Career Explorations and Personal Development
Curriculum guideline
In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lecture, small group discussions, group assessment, structured independent learning assignments, and use of video or online resources.
- Career development processes throughout the lifespan
- Interests, personality, values, and skills assessment
- Occupational research and the effects of labour market trends
- Decision making, goal setting and action planning
- Employability skills and factors for success
- Self-management: time management, stress, and coping
- Interpersonal communications skills and assertiveness
- Understanding of self, social thinking, and social influence
- Relationship management: with families, friendships, relationships, and co-workers
- Influences of significant life experiences and transitions
- Mental health literacy and stigma reduction
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the internal and external factors that influence career and life choices;
- Apply career development skills related to occupational exploration, research, and decision-making;
- Identify possible areas of personal development;
- Attain skills to enhance success in their career, academics, and personal life.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.
Due to the interactive nature of this course, regular attendance is necessary to maximize student learning. Graded in-class activities make up a significant portion of the final grade. The specific course assignments and their weighting will be determined by the instructor. These may include:
- Completion of in class exercises;
- Quizzes to test knowledge of concepts;
- Submission of journal reports or other self –reflective exercises describing the learning that has occurred as a result of the class activities, exercises, materials and/ or discussions;
- Submission of a life history narrative;
- Submission of a career summary report;
- Submission of written assignments analyzing and applying vocational or self-assessment results and theory;
- Attendance and participation marks awarded for course participation.
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.
Example materials may include:
- Strong Interest Inventory or other psychometric assessments;
- free open access textbook chapters;
- textbook for purchase may be required.