Course Requirements

Computer Applications I
In this course, students will be provided a baseline of knowledge of the fundamentals of computers and digital literacies to ensure they will be able to understand a constantly changing technology oriented landscape. In this course, students will be exposed to the fundamentals of computing technology, including computer hardware and software concepts; the Windows operating system and commands; drives, folders, and files; Google’s suite of applications; use of the Internet and growing connectivity with everyday devices; and digital literacy knowledge and skills. By mastering the fundamentals of computing technology and demonstrating digital literacy, students will have the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century workforce.

This course will be an introduction to the criminal justice system in the United States. Crime, criminals, victims, explanations of criminal behavior, law and the criminal justice system, policing strategies, police and the law, courts and courtroom workgroups, proceedings before trial, conviction by trial and guilty pleas, sentencing, community corrections, prisons and jails, prison life and juvenile justice are the topics that will be covered.
Offered in the fall semester

This course introduces the integration of communication skills essential for effective reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college level. In this writing intensive course, students develop composition skills to produce collegiate-level papers modeling rhetorical modes and thematic content in addition to strategies for reading complex texts; presentation skills for personal introductions, verbal summaries of readings and response writings, and peer review of papers; and basic technological skills for word processing, e-mail, and introductory-level online research.

In this course students will apply the practices for effective reading and writing introduced in ENG 114 to the distinctive language and forms of various disciplines. This course lays the foundation for academic and professional research and stresses the use of appropriate and effective information sources. Readings for a variety of academic audiences will provide students with strategies to communicate in the sciences, business and technology, psychology, liberal studies, and the social sciences. Research and documentation skills appropriate to the disciplines are stressed. In addition to leading students through the research process from start to finish, this course will examine the many ramifications of academic honesty.
Prerequisite: ENG 114

Selected readings in fiction, poetry, and drama introduce the student to literary types and techniques. These readings provide a basis for collegiate-level discussion, analysis, and the development of critical judgment. Building on the communications and research skills from earlier courses in the sequence, this course emphasizes continued practice in writing, and students complete a documented research paper using primary and secondary sources as one of the course writing assignments. Discussions and oral presentations based on assigned literature support the overall goal of the sequence: to enhance the advancement of the students, first academically and then professionally.
Prerequisite: ENG 114

This course is designed for diverse students to acquire a solid foundation in non-calculus mathematics. It uses practical mathematics to develop problem solving and analytical skills. Topics include linear equations, linear inequalities, matrix and its application, linear programming, and the simplex method.
Prerequisite: MAT 104 or appropriate placement test score

This is an introduction to the basic descriptive and inferential statistics for students from all disciplines. It emphasizes the development of statistical literacy and the use of computer for analyzing data. Topics include principles of experimental design; graphical and numerical methods for summarizing, describing, exploring and analyzing data; binomial and normal probability distributions; point and interval estimates for means and proportions; hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression.
Offered both semesters

Using an active learning approach, students will explore psychological perspectives and methods as explanations for human behavior and mental processes. Other topics include: neurophysiology, consciousness, learning, personality theories, and psychological disorders.

This course introduces students to the field of forensic psychology and explores the relationship between psychology and the legal system. Current events, case studies, and research are used to demonstrate the applications of forensic psychology to critical issues and special topics in the field. Students will gain a broad understanding of the different career opportunities from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Prerequisite: PSY 101

This course focuses on human growth and development over the lifespan. Theories related to physical, cognitive, social and personality across the lifespan will be explored. Life-changing health conditions and treatments are discussed with regard to potential psychological and social impact that these conditions and treatments may have on children, adolescents, adults, and health-care givers within the community.
Prerequisite: PSY101

This course explores a wide range of personality, behavioral, and cognitive disorders. The symptoms, etiology, and dynamics of various disorders are studied, and a variety of therapeutic theories and techniques are discussed.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
Offered in the spring semester only

This course investigates the major personality theorists from Freud to more recent and contemporary theorists like May and Rogers. Emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation and practical application of each theory reviewed.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 and junior or senior status
Offered in the spring semester only

This course introduces the student interested in human behavior to experimental design procedures emphasizing methodology, data collection techniques, and critical evaluation of research practices.
Prerequisites: ENG 124, MAT 120

Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Criminal behavior is studied in the context of societal and genetic influences on personality formation. Juvenile delinquency and the early expression of anti-social behaviors are discussed. The psychological aspects of violence, addiction, and how mental illness contributes to criminal behavior are addressed. Gender issues related to crime are presented. An external community experience is incorporated to provide an opportunity to apply course content and learning to real world issues. PSY 240 and junior or senior status
Offered in the fall semester only

This course focuses on the psychological aspects of female offenders with an emphasis on gender and criminological theorizing, female juvenile delinquency, females as offenders, mental illness in corrections, and females in prisons. Issues such as sexism, racism, social class inequality, cultural factors, addiction, relationships, and victimization are explored in the context of understanding what psychological issues contribute to female involvement in crime, society's perception of women offenders, and special considerations related to females within the criminal justice system. A service learning component will take place off campus.
Prerequisites: PSY 150, PSY 240, and junior or senior status

This course provides the student with a knowledge of the biological components of behavior. Basic neuroanatomy and neurochemistry are discussed with respect to a variety of topics such as emotions, sensation, aggression, sleep, memory, reproductive behaviors, eating disorders, and certain forms of psychopathology.
Prerequisites: PSY 101 and junior or senior status
Offered in the fall semester only

This class examines drug and alcohol abuse and dependency. Analysis of the present opiate epidemic, types of illicit drugs, behavioral and biological effects, the common pathway for the addictive process, and the etiology of addiction as a brain disorder including the relative roles of genetic and environmental influences are explored. Psychological impact of addiction, as well as various forms of treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step recovery, and medication assisted treatment, are also addressed. Students will understand the consequences of use, for both the individual and for society, and some of the failed responses of government and the legal system to this disease.

Prerequisites: PSY 101

Offered in the fall semester only

This course will provide students with a basic understanding of mental health crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies, milieu management, and how to work and communicate effectively with individuals who may be presenting with impaired judgement or impulsive tendencies. Elements of self-awareness and self-care are embedded throughout this course, as well as components related to ethical considerations and trauma informed care. Students will also gain an understanding of larger systems issues and how to determine appropriate dispositions.
Prerequisites: PSY101 and PSY240

Social behavior is studied from a psychological perspective. Topics addressed typically include: small group behavior, personal perception, attitude acquisition and change, leadership, conformity, and prejudice.
Prerequisites: PSY 101 and junior or senior status
Offered in the fall semester only

This course provides students with knowledge of introductory skills. This course will cover basic skills common across the helping professions. Students will demonstrate competence with basic skills in an educational setting through role plays.
Prerequisite: PSY 101

This capstone seminar course is designed to provide an opportunity for the students to synthesize, reflect upon, and analyze the complexities of the intersection of criminal law and psychology. An external community experience is incorporated to provide an opportunity to apply course content and learning to real world issues. This course will highlight the major historical and current issues and controversies related to juvenile, adult and international forensics, and students will conduct case analyses from a multidisciplinary perspective.Prerequisites: PSY 150 and two upper-level (300+) courses in psychology, and Junior or Senior status.

This course introduces students to the major concepts and methods of sociology. Emphasis will be on the components of culture, the structure and institutions of society, the elements of social organization and differentiation, and sociological approaches to the analysis of groups.

Women as Empowered Leaders and Learners
This required interdisciplinary course is designed to give all students entering the One-Day Program a common experience and foundation for their education. Students examine leadership within the larger context of our interdependent world and their own strengths, values and aspirations. Students also examine learning styles, academic requirements, communication skills and technology to create a personalized action plan for success in the One-Day undergraduate experience and beyond.

Strategies for Personal and Career Growth
This required interdisciplinary course builds on the foundation created in WEL 220 to deepen students' knowledge, skills and attitudes related to career, leadership and financial development. Through a focus on well being students will strategically delve into ways to manage their own growth and development while understanding the opportunities to build on their purpose, passion and potential.

This capstone course is an interdisciplinary course designed to give senior-level students an opportunity to create a learning experience that allows them to apply knowledge, skills and personal development to a project that also contributes to a family, organization and/or community. This course combines academic study with practical application of leadership, communications and technology skills as a springboard for the student to move forward into the future as an empowered woman. Students may choose to complete research, community-based projects and/or service learning projects. As a culminating experience, this course also provides the platform for assessing students' progress and proficiency.