Units
Career Development: Policy and Process Context
Unit code: SPN654
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit introduces students to the broad areas of career development policy, career counselling, and career development programs. It is based on Component 3 of the Australian Career Development Studies (reproduced and modified with the approval of the Federal Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations).
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The field of career development is particularly broad. It consists of extensive theoretical, practice, policy and research literature. Recent developments in public policy nationally and internationally have added to its dynamic status. This unit provides a broad overview of the field and an introduction to areas developed in subsequent units. The unit is designed to be studied at the beginning or close to the beginning of the overall course of studies with a Career major because it provides foundational information and scope for the other careers units which are in the Graduate Certificate and Masters in Education. The breadth and depth of the material creates a solid platform for students to build their career major on and can be studied in either first or second semester within a first year of study.
Aims
The unit aim is to provide an in-depth background to all aspects of career development: theory; public policy initiatives; practice; and research.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you will be able to:
1. Connect a broad understanding of career theory to career development professional practice. GC: A, D
2. Understand the relationship between individual decision-making and broader public policy around labour markets and economic planning. GC:A,C
3. Critically review the various roles of career development practitioners in the many contexts in which they operate. GC: A,B,C, F
4. Critically review ethical and professional conduct considerations of the career development practitioner. GC: A,C,E
Content
This unit will cover the following topics:
1. Career development policy and initiatives in Australia
2. Career Service delivery contexts
3. Theoretical accounts of career development processes
4. Self-Awareness
5. Opportunity Awareness
6. Self-Management
7. Employability/Self marketing
8. Target Client groups
9. Ethics and Professional Conduct
10. The role of a career practitioner
11. Resources
12. Evaluation methods
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit has been developed to encourage students to interact with the topics presented through a range of readings, activities and evaluation exercises. During the unit students will be required to understand, critically reflect, analyse, synthesise and apply the presented concepts to their own practice as a professional career practitioner.
Assessment
There are two pieces of formal written assessment.Formative - Comprehensive feedback is provided to students throughout the semester and following each piece of written work.
Assessment name:
Reflective Journal
Description:
A personal reflection on your understandings of career development, a personal thematic statement about your career and a discussion of theoretical constructs relevant to your career development.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 & 4.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
External
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid-Sem
Assessment name:
Workbook/Log
Description:
A series of completed tasks and objective observations recorded alongside questions throughout the unit.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 & 4.
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
External
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End-Sem
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
NB The recommended texts will be used in the other career development units in this Study Area.
Recommended Texts: Can be purchased from the QUT bookstore.
Patton, W., & McMahon, M. (2006). Career development and systems theory: Connecting theory and practice. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
Patton, W., & McMahon, M. (Eds.). (2001). Career development programs: Preparation for lifelong career decision-making. Melbourne, VIC: ACER Press.
References:
Athanasou, J. (2007). Evaluating career education and guidance. Melbourne, VIC: ACER Press.
Brown, S. D., & Lent, R. W. (Eds.). (2005). Career development and counselling:Putting theory and research to work. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.
Gysbers, N., & Henderson, P. (2006). Developing and managing your school guidance program. Alexandria, VA: American Association for Counseling and Development.
McCowan, C., & McKenzie, M. (1997). The guide to career education for careers personnel working in Australian schools and colleges. Sydney: New Hobson Press.
Skorikov, V., & Patton, W. (Eds.). (2007). Career development in childhood and adolescence. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
Risk assessment statement
There are no risks beyond the ordinary that need to be considered in this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 31-Oct-2012
