SYLLABUS

 

Course and Instructor

 

Course Number:         COUN 568     

 

Course Title:              Seminar: Professional Counseling

 

Course Time:             Friday, March 14, 4:00pm – 10:00pm and

                                    Saturday, March 15, 8:00am – 5:00pm

 

Course Location:        E636

 

Semester:                   Spring 2007

 

Credits:                       1

 

Instructor:                  Dr. Diana Doumas, E610, dianadoumas@boisestate.edu, 426-2646

Office hours: M 3-4pm; T 11-3pm

 

 

Course Objectives, Accreditation, and Technology

 

Program Objectives Addressed in the Course

 

Use research, theory, law, and the wisdom of practice to guide decision making

  X

Create an environment conducive to learning in which students participate in decision-making

X

Emphasize the importance of students being able to work independently and collaboratively

X

Teach toward curricular goals, adapting approaches as needed, while maintaining high standards for all students

X

Use continuous, varied assessments to help all students learn and achieve their potential

X

Enhance learners’ abilities to communicate in spoken and written language and other media

X

Work collaboratively and value planning as a collegial activity

X

Use modern technologies appropriately

X

Continue their professional development, staying current with best practices

X

Contribute to the continuous improvement of schools

X

Commitment to the fundamental principles of a democratic, diverse society

X

Developing a global perspective, recognizing the interdependence of all people while valuing independence and self-reliance

X

   Accepting responsibility for themselves and acting responsibly toward others

    X

   Cultivating aesthetic sensibilities in ourselves and students, encouraging creative and

   artistic endeavors, and approaching beauty and wonder as ways to interpret and change

   the world

   X

Appreciating complexity and ambiguity, using dissonance to stimulate learning in students and ourselves, and resisting the urge to charge ahead into sureness or to retreat into perpetual uncertainty and indecision

X

 

CACREP Standards Addressed in the Course

 

K.1.b

Professional roles, functions, and relationships with other human service providers.

 

K.1.c

Technological competence and computer literacy.

 

K.1.d

Professional organizations, primarily ACA, its divisions, branches, and affiliates, including membership benefits, activities, services to members, and current emphases

 

K.1.e.

Professional credentialing, including certification, licensure, and accreditation practices and standards, and the effects of public policy on these issues

 

K.1.h.

Ethical standards of ACA and related entities, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling

 

K.2.a.

Multicultural and pluralistic trends, including characteristics and concerns between and within diverse groups nationally and internationally

 

 

 

Technology Skills Addressed in the Course

 

Instructor

Application

Student

Application

Check computer system and preview CD-ROM software

 

 

Word process, including APA formatting

X

X

Use a spreadsheet and a statistical package

 

 

Acquire graphics from the web, digital camera, or scanner an insert them in a poster or presentation

 

X

Create and deliver a power point presentation

 

X

Find material  on the Web and review Web sites

 

X

Be able to use e-mail, including document attachments

X

X

Be able to sign in and participate in listservs

 

 

Be familiar with computerized testing

 

 

Be able to use audio visual equipment and playback units

X

X

 

 

Course Description:  

Discussion and research into the evolving culturally competent role of professional counselors in all settings, emphasizing ethical decision-making, licensure and certification considerations, and professional issues.

 

 

Course Objectives:

            Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1.      Understand the role of professional counselors in a variety of settings.

2.      Demonstrate ethical decision making.

3.      Understand licensure and certification requirements.

4.      Become aware of current issues and trends in the field of counseling.

 

 

Methods of Instruction:

 

 

Text and Required Reading

 

Required Readings

 

Readings will consist of handouts on each topic provided by the instructor.

 

 

Suggestions for Getting the Most from the Course

 

 

  1. Read the contents of the syllabus. Ask necessary questions the first part of class, rather than later.

 

 

Expectations and Academic Requirements

 

Course Requirements:

  1. Participation: all students are expected to attend class and participate in class discussions and assignments.
  2. Complete written and oral assignments as directed in a timely and professional manner.

 

Assignments:

 

Journal Article Written Summary and Critique:

Select an article from an ACA or other peer-reviewed journal that addresses a professional issue (e.g., ethical issues, boundaries, dual-relationships, self-disclosure, diagnosis, multi-cultural issues, evidence-based treatment, licensure, program evaluation, etc.) and write a 1-2 page summary and a 2-3 page personal response to the article using APA format. Please pick an article regarding an aspect of your current/future counseling work that is of interest to you. Please include an APA-style reference citation for the article. Please provide article and summary/response to the instructor. The assignment is worth 40 points and is due on Friday, March 14.

 

Journal Article Presentation:

Prepare a 15 minute power point presentation that you will present to the class. The presentation should 1) introduce the professional issue selected, 2) summarize the article, and 3) discuss your reaction to the article. The assignment is worth 40 points and is due on Friday, March 14.

 

NOTE:

PLEASE EMAIL THE TITLE OF YOUR ARTICLE TO THE INSTRUCTOR BY FEBRUARY 15. This will allow the instructor to determine if students have selected the same article. If this is the case, the instructor will contact you and ask you to select a different article. The instructor will also create a presentation schedule to group similar topic articles together to facilitate class discussion on professional issues. You will be notified about the date of your power point presentation by email (either March 14 or March 15).

PLEASE ALSO PLACE A HARD COPY OF YOUR ARTICLE IN THE INSTRUCTOR’S BOX BY FEB. 15 SO COPIES CAN BE MADE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE CLASS.

 

Evaluation Criteria

 

Evaluation

 

Each of the following segments will be scored by means of a point system.

 

Attendance is Mandatory – Failure to Attend Class will Result in a Non-Passing Grade

 

Participation                 30

Journal Article

   Written Assignment    35

   Oral Presentation       35

______________________

Total                            100

 

GRADING

            A =      90–100%        

            B =      80-89%          

            C=       70-79%          

 

 

Disability and Academic Integrity Statements

 

Disability Statement:

If there is someone in the class who has a special need which may be the result of a disability or alternative learning style, I would appreciate hearing from you. I am reasonably certain that we can make the appropriate arrangements if necessary to assist you. The accommodations can take many forms, whether it be seating, testing, or the like. Please see me after class, or during my office hours.

 

Academic Integrity Statement

Academic misconduct or dishonesty such as cheating or plagiarism is unacceptable and appropriate penalties will be imposed. This includes referencing material which has not been read by you, such as secondary references.

 

Course Calendar and Assignment Due Dates

 

 

                       

February 15

Article Title Emailed to Instructor

 

Hard Copy of Article in Instructor’s Box

March 14        Licensure and Ethics

                        Professional Involvement

                        Professional Issues

                        Presentations

Read Articles

Written Assignment Due

Oral Assignment Due

 

March 15        Professional Issues

                        Presentations

                        Guest Speakers

Read Articles

Oral Assignment Due