Syllabus for EDCP 611 Career Development Theory and Programs
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

INSTRUCTOR: Scott E. Borrelli, EdD, ABPP

E-mail Address: sborrell@faculty.ed.umuc.edu

Post: PSC 41, Box 2128 APO AE 09464

Tel/Fax: [44] (0) 20 8696 7661 (London)

Course Delivery Method: Distance Education (3 semester hours, graduate credit)

Dates (15 weeks): 2 April - 18 May 2001

Research and theory related to career and educational decisions; programs of related information and other activities in career decisions.

COURSE INTRODUCTION
Career and vocational explorations, transitions and decisions are vital personal development processes and milestones in the lifespan of the adult. EDCP 611 presents a survey of career development theories and an examination of career development programs. The course will assist graduate students to understand career development theory and research, the assessment of individual career development processes, and the techniques and skills necessary in the practical application of career counseling. Course focus will include the needs of special populations, settings for service delivery, and professional issues. A systematic investigation of both theoretical and practical topics will be facilitated through both self-assessment opportunities and interviews. Vocational guidance and career counseling with public and private institutions will be explored to provide a comprehensive overview of the specific programs and models available. The course will explore the importance of work for the individual in society and some of the current trends regarding occupational change and the selection of careers. Therefore, students pursuing careers in career counseling as well as those interested in mental health and educational pursuits will benefit immensely from the course experience.

COURSE GOALS/OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, graduate students will:
1) Understand the major vocational theories on how they impact on career decision-making;
2) Understand and apply the process of career assessment to individual career development processes;
3) Know when and how to apply specific theories and concepts to different professional situations and populations;
4) Be experienced with some of the major sources of career guidance and counseling materials;
5) Develop appropriate entry level skills and strategies to assist individuals in making positive career, educational and occupational career decision-making;
6) Develop appropriate entry level competencies in acquiring, evaluating, and programming for the dissemination of career information;
7) Understand the role of current research as it tests, refines, and updates theories and applications of career development;
8) Integrate life span developmental theory and transition theory with career development programming;
9) Select and utilize appropriate career assessment instruments;
10) Assess and understand personal career developmental issues;
11) Understand and appreciate issues of diversity as they influence career development, including cultural and cross-cultural issues;

Texts:
Zunker, V. G. (1998). Career Counseling: Applied Concepts of Life Planning. (Fifth Edition). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Provost, Judith A. (1990). Work, Play, and Type: Achieving Balance in Your Life. CA: Davies-Black.

Vocational Assessment Packet, to include the Campbell, the Strong, and the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory. (Cost: $20. Packet will be mailed following registration with payment instructions included.)

Additional Readings: As assigned and provided by the Instructor and available as links from the Internet.
Recommended:

The final grade for the course will be based on student performance in the following areas:

1) Career Counseling Interview - 250 pts.
2) Career Self-Assessment Paper - 250 pts.
3) Class Participation, Text and Journal Article Readings, & 15 Written Discussion Questions (DQ's) -500 pts.

Total = 1,000 pts.

Letter Grades will be assigned as follows:

A (90+%) = 900-1,000 pts.
B (80+%) = 800-899 pts.
C (70+%) = 700-799 pts.
D (60+%) = 600-699 pts.
F (<60%) = Below 600 pts.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Students are given a variety of assignments as listed in the syllabus which they are expected to complete in a timely manner and must meet graduate level standards in form and content.
Grading is based on a points system according to degree of mastery and competence on all assignments, and on the quality of learning and participation in class discussions and activities. Due dates for assignments are listed in the course schedule. Specific guidelines for each assignment is included in this syllabus. In addition, personal communication with the professor is encouraged throughout the course for guidance, clarification, and support. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the professor of potential or current problems with assignments and any other aspects of the course experience.
1) Career Counseling Interview - 250 pts.
2) Career Self-Assessment Paper - 250 pts.
3) Class Participation, Text and Journal Article Readings, & 15 Written Discussion Questions (DQ's) -500 pts.
Total = 1,000 pts.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND GUIDELINES
For the completion of the following two interviews, please follow "A Suggested Sequence for an Interview" summarized on pages 484-485 and expanded upon throughout chapter 20 in the Zunker text. For each interview, you will add two additional sections, as follows:

I. Current status information.
II. Discovering the significance of life roles and potential conflicts.
III. Discovering problems that interfere with career development.
IV. Developing goals and objectives.
V. (additional section) - Test assessment results and discussion.
VI. (additional section) - Comments on your experience with this assignment. Strengths? Skill areas needing improvement?

CAREER COUNSELING INTERVIEW 1
In preparation for this assignment, familiarize yourself with the information in chapters 20 and 21 in the class text (Zunker). These readings suggest guidelines for format, organization, and interviewing strategies. You will present the interview results along with a summation of your learning from doing the assignment. You will be expected to use career inventories and assessments as part of your interview, whcih you may find on the Internet.

CAREER SELF-ASSESSMENT
This will involve a self-assessment of your own career development, utilizing (at least) the three assessments which are included in your Assessment Packet. These currently include the Myers-Briggs Type inventory, the Strong Interest Inventory, and the Campbell Interest and Skill Inventory. In additional to organizing the results of these assessments once you self-administer them, you will include an in-depth section on your own reflections, questions, and projections of your career path. Review text chapters 20 and 21 for guidance. Additional guidelines for this assignment will be offered once the course has begun.

CHAPTER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (DQ)
A collection of fifteen questions/activities drawn primarily from the readings will provide weekly discussion material and opportunities for application of theories. Submit both your responses and additional insights and questions you might have related to these questions and readings to stimulate small group discussion. Include additional references and resources from journals and the WWW.

COURSE POLICIES:
Graduate students should be aware of and follow University of Maryland Graduate Program policies, including those related to Distance Education courses, as stated in the Graduate Catalogue. In addition, students should be aware of the following:
1) Assignment due dates will be strictly enforced;
2) Professional ethics regarding such matters as interpersonal conduct, confidentiality, and communication will be followed;
3) Special needs should be discussed with the professor in a timely and clear manner;
4) Students share in the responsibility for creating and maintaining a positive and dynamic learning experience for themselves and others.

Dr. Scott Borrelli is a licensed and board certified counseling and clinical psychologist, a National Certified Counselor, and a chartered psychologist in the UK. He is on the faculty of the University of Maryland's graduate program in counseling. His orientation as counselor educator and practitioner is integrative-humanistic, and he is eager to facilitate client mental health through a variety of individually tailored interventions. He is board certified in clinical hypnotherapy, and also in psychopharmacology by the International College of Prescribing Psychologists. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, he now lives in London.