Psychology (PSYC) 300
Theories of Career Development (Revision 2)

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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


>> 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 Person x Environment Fit Theories
  • Unit 3 Life-Span Theories
  • Unit 4 Special Focus Theories
  • Unit 5 Constructivist Theories
  • Unit 6 Socio-Cultural Theories
  • Unit 7 Eclectic Theories
  • Unit 8 Personal Theory of Career Development

Evaluation

To receive credit for PSYC 300, learners must achieve a course composite grade of at least "D" (50 percent) in the following activities:

Personal Career Reflection
(5% for each activity x 6)
Telephone
Quizzes
(15% each x 2)
Personal Theory of Career Development Paper Total
30% 30% 40% 100%

Course Materials

Textbook

Sharp, Richard (2002). Applying career development theory to counseling, 3rd 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 2, October 2, 2003.
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This page was updated by G. Zahara