COU 520 - Introduction to Counseling

This is a Web-based course taught by Dr. Le'Ann Solmonson.

Instructor Contact Information 
Dr. Solmonson Dr. Le'Ann Solmonson, Ph.D., LPC-S, CSC
email: lsolmonson@sfasu.edu
(936) 468-1065

Course Description
This course is an overview of the counseling profession in school, agency, and other human service settings. The course will include historical information and current trends in the profession. An orientation of personal and professional characteristics of helping will be covered, as well as ethical and legal aspects and counseling a diverse population. Students will be introduced to counseling theories, activities, and specialties in the field.

Textbook Requirements
Gladding, S. T. (2007). Counseling: A comprehensive profession (5th edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. ISBN 0132328623

American Psychological Association (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th edition). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. ISBN 1557988102

Course Prerequisites
Graduate student, permission of instructor

Course Format and Participation Requirements
Through the activities and objectives of Introduction to Counseling students will become prepared, competent, successful, caring, and enthusiastic counseling professionals. They will continue to develop a sense of service, leadership, professional, and intellectual growth. Through regular online attendance, lectures, writing projects, exams, online discussions, and practice activities, students will gain academic excellence within the subject area with an emphasis on life-long learning and development. As described in this syllabus, Introduction to Counseling follows the mission, vision and core values of the College of Education and Stephen F. Austin State University which is aligned with the counseling curriculum, clinical experiences, and assessments.

On-campus or Face-to-Face Meeting Requirements
NONE

Course Assessment
Grades will be assigned based on the quality of each student’s fulfillment of the following requirements. Rubrics will be provided for all activities in which students receive points.

  1. Online Activities (500 points): each student will complete activities provided online in order to provide opportunities for application of knowledge. Activities may include (but are not limited to)class discussions, workbook assignments, case studies, and quizzes.
  2. Exams (100 points): each student is responsible for assigned readings in the text. Evaluation will be in the form of 1 final exam.
  3. Pre-Philosophy Paper (100 points): each student will write a pre-philosophy paper reflecting on the motivation for becoming a counselor. The paper is to be written in APA format.
  4. Professional Organization Research (100 points): each student will research 3 professional organizations related to school counseling. Provide an overview of the work of the organization including their mission or goals, legislative efforts, benefits or membership, opportunities for professional growth, and opportunities for member involvement. The information should be presented in a chart format.
  5. Professional Orientation Interview (100 points): to demonstrate familiarity with the counseling profession each student will be expected to interview a practicing counselor (of any kind). The student will develop at least 10 interview questions of their own based upon what they wish to learn about counseling in that specific setting. The student will write a report on their experience that includes the date of the interview, name and type of counselor, questions asked, the interviewees answers, and your reaction to their answers. Follow APA writing guidelines on the final product.
  6. Counseling Speciality Research and Presentation (100 points): each student will work in a group to research one counseling specialization and prepare a class presentation that will be scheduled for the night the topic is covered.

Effort Expected
This is a 3-credit-hour course. To be successful in this course you should expect to spend about 3-5 hours a week on readings, assignments, discussions, and other activities. This estimate is for the fall and spring semesters; if the course is offered during the summer course, more time per week will be necessary.

Technical Requirements for the Course
Other than the minimum technical requirements for any course, students will need Microsoft Word , PowerPoint software, Real Player software.

Before the Course Begins

  • Complete the Getting Started area of sfaonline.
  • Register and pay for the course just as you would any other SFA course.
  • As soon as you are registered, please send an email message to the instructor.
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