Course Overview

Philosophical and Meta-Theoretical Issues in Counseling (CNS 687)

Oakland University

Department of Counseling

Philosophical and Meta-Theoretical Issues in Counseling (CNS 687). This 4-credit course is open to master’s students, doctoral students, students from other universities, and graduates (i.e., returning students). This course can be used to fulfill the elective course requirement in the Oakland University Department of Counseling master's program. It can also be used to fulfill the cognate requirement for the doctoral program, if you would like this subject area to be part of your cognate specialization. Because it is an introductory course, no prior knowledge of the topic area is required to enroll. The primary assignments are a series of readings, which are discussed during the class time. Instead of reading diluted, textbook summaries of the great thinkers in our field, students in this course read original works by Freud, Rogers, Szasz, Gergen, James, Frank, and others. This course is designed to provide an overview of four fundamental questions about counseling:

1. What does it mean to know a client?
2. What makes counseling effective?
3. Are truths discovered or created in the counseling relationship?
4. Should counselors abandon the idea of truth?

I have spent much of my academic career exploring and writing about these questions (visit my web page to access my publications). I have consolidated the broad themes of my scholarship in this course.

You are a good candidate for this course if:

1. You are curious about foundational, philosophical questions in counseling
2. You are interested in the ideological themes that unite many of the diverse theories and movements in counseling
3. You enjoy reading and find philosophical topics stimulating
4. You would like to enrich your ability to practice by acquiring the ability to think about your work in more sophisticated ways
5. You enjoy challenging cherished assumptions in the field
6. You are energized by a lively and collegial classroom atmosphere, critical inquiry, and the vigorous exchange of ideas

The only course assignment (aside from reading and participating in discussions) is the completion of a paper. For the paper assignment, most students choose to submit a journal of their thoughts and reflections about the assigned articles, although alternative paper ideas are welcome.

Please contact me if you would like additional information about this course.

James T. Hansen, Ph.D.

Professor

Oakland University

Department of Counseling

450E Pawley Hall

Rochester, MI 48309

James T. Hansen web page

Phone: (248) 370-3071

Fax: (248) 370-4141

E-mail: jthansen@oakland.edu