Course Overview
Students in this course will study an assertiveness model that differentiates itself from the common notion of what assertiveness is most often confused with. The class will examine, read about and practice skills that lead to “Becoming Your Assertive Self”. This will include leadership, communication/listening, self-management, coaching and feedback skills. This course will help high school students develop a foundation of knowledge and skills to be effective leaders and managers in their lives and eventually in the workplace.
Becoming Your Assertive Self is modeled after a course called “Assertiveness in the Workplace,” which was developed and is taught by Professor Koenig through Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies.
Both courses have the same learning elements, but modifications have been added for high school students to show them how assertiveness and the skills taught to be assertive apply to and will benefit them now and in the future.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Learning Objectives
After taking this course, the students will be able to:
- Discuss the roots of assertiveness theory and empirical research conducted on assertiveness
- Explain the assertiveness continuum and differentiate between assertive and non-assertive behavior
- Use the communication cycle by practicing listening and questioning skills; recognize and be able to explain why assertiveness is at its core
- Develop a self-management plan that balances personal life and professional/life goals that is consistent with the assertive management model
- Apply the coaching and feedback models to personal and work situations and be able to explain why assertive management is at its core
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: SCN 107
Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior status – or a 2025 high school graduate.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Pass/Fail
- Residential: $4,295
- Commuter: $3,318
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – On Campus | 2-Week Session II: Sunday, July 20 – Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 | MTWThF; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Noncredit |
To see if this course is ‘open,’ refer to the full course catalog.
Course Requirements
Required Textbooks
Please know that any supply purchases are not included in the overall tuition fee. Students will need to budget for additional course supplies, textbooks, supply kits, etc.
Below is the required textbook for Summer 2024. Textbook requirements are subject to change for Summer 2025.
- Bolton, Robert, (1986). People Skills – How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others and Resolve Conflicts. A Fireside Book: Published by Simon & Shuster.
- Burley-Allen, Madelyn, (1995), Managing Assertively – A Self-Teaching Guide: How to Improve Your People Skills. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
- Covey, Stephen R., (2019). 30th Anniversary Edition. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. A Fireside Book: Published by Simon and Shuster
Please note, students are responsible for acquiring textbooks for this course. You will not be able to properly participate in this course if you do not get the proper materials. We strongly encourage you order your books to be picked up from The Campus Store, so that you can stop by and pick them up on your move-in day. *If you are a sponsored student, you do not need to purchase your textbooks.*
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
Because this is a skills-oriented course, most of the course, simply put, will be presented on a “tell, show, do” basis. Skills will be discussed, demonstrated by the professor with volunteer help, then practiced and presented by the class. Enhancements such as group exercises (listening assessment for example) and video clips from movies and TV shows will be part of the above. For example, the professor will present the reflective listening model, will demonstrate it, then students will practice then produce their own video demonstration of the skills.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College – On Campus activities to meet and connect with other students! Check out our On Campus Experience page for more information!
Instructor Bio
Stewart Koenig, Syracuse University College of Professional Studies
Stewart Koenig, part-time instructor, Syracuse University College of Professional Studies, developed and teaches this course, “Becoming Your Assertive Self”, based on years of management training in industry.
Professor Koenig has taught at various other local colleges for many years in courses including business communications, marketing, and management.
As president of Koenig Advertising Public Relations in Syracuse – www.koenig-adpr.com – he has extensive hands-on experience working with manufacturers, service businesses, government and not-for-profits, planning, implementing and writing for their marketing communications programs.
Professor Koenig holds an MA in public relations from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communication, an MBA in marketing from Syracuse University’s School of Management, and a BA in Political Science and American Studies from SUNY Oswego.
Prof. K. lives in Syracuse with his wife Judy, and Miss Peggy Lee and Louis Armstrong (cats, of course). He is the proud dad of one daughter, Maura, and is a fanatic supporter of the NY Mets, having grown up in Flushing, Queens.