Course Syllabus
PSYT 2339 Counseling Theories
Fal1 2009
Instructor: Liz Coccia, Ed.D., LCDC
Office: RGC 207.2
Phone: 223-3207
Email: ecoccia@austincc.edu
Website: www.austincc.edu/ecoccia
Office Hours : Monday 2:30-4:00; Tuesday 10:30-11:30 and 2:45-3:45; Thursday 10:30-11:30 and 2:45-3:15. Other times available by appointment.
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Course Data: Synonym 39948, section 001. Mondays, 5:40-8:20. RGC A160
Course Description : An examination of major theories of various treatment modalities. Topics include reality therapy, psychodynamics, grief therapy, person-centered therapy, rational emotive therapy, and cognitive behavioral approaches. Attention is given to the role of the counselor as part of the total spectrum of human services.
Instructional Methodology: This course will be a combination of lecture, videos, discussion and group activities.
Course Rationale: This course is designed to help students gain a general knowledge of several current and classical counseling theories. The course will cover the key concepts, practical applications, and techniques associated with the theories. This course will also give students the opportunity to clarify their own theoretical stance and begin to develop their style as a counselor.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course students will:
• Compare, contrast and integrate major approaches to treatment.
• Explain and define techniques to assist clients in exploring the ramifications of their behavior/problems.
• Recognize the need to individualize the counseling modality in accordance with culture, gender, lifestyle, and problem differences.
Textbooks:
Grading: The final grade in the course will be determined by the accumulation of points earned on the following measures:
Attendance and participation: Attendance and participation are an essential part of this course. There are a number of homework assignments in this class and you will be expected to complete all assigned exercises and be prepared to discuss them. Attendance is taken in each class and three points are earned for each class attended on time , stayed until the end and for which you are an active participant . 15 classes x 3 points = 45 points. More than two absences may necessitate withdrawal from this course. Texting or having your cell phone go off during class will result in losing attendance points.
Papers: There will be 4 papers for this class. The papers must be typed, with standard margins and font, double-spaced, and be a minimum of 2 pages long .
• Papers #1 & 2 are for you to give your views of any of the theories we have covered up to the deadline. This is not a summary of the theory, but rather what you considered to be the strengths and weaknesses and how you would see yourself using or not using this theory in your practice.
• Paper #3 is a book review – you are to read one additional book of your own choosing related to one of the theories we have covered . You may wish to choose a book that a theorist has authored, or one that critiques a theory. (Your textbook gives you many suggested readings.) Talk briefly about the book, but more importantly, give me your thoughts on the subject of the book. Do not use one of the assigned books for this class .
• Paper #4 - The last paper is for you to explain your own view of counseling, and expound upon the theoretical foundation you see for yourself in your own practice as a counselor.
The papers will be worth 25 points each. Total possible points: 4 papers x 25 points = 100 points. Papers must be turned in by the assigned deadlines and will not be accepted late unless there is an unusual circumstance and I have given prior approval. They will be graded on content (thoroughness, reflection), structure (proper citations and form), and grammar/spelling.
Exams : Three exams will test your cognitive knowledge of the material. The exams will be multiple choice and short answer and will cover material from the textbook and lectures. Each exam is worth 50 points. Total points possible: 3 exams x 50 points = 150 points. Make up exams will not be given except in rare circumstances. If you know you will not be in class the night an exam is scheduled, make prior arrangements with me to take the exam at another time.
Total points: Total possible final grade points for course (without extra credit): Attendance 45 A = 265 to 295
Papers 100 B = 234 to 264
Exams 150 C = 203 to 233
295 D = 172 to 202
F = Below 172
Extra credit option: One point per hour of volunteer work through the Office for Student Life or agency of your choice or attendance at professional workshops related to the course content. You must bring evidence of participation by the next to last class. Up to 10 extra credit points may be earned.
Course Policies:
Attendance and participation: As stated above, students are expected to attend each class on time, stay until the end, and have assignments completed. Failure to attend and participate may result in withdrawal from the course for lack of academic progress.
Withdrawals: Students are expected to withdraw themselves from the class if they choose to no longer attend the class. Withdrawing requires completing a process through the Admissions and Records office by the College deadline. Failure to withdraw before the withdrawal date will lead to the assignment of a performance grade (A-F) on the final grade roll based on the grades received during the course. Note: I will withdraw a student who is on my class roll and who has not attended the first two classes.
Incomplete grade: Students are expected to complete the course within the semester. An incomplete (I) will only be given in cases of emergencies after the last day to withdraw has passed and if the student has completed two exams with passing grades, two papers, and has not missed more than 2 classes.
Scholastic Dishonesty: Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework. (Student Handbook) The penalty for violating the policy will be a withdrawal from the course and assigned a grade of F.
Office for Students with Disabilities: Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester. (Student Handbook)
Academic Freedom: Each student is expected to participate in class. In any discussion there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.
Classroom behavior: This class is designed to be interactive and invoke discussion of a broad range of ideas. Many times you may find you do not agree with the instructor, a fellow student, or the presentation of ideas offered from a video or author of reading material. While I encourage lively interactions, discussions must remain respectful. Any behavior that is disruptive to the learning environment will result in disciplinary action and possible withdrawal from the course.
Additional Information :
Please be sure you have an ACC email account and that you check it regularly. This is the way that all college business is transacted so if I need to reach you for some reason, it is the ACC email account that I will be using.
Turn all cell phones to silent or off when entering class. Ringing, beeping, buzzing or other electronic noises will result in lost attendance points for the day. No texting or surfing during class.
Please find a “study buddy” who will pick up handouts for you should you happen to miss a class.
Class lecture notes can be found on my website following completion of that lecture topic.
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