Module A

Development of Career
Theory and Life/Career
Perspectives

Overview
The purpose of the first learning module is to provide you with a historical grounding as to
the evolution of career development theory and methods in the United States of America.
Moreover, you will participate in an activity looking at your personal history and how it
relates to your current decision-making orientation.

Learning Objectives
1. Students will be able to answer questions on the mid-term examination reflecting the
influence on career development including
a. the rise of industrialism,
b. Frank Parson’s early contributions,
c. NOICC,
d. working in the 21​st​ ​century,
e. counseling in a culturally diverse society,
f. lifelong learning,
g. globalization of careers, and
h. integrating career and personal counseling.
2. Students will gain exposure to the biopsychosocial model and learn how to conceptualize
concerns in four domains: career, affective, cognitive-behavioral, and cultural. This
information will be provided in class handouts and the textbook.
3. Students will be able to answer questions on the mid-term examination related to key
career development concepts provided in class handouts and the textbook.
4. Students will be able to complete a Genogram (personal career development, PCD No.
1), which is a useful tool in career development, following directions by the instructor
and after reading an article by Okiishi (1987).
5. Students will be able to make the connection between career and life counseling.

Learning Activities
1. Read Chapter 1 in the textbook.
2. Read Class Handout No. 1 (Career Development Concepts and Terms) and Class
Handout No. 2 (History and Development of Career Theory and Methods).
3. Read the article: Okiishi, R. W. (1987). The genogram as a tool in career counseling.
 Journal of Counseling and Development, 66, ​139-143.
4. Complete the Personal Career Development (PCD) No. 1: Use of Genogram in Career
Development (found in the Assignments).

Evaluation Activities and Assessment

1. You will answer questions on the mid-term examination to assess your understanding of
the information presented in Module A. The mid-term examination will be worth 40
points and will be administered at the end of Module C.
2. The instructor will evaluate and grade your completed PCD No. 1: Use of Genogram in
Career Development, which is worth a maximum of 10 points.
3. You will earn class participation points for your Discussion Posting.

Module A: Development of Career Theory and Life/Career Perspectives

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