COUN 3789 - Career Development and Life Skills
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43697,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Jessica McRoberts
Email: jlmcroberts@ysu.edu
Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | On Course - Straegies for Creating Success in College, Career, and Life | Downing, S., & Brennan, J. | 9798214144993 |
| Required | Your Career: How to Make it Happen | Owens, L. M. D., Kadakia, C. & Sims, N. | 9798214115948 |
Additional links and readings may be linked on blackboard for weekly lessons.
To enhance your learning experience and simplify access to the right materials for your class, your course materials have been integrated directly into your course.
BENEFITS OF THE FIRST DAY PROGRAM
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IMPORTANT: For COUN 3789, we will be using MindTap for two eBooks. Use of MindTap for quizzes will be required as part of your final grade. To get access to both textbooks for one cost, you will need to purchase a Cengage Unlimited Subscription either from the bookstore (First Day available) or online. Your Cengage Unlimited Subscription will get you get access to ALL your Cengage online textbooks, and access codes for this class and any others using Cengage, in one place. Hardcopy textbook rentals are also available for select titles. Download the free Cengage Mobile App to get your Cengage Unlimited online textbooks and study tools on your phone. Ask for Cengage Unlimited in the bookstore or visit cengage.com/unlimited
For instructions on how to enter MindTap, create or sign in to Cengage, see below:
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Here is the updated Student Office Hours link for the upcoming Fall 26 semester. These Zoom office hours are for students who need extra help with accessing their Cengage course materials. These are running from August 17-September 18, 2026. There will be no office hours on Labor Day (Sept. 7). They are happening between 11 AM - 5 PM EST.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Introduction & Syllabus Review Chapter 1 - Downing |
Please Review syllabus Discussion Board Post: Introduce Yourself to the class |
|
| 8/31 | Chapter 2 - Downing | Discussion Board Post: Explain why positive self-esteem is essential to a successful career plan | |
| 9/7 | Chapter 3 - Downing Chapter 4 - Downing |
Online Quiz #1 Due Current & future Budget Due |
|
| 9/14 | Chapter 5 - Downing Chapter 6 - Downing |
Online Quiz #2 Due Discussion Post: How will the changing world of work affect your career choice? |
|
| 9/21 | Chapter 7 - Downing Chapter 8 - Downing |
Online Quiz #3 Due PathwayU worksheet Due |
|
| 9/28 | Chapter 9 - Downing | Online Quiz #4 Due | |
| 10/5 | Chapter 1 - Owens | Discussion Board Post: Barry Schwartz: Why do we work? Major Interest Sharing Reflection Due |
|
| 10/12 | Chapter 2 - Owens Chapter 3 - Owens |
Online Quiz #5 Due Career Reflection Paper Draft |
|
| 10/19 | Chapter 4 - Owens Chapter 5 - Owens |
Online Quiz #6 Due Schedule Career Services Drop in/Email/Zoom to work on resume |
|
| 10/26 | Chapter 6 - Owens Chapter 7 - Owens |
Online Quiz #7 Due Online Quiz #8 Due |
|
| 11/2 | Chapter 8 - Owens Chapter 9 - Owens |
Online Quiz #9 Due Discussion Post: One true Calling Discussion Post: How has the internet changed communication? |
|
| 11/9 | Chapter 10 - Owens Chapter 11 - Owens |
Online Quiz #10 Due Career Informational Interview Due |
|
| 11/16 | Chapter 12- Owens Chapter 13 - Owens |
Job Posting, Resume, Cover Letter Due | |
| 11/23 | Happy Thanksgiving | ||
| 11/30 | Career & life Plan Portfolio Week | Career & Life Plan PowerPoint Presentation Due | |
| 12/7 | Please turn in Final Draft no later than 12/10 | Career Reflection Paper Final Due |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.