Human Behavior (HB) (6 credit hours)

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• Anthropology

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  • AN 331 Cultural Anthropology

    This course is a study of contemporary and historically recent human societies and cultures. The main focus is on studying the ways of living of particular groups, comparing diverse cultures to one another to look for universal principles in human culture, to understand how various dimensions of human life—economics, family, religion, art, communications, etc.—relate to one another in different cultures, and to try to understand the causes and consequences of cultural change. Major requirement for a BA in Sociology. Prerequisite: SO 101 or written permission from instructor.

• Psychology

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  • PY 101 Introduction to Psychology

    Introduction to the scientific foundations of the study of behavior and a survey of basic topics of psychology such as sensation and perception, the brain and nervous system, learning and memory, language and thinking, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality, development, stress, and abnormal behavior. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Psychology except PY 200, PY 211, PY 222 and PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240.

  • PY 200 Careers in Psychology

    This course is an introduction to the wide variety of careers available to students majoring in psychology. Topics will include, but not be limited to: writing resumes and cover letters, applying to graduate/professional programs, and issues important in deciding upon an area of specialization. Students will learn about the various careers in psychology through presentations with professionals in the field and exploring information available on Internet sites, such as that of the American Psychological Association (1 credit hr)

  • PY 211 Human Development

    This course will present the principles of human growth and development from conception to death. Topics to be included in the course are methods of child study, consideration of individual differences, and analysis of patterns and sequences of development.

  • PY 222 Human Sexuality

    Consideration of biological, cultural, developmental, and psychological aspects of human sexuality, emphasizing class discussion of relevant issues. Among topics covered are AIDS, romantic love, sexual practices, and sexual orientation.

  • PY 235 Fundamentals of Counseling

    Introduction to concepts and theories of counseling with special attention to multi-cultural, gender, and developmental issues. Emphasis on improving listening and attending skills. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 250 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

    This course is an introduction to and application of statistics and research designs used in experimental psychological research. Statistical software will be used to analyze psychological data collected by the students using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Specific types of statistical tests include: measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, multiple regression, z-tests, t-tests for both independent and correlated samples, analysis of variance/covariance, and various non-parametric tests. Prerequisite: MA 101 or higher

  • PY 301 Personality Theory

    This course covers major psychodynamic, behaviorist, trait, humanist, and cognitive theories of personality. Situational and biological influences, traits and cognition, life stories, psychobiography, and other contemporary issues are discussed. Application of personality theory to the understanding of individual lives is encouraged. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 311 Abnormal Psychology

    This course presents the major theoretical and therapeutic approaches to psychological disorder. The classification, origin, description, and treatment of the chief psychiatric problems are included. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 320 Human Memory and Cognition

    Addresses the ways in which people gain knowledge about their world and about self. Topics covered include: memory and forgetting, language, thought processes, and creativity. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 322 Psychological Assessment

    This course introduces concepts of testing and measurement. Students will examine a variety of psychological tests, learn basics of measurement statistics, and consider assessment approaches such as rating scales and behavior observation. Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240 (PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240 may be taken concurrently).

  • PY 340 Culture and Psychology

    Covers major concepts and research of cross-cultural psychology, including cross-cultural aspects of ethnocentrism, developmental processes, gender differences, emotion, language, personality, and other topics. Applications of cross-cultural knowledge to understanding one’s own culture and the effects of culture on individual lives are included. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 353 Introduction to Psychological Research

    Examination of research design issues in psychology and related disciplines with emphasis on accurate reading of published articles. Students will write a research proposal including a literature review, an operationally stated hypothesis, and data gathering procedures. Students continuing on to PY 354 Experimental Psychology carry out their research proposal. Enhancements for PY 353 provide instruction in American Psychological Association manuscript style. Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240 (PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240 may be taken concurrently)

  • PY 354 Experimental Psychology

    Study and application of experimental techniques for investigating psychological issues. Students replicate experiments or design their own investigations, write experimental reports, and use computerized statistical analysis. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240, and PY 353. (3 credit hrs lecture; 1 credit hr lab)

  • PY 368 Learning Theory

    Emphasizes the development of theoretical approaches to learning, as well as applications of behavioral learning principles in applied contexts. The principles of classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, and social learning theory will be investigated in the course. The course will also present how learning principles are used in such areas as child management, interpersonal communication, and self-control. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 371 Biological Psychology

    Study of biological influences on human behavior and mental processes. Includes a survey of brain and nervous system anatomy and how researchers learn about functions of these systems in relation to behavior. Emphasis on normal development, adaptation, and learning but a variety of syndromes and problems also are included. Study of Biology or Anatomy and Physiology are helpful but not required. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 375 History of Psychology

    This course presents the development of psychology in the history of the Western world. Among the topics it includes are the philosophical basis of modern psychology, the founders of psychology, and development of major theories and content areas. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 382 Psychology of Women

    Investigation of differences and similarities in psychological functioning between women and men, including the influence of major life events occurring only in women (e.g. menstruation, pregnancy) on psychological functioning. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 399 Topics in Psychology

    In-depth exploration of particular topics of psychological interest not treated or treated only briefly in other psychology courses. Specific titles of courses offered under this heading are listed in the course selection for the sessions in which they are offered. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 400 Advanced Studies in Psychology

    Capstone course for psychology majors focusing on the discussion and analysis of significant issues, methods, and bodies of knowledge in psychology. Students will be responsible for the content and direction of the course under the guidance of the instructor. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240, PY 353, and six additional hours of upper-level psychology, or permission of instructor.

  • PY 444 Psychology and Religion

    Presents psychological theories and research on religious belief and practices in a seminar format. Insights of Freud, Jung, James, Allport, and others are discussed in a manner respectful of both Western and Eastern spirituality. The course is not offered every year. Prerequisite: PY 101

  • PY 445 Special Readings in Psychology

    An opportunity to study topics of personal or professional interest not covered, or covered in a limited way, in regular courses. Prerequisites: Psychology major and permission of instructor (Credit arranged individually—maximum of 6 credit hrs)

  • PY 450 Research

    Provides an opportunity to conduct research in an area of psychology of interest to the student. Research is based upon ideas of the student and/or the instructor. Because original research may take more than one semester, the course may be repeated once for credit for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisites: Psychology major, PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240, PY 353, PY 354, and permission of instructor

• Sociology

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  • SO 101 Introduction to Sociology

    This scientific study of human society emphasizes principles of the sociological perspective. Includes society, demography, culture, status, role, socialization, deviance, groups, organizations, stratification, and social change. Introduction to societal institutions: family, religion, education, politics, science, technology, medicine, and healthcare.

  • SO 131 Marriage and Family

    Description and analysis of the social institution of the family in society. The course introduces students to such societal norms as courtship, engagement, marriage, childrearing practices, divorce, and remarriage. The course allows students to review the status of men and women in different cultural environments and to study alternatives to marriage and the family.

  • SO 141 Minority Relations

    Introduction to the problems of minorities in a society. Students are introduced to the concepts of dominance, minority, power, status, conflict, prejudice, and discrimination. The course examines minority groups in American society and the processes of accommodation to the larger society.

  • SO 205 Sociology of Work

    Sociological interpretation of people at jobs in the office, small businesses, field, hospital, universities, and government. Investigates the interrelationship between work and behavior of the individual and other aspects of his or her social roles as related to making a living. The emerging role of leisure as related to professions is examined. Not offered every year. Prerequisite: SO 101

  • SO 230 Research Methods of the Social Sciences

    Gathering, arranging, and presenting data of the social sciences, including surveys, participant observation, experiments, and content analysis. Includes elementary statistical concepts such as descriptive tests of significance. Students design empirical research studies to acquire practical understanding of scientific thinking. A lab provides the opportunity for computerized data analysis. Computer-assisted. Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of instructor

  • SO 250 Women in American Society

    Focus on how a society prescribes and assigns norms according to gender. Emphasis will be put on how major social institutions (family, government, religion, the media, economics, and medicine) define sex roles and stress differences among men and women instead of similarities. Because of this we ask: Do women have minority status in American society?

  • SO 260 World Population Problems

    Scientific study of population change, including fertility, migration, mortality, and theories of population change. Discussions of data collection methods, analysis of population data, and contemporary population problems. Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of instructor

  • SO 280 Sociology of Urban Life

    Introduction to the study of the city in historical and crosscultural perspective with an emphasis on urbanization in the United States. Analyzes the structure of the city, the ecology of cities, social class systems in urban areas, suburban growth, housing, social psychological adaptation, and political processes of urban areas. Not offered every year. Prerequisites: SO 101, PS 101, or GE 101, or permission of the Area of Study Chair

  • SO 300 Society and the Environment

    Examination of the interactions between the physical environment in which we live and the human society we have created. The mix of population, social organization, and technology has an impact on the resource base and environmental conditions on which human and nonhuman society ultimately depend. Topics covered include energy sources, hazardous wastes, environmental accidents, endangered species, the environmental movement, tropical and temperate deforestation, limits to economic growth, population growth, and alternative views of the future.

  • SO 310 Social Problems

    Introduction to major social problems in American society, including poverty, deviance, population change, urbanization, chemical dependency, suicide, family stability, and economic change. Offered once a year, alternating between day and evening programs Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of instructor.

  • SO 322 Social Theory

    Survey of the major sociological theorists who develop propositions and laws about the nature of society and the individual. Introduces the leaders of European and American theories in the conflict, symbolic interaction, and structural functional perspectives. Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of instructor

  • SO 335 Crime and Society

    Five major issues of criminology, including the field of criminology, the nature of criminal law and criminal defenses; explanations of criminal behavior from a biological, psychological, social structural, and social process perspective; types of crimes including crimes of violence, property crimes, organized crime, white collar crime and terrorism; an overview of the criminal justice system; and social reaction to crime: prisons, jails, probation. This course also provides an opportunity for students to consider careers in the field of criminal justice. Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of instructor

  • SO 340 Social Gerontology

    Process of aging in human society and the adaptations of groups and individuals to the aging process. Reviews theories of aging, demographics of aging, living patterns of the elderly, physical and mental health of the elderly, self-perception, and development of policies for providing services to the elderly. Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of instructor

  • SO 345 Social Psychology

    Psychological and sociological principles that affect the behavior of individuals as members of groups. Representative topics include the biological foundations of behavior, prejudice, culture and personality, leadership, small group interaction, crowd behavior, mass media, childhood, adolescence and old age. Offered once a year, but alternates between day and evening programs. Prerequisites: SO 101 and PY 101, or permission of instructor.

  • SO 412 Collective Behavior

    The sociological bases of panics, riots, mobs, fads, fashions, and revolutions are examined. Collective behavior is looked at as the basis of social change. Different types of social deprivation leading to mass movement are investigated. Social movements and their origin in discontent are examined. An analysis of some contemporary social movements and the bases of cleavage and conflict in contemporary America is included. Not offered every year. Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of instructor

  • SO 420 Sociology of Healthcare and Medicine

    This course involves the analysis of contemporary issues of healthcare and medicine using the concepts and theories of medical sociology and critical analysis. Topics include the sick role and labeling perspectives, analysis of medical practitioners, the social organization of medical care, environmental and occupational health, issues of gender, race, ethnicity, and class as related to healthcare and contemporary critical debates in the field of healthcare and medicine. Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of instructor

  • SO 435 Seminar in Sociology

    A course designed to allow students to explore subjects pertinent to the discipline and to gain a broadened sociological perspective. Not offered every year. Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of instructor

• Other

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  • CA 202 Small Group Interaction

    Development and application of small group communication theories designed to enhance communication skills needed in the workplace and in various social environments. Competencies in the areas of effective communication, adaptability, conveying information, managing conflict, organized thinking, and problem solving are addressed.

  • CA 303 Nonverbal Communication

    Theory and application of nonverbal communication theories directed toward improved understanding of self and others in a variety of communication contexts. Presents terminology, concepts, and models of nonverbal communication. Competencies in the areas of effective social interaction, intercultural awareness, conversational adaptability, self-awareness, and relational communication are addressed. Prerequisite: CA 109

  • CA 304 Gender Communication

    Provides a comprehensive view of gender communication as it relates to its prevalence and impact in society. Research of gender communication serves to enhance greater understanding of the oppressive nature of gender communication and its influence on society. Competencies in the areas of perception, adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation are addressed. Prerequisite: CA 109

  • CA 305 Conflict and Communication

    This course introduces concepts and theories pertaining to conflict communication, conflict styles, and problem solving techniques. Develops and applies skills needed to resolve conflict in work, social, and personal areas. Develops competencies in the areas of problem solving, conflict resolution and critical thinking. Prerequisite: CA 109

  • CA 315 Health Communication

    This course examines the theory and practice of health communication. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal relationships, social and cultural issues, and mediated messages concerning health communication. Prerequisite: CA 109

  • CA 317 Psychology of Communication

    Introduces theories and concepts that connect psychology and communication. Presents terminology, research opportunities, and direct application of social cognition skills required to be a competent communicator in an ever-changing world. Competencies in the areas of critical thinking, identifying manipulation and influence, detecting deception, and managing conflict are addressed. Prerequisite: CA 109

  • CA 320 Family Communication

    Introduces concepts and case studies of communication related to the family. Provides wide range of family communication models and theories related to functional families and positive communication. Competencies in the areas of conflict, interpersonal communication, ethics, and leadership are addressed. Prerequisite: CA 109

  • CA 323 Public Relations

    Theory and practice of public relations processes and practices. Review and integration of case studies and direct application of theories through research and assessment. Addresses competencies in the areas of coordinating, managing conflict, planning and organizing, ethics, and public speaking. Prerequisite: CA 109

  • CA 325 Organizational Communication

    Presents an overview of organizational communication. It is a foundational course for those interested in studying organizational communication. It provides a general survey of the topic for those interested in only one course on the topic. The course will be oriented to both theory and practice.

  • CA 358 Communicating with Emotional Intelligence

    Introduces concepts and models dealing with the emotions as they relate to effective communication in a variety of social contexts. Presents terminology, processes, and case studies. Competencies in motivation of self, dealing with difficult others, managing conflict and emotional expression are addressed.

  • CA 400 Managing Internal Communication

    This course introduces the practices and principles of communicating with internal stakeholders—specifically employees. The course emphasizes interactive employee communication programs, strategies and the manager’s role in establishing an environment that encourages dialogue and the flow of information. Prerequisite: CA 109

  • CA 450 Diversity and Communication

    Introduces theories, models, case studies, and processes relevant to the study of diversity and communication. Provides opportunity for direct application of course material to enhance communication skills with diverse others and in a variety of contexts. Competencies that are addressed include: critical thinking, leadership and influence, ethics, listening, managing conflict, and emotional intelligence. Prerequisite: CA 109

  • HHS 315 Normal Aging and Disease Changes

    The student will contrast the normal changes of aging against those caused by disease or injury. This will include psychosocial changes and the effect of societal and economic pressures on the elderly.

  • HHS 320 Human Resource Management

    The student will develop policies that include federal, state, and local laws as they relate to resident care and employee interactions. They will analyze the aspects of planning, implementing and evaluation of recruitment, performance appraisal, training, marketing, confidentiality, and cultural diversity for healthcare employees.

  • HHS 330 Environment of Care (EOC) Management

    In this course the student will investigate three facets critical to long term healthcare facility management: Safety, Finance, and Patient Care including federal, state and local inspections and regulations.

  • HISC 298 Technology and Social History

    Study of societal development through technological changes. Inventions and processes in a historical timeline are studied to evaluate the influence each has had on humanity, culture, and social institutions.

  • HS 453 Positive Models of Achievement and Performance

    This course addresses the topics of achievement and performance within the theoretical area of psychology referred to as “positive psychology.” Traditional trait or aptitude theories of achievement are contrasted with theories grounded in attitude and performance changes that involve active pursuit of important life goals. Performance quality is analyzed as the foundation of achievement and a strengths based perspective is used to guide students’ applications of the positive psychology, theoretical, and empirical models of performance and achievement to their own lives.

  • HS 454 Positive Models of Creativity and Wisdom

    This course addresses the topics of creativity and wisdom within the theoretical area of psychology referred to as “positive psychology.” Traditional trait or personality theories of creativity and wisdom are contrasted with theories of active skill development. A strengths-based perspective is used to guide students’ applications of the positive psychology theoretical and empirical models of creativity and wisdom to their own lives.

  • HU 310 Popular Culture

    Examines the artifacts of popular culture for what they reveal about the values, attitudes, mores, and conventions of contemporary society.

  • IGEN 220 Using Critical Thinking to Understand Human Behavior

    This course applies critical thinking skills to human behavior. Topics include the self in society, truth versus beliefs, human nature and its origins, love, sex, and friendship, personal and social morality, learning and creativity, work and recreation, law, government, democracy, change and progress, war and peace, thought about God, and hope for the future.

  • IGEN 224 The Do’s and Don’ts of Investigations and Information Gathering

    This course will examine the history of the modern fact-finder and investigative decision-maker. It will cover leadership, team-building, and management strategies. It includes crucial aspects of the field, such as community liaison, witness issues, and working with the media.

  • IGEN 231 One World- Many People

    This course is an introduction to the many peoples and cultures of the world. Special attention will be given to the geography and identity of the major human communities on the planet.

  • IGEN 234 From Case Management to Court Room: Enhancing Case Prosecution

    This course will cover the basic methods of maritime security: investigation, emphasizing physical and electronic surveillance, interviewing, database and record-searching. It will also cover the use and essential role of the internet and technology in modern investigations in terms of how it can ultimately help, and if not done properly, hinder a case. Proper and thorough documentation, note-taking and report-writing is emphasized.

  • IGEN 240 Understanding Emotion

    This course is designed for students who want to further their understanding of emotion in everyday life from an objective point of view. Students concentrate on theories of emotion that have stood up to rigorous scientific investigation.

  • IGEN 241 Emotions and Life Goal Achievement

    This course is about emotions and choices: separating fantasy from real choices about managing emotions. Students will be exposed to some of the real choices they will have to make about how to deploy emotions in their life and the consequences of those choices.

  • IGEN 245 Health Education Across the Lifespan

    In this course the students will investigate the diversity of both the consumers and providers of healthcare and how that effects education and communication challenges. Students will explore age specific concerns, the disadvantaged population, and the mental health population and propose solutions to specific public health issues.

  • IGEN 251 China Today

    Students investigate important issues in contemporary Chinese politics, the economy, and social life, with a special emphasis on strategic challenges connected to China's changing role in international affairs.

  • IGEN 292 Temperament and Intelligence

    This course examines temperament and intelligence as they relate to learning and future success. It uses temperament analysis, multiple intelligences, and distinctions between types of minds and neurobiology to contrast active and passive living.

  • IGEN 300 Heroes and Anti-Heroes in Business

    This course analyzes the nature of heroism in the business world and examines a number of specific business heroes and anti-heroes.

  • IGEN 309 Music Influence in American Culture and Tolerance

    This course examines the manner in which music has reflected and influenced the development of societal awareness, understanding, and tolerance in modern American and the world.

  • IGEN 310 Heroes and Anti-Heroes in Popular Culture

    This course analyzes the nature of heroism in popular culture and examines a number of specific popular culture heroes and anti-heroes.

  • IGEN 311 The New Consumer Culture: The Department Store and the Dawn of Modern Advertising

    Traces the development of the new consumer culture from the Industrial Revolution to the birth of the department store, modern advertising, and the modern consumer economy. Investigates the story of this transformation of American culture by examining the historical, economic, philosophical, religious, and literary record.

  • IGEN 313 Social Influence: How Do I Influence Others? How Do They Influence Me?

    This course defines and provides examples of social influence—which is the art and practice of getting others to do what you want. Several issues are addressed concerning social influence in everyday life: What are some common influence strategies? How do you know which strategy to use? How do you know when you are being influenced? How can you resist social influence?

  • IGEN 317 Working Towards a Culture of Inclusion

    As organizations move toward inclusion as a means of leveraging diversity, it is imperative that employees understand the importance of inclusion, as well as the ways in which culture and identity influence our perceptions and behaviors in the workplace. Important skills include self- and cultural awareness, viewing issues from multiple perspectives, and managing bias.

  • IGEN 318 Leading a Diverse Workforce

    An effective organization must create a culture which embraces diversity. Business leaders need to promote and communicate inclusive attitudes and policies in order to capitalize on a diverse labor force. Important skills include welcoming a pluralistic workforce, mentoring potential talents, evaluating performance objectively, and resolving cultural conflicts in the workplace.

  • IGEN 319 Creating Value from Diversity in the Workplace

    Globalization has increased competitive pressures and opened up new opportunities. Organizations must monitor political, legal, economic, and demographic trends which can alter the workplace environment for entire industries. At the organizational level, leaders need to gauge the impact of diversity initiatives and adjust strategies appropriately based on evidence from established metrics.

  • IGEN 322 Sex Sells: Advertising and the Erotification of the American Mind

    Examines the ways in which sexual imagery has been used in advertising to sell many different products and what this reveals about our cultural values.

  • IGEN 323 Winners, Losers and Also-rans: Case Studies in Identity and Social Influence

    Examines how identity and social influence, as exemplified in the lives of famous public figures, are interwoven to construct the fabric of social life.

  • IGEN 324 African Cultures

    This interdisciplinary course examines major cultural groups and modern societies of sub-Saharan Africa. Students use case studies, works of fiction, and historical analysis to gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by African people in post-colonial times.

  • IGEN 330 Societies in the Information Age

    The information age has brought fundamental changes in how people live, work, and play. This course provides students with a much-needed framework for understanding the ways in which technologies transform and are transformed by societies. Students will explore the impact of technologies, both past and present, on our human relationships and cultural institutions.