Civil Society and Culture - U.S. and Global

Examines how to become more aware of the personal decisions one makes in life and of the cultural influences affecting decisions relating to family situations. Areas of discussion include definitions of marriage and the family, married partners as individuals, becoming partners, experiencing family commitment, changing commitments, and cross-cultural comparisons.

Introduces the sociological approach to understanding culture and society. Examines human behavior in a group context, focusing on the prominent influence of culture and social structure on individuals. Connections between individuals and a variety of social institutions, such as the economy, government, and mass media, are examined and compared in U.S. society and on a global scale. Focuses on cultural diversity and social inequalities, such as those related to class, race, ethnicity and gender.

Explores the psychological dimensions of health and the prevention and management of illness. Emphasizes interaction between biological, social, and psychological factors in health and medical problems. Topics include the history and research methods of health psychology, biological foundations of health and illness, stress, prevention and positive psychology, exercise, sleep, and injury control, nutrition and eating disorders, substance abuse, chronic and life-threatening illnesses, complementary and alternative medicine, pain management, and the role of health psychology in healthcare settings.

This course focuses on how individual thought and behavior are impacted by the presence of others. Major evidence-based topics in the psychological and sociological approach to social psychology are covered. Examples include conformity, group processes, interpersonal attraction, prosocial behavior, aggression and prejudice.

Covers the processes of change and stability in human development from conception through death. Course begins with the study of prenatal concerns and progresses through the years of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging. Discusses theory, research, and application associated with the biological, cognitive, affective, and social domains of development.

This course covers the epidemiology, etiology, treatment, and ethical and legal considerations associated with psychopathology in society. Evidence-based criteria will be used to examine individual, group, community and cross-cultural therapeutic techniques.

Covers physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development through adolescence. Explores a variety of theories, recent research, and practical application.

Introduces elementary concepts and principles related to the scientific study of behavior and of the mental processes of cognition and affective states. Variables examined include the history of psychology, the scientific method, theory, biological foundations, psychological processes related to cognition and affective states, developmental changes over time, and applications related to healthy and unhealthy personalities.

A special topics course that allows students to explore various issues in foreign policy. Focuses on American foreign policy including military, diplomatic, and trade policy. Themes vary from semester to semester. In addition, themes may be very specific such as nuclear weapons proliferation or more general such as American foreign policy in the Middle East or global trade. Guest speakers.

A special topics course that allows students to explore issues of public policy. Focuses on the basics of public policy including agenda setting, policy formulation, policy implementation, and policy evaluation. Themes may vary. Themes may be specific such as healthcare policy or they might be more general such as state and local economic policy. Guest speakers.