Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit introduces the field of counselling psychology, one of the specialised Professional Colleges within the Australian Psychological Society. The thematic focus is on the critical analysis, comparison, and evaluation of selected counselling orientations (for example, Solution-focused therapy, Narrative therapy, Cognitive-behavioural therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, etc.) The comparison of these approaches involves a consideration of major contemporary issues relating to the integration of theory, research and ethical practice.

Aims

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Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Conceptualise the field of counselling psychology in relation to its history and its distinction from related fields, and in terms of major contemporary issues and developments in theory, ethical practice, and research;



2. Identify and distinguish the major concepts, practices and issues relating to four selected counselling orientations;



3. Describe and analyse common factors across major counselling orientations;



4. Describe and examine the use of one of these approaches with a particular case.

Advanced Objectives

It would be desirable if you could also:

Critically analyse the strengths and limitations of specific approaches;

Critically examine the philosophical and sociocultural basis of selected approaches;

Critically compare the approaches covered in the unit.

Content

The thirteen week semester consists of an introductory lecture (week 1) followed by blocks of classes devoted to the selected orientations. Each block will be taught by a different lecturer, and will involve theoretical input, demonstrations and structured exercises.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will be taught in three-hour classes. These wil be used for didactic input, demonstrations, structured exercises and discussion.

Assessment name: Mid-Semester Exam
Description: Mid-semester Examination
Relates to objectives: 1 - 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: Both examinations will consist of short answer questions which are designed to test theoretical knowledge and understanding of lecture material and specified readings. Each lecturer will provide specific chapters and/or articles from which exam questions will be developed. Both exams will be designed to be completed in one and a half hours.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam period

Assessment name: Assignment
Description: Critical paper (5000 words)
Relates to objectives: 5 - 7
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

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

There is no prescribed text for this unit.

A list of references will be provided by the lecturer.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with 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: 13-Sep-2012