Course Title: Foundation Studies in Careers

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Foundation Studies in Careers

Credit Points: 24


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HWSS2124

City Campus

Postgraduate

360H Education

Distance / Correspondence

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008

Course Coordinator: Michael Hastings

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7847

Course Coordinator Email:michael.hastings@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 220.4.01


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course looks at the changing world of work, recent career development policy and initiatives in Australia, theoretical accounts of career development and their application in life and work. Current issues in education and training are considered, including equity and access, education policies at a system level and initiatives in vocational education and training.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The capabilities participants can expect to develop, include:

 Recognising key forces shaping work and careers
 Understanding of Australian and world labour markets
 Knowledge of future work trends and the impact of technology
 Awareness of workplace regulation and legislation
 Familiarity with key frameworks for career development in Australia
 Comprehension of post-compulsory education in Australia
 Understanding of initiatives in competency-based training, TAFE, pathways and School to Work
 Knowledge of apprenticeship and traineeship system
 Understanding government policy and initiatives driving development of new career development frameworks and as they relate to equity in work and careers
 Understanding of origin and early application of careers theory
 Application of principal theories of career development
 Understanding personal constructs such as interests and values and their relationship to career choice
 Identifying and promoting effective self-management skills for career transition
 Identifying and assisting with conscious goal setting and decision making
 Identifying and promoting career constructs such as lifelong learning, professional development, work/life balance, employability and transferable skills
 Articulating ethical practice in organisations and service delivery, including developments relating to career industry regulation, standards and code of conduct
 Knowledge of career information and resources, including their appropriate use


As above


Overview of Learning Activities

The course study guide contains a number of different tasks that students complete as part of their learning in the course. For example, activities and self-tests are short exercises that are designed to check students understanding of the material that has been presented. Some activities also form the basis of written assignments. A three-day practical placement is included.


Overview of Learning Resources

Student study packs in CD format include (a) an introductory guide, which provides an overview of the course and contains information on assessment and general course administration, (b) a study guide, which contains the course content, and (c) a resource book, which contains a range of support material for the study guide. Students are also encouraged to communicate with each other via online discussion board. Print-based study packs will be provided in exceptional circumstances.


Overview of Assessment

There are four assignments associated with this course, which in total are equivalent to a 7,000-9,000 word essay. Assignment due dates are negotiated by students (i.e., within guidelines) based on their course commencement date.