Psychology (PSYC) 300
Theories of Career Development (Revision 1)

This version of PSYC 300 closed. October 2, 2003. To current version.
Delivery mode: Individualized study and online-enhanced, or grouped study.
Credits: 3 - Social Science
Prerequisite: Success in a variety of junior-level social science course is highly
recommended but not required.
Precluded course: PSYC 300 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for CADE 300.
Centre/Career: Centre for Psychology. University Certificate in Career Development
Challenge for Credit: PSYC 300 has a Challenge for Credit option
Learn more online: Course home page (to be changed to PSYC 300)

>> Overview | Outline | Evaluation | Course Materials | Course Fees | Course Availability


Overview

In PSYC 300 learners will examine a number of career development theories with the intent of integrating aspects of the theories into their own work as career development practitioners. Students will be expected to learn about a number of career development theories and be able to reflect critically on the contributions and limitations of each one.

Career development is a major aspect of human development, spanning a lifetime, and concerning the whole person. Career development is integral to a person's self-concept, family life, and all aspects of their environmental and cultural conditions. Career development is the interaction of psychological, sociological, economic, physical, and chance factors that shape the sequence of occupations and careers that people engage in throughout a lifetime.

CADE 300 is designed to help learners develop a philosophy, theory, and practice of career development that is consistent with their personal style. The course, with its focus on the development of a personal theory of counselling, is similar to other career development courses offered in most Canadian universities.

PSYC 300 is part of the University Certificate in Career Development offered by the Psychology Centre.

Outline

The course consists of the following eight units.

  • Unit 1 Introduction to Career Development Theory
  • Unit 2 Trait and Factor Theory of Career Development
  • Unit 3 Holland's Theory of Types
  • Unit 4 Developmental / Lifespan Theory of Career Development
  • Unit 5 Social Learning Theory of Career Development
  • Unit 6 Career Decision-making Theory
  • Unit 7 Canadian Contributions
  • Unit 8 Combining Theories

Evaluation

To receive credit for PSYC 300, learners must achieve a course composite grade of at least "D" (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on the examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Telephone
Quiz 1		 Telephone
Quiz 2		 Case Study Telephone
Quiz 3		 Personal
Theory Paper		 Final
Exam 		Total
5% 5% 20% 5% 30% 35% 100%

Course Materials

Textbook

Sharp, R.S. (1997). Applying career development theory to counseling, 2d ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Other Material

The course materials include a student manual, study guide, and an assignment manual.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice.
Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.

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Opened in Revision 1, February 28/03.
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This page was updated by G. Zahara