5 credits

The meaning of work is vast and comprises a wide array of images, ideas, values, and definitions, depending on age, gender, culture, and other factors. In this course, students examine the critical role of work and vocation from multicultural and global perspectives as well as from a developmental perspective spanning childhood through late adulthood. Students explore and integrate into coursework major theories of vocational psychology. They also examine the meaning of work for individuals, groups, families, and societies as well as the interrelationship of work with family and other lifestyle roles, economic factors, and conditions. Additionally, students examine issues impacting work performance, such as crisis, substance abuse, and mental health challenges.