Special Graduate Topics in Counseling

Course Details

Course Number: 6953  Fall 2010

Location: Ferguson Hall

Days & Times:

Thursdays 5:30 p.m. -8:20 p.m.

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Tiffany A. Stewart Ph.D., LPC Intern   
view Profile »

Course Objectives

 

Analyze dynamics, attitudes, and opposing viewpoints related to substance abuse and its treatment.

Learn about assessment and diagnosis of substance abuse dynamics.

Construct the established diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders and describe treatment modalities and placement criteria within the continuum of care.

Analyze common reasons why people use mood altering chemicals.

Learn about ambivalence, resistance, relapse, and commitment to change within the context of substance abuse treatment.

Critically reflect on issues and attitudes concerning substance abuse treatment.

Become familiar with community-based treatment supports. 


Course Expectations

 

Students will demonstrate in class discussion and in writing, the following qualities:

  1. Critical thinking.
  2. Considerations of multiple points of view.
  3. Appreciation of professional literature.
  4. Capacity to clearly express the appropriate application of research findings in counseling practice.
  5. An understanding of the complexities of conducting research.
  6. An appreciation of clear, well organized writing and a commitment to produce such writing in professional practice. 
  7. Capacity to give and receive feedback regarding professional work. 

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

 

All papers and assignments must be turned in the day they are due.  No exceptions.  If you have an emergency and cannot make it to class, please email me your assignment the same day it is due.  Any late papers will be lowered one letter grade for each day turned in late, and any late homework assignments will not be accepted. Please observe that your assignments are worth a considerable amount of points and skipping even one assignment will most likely significantly lower your grade. Please begin planning your semester schedule accordingly. 


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

 

Attendance and participation are important components of the course. Class attendance is mandatory and NO absences are allowed. Students are expected to attend all classes unless extenuating circumstances exist. All absences must be explained to the instructor of the course.  ANY unexcused absences as determined by the instructor may result in full final grade level reductions at the discretion of the instructor of the course.  Students missing 2 class periods will receive an automatic grade of F and will be required to retake the course prior to completion of degree or program requirements. If you must be absent from class, please inform the instructor prior to the absence, and in the event of an emergency, please contact the instructor as soon as feasible.  


Other Policies

 

The class is conducted in a discussion format and all students are expected to participate in class discussions and activities. As students will play a major role in their own learning they are expected to read the assigned materials and should be prepared to comment on the readings in class. Students are also expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. This includes:

  • Regular attendance
  • Appropriate classroom behavior and participation (including not talking when either instructor or someone else is talking)
  • Meeting assignment deadlines

 

Other Class Policies

 

CELL PHONES: The inappropriate use of these devices can be quite disturbing.  Either turn these devices off or set to “ring” silently.  If there is a compelling need, use these devices as unobtrusively as possible. If you are expecting an urgent call, keep your phone handy, not buried. Take all calls outside of the classroom. NO TEXTING DURING CLASS TIME.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.