85403 - CAREER COUNSELING

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will know the most relevant explanatory theories of Vocational Psychology, and some of the main techniques used in career intervention, with particular concern to career counselling.

Course contents

The course aims to present the theoretical, research and professional aspects that characterize Vocational Psychology and the study of careers. Specifically, main content areas are as follows:

- Career choices and career development;

- Work-life domains and roles;

- Career counselling: aims and techniques;

-Career interventions in organizations: outplacement and coaching

Readings/Bibliography

Brown, S.D. & Lent, R.W. (2014). Career Development and Counseling: Putting Theory and Research to Work(Second Edition). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Section One: Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Section Four:Chapters 20, 21, 22, 23

Other useful readings for assignments preparation will be provided during the course

Teaching methods

Lessons are characterized by interactive activities: case analysis and discussions, individual and group assignments, simulations, presentation of assignments.

For this reason, students are expected to attend the classes regularly.

Assessment methods

The grading scale is from 0 to 30, 18 being the minimum passing grade.

Summative assessment will be completed by two structured assignments:

1. An individual case study paper (up to 15 points). The paper should be 1500-2000 words in lenght;

2. A small group (2 or 3 members) literature review paper on the effectiveness of career interventions (up to 15 points). The paper should be 2000-2500 words in lenght. A oral presentation of the small group work to the class is requested too.

Individual paper Evaluation Criteria: a) Pertinent references to main theoretical approaches to career development; b)consistency between client need analysis and proposed intervention; c) accuracy of paper structure and format

Small Group paper and presentation Evaluation Criteria: a)Pertinence of references; critical analysis of evidence; c) accuracy of the paper structure and of the oral presentation

Teaching tools

Powerpoint, paper-pencil instruments, audiovisual materials, guided discussions.

Office hours

See the website of Rita Chiesa