Course Syllabus
Athabasca University
Psychology (PSYC) 300
Theories of Career Development (Revision 3)
Revision 3 closed June 21, 2007, replaced by current version.
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Delivery mode: Individualized study or grouped study. Online-enhanced.
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: Centre for Psychology
University Certificate in Career Development.
PSYC 300 has a Challenge for Credit option
Course Web site
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, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent) in the following activities:
| Personal Career Reflection | Telephone Quizzes | Personal Theory Paper | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45% | 15% | 40% | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbook
Sharf, R. (2002). Applying career development theory to counselling (3rd ed). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole.
Workbooks
Amundson, N. E., & Poehnell, G. R. (2004). Career Pathways (3rd ed.). Richmond, BC: Ergon Communications.
Holland, J. L. (1994). Self-directed search assessment booklet: A guide to educational and career planning (Form R, 4th ed., Canadian ed.). Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.
Holland, J. L. (1994). Self-directed search: The occupation finder (Form R, 4th ed., Canadian ed.). Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment.
Other materials
The course materials include a student manual, study guide, and an assignment manual.