JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
COURSE SYLLABUS
Fall, 2014
COURSE NUMBER, TITLE AND CREDIT: ECG 526, Professional Ethics and Legal Issues (3)
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Priscilla G. Wilson, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Phone: 256-782-5724 (O)
Email: pgwilson@jsu.edu
CAMPUS MEETING DATES:
Aug. 26; Sept. 9, 23; Oct. 7, 21; Nov. 4, 18
Ramona Wood 310
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Selected legal and ethical issues in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling and School Counseling. An in-depth review of
American Counseling Association ethical standards, and
comparative study of ethical standards of other related professional
organizations and licensure boards will be included.
TEXT:
Herlihy, B., & Corey, G. (2015) ACA Ethical Standards Casebook.
7th edition. American Counseling Association: Alexandria, VA.
I will also provide case study information, articles, and ethical dilemma scenarios that we will
discuss and/or complete as a group in class.
RATIONALE: This course is designed to provide prospective clinical mental health counselors
and school counselors with an opportunity to gain experience as creative decision-makers and to
enhance their preparation as professionals prepared to counsel, consult, interact and network with
other clinical mental health professionals, teachers and other education professionals, as well as
other helping professionals. The well-prepared clinical mental health counselor and school
counselor will have gained a working knowledge of the professional ethical standards and legal
guidelines corresponding to the specific area of practice.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the successful completion of the course, students will be able
to:
1.
Be thoroughly conversant with the ACA Code of Ethics. CACREP II.G.1.j. ;
CMHC A. 2
2.
Adopt and apply an ethical decision making model. CACREP II.G.1.j
3.
Analyze and apply, both individually and collaboratively, tenable principles to
actual and hypothetical cases concerning counseling legal dilemmas.
CACREP II.G.1.j
4.
Describe the roles of counselor and their clients within the judicial system.
CMHC A.7, B.1
5.
Use legal research tools to assist in resolving a legal inquiry in counseling.
CACREP II.G.8.f.; CMHC A.7; B.1
6.
Describe the rights of minor clients as they relate to the school and societal
context.
CACREP II.G.7.g.
7.
Develop appreciation and understanding of the ethical standards and principles of
related professional organizations and licensing bodies.
CACREP II.G.1.b,g,j; CMHC A.4.
Objectives, Standards, & Assessments
JSU Learning Outcome I.
Educational Theory and Research
Teacher candidates and candidates for other professional school personnel roles demonstrate the ability
to apply “best practices” in teaching that are research and knowledge based.
CACREP G. 1. PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION AND ETHICAL PRACTICE—studies that provide an
understanding of all of the following aspects of professional functioning:
OBJECTIVE
professional roles, functions,
and relationships with other
human service providers,
including strategies for
interagency/interorganization
collaboration and
communications;
professional credentialing,
including certification,
licensure, and accreditation
practices and standards, and
the effects of public policy on
these issues;
ethical standards of
professional organizations and
credentialing bodies, and
applications of ethical and legal
considerations in professional
counseling.
ethical strategies for selecting,
administering, and interpreting
assessment and evaluation
instruments and techniques in
STANDARD
CACREP G. 1.b; 21st Century
Skills- Critical Thinking &
Problem-Solving; JSU LO I
ASSESSMENT
Midterm and Final Exam;
reflections; group assignment
CACREP G. 1.g; 21st Century
Skills- Critical Thinking &
Problem-Solving; JSU LO I
Midterm and Final Exam;
reflections; group assignment
CACREP G. 1.j; 21st Century
Skills- Critical Thinking &
Problem-Solving; JSU LO I
Midterm and Final Exam;
reflections; group assignment
CACREP G. 7.g; 21st Century
Skills- Critical Thinking &
Problem-Solving; JSU LO I
Midterm and Final Exam;
reflections; group assignment
counseling
ethical and culturally relevant
strategies for interpreting and
reporting the results of
research and/or program
evaluation studies.
CACREP G. 8.f; 21st Century
Skills- Critical Thinking &
Problem-Solving; JSU LO I
Midterm and Final Exam;
reflections; group assignment
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING:
Students who are preparing to work as clinical mental health counselors will demonstrate the
professional knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to address a wide variety of circumstances
within the clinical mental health counseling context. In addition to the common core curricular
experiences outlined in Section II.F, programs must provide evidence that student learning has
occurred in the following domains:
OBJECTIVE
Understands ethical and legal
considerations specifically related
to the practice of clinical mental
health counseling.
Knows the professional
organizations, preparation
standards, and credentials relevant
to the practice of clinical mental
health counseling.
Is aware of professional issues that
affect clinical mental health
counselors (e.g., core provider
status, expert witness status,
access to and practice privileges
within managed care systems).
Demonstrates the ability to apply
and adhere to ethical and legal
standards in clinical mental health
counseling.
STANDARD
CACREP CMHC A.2; 21st
Century Skills- Critical Thinking
& Problem-Solving; JSU LO I
ASSESSMENT
Midterm and Final Exam;
reflections; group assignment
CACREP CMHC A.4; 21st
Century Skills- Critical Thinking
& Problem-Solving; JSU LO I
Midterm and Final Exam;
reflections; group assignment
CACREP CMHC A.7; 21st
Century Skills- Critical Thinking
& Problem-Solving; JSU LO I
Midterm and Final Exam;
reflections; group assignment
CACREP CMHC B.1; 21st
Century Skills- Critical Thinking
& Problem-Solving; JSU LO I
Midterm and Final Exam;
reflections; group assignment
COURSE OUTLINE (Class meeting times in BOLD):
August 26
Review syllabus, assignments, requirements
Introduction to Professional Ethics
Complete self-inventory
September 2
Casebook assignment due
September 9
The Counselor as a Person and a Professional
Confidentiality: Ethical and Legal Issues
In-class ethical dilemma assignment
September 16
September 23 Multicultural Perspectives and Diversity Issues
Client Rights and Counselor Responsibilities
In-class ethical dilemma assignment
September 30
October 7
Values and the Helping Relationship
Managing Boundaries and Multiple Relationships
In-class ethical dilemma assignment
October 14
Midterm Exam
October 21
Ethical Issues in Supervision
Professional Competence and Training
In-class ethical dilemma assignment
October 28
November 4
Issues and Theory and Practice
Ethical Issues in Couples and Family Therapy
Artifact assignment and presentation due
November 11
November 18 Social Justice
Ethical Issues in Group Work
In-class ethical dilemma assignment
Final Exam (last week of November)
REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Oral/Written Presentation: Students will be required to present a paper on
a selected legal and/or ethical issue. The topic should be approved by the
instructor. The report will count for 20 percent of the final grade.
2.
Collaborative Discovery and Discussions: Several analyses and
discussions of counseling legal/ethical issues will be scheduled throughout the
semester. Students will be expected to enter into discussion and collaborate in
evaluating the issues/dilemmas, and applying an ethical decision- making model
to the process.
These activities will account for 30 percent of the final grade.
3.
Comparisons of Ethical Codes and Licensure Laws- Students will be
assigned comparative and investigative studies of various ethical codes and
licensure laws. Written comparisons/discussion will be shared in seminar
meetings.
Comparative studies will count for 10 percent of the final grade.
4.
Examinations: Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of course
concepts via scheduled examinations. Examinations will count for 40 percent of
the final grade.
EVALUATION (COURSE ACTIVITIES AND POINTS):
1.
Workbook assignments (I will provide)
- 50 points
2.
Collaborative Discovery and Discussions
- 20 points
3.
Comparisons of Ethical Codes and Licensure Laws - 10 points
4.
Artifact Assignment (Ethical Dilemma Demonstration)- 100 points
5.
Examinations (midterm and finals)
- 100 points
ADA Statement: Jacksonville State University provides equal opportunity to qualified students.
If you have a disability (medical, physical, learning, psychological, etc.) and wish to request
disability-related accommodations to complete course requirements, notify the instructor
immediately. Accommodations cannot be made retroactively.
Method of Instruction:
This course will be delivered as a Hybrid course as defined by the CEPS.
Assignments may be delivered via Blackboard, Livetext, or dispensed in class.. LiveText is also
the repository for all written assignments (article reviews, review of literature, etc.) and all
students are required to have a LiveText account.
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to attend class, be responsible for all materials covered in the course,
participate in class discussions within whole/small group settings, turn in research papers and/or
other assignments when due, and complete examinations based upon the exam schedule.
Attendance Policy:
Due to the hybrid nature of this course, it is important that students are present on dates when
class is scheduled on campus. Any student missing class will be responsible for material missed
and for making up any class work missed. Any make up work will be at the discretion of the
instructor.
Professional Expectations:
Students are responsible for all material covered in class, textbook readings, and assignments due
or made during any absence from the course. Due dates for assignments must be adhered to and
late assignments may be subject to grade reduction as determined by the instructor. Make-up
work is at the discretion of the instructor.
Students are expected to exemplify professionalism in dress, demeanor, conduct, and speech.
Cell phones and other electronic devices that generate sound MUST be turned off when entering
the classroom (campus and virtual class meetings). Disruption of class, whether by leaving or
entering the classroom at will, inappropriate noise making, or other inconsiderate behavior, will
not be tolerated. Bringing children or other unauthorized visitors into the classroom is strongly
discouraged and permission from the instructor is required before this action will be permitted.
Academic Honesty:
The University and College of Education and Professional Studies Policies, including Academic
Honesty and Code of Conduct detailed in the JSU Student Handbook will be enforced in this
class.
College of Education & Professional Studies
Honesty Policy
Cheating
1.
Cheating: 1st Offense - A student who cheats or participates in the act of cheating
on an examination (or any other graded work) will receive a failing grade (“F”) in the
course.
2.
Cheating: 2nd Offense - A student who cheats or participates in the act of
cheating on an examination (or any other graded work) will be dismissed from the
program study, and will not be allowed to enroll in any other program of study in the
College of Education & Professional Studies at Jacksonville State University.
Plagiarism
1.
Plagiarism: 1st Offense – A student who plagiarizes or participates in the act of
plagiarism will receive a failing grade (“F”) in the course. In addition, the student will be
required to complete a remedial seminar on plagiarism. Failure to do so will result in an
automatic 2nd Offense.
2.
Plagiarism: 2nd Offense - A student who plagiarizes or participates in the act of
plagiarism a second time will be dismissed from the program of study, and will not be
allow to enroll in any other program in the College of Education & Professional Studies
at Jacksonville State University.
Exhibiting Unethical Disposition
1.
Exhibiting Unethical Disposition: 1st Offense – A student who exhibits an
unethical disposition such as lying and/or falsifying documentation to anyone in a
supervisory role during any school or school-related activity associated with coursework
will receive a failing grade (“F”) in the course.
2.
Exhibiting Unethical Disposition: 2nd Offense - A student who exhibits an
unethical disposition such as lying and/or falsifying documentation to anyone in a
supervisory role a second time will be dismissed from the program of study, and will not
be allow to enroll in any other program in the College of Education & Professional
Studies at Jacksonville State University.
NOTES:
1.
It should be noted that the occurrence of cheating, plagiarizing, or exhibiting
unethical dispositions is cumulative, i.e., it carries over to any other course taught in the
College of Education & Professional Studies.
2.
If a student wishes to appeal at any level of the honesty policy, she (he) is to
follow the College of Education & Professional Studies’ grade appeal process.
Rubric for Ethical Dilemma/Reflection Assignment
Rubric
Knowledge of Ethical
Decision-Making Model
(1.000, 33%) AL-JSU-COE-LO-I.1
CACREP-2009.2.G.1.j CACREPCMHC-2009.A.2
Application of Ethical
Decision-Making Model
(1.000, 33%) AL-JSU-COE-LO-I.1
CACREP-2009.2.G.1.j CACREPCMHC-2009.A.2
Written Reflection (1.000,
33%) AL-JSU-COE-LO-I.1
CACREP-2009.2.G.1.j CACREPCMHC-2009.A.2
Exceptional
Proficient
(4 pts)
(3 pts)
Basic (2 pts)
Unacceptable
Student
identifies a
thorough
understanding
of the Ethical
DecisionMaking
Model, by
describing
each step of
the model and
its usage in
the scenario
and
reflection.
Student
identifies a
proficient
understanding
of the Ethical
DecisionMaking
Model by
describing at
least 6-7
steps of the
model and its
usage in the
scenario and
reflection.
Student
identifies a
basic
understanding
of the Ethical
DecisionMaking
Model by
describing at
least 4-5
steps of the
model and its
usage in the
scenario and
reflection.
Student lacks
a basic
understanding
of the Ethical
DecisionMaking
Model by
describing
less than 4
steps of the
model and its
usage in the
scenario and
reflection.
Student
identifies a
thorough
understanding
and
application of
the Ethical
DecisionMaking
Model by
visually
demonstrating
each step of
the model in
the scenario
and
reflection.
Student
identifies a
proficient
understanding
and
application of
the Ethical
DecisionMaking
Model by
visually
demonstrating
6-7 steps of
the model in
the scenario
and
reflection.
Student
identifies a
basic
understanding
and
application of
the Ethical
DecisionMaking
Model by
visually
demonstrating
4-5 steps of
the model in
the scenario
and
reflection.
Student lacks
a basic
understanding
and
application of
the Ethical
DecisionMaking
Model by
visually
demonstrating
less than 4
steps of the
model in the
scenario and
reflection.
The written
work
indicates that
the writer
spent
significant
time and
The written
work
indicates that
the writer
spent
adequate time
and energy in
The written
work
indicates that
the writer
spent basic
time and
energy in
The written
work
indicates that
the writer
spent little
time and
energy in
(1 pt)
Rubric
Exceptional
Proficient
(4 pts)
(3 pts)
energy in
reading and
reflecting on
the overall
assignment
before
engaging in
the writing
process. The
reflection is
well written
and free of
errors in
grammar,
punctuation,
and syntax.
reading and
reflecting on
the overall
assignment
before
engaging in
the writing
process. The
reflection is
fairly wellwritten and
contains 2-3
errors in
grammar,
punctuation,
and syntax.
Basic (2 pts)
Unacceptable
reading and
reflecting on
the overall
assignment
before
engaging in
the writing
process. The
reflection is
fairly written
and contains
4-5 errors in
grammar,
punctuation,
and syntax
reading and
reflecting on
the overall
assignment
before
engaging in
the writing
process. The
reflection is
poorly
written and
contains 6 or
more errors in
grammar,
punctuation,
and syntax.
(1 pt)