dimensional art activities demonstrating the art history covered. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: OLS 160 or permission of instructor.
OLS 162 Radio Theatre • 2 Cr.
Improves reading and speaking skills, and explores different facets of the human personality. There is heavy emphasis on sight-reading and basic characterization techniques. Class culminates in a taped radio theater production. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 163 Critical Thinking through Film • 2 Cr.
View and analyze a variety of fiction, non-fiction, and historical fiction films. Decode character, plot, organization, ideas, themes, imagery, cultural influences, and symbolism. Interpret implied meanings from a film and connect them with other films, stories, or events. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 164 Historical Analysis through Film • 2 Cr.
View and analyze a variety of non-fiction, and historical fiction films. Emphasis on understanding film in society to reason, evaluate, connect stories to the real world, and classify them in terms of fiction, non-fiction, and historical fiction. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 165 World Culture Analysis through Film • 2 Cr.
View and analyze a variety of non-fiction, and historical fiction films and make connections between films and world culture. Students examine and describe how films express the world in spatial terms, human interaction, and cultural uniqueness. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program.
OLS 166 Music Appreciation • 2 Cr.
Music is a key element of all cultures across space and time. Designed to give students an appreciation for how the finer elements of music are deeply shaped by the culture of technology and time. Offers critical thinking skills and an appreciation for multiple perspectives. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the program.
OLS 170 Self Determination • 2 Cr.
Using strengths, skills, and accomplishments students assess personal needs and accommodations. Includes effective assertive communication to have needs and accommodations considered or met. Students set measurable goals and develop an action plan. Prerequisite: OLS 105, 110 and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 171 Self Determination in the Workplace • 2 Cr.
Presents methods for advocating for yourself in a professional environment during an interview, how to ask for accommodations, and ask for help as needed. Includes interviewing skills both in group and one on one situations. Covers basic knowledge of ADA, labor laws, unions, and OSHA. Prerequisite: OLS 106, 111, 170, 174, and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 172 Workplace Problem Solving • 2 Cr.
Applies problem solving techniques and strategies to various workplace situations to help students handle any difficulties. Also covers resumes, cover letters and job searching techniques. Prerequisite: OLS 106, 111, 174 and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 174 Career Exploration • 3 Cr.
Students assess their interests, skills, and strengths through a variety of methods, research jobs, and learn to create effective job-search materials. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 170 or permission of instructor.
OLS 175 Field Experience I • 4 Cr.
Students learn how to search for entry-level jobs or internships by assessing their strengths and interests, learning what jobs fit their strengths and interests, and preparing to obtain these jobs by learning and practicing job search skills. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 171, 172, and 174 or permission of instructor.
OLS 176 Field Experience II • 4 Cr.
Integrates practical work experience with academic objectives and guided reflection. Students participate in work-based learning to explore careers and learn employment skills in their career field of interest. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: VENTU 171, 172, 174, and 175 or permission of instructor.
OLS 177 Workplace Readiness • 2 Cr.
Presents skills needed to participate professionally in the workforce. Includes securing an internship site and examines and updates professional publications. Students discuss and construct a professional network, and examine and experience current interviewing styles. Interviews are scheduled and conducted. Prerequisite: OLS 106, 171, 174 and Acceptance into the program.
OLS 179 Controversial Issues in the Workplace • 2 Cr.
Examine controversial issues in the workplace such as gender or racial discrimination, the ADA, harassment, sweatshops, and unions through case studies, related court cases and laws and current news stories. Structured to accommodate special needs learners. Prerequisite: OLS 170, 171, 172 and acceptance into the program.
OLS 180 Individual Study • 2 Cr.
Students develop a plan with a faculty advisor that includes further education, learning objectives, worksite experiences or activities, and evaluation specific to their career pathway. Prerequisite: OLS 106, 171, and OLS 174, and permission of program manager. "
OLS 198 Independent Study in Occupation and Life Skills • V1-2 Cr.
No class description found. Please report this via the feedback link at the top of this website
OLS 199 Individual Study in Occupation and Life Skills • V1-2 Cr.
Students develop a plan with a faculty advisor that includes further education, learning objectives, worksite experiences or activities, and progress and evaluation specific to their career pathway. Prerequisite: OLS 106, 171, 174 and acceptance into the program.
