May 12, 2024  
2021 - 2022 University Catalog 
    
2021 - 2022 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses


 

Psychology

  
  • PSYCH 320 - Forensic Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 
     
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    Forensic Psychology focuses on the interface of academic and clinical psychology and the law. Students will acquire knowledge pertaining to the application of psychology to such legal issues as competency to stand trial, competency for execution, child custody determinations, expert testimony, civil and criminal commitment to mental institutions, criminal profiling, predicting dangerousness, psychological autopsies, Legal Insanity vs. Mental Illness, consultation for jury selection and malingering.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring
  
  • PSYCH 326 - Health Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    Through the lens of psychological research, students in this course will examine the etiology, treatment, and prevention of various medical conditions. Specifically, this course will increase students’ understanding of how social, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and biological factors influence health.

    3 credits
    Spring, Alternate Years
  
  • PSYCH 327 - Psychology of Food and Eating


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100
    Requirement Fulfillment: This course will serve as an upper level (300-level or above) elective in the Psychology major, minor, and core concentration. 
    Delivery: Lecture
    This course explores the psychological processes, theories, and research that surround humanity’s complex relationship with food. We will focus on food consumption, advertising, and production from a psychological perspective and discuss how food choices impact our identity and health. We will also discuss different forms of eating-related psychopathology such as eating disorders and binging/purging behavior and review evidence-based treatments for these behaviors. Lastly, we will identify the ways that culture and class-based food choice and availability impact individual and societal health.

     

    3 credits
    Spring

  
  • PSYCH 340 - Research Methods


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 , PSYCH 240 , and junior standing
    Required of all students majoring in Psychology. Students will be exposed to the wide range of research methods and designs used in Psychology, including observational methods, survey research, as well as correlational and experimental designs. Students will learn to prepare psychological research reports using the style required by the American Psychological Association.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring
  
  • PSYCH 342 - Legal Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100  and at least junior standing
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    The application of social science research methods and psychological knowledge to contemporary issues in the criminal justice system. Topics include: eyewitness memory, scientific jury selection, police identification procedures, jury decision making, credibility of witness testimony, the social scientist as an expert witness, and research methods used by legal psychologists.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring
  
  • PSYCH 353 - Community Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    An overview of community psychology as a new development in the delivery of psychological services focusing on the role of the clinical psychologist and paraprofessional in a community setting. Includes a critical analysis of state institutionalization in comparison to more recent developments of community mental health services.

    3 credits
    Special Offering
  
  • PSYCH 356 - Counseling: Theory and Skills


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 , PSYCH 250  or PSYCH 280  and at least junior standing.
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    A brief theoretical overview of counseling is discussed in conjunction with the application of practical skill development. Skills included are listening, interviewing, presentation of self, rapport development, and empathy. The laboratory experiences focus on the development and sharpening of the skills requisite for success in graduate studies and enhanced employment opportunities.

    3 credits
    Alternate Fall
  
  • PSYCH 360 - Multicultural Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100  and junior standing or consent of instructor
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    This course examines multicultural issues within psychology, focusing on racial, cultural, and ethnic characteristics and identities, as well as other domains of difference, such as gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and their intersections. The course seeks to define multiculturalism and its role within psychological research and theory, exploring such topics as prejudice and stereotyping, communication styles, cultural values and identities, immigration and acculturation, and mental and physical health among diverse cultural groups.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring
  
  • PSYCH 361 - Neuroscience II


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 261  
    Requirement Fulfillment: This course will fulfill a requirement for an upper-level elective in the Cognitive/Biological content area in Psychology. It will also count towards minors and core concentrations in Psychology.
    This course will introduce the neurobiological and neurochemical basis of behavior, such as language, emotions, and mental illness. We will build on the molecular and anatomical concepts learned in PSYCH 261 and make use of up-to-date research in animal models to inform our study. The goal is to gain a solid understanding of how brain function relates to higher-order cognitive behaviors. Minimum Passing Grade: D

    3.0 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 362 - Animal Behavior


    Cross-Listed with: BIO 362 
    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100  BIO 103 - Intro to Molec & Cell Biology w/ Lab BIO 104 - Intro to Evolution & Ecology w/ Lab and at least junior standing, or consent of instructor
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    Delivery: Lecture
    This course examines animal behavior from an evolutionary standpoint, incorporating genetic, physiological, and developmental foundations for behavior. Topics covered include the reasons for, and mechanisms behind common behaviors such as migration, communication, navigation, predator avoidance, foraging, social systems, and mating behaviors.

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PSYCH 365 - Sensation and Perception


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100  and at least junior standing
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    Emphasizes the construction of reality from sensations arising from stimulation by changes in environmental energy. Some consideration is given to biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and other factors that modulate perceptual process.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 367 - Evolutionary Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100  or BIO 103 
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    This course examines the evolutionary development of behavioral, cognitive, and affective tendencies in humans. Special attention will be paid to possible sex differences in behavioral tendencies. Care will be taken to address the controversies involved in the nature/nurture debate. Dichotomization of the genetic factors from experiential factors will be evaluated in terms of what has come to be known as Galton’s Error (attempts to explain human traits as either inherited or due to environmental factors). The course represents an attempt to identify the various aspects of “human nature”.

    3 credits
    Alternate Spring
  
  • PSYCH 369 - Contemporary Issues in Psychology and Law


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100  and at least junior standing
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    Students will learn to delineate and critically think about the interdependence and interrelationships between psychology and the legal system. Students will be responsible for reading and synthesizing the methodologies from empirical studies related to how psychologists interface with the law. A variety of topics will be discussed including psychological testimony, the psychology of the courtroom, and legal rules and regulations governing the practice of psychology.

    3 credits
    Alternate Fall
  
  • PSYCH 371 - History of Modern Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 ,, and at least junior standing
    Presents the development of the major schools and systems of psychology from their philosophical antecedents to contemporary forms.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring
  
  • PSYCH 380 - Psychology of Consciousness


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100  and at least junior standing
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    Examines the various modes of consciousness experienced by humans. Through a variety of readings and exercises, students become better able to articulate their own experience and better able to appreciate that of others. Addresses the following topics: sleep and waking, dreaming, meditation, psychoactive drugs, exercise, intuition, analytical functioning, and others.

    3 credits
    Alternate Fall
  
  • PSYCH 390 - Substance Abuse


    The course provides a comprehensive review of psychoactive substances. Major classes of drugs are covered in class, including their history, modes of intake, effects, and consequences of use. Distinctions are made between substance use, misuse, abuse, and dependence. Types of education, prevention measures, and treatment approaches are also presented.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 392 - Art Therapy


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100  
    Requirement Fulfillment: Major, Minor, Core Concentration
    Delivery: Lecture
    This course is an overview of the theories and techniques in the field of art therapy.  It is intended to be a survey course and will expose students to the general field of art therapy and how it is applied to specific populations. Students will read about the theories, the application of theory, research support and treatment. Students will learn the context in which theories develop and the related limitations. Students will have an opportunity to engage with art materials and experience the art making process used in therapeutic settings and to think critically about the use of these techniques in an applied setting.  Minimum Passing Grade: 60- D- Repeatable:  Yes

    3 credits
    Fall and Spring
  
  • PSYCH 395 - Themes in Cultural Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 , ANSOC 100  or ANSOC 105  or consent of the instructor
    This course will focus on unique cultural influences on development, intelligence, conceptualization and treatment of mental illness, and other influences, such as religion and political climate in specific non-European regions of the world. The course will rotate among the following regions: East Asia, North Africa/Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The course may be repeated but not the topic.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 410 - Psychology Independent Study


  
  • PSYCH 419 - Psychology of Religion


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100  and at least junior standing or consent of the instructor
    Requirement Fulfillment: Requirement: This course will fulfill a requirement in the major, minor, or core Concentration
    Grounded in psychological research and theory, this course approaches the psychology of religion from a socio-cultural standpoint. We study the degree to which religion is an intricately related psychological and social construct. Attention is paid to both dominant and non-dominant religions as we examine the psychological, historical, and legal factors that combine to shape individual and social reality. The format of the course is that of a seminar with the expectation that students will contribute to the variety of materials and issues explored.

    3 credits
    Fall, Alternate Years
  
  • PSYCH 421 - Instruction with Practicum


    Prerequisites: Invitation by instructor; junior or senior standing
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    Student and instructor determine responsibilities which may include: assisting in preparation of course syllabus, assignments, and tests; leading discussions; delivering lectures; or planning in-class activities.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring
  
  • PSYCH 430 - Special Topics in Psychology


    Prerequisites: At least junior standing
    Requirement Fulfillment: Fulfills a course requirement in the Psychology Core Concentration
    Study of special topics in psychology. Topics determined by student needs and the availability of appropriate instruction.

    3 credits
    Special Offering
  
  • PSYCH 440 - Experimental Psychology with Laboratory


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 , PSYCH 240 , PSYCH 340  and at least senior standing
    Note: Required of all students majoring in Psychology.
    Students will gain an in-depth understanding of experimental design. This course will help students gain experience surveying literature, creating hypotheses, designing methodology, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting research using the style required by the American Psychological Association.

    4 credits
    Fall, Spring
  
  • PSYCH 446 - Seminar in Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 , PSYCH 240 , PSYCH 340  and at least senior standing
    Note: Required of all students majoring in psychology
    This senior seminar serves as a capstone course for psychology majors. Students will critically examine behavior across the sub-divisions within the field of psychology. In a seminar based learning format, students will critically compare theories and methods across varying schools of thought in psychology. This critical analysis will further develop students understanding of theoretical and applied behaviors. Each seminar will have a varying topic in psychology based on instructor expertise. This course will advance students existing knowledge of psychological constucts and further develop their understanding of behavior while helping them to understand the advantages of psychology as a degree choice and future careers in the discipline.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring
  
  • PSYCH 450 - Research in Psychology


    Prerequisites: None
    This course is open to students pursuing research on a specific topic in psychology. Research must be an original idea in psychology, and agreed upon by student and psychology faculty research advisor. This course may be repeated for credit. Students who intend to register for PSYCH 451  must first complete PSYCH 450.

    1-3 credits
    Offered on demand.
  
  • PSYCH 451 - Senior Thesis


    Prerequisites: 3.3 GPA overall and a 3.5 Psychology GPA, or permission of the instructor, and PSYCH 450 

     
    Requirement Fulfillment: N/A
    Delivery: Other
    This course will serve as a capstone experience for outstanding students majoring in psychology. Students will work closely with a psychology advisor; engage in original research on a topic of their choice. The thesis should be empirical in nature and should demonstrate their ability to evaluate and subsequently add to an important area of psychological study. Students will synthesize knowledge gained in coursework throughout their program. The course will conclude with a formal written thesis and oral presentation. This course may serve as a substitute for PSYCH 498  or PSYCH 499 .

    3 credits
    Fall and Spring
  
  • PSYCH 498 - Research Practicum in Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 , PSYCH 340  and consent from instructor
    Students register for this course in conjunction with a 135 hour research practicum experience in psychology. Students must have an on-campus faculty sponsor. Enrollment is by permission of instructor.

    3-6 credits
    Offered on demand
  
  • PSYCH 499 - Applied Practicum in Psychology


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 100 , PSYCH 340  and consent from instructor
    Students register for this course in conjunction with a 120 hour applied practicum experience In psychology, students attend a weekly 1 hour classroom seminar designed to integrate their practicum experiences with theoretical and empirical concepts in psychology. Enrollment is by permission of instructor.

    3-6 credits
    Offered on demand
  
  • PSYCH 500 - Methods and Evaluation


    Delivery: Lecture
    In this course students will learn non-experimental and experimaental designs in research, including an introduction to qualitative research and program evaluation.  You will be introduced to basic parametric and nonparametric statistics and the use of statistical software (e.g., SPSS) for data management and analysis. 

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PSYCH 501 - Research Design


    Prerequisites: None
    This course will teach students how to utilize research methodological strategies and designs to empirically investigate observations, theories, and hypothesis. Students will be introduced to advanced experimental design, sources of variability, effect size, and higher order factorial experiments. This course will also introduce students to the role of statistical analysis in psychology relative to the specific methodologies utilized by psychologists. This course should enable students to critically evaluate the claims of “experts” in forensic and applied psychology as well as in the scientific literature.

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PSYCH 502 - Quantitative Methods I


    Prerequisites: None
    Students will study advanced statistical methods including Analysis of Variance through Analysis of Covariance including the investigation of their utility in psychological research and experimentation. Students will also become familiar with the most prominent statistical software including but not limited to SPSS.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 503 - Forensic Psychology


    Prerequisites: None
    Forensic Psychology is the intersection of Psychology and Law. Students will study the most cogent areas where Psychology and Law intersect. Students will exam such topics as: The Historical Development of Forensic Psychology; Child Custody; Insanity Issues; Competency evaluation; Police Psychology; Civil Proceedings and the Forensic Psychologists role; Criminal Proceedings; Assessment Issues, Civil and Criminal; Expert Testimony and Interventions with Forensic Populations.

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PSYCH 504 - Psychology and the Law


    Prerequisites: None
    This course provides the student with knowledge pertaining to the application of social science methods and psychological knowledge to contemporary issues in the criminal justice system. Topics for this course will include: lineup procedures, eyewitness memory, scientific jury selection, pretrial publicity, repressed memories, interviewing eyewitnesses, children suggestibility and research methods used by legal psychologists. This course will introduce students to contemporary psychological knowledge pertinent to the legal system and is appropriate for graduate students interested in law, psychology, and criminal justice.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 505 - Introduction to Clinical Assessment: Objective Tests


    Prerequisites: None
    This course focuses on the fundamentals of clinical assessment with adults. This will include a review of relevant psychometrics and statistical properties (i.e., reliability and validity) as well as the basics of clinical assessment (i.e., ethical guidelines and report writing). We will focus on three areas of psychological assessment: intelligence, achievement, and personality assessment. Within each area, we will review the conceptual and theoretical issues relevant to conducting psychological assessments and become familiar with the most common tools used in assessments with adults. The course also includes an applied component in which students will have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of administration, scoring, and interpretation of a select battery of assessment tools. These practical experiences will provide a context for further discussion of the various technical and ethical issues related to psychological assessment.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 506 - Assessment in Criminal Law


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 501 ; PSYCH 502 ; PSYCH 503 ; PSYCH 505 
    The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to various areas that require psychological assessment in the Criminal Court system. Students will become familiar with: the general tenants of the Criminal law and why psychological issues become pertinent in this area; the wide variety of issues that are related to criminal proceedings, criminal defendants where input from the mental-health specialist is most frequently requested; pertinent Case Law that directs the input of the psychologist; the various psychological instruments and procedures that are typically used by Mental Health practitioners in the Criminal Justice system; the pertinent research that justifies and supports the use of very psychological instruments for the purpose of giving expert testimony and providing evaluations with in the crumble justice system. Students will learn: how to become informed of current Case law and how to evaluate and apply Court findings; about various organizations designed to keep mental health professionals abreast of issues in the criminal justice system: and how the role of the mental-health professional has developed historically within the context of the Criminal law.

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PSYCH 507 - Assessment Issues in Civil Law


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 505  or consent of the Instructor
    The purpose of this course is to familiarize the students with various areas of the Civil Law in which mental-health professionals evaluate and make assessments. Students will become familiar with the research in this area and its application to the process of evaluation in answering legal questions that are peculiar to areas in the civil courts. Students will learn: about the questions that the Court expect the psychologist to address; the types instruments and evaluative procedures that are used in the civil context in terms of expert testimony, report writing and input into the legal system; how the pertinent case law is applied and frames the input of the mental-health professional in this context; how the role of the mental-health professional has developed historically within the context of non-criminal areas of law; and how to keep abreast of current issues that are dictated by the Case law.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 509 - Methods in Psychotherapy I


    Prerequisites: None
    Methods of Psychotherapy is designed to introduce students to the prevalent methods of psychotherapy, theories of change and treatment outcome research. Through readings in each of the dominant schools of psychotherapy, students will become familiar with a number of treatment approaches and philosophies through assigned readings and mock therapy sessions in a laboratory setting.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 510 - Quantitative Methods II


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 501 ; PSYCH 502 
    Quantitative Psychology II provides the graduate student with the necessary skills to understand, interpret, and design research projects that require complex multiple independent variable designs. Students will study Multivariate methods in Quantitative Psychology including, Multiple Regression, Discriminate Analysis, Principle Components Factor Analysis, Cluster Analysis, and Manova designs.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 511 - Children, Adolescents, and the Law


    Prerequisites: None
    In both the Criminal and the Civil Courts, issues with regard to children and adolescents present unique challenges for the forensic psychologist. Students will learn issues that are specific in this area such as: assessment of children in terms of custody; parental fitness; allegations of sexual abuse; children in need of the service services; incorrigible children; parens patrie; delinquency; adjudication issues with regard to children; educational assessments within the Court system; advocacy programs related to children; placement of children in the foster care system; adoption; termination of parental rights; commitment of children to juvenile facilities; and transference of children from the minor status to adult status with regard to criminal laws; assessment issues and ethical issues that are unique to this area as well as the wide variety of placements that are results of legal intervention in the role of the psychologist in this context; about issues that are specific to the rights of juveniles within the Criminal Court system. Students will be given an opportunity for in-depth exploration of a particular area of interest through literary research.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 512 - Child Assessment


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 505  or consent of the Instructor
    This course provides an overview of the basic methods of psychological assessment of children. As we review these methods, we will focus on their strengths and limitations, both in terms of their psychometric and practical characteristics. Knowledge of principles of psychometric theory, test construction, and statistical properties (i.e., reliability and validity) is therefore assumed and will not be a primary focus of this course. The course also includes an applied component. You will have an opportunity to practice the administration and scoring of a select battery of assessment instruments with your peers and with practice test subjects. These practice assessments will provide a context for discussing various technical and ethical issues related to the assessment of children within a psychological framework.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 513 - Vocational Counseling


    Prerequisites: None
    Students will be introduced to counseling theory as it applies to vocational choice, individual interests, vocational placement, and methods of vocational assessments.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring, Summer
  
  • PSYCH 514 - Helping Relationships


    Prerequisites: None
    The course is an introduction to basic skills and techniques in mental health counseling. Students will examine and apply mental health counseling theories, techniques, and intervention. Emphasis will be devoted to the development of basic counseling skills such as active listening, the importance of the counseling relationship, working with difficult or resistant clients, the impact and importance of personal values and diversity in counseling, the development of attitudes and approaches that facilitate the counseling relationship, the importance of self-examination, maintenance of professional and therapeutic boundaries, managing stress and promoting self-care, and ethical issues.

  
  • PSYCH 515 - Introduction to Group Counseling


    Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
    This course will provide advanced study in the theory, process and practice of Group Counseling and Psychotherapy. Students will study the application of group designs in the treatment of individuals in a group setting. Multicultural applications of different approaches will be considered, as well as applications of group counseling on specific special populations. Particular attention will be paid to the utility and research supporting the effectiveness and efficacy of this form of treatment.

    3 credits
    Spring, Summer and Winter Intersession
  
  • PSYCH 518 - Psychological Trauma: Treatments and Intervention


    The purpose of this course is to provide a clinical survey course on the topic of psychological trauma in general, post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma focused therapy, and clinical intervention.  There will be an additional focus on trauma and treatment issues related to military service.  Students will learn the wide variety of traumas that affect human functioning, and the psychological research related to the impact of trauma on mental and behavioral functioning.  Students will learn about the most current evidence- based practives in trating trauma and will be encouraged to integrate their intership experience with the information discussed in this class.  Students will be provided an opportunity to practice some of the techniquest in this aread and experience some of the activities related to the melioration of the negative impact of traumatic experiences. 

    3 credits
    Fall or Spring
  
  • PSYCH 519 - Methods of Psychotherapy II


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 509 
    Methods of Psychotherapy II is designed as a continuation of PSYCH 509 - Methods in Psychotherapy I  and as such to familiarize students with a number of methods of psychotherapy, theories of change and treatment outcome research. Through readings, in each of the methods of psychotherapy covered, demonstrations, DVD demonstration videos, and classroom experiences, students will become familiar with treatment approaches such as the cognitive behavioral, rational emotive, humanistic, brief psychodynamic and dialectic behavioral therapy methods of psychology.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring, Summer
  
  • PSYCH 521 - Adult Psychopathology


    Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor
    This course is designed to investigate the field of adult psychopathology. Students will examine the latest research related to DSM IV TR criteria for such disorders as (but not limited to) schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders; and personality disorders.

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PSYCH 522 - Biological Perspective in Mental Health


    The course provides a comprehensive review of biological causes of sognitions, emotions, and behavior.  Areas of study will include neurobiological actions of psychotropic medications.  We will consider the role of psychotropic medications in the treatment of mental illnesses.

    3 credits
    variable
  
  • PSYCH 525 - Psychology of Criminal Behavior


    Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor
    This course will provide the student with the opportunity to explore and examine detail prominent psychological theory as it is applied to criminal behaviors. Particular attention will be paid to separating the difference between pathology as a cause and other forms of psychological explanations for criminal behaviors.

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PSYCH 528 - Proseminar in Social Psychology


    This seminar provides a broad overview of social psychology, including classic research as well as current research in social psychology such as the processes of attitude change; social influences on conformity, compliance, and obedience; the self and the pursuit of self-esteem; person perception and attribution; stereotyping and prejudice; attraction and mate selection; and group influences on performance.  There will be assigned readings as well as a textbook for background and overview.  Each week students will lead class discussion and present individual perspective on contemporary research on select topics chosen for a final paper.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 529 - Health Psychology Interventions


    This course is designed to provide and overview of the field of health psychology and in-depth training in several evidence -based health psychology interventions.  We will cover evidence-based treatments in the areas of obesity, smoking cessation, coping with chronic pain and chronic illness, stress management, and insomnia.  The biolpsychosocial model will be used as an organizing template to discuss these issues and interventions.  We will also discuss individual differences (culture, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion, gender, etc.), their effect on health, chronic conditions, and illnesses, and their impact on treatment. 

    3 credits
    variable
  
  • PSYCH 530 - Special Topics in Forensic Psychology


    Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor
    Course content will rotate across a variety of specialty areas in forensic psychology. Areas of study may include psychobiology, children’s suggestibility, victimology, neurological assessment, psychotherapy, history and systems, or other methodological content areas derived to help students understand contemporary Issues In the criminal justice system.

    3 credits
    Fall, Spring
  
  • PSYCH 531 - Family Violence


    Prerequisites: None
    This course is a seminar based course which examines the recent research and theoretical foundations of the issues associated with family violence. Students will investigate seminal research and theory associated with the psychological aspects of violence as it occurs in families as well as the impact such violence may have on both perpetrators and victims.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 532 - Multicultural Competence in Psychological Practice


    Prerequisites: None
    This course examines the diversity of North American society with a focus on analysis of cultural ethnicity, race, disability, and sexual orientation; includes integration with clinical and research issues. It is designed to introduce students to psychological issues concerning gender, cultural values, religion, race/ethnicity, individualism-collectivism self-identity, group identity and group conflict, culture and development, sexual orientation, psychological and physical disorders and disabilities, culture and communication.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 533 - Law and Mental Health


    Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor
    The purpose of this course is to give the students an understanding of the American legal system. Students will learn how it operates, the defining principles, and the role of the psychologist and others with mental health expertise in this context. Students will become familiar with the laws pertinent to applied forensic psychology in both Civil and Criminal Courts. Students will learn how various Regulations, Penal Codes, Statutes and the Constitution frame and limit, the input of the mental health professional within the legal system. Students will learn the ways in which the current Case Law structures the everyday practice of forensic psychology. Students will learn how the pertinent Case Law exemplifies and delineates and clarifies the use of Psychology in the Courtroom by Judges and in other settings as defined and determined by the Courts. Students will learn about the historical development of the use of the mental-health expert within the Court system and the ramifications of those realities currently. Students will develop an appreciation for the differences between the perspectives and goals the disciplines of law and psychology.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 534 - Advanced Developmental Psychology


    Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor
    This course is designed to provide advanced study in the field of child development, with a consideration of prenatal through adolescent development. Emphasis will be placed on both the major theories as well as contemporary research findings in developmental psychology.

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PSYCH 535 - Group Dynamics: Methods and Design


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 515 
    This course will provide advanced study in the process and design of Groups and their use in Forensic settings. Students will study the application of group designs in the treatment of individuals involved in the justice system: mentally ill offenders, substance dependent offenders, and sexual offenders. Moreover, the course will describe the various approaches utilized in such treatment, such as group counseling, psychoeducational approaches, and behavioral treatment. Particular attention will be paid to the utility and research supporting the effectiveness and efficacy of this form of treatment in correctional settings.

    3 credits
    Spring, Fall, Summer
  
  • PSYCH 536 - Proseminar in Cognitive Psychology


    Students in this course will examine mental processes and information processing.  Students will learn how researchers use various scientific methods to examine human thought processes, including attention, memory, decision making, acquisition, retrieval, metacognition, forgetting, reasoning, and related issues in cignition.  Students will also learn how researchers design and report research in cognitive psychology to help understand memory processes.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 540 - Advanced Personality Psychology


    Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor
    This course is designed to provide advanced study in the field of personality psychology with a specific focus on seminal works in personality theory. Students will investigate the original works of Freud, Jung, Horney, Michel, Bandura, Kelly, Cattell, and Allport in addition to other important personologists. Students will critique a number of the theories in terms of their utility in modern psychology and their historic importance in the development of modern theory in personality psychology.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PSYCH 543 - Substance Abuse Counseling


    The course provides a comprehensive review of psyhoactive substances as well as substance abuse treatment techniques.  Students are exposed to the neurobiology of addiction before delving into substance abuse treatment paradigms.  Students learn how substance abuse treatment is implemented, from assessment.  Motivational interviewing, group, family, and pharmacological treatments.

    3 credits
    variable
  
  • PSYCH 550 - Professional Ethics in Psychology


    Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor
    This course is designed to provide a pragmatic understanding of the ethical principles guiding psychologists in their roles as clinicians, researchers, supervisors, and teachers. We will focus on the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Codes of Conduct. This will include a review of the rules and procedures of the licensing boards and the consequences of code violations. A second major objective of this course is to help you to formulate your own “code” of ethical decision-making as a psychologist in-training. We will discuss common personal and professional circumstances that place psychologists in challenging ethical situations. In addition, you will each have the opportunity to explore the ways in which your own personal “ethos” is consistent (or inconsistent) with your legal and ethical responsibilities as a psychologist. We will pursue this goal by reviewing case studies, role-playing ethical dilemmas, and sharing our own personal experiences as researchers, clinicians, teachers, and students. These exercises will allow you to define your own process of ethical decision-making that you can return to throughout your career in psychology.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 591 - Clinical Practicum I


    Prerequisites: None
    Students will be placed in a 60 hour (4hr/week) clinical placement in the community. Students will observe various clinical processes such as intake interviews, diagnostic assessments, psychosocial interviews, and individual and group counseling sessions. A minimum of five of the 60 clinical hours shall include direct clinical observation or co-facilitation of individual or group counseling sessions. Students will also participate in clinical team meetings, client review meetings and attend small group supervision. Students will also participate in small group practicum supervision with a faculty supervisor. Practicum supervision will consist of no more than five students and meetings will be held weekly for 90 minutes.

    3 credits
    Annually
  
  • PSYCH 592 - Clinical Practicum II


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 591 
    Students will be placed in a 120 hour (8hr/week) clinical placement in the community. Students will observe various diagnostic interviews and biopsychosocial assessments at their practicum placement and participate with their practicum supervisor on the development of an assessment report that includes a family, developmental and social history of the client, a review of the client’s presenting problem, a mental status exam, diagnosis, case formulation and treatment recommendations. The assessment can include the use of structured data collection methods such as self-report psychological inventories and testing. Students will also participate in clinical team meetings, client review meetings and attend small group supervision at their training site. Students will also participate in small group practicum supervision with a faculty supervisor. Practicum supervision will consist of no more than five students and meetings will be held weekly for 90 minutes. Practicum supervision will focus on training students in conducting a clinical interview, formulating a case conceptualization and identifying treatment needs and intervention strategies.

    3 credits
    Annually
  
  • PSYCH 593 - Clinical Practicum III


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 591  PSYCH 592 
    Students will complete 120 hours of clinical practicum placement in one semester in a mental health setting. Students will receive training, experience and clinical supervision on various therapeutic interventions including individual and group modalities. Students will receive on-site weekly supervision from a licensed mental health professional and participate in weekly 90-minute small group meetings with a faculty supervisor. Practicum III is designed for students who require 12 credit hours of practicum in order to satisfy requirement for licensure as an LMHC, e.g., Rhode Island. This course will provide three of the required 12 credit hours for licensure.

    3 credits
    Annually
  
  • PSYCH 594 - Clinical Practicum IV


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 591  PSYCH 592  & PSYCH 593 
    Complete 120 hours of clinical practicum placement in one semester in a mental health setting, 40 hours to be direct (face-to-face) client contact observation hours. Students will also receive advanced training, experience and clinical supervision on various therapeutic interventions including crisis intervention. Students will receive on-site weekly supervision from a licensed mental health professional and participate in weekly, 90-minute small group meetings with a faculty supervisor. Practicum IV is designed for students who require 12 credit hours of practicum in order to satisfy requirement for licensure as an LMHC, e.g., Rhode Island. This course will provide three of the required 12 credit hours for licensure.

    3 credits
    Annually
  
  • PSYCH 595 - Research Practicum


    Prerequisites: None
    Students will function as a member of a research team at an external research site such as a medical school or university, government or criminal justice agency, or non-profit agency. The student will participate in the planning and design of research, data collection, data entry, and statistical analysis and hypothesis-testing. The student will receive supervision and instruction about the interpretation, preparation of the written project and presentation of the research results. Students will take PSYCH 595 twice for a total of 6 credits.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 596 - Directed Research


    Prerequisites: None
    Students will work in partnership with a designated psychology faculty member on faculty-directed research. The student will participate in the literature review, the planning and design of research, data collection, data entry, and statistical analysis and hypothesis-testing. The student will receive supervision and instruction about the interpretation, writing up and presentation of the research results.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 597 - Thesis


    Prerequisites: Take PSYCH 501  PSYCH 502 
    This course is for students enrolled in the Thesis track. It provides students with an opportunity to pursue an independent research project in the field of psychology. Students will work in conjunction with a faculty thesis advisor on various stages of the research process, including thesis conceptualization, design, IRB preparation, data collection, data analysis and writing. The end result of this process will be the completion of a Master’s thesis in Psychology.

    3 credits
  
  • PSYCH 598 - Clinical Internship


    Prerequisites: PSYCH 591  PSYCH 592  
    Students will complete a 300 hour (20 hour/wk.) clinical internship at a faculty-approved clinical internship site and participate in weekly small group supervision with a qualified faculty member. Students will take Internship twice for a total of 6 credits.

    3 credits

Public Administration

  
  • PA 201 - Public Administration


    Co-listed with: POLSC 260 
    Prerequisites: None
    Introduces the theory, forms, and practice of public administration at the national, subnational, and international levels. Emphasizes administrative theories, concepts of bureaucracy, the environment of public service, and the role of administrators in government.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 202 - Studies in Public Administration


    Prerequisites: None
    Examines the relationship between theory and practice of Public Administration through a review and analysis of selected problems, issues, and case studies at the national, subnational, and international levels. Administrative theories, concepts of bureaucracy, the environment of public service, and the roles of administrators in government.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 305 - State and Local Government


    Cross-Listed with: POLSC 361 
    Prerequisites: POLSC 100  or PA 201  or PA 202  or consent of instructor
    Analysis of state and local governments with emphasis on the distribution of political power and administrative responsibility in selected public programs and areas of public policy.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 306 - City Management


    Prerequisites: POLSC 100  or PA 201  or PA 202  or consent of instructor
    Study of municipal administration, including organization, financial management, personnel and labor relations, municipal services, and political and public relations; analysis of city governments and the role of city and local government managers; examination of the planning, policy, management, evaluation, and financial dimensions of cities.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 340 - Public Policy


    Cross-Listed with: POLSC 380 
    Prerequisites: POLSC 100  or PA 201  or PA 202  or consent of instructor
    Systematic analysis of critical domestic issues and areas: poverty, race relations, crime, etc. Consideration of the entire public policy cycle: recognition and definition of potential “problems”; formulation and implementation of governmental policy solutions; and assessment of the impact of policies.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 352 - Non-Profit Management


    Cross-Listed with: CD.352
    Examination of current issues confronting health care managers. An assessment of current programs and management responses to emerging trends in the
    health care field, including delivery systems, marketing/competition, strategic planning, financial management and/or epidemiological changes. (3 credits)

  
  • PA 360 - Communication in Organizations


    Prerequisites: POLSC 100  or PA 201  or PA 202  or consent of instructor
    A study of the nature and importance of communications in complex organizations such as corporations and agencies. Topics include communication theory, theory of organizations, managing communications in organizations, and effects of communication on behavior and attitudes.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 362 - Public Personnel Administration


    Prerequisites: POLSC 100  or PA 201  or PA 202  or consent of instructor
    Focuses on the primary personnel functions including job evaluation and compensation; staffing; employee training and development; employee relations; collective bargaining; and other issues and concerns of public sector personnel management.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 363 - Public Financial Administration


    Prerequisites: POLSC 100  or PA 201  or PA 202  or consent of instructor
    This course explores administrative, political, and institutional aspects of the budgetary and financial management processes within the public sector. A review of federal, state, and local financial, budget, and revenue systems.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 364 - Organizational Theory and Management


    Prerequisites: POLSC 100  or PA 201  or PA 202  or consent of instructor
    Study of the historical evolution of organizational thought and theories. An analysis of the basic concepts of organizations within both a contemporary and future view of the public sector.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 370 - Comparative Public Administration


    Prerequisites: POLSC 100  or PA 201  or PA 202  or consent of instructor
    An overview of the administrative structures, functions, and processes of selected governments in a variety of nations. Comparisons of alternative administrative systems with the United States experience will be included.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 410 - Public Administration Independent Study


  
  • PA 411 - Grant Writing


    Cross-Listed with: SHS 411 
    Prerequisites: None
    Provides a working knowledge of the various sources of funds available to the grant writer as well as the terminology and the components (problem statements, objectives, methodology, evaluation, budget) of various funding applications and instruments. At the conclusion of the course the student will have the skills to do basic research for a grant proposal and to write a proposal.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 430 - Special Topics in Public Administration


    Prerequisites: None
    Study of special topics in public administration. Topics determined by program, student needs, and availability of appropriate instruction.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 501 - Foundations of Public Administration: Legal and Institutional


    Prerequisites: None
    The political and institutional context of contemporary public administration. Examination of the political and legal constraints on public administrators, legislative-executive relations, and the role of administration in the policy making process.

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PA 502 - Organizational Dynamics


    Cross-Listed with: LEAD 511 
    Prerequisites: None
    Examination of the literature on organizations, organizational dynamics, group dynamics, team-building, and introduction to leadership in dynamic organizations. Attention will be given to the effects of organizational structure on organizational behavior. Organizational design principles are also presented. Students may not earn credit in both PA 502 and LEAD 506 .

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PA 503 - Data Management and Analysis


    Cross-Listed with: LEAD 503 
    Prerequisites: None
    The use of quantitative analysis and techniques for public administrators. Emphasis on research design, data gathering, analysis, interpretation and the presentation of findings. Instruction in the use of descriptive statistics, such as means, medians, standard deviations, and histograms will be covered. It includes an analysis of the validity and appropriateness of statistical techniques employed by managers in the professional fields of public, nonprofit, and health administration. Use of computer software to analyze data is introduced. Students may not earn credit in both PA 503 and LEAD 503 .

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PA 504 - Public Policy and Program Evaluation


    Prerequisites: None
    Study of the policy making process and implementation, the role of public administration in that process, and methods of determining the effectiveness of public policy.

    3 credits
    Spring
  
  • PA 505 - Public Budgeting and Finance


    Cross-Listed with: LEAD 505 
    Prerequisites: None
    Introduction to public finance and budgeting with an examination of the development of public budgeting, the budget process, revenue sources, taxation, accounting practices, and debt management in public organizations. Students may not earn credit in both PA 505 and LEAD 505 .

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PA 506 - Public Personnel Management


    Cross-Listed with: LEAD 506 
    Prerequisites: None
    Study of the functions of public personnel management, current practice, issues, and problems. Students may not earn credit in both PA 506 and LEAD 506 .

    3 credits
    Fall
  
  • PA 512 - Intergovernmental Relations


    Prerequisites: None
    Examines the historical and contemporary relationships between federal, state and local levels of government in the United States. Focuses on issues created by our federalist system of government including: centralization, power sharing, and locus of control.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 513 - Public Administration and Public Law


    Prerequisites: None
    Examination and understanding of the constraints of constitutional law on administrative behavior and decisions. Attention paid to the legal environment in which public managers must operate.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 514 - Urban Administration and Management


    Prerequisites: None
    An introduction to the literature of urban administration and an examination of the problems confronting public managers including: service delivery, fiscal solvency, centralization, collective bargaining, and accountability.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 515 - Ethics in Public Administration


    Prerequisites: None
    Emphasis placed on accountability and responsibility of public officials for appropriate behavior and ethical decision-making. Offers the student an understanding of how one’s ethics relate to public affairs.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 516 - Grant Writing and Management


    Prerequisites: None
    Teaches students how to locate funding opportunities and write effective proposals. Additional emphasis on the management of government grants and contracts.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 517 - Computer Applications for Public Managers


    Prerequisites: None
    Introduction to the selection and use of computer hardware and software for public managers. Provides practical experience with spreadsheets, word processors, database management, presentation programs and geographic information systems.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 518 - Program Evaluation


    Prerequisites: None
    Program Evaluation is a research and analysis based course in management, programming and administration. It is intended to equip the student with the knowledge and skill to create, implement and manage a public or health program using modern information systems, and research principles. Program design is featured as an important aspect of evaluation along with matching program effects and the statistical analysis required for understanding the effects. Emphasis is placed on program evaluation being part of the standard MIS/EDP operation of an organization. At the conclusion of the course, the student should be able to create a program and see it through to its programmatic conclusion.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 519 - Lean Thinking for Public Administration


    Prerequisites: None
    During difficult economic times, organizations of all types are seeking to reduce costs and eliminate duplication, thereby helping their organization move toward effectiveness and efficiency. Roger Williams University is offering a new course that is offered 100% online designed to help managers improve efficiency in business systems, entitled, Managing with Lean Thinking. Lean, an internationally recognized management program, was initially developed to improve systems and efficiencies in the aerospace industry. A hands-on learning experience, RWU’s Managing with Lean Thinking curriculum is geared toward managers working in healthcare, non-profits, community organizations, and government agencies.

  
  • PA 530 - Special Topics in Public Administration


    Prerequisites: None
    This is a course for each specialization required of Public Administration Masters Students. Students integrate knowledge in selected specialty areas in the public management, health care administration, leadership, nonprofit executive management, and related public management and service topics. Students will complete assigned readings, conduct seminar discussions, and research, organize, and complete assigned course projects.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 550 - Health Care Administration


    Prerequisites: PA 501  & PA 502  or consent of instructor
    Components of the health care system in the United States, with emphasis on the relationships among public (local, state and federal), private, voluntary and nonprofit entities. Topics include points of access for recipients of health care; relationships with other human services and professions involved in providing health care; and the regulatory environment governing these relationships. Critical review of major ideological influences that have shaped health policy.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 551 - Public Policy and Politics in Health Care Administration


    Prerequisites: PA 504  & PA 550  or consent of instructor
    Examination of the formulation, adoption and implementation of public policy for health care through federal, state and local political processes. The role of research in the program process is tied to effective administration. Techniques of effective evaluation and report presentation are also covered.

    3 credits
  
  • PA 552 - Trends and Issues in Health Administration


    Prerequisites: PA 551  or consent of instructor
    Examination of current issues confronting health care managers. An assessment of current programs and management responses to emerging trends in the health care field, including delivery systems, marketing/competition, strategic planning, financial management and/ or epidemiological changes.

    3 credits
 

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