2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Physics |
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PHY 413 Physics Cooperative Education
3-6 credits
Academic study combined with work experience in the community.
(On demand)
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Physician Assistant Studies |
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PA 526 P.A. Practice and Ethics
2 credits
This course provides an historical perspective of the physician assistant profession, as well as an investigation of current trends and issues. The course stresses the importance of biomedical ethics and professional responsibilities in relation to the physician assistant’s role as a health care provider. Content relating to physician assistant professional organizations, program accreditation, graduate certification and re-certification, employment considerations, and professional liability is included. This course also includes required Service-Learning, an educational method in which the participants perform service work and actively learn from it.
Summer
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PA 529 P.A.s in the Healthcare System and Public Health
1 credit
This course gives students a foundation of practical knowledge about the health system and the PA profession. Issues and questions are presented and will be discussed in relation to their impact on citizens as well as the practicing physician assistant. The influence of cultural issues on healthcare policy and the relationship between socioeconomic issues will be explored along with the role of the PA in the context of the modern US healthcare system. PAs in public health and issues surrounding them will also be discussed.
Summer
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PA 530 Clinical Medicine I
5 credits
The purpose of the Clinical Medicine I course is to introduce the student to clinical conditions commonly encountered in practicing primary care
medicine. Lectures will emphasize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, disease course, diagnostic, and treatment modalities of each medical topic. This course teaches the pathology of disease by system and specialty and focuses on the provision of medical care across the life span including the young adult, adult, and geriatric population. Topics for the course will include the following: clinical laboratory medicine, nutrition, dermatology, ophthalmology & otolaryngology (HEENT), pulmonary, and cardiology with EKG interpretation.
Fall
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PA 531 Clinical Medicine II
8 credits
The purpose of the Clinical Medicine II course is to introduce the student to clinical conditions commonly encountered in practicing primary care medicine. Lectures will emphasize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, disease course, and diagnostic and treatment modalities of each medical topic. This course builds on the pathology of disease presented in Physician Assistant 530 Clinical Medicine I and focuses on the young adult, adult, and geriatric populations. It continues with the presentation of the following systems: endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics, ob-gyn, genitourinary, and psychiatry. These disorders are presented by system and specialty as well as augmented with clinical therapeutics.
Spring
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PA 532 Clinical Medicine III
2 credits
The purpose of the Clinical Medicine Ill course is to introduce the student to clinical conditions commonly encountered in practicing primary care medicine. Lectures will emphasize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, disease course, diagnostic and treatment modalities of each medical topic. This course builds on the pathology of disease presented in PA530 Clinical Medicine I and PA531 Clinical Medicine II and continues with the presentation of the following systems: hematology and oncology and infectious disease. It will also encompass the clinical conditions commonly encountered in the pediatric population and provide an overview of palliative and end-of-life care. The course will focus on the provision of medical care across the life span including the newborn child, infant, child, adolescent, young adult, adult, and geriatric populations. The disorders are presented by system and specialty as well as augmented with clinical therapeutics.
Summer
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PA 533 Clinical Problem Solving and Diagnostics I
2 credits
The course will focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of critical thinking involved in the process of clinical problem solving. In large and small group settings, a case-based learning (CBL) format will be used in the development of clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities to solve problems frequently encountered in the day to day practice of medicine. Laboratory and diagnostics based on clinical scenarios facilitate development of critical thinking skills. Throughout the year, the cases presented will relate to the organ system being studied in pathophysiology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, and patient assessment.
Fall
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PA 534 Clinical Problem Solving and Diagnostics II
2 credits
The course will continue to build on the foundation learned in Clinical Problem Solving and Diagnostics I and will focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of critical thinking involved in the development of clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. In large and small group settings, a Case-Based Learning (CBL) format will be used to integrate clinical reasoning and thinking to solve problems frequently encountered in the day to day practice of medicine. Laboratory and diagnostics based on clinical scenarios facilitate development of critical thinking skills. Throughout the year, the cases presented will relate to the organ system being studied in pathophysiology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, and patient assessment.
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PA 535 Clinical Disciplines
3 credits
This course is designed to prepare the student for Emergency Medicine and Surgery Rotations. General surgical concepts needed for the physician assistant to function in major surgical areas as well as primary care settings are presented. The course emphasizes pre-, intra-, and post-operative care as well as managing the patient in an acute and emergent setting. Students learn treatment of trauma and medical disorders commonly presenting to the emergency department. The emphasis is on the priority of stabilizing patients with life-threatening trauma or illness and selecting appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures.
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PA 537 Patient History and Communication
2 credits
This course provides instruction in communication skills for the effective exchange of information with patients. Addressed in the course are patient – provider collaboration, health literacy, and communication techniques for patients across cultural and generational groups, and counseling techniques for patient education, treatment adherence, and health promotion. Focus in the course is to develop a base of knowledge for interviewing patients across the lifespan, however the specific group focus here is primarily with patients who are considered young adult, adult, and geriatric populations.
Summer
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PA 538 Patient Assessment I
3 credits
This course teaches foundational skills and techniques required to gather a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. The course introduces the student to the practice of history taking and physical examinations in the young adult, adult, and geriatric populations of the following systems: skin, head, face, neck, lymph, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, thorax & lungs, heart & neck vessels, peripheral vascular, abdomen, musculoskeletal and neurological. During the course, integration of the student’s knowledge of the structure and function of the human body is coupled with laboratory sessions emphasizing the proper use of diagnostic equipment and techniques for performing a comprehensive physical examination.
The following will be used to facilitate the learning process: lectures, assigned readings, case presentations, and lab sessions. In this course, the student will have the opportunity to develop competence in interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration through taking histories, practicing SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) notes, formulating a differential diagnosis, creating effective management plans, performing physical examinations and patient education.
Fall
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PA 539 Patient Assessment II
3 credits
In this course, the student will build on the knowledge and foundational skills and techniques learned in PA537 Patient History and Communication and PA538 Patient Assessment I in the performance of a thorough physical examination and medical history. The student will integrate the knowledge obtained in PA530 Clinical Medicine I with
laboratory sessions emphasizing the proper use of diagnostic equipment and technique for performing a comprehensive physical examination as well as developing the skills necessary to perform a problem focused physical exam on the adolescent, young adult, adult, and geriatric populations. The student will also become more focused on patient education through the development of some patient education material and also an oral presentation to the class. The course topics will include the male/female examination, the abdominal exam, the neurological exam, the musculoskeletal exam, admitting a patient to the hospital, discharging a patient, daily notes, discharge summaries, prescription writing, presenting a patient to an attending, and patient education.
During the course, integration of the student’s knowledge of the structure and function of the human body is coupled with laboratory sessions emphasizing the proper use of diagnostic equipment and techniques for performing a comprehensive physical examination.
The following will be used to facilitate the learning process: lectures, assigned readings, case presentations, and lab sessions. In this course, the student will have the opportunity to continue to develop competence in interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration through taking histories, practicing SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) notes, formulating a differential diagnosis, creating effective management plans, performing physical examinations and patient education.
Spring
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PA 540 Patient Assessment III
2 credits
In this course, the student will build on the knowledge and foundational skills and techniques learned in PA537 Patient History and Communication, PA538 Patient Assessment I, and PA539 Patient Assessment II in the performance of a thorough physical examination and medical history. The student will integrate the knowledge obtained in PA530 Clinical Medicine I, and PA531 Clinical Medicine II with laboratory sessions emphasizing the proper use of diagnostic equipment and technique for performing a comprehensive physical examination. The student will integrate the knowledge and skills that they have built upon in the previous semesters and apply that to the pediatric, psychiatric, surgical, and geriatric patient. The student will also expand their knowledge and ability to perform directed exams as well as integrating patient education. The student will also continue learning the documentation process of the complete medical chart.
During the course, integration of the student’s knowledge of the structure and function of the human body is coupled with laboratory sessions emphasizing the proper use of diagnostic equipment and techniques for performing a comprehensive physical examination and relate that to problem focused exams in the newborn, child, adolescent, young adult, adult patients and the geriatric patient.
The following will be used to facilitate the learning process: lectures, assigned readings, case presentations, and lab sessions. In this course, the student will have the opportunity to continue to develop competence in interpersonal and communication s~lls that res1:11t in the effective exchange of information and collaboration through taking histories, practicing SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) notes, formulating a differential diagnosis, creating effective management plans, performing physical examinations and patient education.
Summer
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PA 541 Pharmacology I
2 credits
In this course, the student will be introduced to pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacotherapeutic principles that provide a foundation for the study of pharmacology and therapeutics. Combined lecture, active learning exercises and discussion boards are designed to develop the pharmacologic and therapeutic skills that a physician assistant will need to enhance patient care in clinical practice. Topics this semester will emphasize the following areas: an introduction to basic principles, autonomic pharmacology, antibiotics, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.
Fall
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PA 542 Pharmacology II
2 credits
In this course, students build upon the knowledge and skills obtained in PA 541 Pharmacology I . Combined lecture, active learning exercises and discussion boards are designed to develop the pharmacologic and therapeutic skills that a physician assistant will need to enhance patient care in clinical practice. Topics this semester will focus on the following areas: Additional cardiovascular diseases, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology, pain management, and rheumatology. The student will use clinical literature and guidelines to evaluate patient cases as they relate to pharmacology.
Spring
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PA 543 Pharmacology III
2 credits
In this course, the student will build upon the knowledge and skills obtain in: Pharmacology II (PA 542 ). Combined lecture, readings, active learning exercises and discussion boards are designed to develop the pharmacologic and therapeutic skills that a physician assistant will need to enhance patient care in clinical practice. Topics this semester will be focusing on psychology, renal disorders, men’s health, genitourinary disorders, women’s health, hematology/oncology, viral and fungal diseases, dermatology and alternative/complementary medicines as well as dietary supplements. The student will use clinical literature and current guidelines to evaluate patients as they relate to pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics.
Summer
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PA 544 Clinical Anatomy
4 credits
This course is designed to reinforce and enhance the student’s knowledge of human anatomy in preparation for a career in medicine. Further, the lecture course will focus on those concepts and structures not readily visible in cadaver dissection (histological, developmental and physiological), and strive to connect anatomical and physiological detail with clinical practice. The lab part of this course will focus on the gross anatomy of the human utilizing cadaver dissection.
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PA 546 Pathophysiology I
2 credits
In this course, students learn integrative human physiology and pathophysiology involving concepts of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal and reproductive systems, with an emphasis upon homeostatic mechanisms and etiologies of disease. Students learn the interrelationships of function and dysfunction at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and systemic levels.
Fall
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PA 547 Pathophysiology II
2 credits
In this course, students learn integrative human physiology and pathophysiology involving concepts of the neural, digestive, musculoskeletal and endocrine physiology, with an emphasis upon homeostatic mechanisms and etiologies of disease. Students learn the interrelationships of function and dysfunction at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and systemic levels.
Spring
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PA 552 Medical Procedures and Clinical Skills
3 credits
In this course, students learn to perform procedures such as suturing, splinting, wound care, aseptic technique, intravenous insertions, nasogastric intubations and Foley catheter insertion. This course actively teaches the concepts needed in order to evaluate a patient in an acute care setting and determine the medical procedure needed for that patient.
Fall
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PA 560 Clinical Genetics
1 credit
Medical genetics is a rapidly advancing field of medicine. It is now recognized that genetic mechanisms play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases and in the in the maintenance of health. This course is designed to provide an overview of human genetic concepts including the genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease. The course seeks to teach the students to apply their knowledge of the principles of human genetics to a variety of clinical problems. It surveys many clinical areas including cytogenetics, molecular genetics, biochemical genetics, population genetics and clinical genetics. The course is organized roughly according to genetic etiology and
pathophysiology.
Spring
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PA 570 Evidence Based Practice
1 credits
This course provides an introduction in accessing computer based medically oriented information and evidence based medicine databases. Review of basic statistics precedes statistical application to evidence based theory, as it pertains to epidemiology, public health, and the practice of clinical medicine. Course emphasizes use of up to date evidence based literature to validate and improve the practice of clinical medicine now and as a lifelong learner.
Fall
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PA 600 Transition to Clinical Practice
1 credit
This course will prepare students for the transition from didactic year to clinical year through in-depth review and discussion of program policies, as well as professional practice policies as they relate to the PA profession.
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PA 601 Family Medicine
6 credits
The Family Medicine rotation is a 6-week required supervised clinical practice experience. The student will incorporate the knowledge and skills acquired in the didactic year and develop proficiencies in the assessment and management of acute, chronic, and preventative patient encounters, to include care across the life span (children, adolescents, adults, and elderly).
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PA 603 Internal Medicine
6 credits
The internal medicine rotation is a 6-week required supervised clinical practice experience. The student will incorporate the knowledge and skills acquired in the didactic year and develop proficiencies in the assessment and management of acute, chronic, and preventative adult and geriatric patient encounters.
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PA 604 Pediatrics
6 credits
The Pediatric Rotation is a 6-week required supervised clinical practice experience. The student will incorporate the knowledge and skills acquired in the didactic year and develop proficiencies in the assessment and management of acute, chronic, and preventative newborn, children, and adolescent patient encounters.
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PA 605 Psychiatry
6 credits
The Psychiatry Rotation is a 6-week required supervised clinical practice experience. The student will incorporate the knowledge and skills acquired in the didactic year and develop proficiencies related to the assessment, management, and prevention of acute and chronic mental, emotional, behavioral, and substance abuse disorders for adult and geriatric patient encounters.
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PA 606 Surgery
6 credits
The Surgery rotation is a 6-week required supervised clinical practice experience. The student will incorporate the knowledge and skills acquired in the didactic year and develop proficiencies in the assessment and management of acute and chronic general surgery conditions, as well as, pre-op, operative, and post-op adult and geriatric patient encounters.
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PA 607 Women’s Health
6 credits
The Women’s Health rotation is a 6-week required supervised clinical practice experience. The student will incorporate the knowledge and skills acquired in the didactic year and develop proficiencies in the assessment and management of the women’s health patient to include acute, chronic, and preventative pre-natal and gynecological adult patient encounters.
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PA 608 Emergency Medicine
6 credits
The Emergency Medicine rotation is a 6-week required supervised clinical practice experience. The student will incorporate the knowledge and skills acquired in the didactic year and develop proficiencies in the initial evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, coordination of care among multiple providers, and disposition of any patient of any age requiring immediate medical, surgical, or psychiatric care.
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PA 609 Elective Clinical Rotation
6 credits
The Elective Rotation is a 6-week required supervised clinical practice experience. This rotation is student-selected in a medical discipline that may reflect the student’s intended career path, or particular interest. The student will incorporate the knowledge and skills acquired in the didactic year and develop proficiencies in the assessment and management of patient encounters specific to the selected setting.
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PA 634 Master’s Project
2 credits
The Master’s Project builds on the evidence-based medicine course completed during the didactic phase of the program by having students participate individually in the conception, development, and production of a literature review and oral presentation. Students will combine the best available research with their knowledge and skill to make patient or population centered decisions within the context of a given healthcare situation. In addition, as the students prepare for graduation and clinical practice, the student’s medical knowledge and clinical skills will be evaluated through a series of summative assessments. Students are expected to pass a written summative exam, a comprehensive objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), and complete a full history and physical documentation in order to demonstrate the proficiency of a practice-ready physician assistant. This course will also provide students with additional support in preparing for the PANCE.
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Political Science |
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POL 100 American National Government
3 credits
A study of the American political system with emphasis placed on the structure and operation of the national government; the constitution; citizenship and democratic processes.
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POL 103 Global Politics
3 credits
This course examines the nature, character and dynamics of global politics. Emphasis is given to the study of major paradigms, theories and explanations used by scholars in order to understand the historical development of the current international system and the policy choices confronting today’s leaders. The course examines major historical events and key global issues, such as economic globalization, international terrorism, humanitarian intervention, global warming, and international law.
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POL 208 Comparative Politics
3 credits
The course examines different thematic and analytical frameworks to understand the political systems, policy outcomes, and socio-economic divisions in several foreign countries. Key topics may include: classification of political regimes and electoral systems; types of economic systems and outputs; and the explanation of socio-economic divisions and their impacto on political and economic stability. Previously offered as POL 308. Students may not receive credit for both POL 208 and POL 308.
Prerequisite(s): POL 100 and POL 103 .
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POL 210 Introduction to the American Legal System
3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with a working introduction to law in the United States. Broadly speaking, the course will cover the foundations of the legal system, the major substantive areas of the law, the legal process, and the effects of legislative and administrative developments of the law. Students will learn how the many components and varied processes of the legal system work together to form a coherent whole. In addition to gaining a solid understanding of the organization and structure of the legal system, students will also be introduced to methods of evaluating legal controversies, analyzing issues, and making clear and persuasive written arguments. Previously offered as POL 251 . Students may not receive credit for both POL 210 and POL 251 .
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POL 211 The Trial in American Life
3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the fact-finding apparatus of the American legal system and the application of law and legal practices to a wide range of issues. By studying a series of actual trials – from the Salem Witch Trials to contemporary cases – students will gain a knowledge of the mechanics of advocacy; the legal, social, political, and cultural effects of particular trials; and the art of persuasion. Students will also be introduced to methods of evaluating legal controversies, analyzing issues, and making clear and persuasive written and oral arguments. Previously offered as POL 252. Students may not receive credit for both POL 211 and POL 252.
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POL 215 Political Science Research Methods
3 credits
Retaining a profound understanding of what it means to conduct political science research is the primary learning objective in this course. Students should leave this course with the ability to effectively answer the question, “What is political science?” and with the skills to carry out research in political science and other areas. To accomplish this goal, we examine the components of the scientific process and explore research design and data analysis in the social science context. Students will develop theoretically generated hypotheses that answer well formulated research questions with special care taken in the demonstration of cause and effect. Specific data collection and analytical tools will include surveys, experiments, sampling methods, regression, interviewing, and others addressing specific student needs. We will also cover ethical issues related to conducting research with human subjects.
Prerequisite(s): MTH 115
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POL 221 World Wars, Cold War, and Beyond
3 credits
In the 20th century, the United States emerged as the world’s strongest nation. This course offers a survey of U.S. foreign relations during that time. It examines issues, including both World Wars, origins and history of the Cold War, episodes of international revolutionary nationalism, wars in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, U.S./Latin American relations, years of nuclear deterrence, and the challenges of globalization. Previously offered as HIS 221
Prerequisite(s): POL 100 and POL 103
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POL 222 The U.S. National Security System
3 credits
This course examines the agencies of the federal government that conduct foreign missions and activities to ensure U.S. national security. Specific focus is on the Office of the President of the United States, CIA, Department of Defense, and State Department. Using case studies of the diplomacy, intelligence and military uses of force, this course analyzes the structure, function, and policy-making processes of the national security system. The course assesses intra-agency and inter-agency strengths and weaknesses in the formulation and implementation of national security policy. Congress’s roles in the operations of the national security system is also discussed. Previously offered as POL 322. Students may not earn credit for both POL 222 and POL 322.
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POL 223 The U.S. Homeland Security System
3 credits
This course provides an overview of the government structure, organizational mission, and policies associated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other key federal agencies and metropolitan areas with homeland security functions. Together these agencies constitute the homeland security system. From the founding of DHS post-September 11th and the expanded missions and resource allocations to other key federal, state, and local agencies, the roles of DHS and other agencies in overseeing aspects of intelligence, emergency management, border security and immigration, transportation, and public health are described, analyzed, and evaluated. This course will provide students of homeland security with an overall understanding of the system’s vast role in the United States.
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POL 230 Introduction to Public Policy and Public Administration
3 credits
This course introduces an understanding of U.S. public policy making and public administration including identifiable steps in the policy process such as political policy openings, policy stream convergence, policy implementation and the administration of policy ideas. Students will learn how to identify a policy problem, map the political opportunity, incorporate evidence-based social science research to address the problem, and assess the positives and negatives associated with a particular policy adoption.
Prerequisite(s): POL 100
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POL 299 Special Topics - Core
3 credits
Special topics courses in the University’s Core Curriculum focus on a topic not currently offered as a standing course within a department’s contribution to the Core Curriculum. Special topics courses in the Core may be offered in two semesters (which do not have to be consecutive) with multiple offerings in each semester.
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POL 305 The Presidency
3 credits
The primary goal of this course is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the basic concepts related to the American presidency and the general theories regarding executive branch operations. By examining various leadership styles and uses of presidential power, the course will also assess how presidents differ in their abilities to reach their own goals. The president’s relationship with the public, Congress, the bureacracy, the courts, states, and the international community will be topics in the course.
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POL 306 The U.S. Congress
3 credits
The objective of this course is to understand how legislatures function in the pursuit of resolving political conducts. Toward this end, we will examine why nearly 90% of Americans disapprove of Congress. We will learn how ideas are developed into legislation, how leglslators influence policymaking, the role of elections and representation, how parties and interest groups constrain legislators, and what institutional rules mean for the ability of these actors to acheive their goals. Much of what political scientists know about legislatures has been focused on the U.S. Congress. We will explore these theories and explanations in detail. We will also assess the U.S. state legislatures as a point of comparison.
Alternate years
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POL 307 State and Local Politics
3 credits
This course facilitates student comprehension of the role states and localities play in American democracy. We will explore cross-state comparisons of mass and elite political behavior, parties and interest groups, political institutions, and the most prominent policy issues facing states and localities today. The U.S. states (and often U.S. cities) serve as laboratories of democracy used by other states and the federal government in making their own policy decisions. Our ultimate goal is to understand what political arrangements and what policies work best given the socioeconomic and political contexts in a given state or locality.
Alternate years
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POL 325 War in World Politics
3 credits
This course examines the causes of war and methods to prevent war. Exploring concepts and theoretic arguments from across the social sciences, students will learn about human behavior as it relates to questions of conflict and cooperation. The course employs significant historical and contemporary case studies to investigate the soft and hard power methods to prevent international conflict. Students will be able to apply knowledge from the courses readings and discussions to a semester-long simulation.
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POL 330 Urban Policy: Disadvantaged Youth
3 credits
Who are the disadvantaged youth (AKA, “at-risk youth”) and what unique challenges do they face? The factors that might limit an at-risk youth’s ability to succeed are identified so that policies, programs, and projects may be better designed to assist. Students are invited to investigate a range of policy solutions to challenges facing at-risk youth including food insecurity, parental support, health care, housing, drugs/crime/violence, foster care, the working poor and child care, primary/secondary education, and higher education/vocational training.
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POL 332 U.S. Homeland Security Issues: Threats, Challenges, and Solutions
3 credits
This course provides an overview of the key homeland security issues facing the United States. Topics covered may include terror, risk, border security, public health, natural disaster, intelligence, and other contemporary issues. Solutions emphasized include dismantling agency silos, communicating across boundaries, a commitment to public service, an emphasis on lessons learned, planning and prevention, leadership from public managers, and other potential solutions.
Prerequisite(s): POL 223
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POL 333 U.S. National Security Issues: Threats, Challenges, and Solutions
3 credits
This course presents an overview of the key national security issues facing the United States. Topics covered include threats from international terrorism, global economic changes, environmental issues, and/or other issues that may arise in the global system and threaten the United States. This course will analyze the effectiveness of competing national security strategies to manage or solve national security issues that confront the United States. Previously offered as POL 323. Students may not receive credit for both POL 323 and POL 333.
Prerequisite(s): POL 221 and POL 222 .
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POL 340 Russia and the Near Abroad
3 credits
This course offers a comparative analysis of the politics of the countries of the former Soviet Union. A number of important themes will be explored using the Russian Federation and several of the countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union. First, the course briefly examines the history of the Tsarist and Soviet periods to determine to what extent, if any, these legacies have impacted political and economic development of each country. Finally, the course analyzes important issues in the foreign relations of each country, including the effects of lost superpower status, the nationalities question, and relations with the West.
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POL 403 The Public Policy of Students: Student Loans
3 credits
This course focuses on one of the many public policies facing students. Recognizing that this is a topic of deepening interest to students, this student loans course will examine the way student loan policy and their associated federal government programs have transpired. Furthermore, this course has a practical application in allowing students to personally review their student loan portfolio and then analyze how various federal programs and policies directly affect their lieves. Various federal policies will be evaluated to determine which ones have credibility for reducing student debt load and decreasing default.
Alternate years
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POL 404 U.S. Health Care Policy
3 credits
This political science course provides information and analysis on U.S. health care policy. Major topics to be covered include federal and/or state government funded health programs including Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP (the State Children’s Health Care Program), health policy reform initiatives (The Affordable Care Act, as well as, other major initiatives), and health policy implementation stumbling blocks, such as the debate over quality versus cost. Contemporary topics such as the role of the pharmaceutical industry in health care, the opioid epidemic, the changing dynamics of private insurance, and access to health care will also be covered. In addition, a global health policy unit will allow students to understand the U.S. Health Care System within a global context.
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POL 407 Public Management and Leadership
3 credits
This course is designed to strengthen a student’s theoretical and practical understanding of public management and leadership so that they might be better positioned to create public value for their community. Designed to introduce the student to public management from a political science and public administration perspective, they will learn leadership principles via a public manager’s interaction with various institutions, the public manager’s ability to course various constituencies, and the public manager’s entrepreneurial inclinations to solve problems.
Prerequisite(s): POL 230
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POL 409 Politics and Business
3 credits
This political science course emphasizes the interrelatedness of politics and business in theUnited States. The course focuses on how business needs government, how government needs business and how publicly funded businesses operate differently than privately funded businesses. Utilizing historical and modern case studies, students will have the opportunity to study business leaders and will ultimately develop their own understanding of a leaders’ role in society.
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POL 410 American Constitutional Law
3 credits
This two course sequence (POL 410 and POL 411 ) examines the federal system of government and the civil rights and liberties established by the U.S. Constitution, and presents a case method survey of the organic role of the United States Supreme Court in the total process of the American constitutional system. POL 410 will examine governmental structures, federalism, and separation of powers as established by Articles 1-7. POL 411 will focus on civil rights and civil liberties primarily as established by the Bill of Rights. Previously offered as POL 405. Students may not receive credit for both POL 405 and POL 410.
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POL 411 Constitutional Encounters
3 credits
This two course sequence (POL 410 and 411) examines the federal system of government and the civil rights and liberties established by the U.S. Constitution, and presents a case method survey of the organic role of the United States Supreme Court in the total process of the American constitutional system. POL 410 will examine governmental structures, federalism, and separation of powers as established by Articles 1-7. POL 411 will focus on civil rights and civil liberties primarily as established by the Bill of Rights. Previously offered as POL 406. Students may not receive credit for both POL 406 and 411.
Prerequisite(s): POL 410 .
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POL 413 Political Science Cooperative Education
3-12 credits
Academic study combined with work experience in the community.
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POL 415 Non-profit Practicum
3 credits
This service-oriented course uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine the core principles that are utilized to produce more effective outcomes for nonprofits. The course connects the fields of political science, public administration, media, and nonprofit in both the non-profit service students perform and the teaching sessions that correspond with the service. Students will be trained before performing non-profit service alongside the Professor. In addition to receiving credits for their transcripts, students will learn hands-on how a non-profit operates in a U.S. city. The department offers the course during the summer, and may vary the city and nonprofit each summer. Due to restrictions on media credentials, the course is limited to four students.
Summer
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POL 450 Internship
3 credits
Directed field experiences in government agencies, non-profit agencies, political campaigns and private firms with the approval of the GLNS program. Students in pre-law specializations associated with English, History, Medical Health and Humanities, and Philosophy must perform internships in law offices or law related agencies approved by the pre-law director.
Laboratory: Permission of program director
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POL 451 Internship
3 credits
Directed field experiences in government agencies, non-profit agencies, political campaigns and private firms with the approval of the GLNS program. Students in pre-law specializations associated with English, History, Medical Health and Humanities, and Philosophy must perform internships in law offices or law related agencies approved by the pre-law director.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of program director
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POL 480 Independent Study
3 credits
In-depth investigation of a selected topic. This course may be taken twice for credit.
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POL 485 Special Topics
3-6 credits
Topic may vary from semester to semester and will be announced with preregistration information and course hours.
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Popular Culture |
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POP 100 Introduction to Popular Culture
3 credits
This course introduces students to the analysis of popular culture within culture and society. Particular attention will be paid to how popular culture – including, but not limited to television, film, radio, music, graphic narratives, video games, then internet, social media, and advertising – both reflects and helps constitute sociocultural value(s) and meaning(s).
Lecture: 3 hours
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POP 485 Selected Studies in Popular Culture
3 credits
Focused study of a particular topic/theme within popular culture, including but not limited to particular genres, authors or auteurs, historical periods and/or geographic regions.
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Psychology |
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PSY 101 Introductory Seminar
1 credit
This foundational course provides an overview of the Psychology program, related extracurricular opportunities, faculty expertise, and other topics central to being a Psychology major. It will serve as an introduction to the multitude of sub-disciplines within the field, the importance of the scientific nature of the discipline, as well as the development of professionalism within the major and future career endeavors.
Spring only
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PSY 123 Introduction to Psychology
3 credits
This course surveys the main areas, influences, and research of human behavior including neuropsychology, genetics and environmental influences, perception, learning, memory, personality, motivation, emotions, stress and health, psychological disorders and therapy, development and social judgments and interactions.
Fall and Spring
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PSY 200 Career Seminar
2 credits
This course is designed to help psychology majors identify their career goals through the use of job and career technologies, interactions with alumni and professionals, and assignments that identify students’ passion, interests, and skills.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Fall
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PSY 210 Sport Psychology
3 credits
The course is designed to introduce students to the field of sport and exercise psychology by providing a broad overview of the major topics in the area. Specifically, the class will examine the following: 1) the influence that psychology and personal attributes have in directing involvement in sport and exercise activities; 2) psychological skills training (PST) and the use of psychological factors in order to promote increased enjoyment and enhance performance; and 3) how sport and psychology are interwoven to influence our physical and mental well-being.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
(approved 10/2/2014. First offered Spring 2015)
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PSY 224 Organizational and Industrial Psychology
3 credits
This course investigates organizational, personnel, and industrial psychology with emphasis on applying basic psychological theory to make organizations more effective. Course topics include personnel selection, performance appraisal, employee and manager training, leadership and supervision, communication, motivation, attitudes, and job satisfaction.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
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PSY 225 Psychology of Adjustment
3 credits
This course examines the nature of stress and adjustment from a psycho-socio-cultural approach that includes dimensions of culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
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PSY 232 Research Methods
3 credits
This course will enable students to gain an understanding of the scientific methods behind psychological research, and how research in psychology is planned, conducted, communicated, and critiqued. Both experimental and non-experimental approaches will be discussed, along with a review of descriptive and inferential statistics.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123 , MTH 115 .
Fall and Spring
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PSY 233 Advanced Research Methods
3 credits
This course is the second of a two-semester sequence of research related courses required of all psychology majors. The goal of the course is to help students develop the skills necessary to conduct research in psychology. Students will learn how to conduct research from identifying a problem to interpreting results. These skills will be developed through the completion of assigned laboratory exercises and a small independent research project.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 232 .
Spring only
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PSY 250 Social Psychology
3 credits
Social psychology is the study of social influence and how social interactions may shape thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals. This course provides a broad overview of social psychology including: social cognition, social perception, self-knowledge, attitudes and attitude change, group processes, prejudice and stereotypes, interpersonal attraction, and pro-social behavior.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123 .
Fall and Spring
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PSY 275 Child and Adolescent Psychology
3 credits
This course focuses on theories and research findings related to normative development from conception through adolescence. It examines physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development and the integrative influence of biological and environmental factors.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Fall and Spring
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PSY 277 Adult Development and Aging
3 credits
This course provides an overview of adult development from early adulthood through death by examining quantitative and qualitative changes across biological, physical, cognitive, mental, social, and emotional development. Developmental theories, models, and research methods will also be discussed with an emphasis on how socio-cultural factors impact adult development and death and dying.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Fall and Spring
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PSY 285 Communication Skills: Interviewing and Recording Techniques
3 credits
Development of skills that may be useful in working directly with clients and others, including listening for emotions, monitoring one’s own reactions and responses, and building a client-worker relationship, which can foster constructive change in the client.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123 .
Fall and Spring
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PSY 290 Psychopathology
3 credits
This course focuses on the nature, causes, course, and treatment of psychological disorders including anxiety, mood, thought, eating, substance use, sexual, personality and psychotic disorders. Students will learn about different theories and models of mental health disorders as well as their diagnostic and classification process.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Fall and Spring
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PSY 300 Research Group
2 credits
Provides psychology majors and minors an opportunity to engage in collaborative research at the undergraduate level. Students will have the opportunity to work with a member of the faculty and other students on research projects of general interest. Students can take up to four times for credit.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123 ; MTH 115 ; PSY 232
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PSY 301 Cognitive Psychology
4 credits
This course covers the techniques and findings of modem cognitive psychology, as well as the theoretical issues and explanatory models of complex mental processes. Topics
include: thinking, problem-solving, creativity, memory, attention, language, mental imagery, cognitive development, and the neural basis of cognition.
Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 2 hours.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Spring
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PSY 302 Learning
3 credits
This course is a survey of current and traditional research findings and theories related to classical, operant, and observational learning. Non-associative forms of leaming and the application of learning principles in behavior modification are also discussed.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Spring even years
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PSY 303 Biological Psychology
3 credits
This course surveys the recent advances in understanding how the brain works and how it controls behavior. Beginning with the basics of the structure and functioning of the nervous system, students explore the biological bases of topics such as sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, learning and memory, and abnormal behavior and its treatments.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Fall
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PSY 304 Sensation and Perception
3 credits
This course deals with how we construct a conception of physical reality from sensory experience. While the primary focus will be on vision and hearing, the chemical senses (taste and smell) and the somatosenses (touch, temperature, vibration, etc.) will also be addressed. Students will cover the anatomy and physiology of the various sensory receptors, the neural mechanisms of sensation, sensory representation in the brain, as well as the phenomenological experience of perception. Topics will include the ways in which illusions can fool our senses and what they tell us about how our sensory systems work.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
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PSY 305 Psychopharmacology
3 credits
This course explores what is currently known about the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders and the use of psychoactive drugs to treat them. Starting with the basics of the brain/behavior relationship and principles of pharmacology, students will learn the symptoms and treatment of the mood, anxiety, and thought disorders among others.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Fall every year and Spring odd years
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PSY 306 Drugs and Behavior
3 credits
This course explores the use and abuse of drugs from many perspectives: social, historical, legal, medical, pharmacological and psychological. Beginning with a basic coverage of how the brain controls behavior, students examine how drugs interact with the brain to have such powerful effects on behavior. Topics will include the medical use of drugs (including over-the-counter and psychotherapeutic drugs), the illegal abuse of drugs like heroin and cocaine, and the use and abuse of legal drugs such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Spring odd years
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PSY 307 Health Psychology
3 credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of health psychology by providing a broad overview of the major topics in the area. Specifically, the class examines the following: stress and coping processes; health promotion and disease prevention; theories of health behavior change; social and psychological factors that affect health and illness, issues surrounding disease and pain management, and the role of health psychology in healthcare settings.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
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PSY 310 Gender Studies
3 credits
This course focuses on the psychology of gender with additional attention to cross-disciplinary perspectives. Students examine how biology, child socialization, and culture contributes to gender similarities and differences. Additional topics may include: gender and communication, gender and relationships, gender in the workplace, gender and power, gender and health, gender and history, and gender in literature.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Fall odd years
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PSY 315 Psychological Assessment
3 credits
This course teaches students about the development, implementation, reliability and validity, and uses of psychological assessment tests and measures including scales of personality, intelligence, achievement, and development.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 232
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PSY 325 Autism Spectrum Disorder
3 credits
This course will review the history of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), identify the characteristics of each disorder, as well as diagnostic criteria and procedures for diagnosis. Students will learn about the importance of early identification and detection, and will learn about research-based assessment tools and behavioral interventions used to treat ASD.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123 .
On demand
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PSY 332 Childhood Psychopathology
3 credits
This course will focus on the nature, causes, course, and treatment of various child and adolescent disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, conduct disorder, autism, childhood depression, anxiety disorders in children, and eating disorders. These disorders will be discussed and understood as deviations from normal development in childhood and adolescence.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 275 or PSY 290 or OS 303
Fall and Spring even years
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PSY 335 Trauma
3 credits
This course explores psychological trauma from a variety of viewpoints with an emphasis on interpersonal trauma and betrayal on both the individual and institutional levels. Students learn about responses to a variety of traumas including childhood trauma, adult sexual assault, war, and domestic violence and consider how socio-political contexts affect trauma research and intervention. Students discuss psychological disorders, interpersonal difficulties, and neurophysiological alterations and explore issues of resiliency and prevention of violence.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123 and either PSY 290 or PSY 332
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PSY 336 Forensic Psychology
3 credits
This course explores how psychologists assist the legal and court systems in various roles such as expert witnesses, trial, jury and court consultants, criminal profilers, and services in child custody courts and civil proceedings. Students examine the various roles and boundaries of psychologists within the legal system as well as ethics, roles, advocacy, objective/intuitive data, and candid “real life” depictions of the role of forensics in psychology.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
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PSY 381 Special Topics
1-3 credits
Topics may vary from semester to semester and will be announced with preregistration information and course hours.
(On demand)
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PSY 384 Advanced Career Seminar
1 credit
This course is designed for seniors majoring in Psychology. It focuses on rational career decision making and post-graduation career planning.
Prerequisite(s): Senior status.
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PSY 385 Graduate School Preparation Seminar I
0 credits
This course is designed for juniors or seniors majoring Psychology who are planning on applying to graduate programs. The course will walk students through the beginning aspects of the application process including solidifying their career choice, searching for accredited graduate programs in their field of choice, preparing and taking the GRE, and planning for necessary coursework during their last year.
Prerequisite(s): Students must have a declared major in Psychology have junior or senior status.
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PSY 386 Graduate School Preparation Seminar II
1 credit
This course is designed for juniors or seniors majoring Psychology who are planning on applying to graduate programs. The course will walk students through all aspects of the application process from selecting programs to developing their application materials and preparing for interviews.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 385 ; junior or senior status.
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PSY 435 Controversies in Psychology
3 credits
This course focuses on debates and conflicts over the past 30 years related to psychological concepts and theories of human behavior and experiences. The controversies discussed cross all subfields of psychology including clinical, social, developmental, biological, and cognitive. Topics may include multiple personality disorder, expert testimony, new age therapies, repressed memories, sexual orientation conversion therapies, inkblot tests, media violence, effect of spanking and divorce on children, and paranormal phenomenon. Students will learn in-depth methodologies for critical thinking and apply learned strategies to real-world problems. The course emphasizes the application of research skills to examine the multiple facets of each controversy in light of evidence gathered from current empirical sources. Students will take sides on an issue of their choice, gather evidence to support their position, and present their case in a symposium-style debate.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Spring, odd years
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PSY 450 Personality
3 credits
This course surveys prominent personality theories including psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, existential, and trait perspectives. Students critically evaluate personality theories as they relate to how traits and tendencies develop. Students review historical case studies and apply theories to their own personality development.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Fall
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PSY 452 Counseling and Psychotherapy
3 credits
This course is an introduction to psychotherapy approaches for clinical populations. Students will learn the theory and practice of different forms of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, dialectical behavior therapy, and others. Students will also become familiar with the literature on the efficacy of psychotherapy, historical and current issues in the psychotherapy profession, and issues related to culture in psychotherapy.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 123
Spring odd years
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