Syllabus

 

Course Syllabus
IDS 196-01/02: Career Planning
Fall Semester, 2012

One (1) Credit Hour

 

Instructor: Ron Vick, MA, LMHP-CPC
Office: Student Center (SC) 103 - M-F, 8-5p.m. (by appointment please!)
Phone: 402.375.7321
E-mail: rovick1@wsc.edu

 

Classroom: GH 211

Day/Time: TR 12:30-1:20 PM

NOTE: Section 01 meets from 08/21/2012 to 10/11/2012. Section 02 meets from 10/18/2012 to 12/11/2012. Remember which section you are enrolled in!

Prerequisite: No course prerequisites required.

 

Text: No text book required. SAKAI Companion site: online.wsc.edu/portal/site/career_planning

 

Intended Audience: The course is designed for undeclared undergraduate students who desire to learn more about career and life planning and apply it to their own lives.

How is this Class Related to Other Courses? Research has demonstrated that students who are more crystallized in their career path are more focused in their academic endeavors. While learning career and life planning concepts, students will participate in experiential activities to assist them in their own career planning process.

Mode of Instruction: Although there will be some lecture, this class is taught primarily through experiential and group exercises and experiences. Individual participation will be expected. There will be some quizzes and class exercises, as well as written assignments. Your instructor is more of a guide leading you to the resources you can use to do the career planning process effectively.

Purpose of the Course: This class is designed to introduce students to career and life planning concepts and how to apply these to their own lives. The class will involve readings, experiential exercises and activities, small group discussion, and written exercises.

 

Course Objectives:

1. Students will participate in learning-centered activities and experiences to become familiar with career planning activities and apply this knowledge to their own career and life planning.
2. Students will participate in learning-centered activities and experiences to become familiar with the career decision-making process, including the role of self-concept, and apply this knowledge to their own career and life planning.
3. Students will assess their own interests, values, strengths and weaknesses pertaining to life and career planning.
4. Students will explore majors and careers related to their personal characteristics.
5. Students will demonstrate effective career management and job seeking skills.
6. Students will participate in experiential and learning activities towards narrowing down career interests to a few options for further investigation.
7. Students will be able to explain why career decision-making is a lifelong process.

 

Course Schedule:

For an up-to-date schedule, click here...

Grading Policy:

• The majority of assignments are done online in the classroom. No handwritten work will be accepted unless it is an in-class assignment and there is no access to a printer.
• No late assignments will be accepted without prior arrangements.
• Grades will be determined by the following point structure (in no particular order):

 

Assignment	Points		Assignment	Points
Holland/O*Net Activity	50		Attendance	100
Decision-Making Worksheet	50		Motivation & Career Anchors Assessment	50
Values and Skills Activities	50		Out-of-Class meeting w/instructor	100
Self-Discovery Fun	100		Paper – “My Career Planning Process”	100
Nebraska Career Connections...	150		Final Test	200
Find Your Gifts/Talents	50
Total possible points: 1000
Grading Scale:
A = 1000-900 | B = 899-800 | C = 799 -700 | D = 699-600 | Less than 600 = Fail

 

Attendance:

• Attendance is highly encouraged – in order to get the full benefits of the class, you must be here! There are no classes September 3 (Labor Day), October 15-16 (mid-term break) or November 21-23 (Fall break). December 4-10 is Study Week - December 11-14 is Final Exam Week.
  
  
• Sometimes conflicts happen or emergencies arise. It is in your best interests to notify the instructor, in advance if possible, so an abscence can be excused and arrangements can be made to make up any missed work. If you cannot give advance notice, give notice as soon as possible. Your final grade can be affected by absences!
  
  
• When absent, an e-mail or telephone call prior to class would be appreciated. If you are ill or know you will not be attending class for some reason, you may e-mail or call me prior to class to avoid being late with an assignment. No late assignments will be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made. Work made up may not receive full points...
  
  
• Roll will be taken each day. It is your responsibility to sign the roll sheet. If you do not sign the roll sheet, you will be counted absent. Attendance may be taken at the end of the class period.
  

Technology Usage:

• Computer use is a major component of this class as many of the projects are internet-based or will need to be downloaded and/or done online. This does not include Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.! Please limit your online activities to those that are required for this class.
  
  
• Cell phones are to be turned off during class - sending/receiving cell-phone calls or text messages during class is highly discouraged unless it is an emergency. During some of our activities it will be helpful to get information from family or friends, so during these activities some leeway is allowed...