Welcome to PSYCH/SOCI 15 -- Mrs. Graff -- cgraff@bcconline.com

Course Syllabus

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Instructor: Camille Graff 
Phone:  760-757-2870
E-mail: 
cgraff@bcconline.com 

Online Office Hours:
Monday 1:00pm-2:00pm

Units: 3 units

In the box below type, your understanding of regular effective contact and why it is needed in an on-line course:

Required Texts:
Nugent, Frank (2000) Introduction to the profession of counseling. (3rd Ed). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

In the box below type, I have textbook for PSYC/SOCI 15 or I will have it by the end of the first week of class.

Course Description: 
A survey of the guidance process, communication, function of counseling, and various counseling theories. Introduction to the whole guidance process. Integrated approach to basic helping skills utilizing theory, practice, and case application. Development of skills needed to establish effective helping relationships. Degree Applicable. CSU.

Prerequisites & Corequisites: None

Course Objectives:

1. Discuss general counseling model for effective helping
2. Describe and contrast the various approaches used in the helping profession.
3. Define a helping relationship and counseling in concrete terms.
4. Describe and discuss ways to develop effective helping relationships.
5. Increase understanding and awareness about individual preferences, strengths, and weaknesses and how they effect helping relationships.
6. Explain the five major steps of the relationship stage.
7. Discuss ethical considerations relating to the helping profession.
8. Describe the major helping strategies and the six steps of the strategy phase.
9. Explain crisis intervention
10. Discuss major theories of helping
11. Identify and discuss major issues affecting the helping profession
12. Identify and discuss some major trends of counseling and the use of the internet in a counseling mode.

In the box below type the one objective that interests you the most from the list above and one reason why you took this class. 

Course content:

Topics and subtopics include the following:

 1. Foundations of Counseling

            a. A historical perspective

            b. Professional, ethical and legal issues

2. Counseling Theories and Techniques

            a. Human development theories

            b. Counseling theories

            c. Assessment: tools and processes

            d. Counseling outreach: prevention and intervention

3. The Counseling Process

            a. The effective counselor

            b. Individual counseling

            c. Family and Marriage counseling

            d. Group counseling

            e. Career counseling

            f. Substance abuse counseling

            g. Counseling in a pluralistic world

            h. Counseling older adults

4. Counseling Practice

            a. Elementary school

            b. Secondary school

            c. College and University

            d. Community Counseling

Student Learning Outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students will have competencies in the following areas:

1. Discuss general counseling model for effective helping demonstrated through exams.

2. Describe and contrast the various approaches used in the helping profession demonstrated through assignments.

3. Define counseling in concrete terms demonstrated through quizzes.

4. Describe and discuss ways to develop effective helping relationships demonstrated through assignments and discussions.

5. Increase understanding and awareness about individual preferences, strengths, and weaknesses and how they affect helping relationships demonstrated through assignments, discussions, and exams.

6. Explain the five major steps of the relationship stage demonstrated through assignments.

7. Discuss ethical considerations relating to the helping profession demonstrated through discussions.

8. Describe the major helping strategies and the six steps of the strategy phase demonstrated through assignments, discussions, and exams.

9. Explain crisis intervention demonstrated through exams.

10. Discuss major theories of helping demonstrated through assignments, discussions, and exams.

11. Identify and discuss major issues affecting the helping profession demonstrated through assignments, discussions, and exams.

12. Identify and discuss some major trends of counseling and the use of the internet in a counseling mode demonstrated through assignments and discussions.

Office Hours

The instructor will spend a minimum of one hour per week online for an office hour. Students can expect immediate response from the instructor at this time. The use of an instant messenger program is recommended.

Methods of Instruction

Instruction will take place through lectures via web-pages and class discussions through online discussion groups.

Critical Thinking Assignments

Critical thinking shall be demonstrated by the following:

1. Appropriate participation in class discussions and assigned materials related to course content. You must post an answer to the discussion question weekly, and also reply to two other students about their answer to the discussion. (Points will be deducted for inappropriate, rude, or derogatory comments).

2. Written work (essays, reports, exams, weekly assignments, critical thinking exercises, research)

Methods of Evaluation

1. Examinations and quizzes which may be essay, fill-in, short answer, true/false, matching, multiple-choice, or other types or a combination of any of these formats.

2. Written assignments, reports, quizzes, discussions, and class exercises will be executed with proper grammar in accordance with standards expected at Barstow College. (See Grading Criteria for specific format.) Peer tutors are available at no cost to students for proofreading and assistance in the construction of required work, and general writing guidelines are included in this syllabus. I encourage you to store/save all work. Sometimes assignments can be lost through the internet if not properly submitted. If you save your work, you will be able to resubmit it should the need arise.

3. Participation is evaluated through online discussion postings. Your responses should include material from the text, lectures, or other sources. When you quote directly from a source, you must cite that source using APA format. Discussion questions and responses are to be posted by 12:00 Noon on Monday. In addition to posting an answer to the discussion question, you are also required to post at least two responses to other students’ postings, either agreeing with the comments or expressing an alternate opinion. Postings should be about two full paragraphs and responses should be about a paragraph.

When posting your answer and your responses to other students’ answers, be sure to use correct grammar, punctuation and syntax. Remember that you are communicating with others, and correct English usage is critical because you are expecting others to understand what you are saying. It would be wise to type out your answer/response, spell and grammar check, then proofread once more before posting. Improper grammar, punctuation, and/or syntax will reduce your grade.

The discussions are designed to help you clarify your thinking and compare your opinions to those of others.  Any opinion, backed by solid research, lends itself to a stronger position. In your discussions, opinions and thoughts that are backed by solid references will be rewarded with higher grades.

Also be aware that derogatory comments, bad language, and rudeness will not be tolerated. Disagreement is fine (and, in fact, encouraged, as this is how learning occurs), as long as it is done with respect and tact. Postings which are derogatory in nature will be immediately removed and your grade will be significantly decreased.

One last caution - be sure that you have read and understand terms from the book and the lectures. You will not be able to answer the questions correctly if you have not.

Evaluation

Assignment of Points:
1. Weekly Assignments-190 points (10 points each)
2. Discussion Postings-225 points (25 points each)
3. Quizzes-35 points
4. Midterm Exam-100 points
5. Final Exam-150 points
Total possible points=700 points

630-700=A     90-100%
560-629=B    80-89%
490-559=C    70-79%
420-489=D    60-70%
Below 420=F   

In the box below type, I understand and agree to abide by the methods of evaluation stated above.

Objective Exams:

Quizzes:

Quizzes are listed in the class schedule. They will be at the end of the lecture for the week. Questions may consist of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essay, or critical thinking exercises. You may use your book or your notes on the quizzes.

Exams:

Exams will be given during the week listed in the course outline. Exams cover the chapters listed in the course outline. They are not comprehensive; however, they do cover chapters and lectures, which may have been covered in the quizzes. Questions may consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching, short answer, and/or essay/critical thinking exercises. The midterm exam will be available online.  The final exam is proctored and will be available at BCC main campus, the Fort Irwin office, the Miramar office, or at an approved site. (Please email me BY THE THIRD WEEK OF CLASS if you cannot take the exam at BCC, Fort Irwin, or Miramar.)

Writing Assignments

Weekly assignments and discussions are due by noon on Monday of the week they are due. Assignments should be submitted using the form at the end of the lecture. Discussions should be posted on the discussion board using your real name as the subject. College level writing is required. For the discussions and assignments, you must use your own words. If you want to back-up your statements with information from the book or lecture, please quote appropriately and cite the source in APA format.  Backing up your writing assignments with research will result in a higher grade on assignments and discussions. If the discussion or assignment asks for one paragraph, a paragraph is about 100 words, or 5-7 well-developed sentences. Points will be deducted if discussions or assignments are not the appropriate length.

Orientation Information

There will be an orientation, which is available online. First time ONLINE students are urged to enroll in COMP 84. You must also fill out the interactive syllabus prior to starting the class materials. Failure to fill out a syllabus for this class will result in your failing the class, as you will not be able to access the course materials after week one!

Grading Criteria:

The following general criteria will be used in evaluating all work. Additionally, specific criteria for each assignment will be given.

A. Grades: Clearly stands out as excellent performance. Has unusually sharp insight into material; initiates thoughtful questions. Sees various sides of an issue. Articulates well and writes logically and clearly. Integrates ideas previously learned from this and other disciplines; anticipates next steps in progression of ideas. Shows outstanding ability to apply theories to practical applications.

B. Grades: Grasps subject matter at a level considered to be good to very good. Is an active listener and participant in class discussion. Speaks and writes well. Accomplishes more than the minimum requirements. Work in and out of class is of high quality though rarely outstanding. Shows improvement throughout semester in combining theories with practical applications.

C. Grades: Demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter. Accomplishes the minimum requirements and communicates orally and in writing at an acceptable level for a college student. Has a general understanding of all basic concepts.

D. Grades: Minimal comprehension of subject matter. Accomplishes less than the minimum requirements for the course. Work that is completed is below a level acceptable for a college course. Is unable to demonstrate general understanding of basic concepts.

F. Grade: Few or no requirements for course were met. Work is unacceptable for college level. Does not demonstrate comprehension of subject matter or understanding of course concepts.

In the box below type, I understand the methods of  grading and agree to abide by them.

Attendance and Participation Policy

v Students are expected to attend and ACTIVELY participate in all classes. "Attendance" at an online class is taken through weekly discussion questions. Active participation is especially crucial because it is through active participation that course information is learned and retained. If you miss a discussion for the week, you will be marked absent for the week.

v Students are expected to have read all material prior to the due date to incorporate the material into assignments and discussions.

v It is the student’s responsibility to drop a class, not the instructor’s. If the student does not drop, but remains on the class roll, a grade of FW will result.

v Late work-Assignments are due on the date indicated in the syllabus or by the instructor. However, because unexpected situations do occasionally arise, you may hand in some work up to three days late. You will receive a reduction of o20%. After three days, no late work will be accepted. Late work must be received by Thursday at noon. Credit will not be given for late discussion postings, late quizzes, or late exams unless prior arrangements have been made.

v Lack of participation, disruptive behavior, or derogatory, rude, or offensive comments will result in a significantly lower grade.

v Military students should identify themselves as such. While the "mission" is clearly the priority, ALL students are responsible for the completion of all assignments. The instructor should be advised of any TDY/TDA assignments, which may be in excess of one week.

v Emergencies will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. You must send an email to the instructor explaining the emergency. Documentation/verification may be required.

Type in the box below, I understand and agree to abide by the attendance and participation policy stated above. 

Standards For Written Work And Behavior:

Written assignments, exams, quizzes, and class discussions will be executed and/or performed in accordance with standards expected at Barstow College. Points will be deducted for incorrect spelling and improper grammar, and also for inappropriate, rude, or derogatory comments.

Assignments and discussions will be graded using the requirements from Grading Criteria. Please review the "Comments" section as you proofread your work before you submit it. The student is encouraged to store all work on a floppy disk.

Academic Honesty:

Plagiarism is claiming as your own a paper, report, article, outline, or speech which, in whole or in part was prepared by someone other than yourself. Material quoted from readings MUST be noted according to the report writing style followed (APA, in this case). The scope of academic honesty is two-fold:

1. You must do your own work. Papers, quizzes, tests, etc. MUST be your own work in your own words. I realize that some are concerned with "English writing ability" and want someone else to "check" the work. Put everything in your own words FIRST, then, if you desire, have someone proofread for you. Proofreading involves checking for errors, not re-writing sentences and paragraphs. If revisions are needed for clarity, then YOU make those revisions; don’t let your proofreader do it.

2. When "borrowing" ideas from another source - ALWAYS, ALWAYS give credit; even on a test. You cannot have too many citations in a paragraph/paper - especially a "research" paper, because you are "researching" from other sources. If you have information that you did not research yourself, or that did not come directly from your head (ie. If you were "inspired" by something you read or saw), you MUST cite the reference. Claiming work as your own that is not yours is plagiarism. Plagiarism will result in failure of an assignment or discussion and may result in failure of the course.

Online Courses:

Please note that online courses are available for the convenience of students with varying needs. These courses are neither easier nor less time-consuming than a normal "in-class" course, just more flexible. While they allow the student to "attend class" (so-to-speak) at the student’s convenience, they still require self-motivation and time-management on the part of the student. Also, because this online course is a 9-week course, it is more concentrated than a typical 18-week course, in or out of the classroom. Students should expect online courses to take as much time and dedication as in-class courses, and should plan their schedules accordingly.

About The Class Schedule/Syllabus Disclaimer:

A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student, but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, objectives, and class topics and reading schedules. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when emergency circumstances dictate or unusual opportunities for student learning arise. Students will be notified.

In the box below, I understand a syllabus is a general guideline for students to use in planning their time for a particular class. The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to the syllabus with reasonable time allowances for students to adjust to the changes.

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