Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 Course Numbering System

001-099 Developmental Courses (Credit Type DV*)
100-299 Lower division courses; may have prerequisites
300-499 Upper division courses
500-599 Foundational graduate courses and Education graduate certification courses
600-699 Graduate courses

*DV - Developmental courses completed at Avila count toward Term hours, Term GPA and Career GPA, but are not counted in Career hours. Developmental courses completed at another institution are counted in Term hours and Term GPA, but are not counted in Career hours or Career GPA.

Catalog Course Information

The number in parentheses after the course title indicates the credit in semester hours.

The letters following the course description indicate the semester in which the course is given. Fall semester course offerings are indicated by FA; spring semester, SP; summer session, SU. Where frequency of course offering is not indicated, the course is given as required.

 

Nursing

  
  • NU 466 - Gerontological Nursing (2)

    This specialty nursing theory course examines the concepts related to nursing care of the gerontological client. Prerequisites: NU 458 , NU 459 , NU 471 , and NU 473 . FA.
  
  • NU 470 - Development of the Professional Nurse II (2)

    This nursing theory course examines concepts related to the profession of nursing as well as professional behaviors of the student nurse transitioning to practice.  Prerequisites: NU 458 , NU 459 , NU 471 , and NU 473  . FA.
  
  • NU 471 - Women & Children Health & Illness Concepts (3)

    This specialty nursing theory course examines the concepts related to nursing care of women and children. Prerequisites: NU 425 , NU 450 , NU 452 , NU 453 NU 456 . SP.
  
  • NU 473 - Psychosocial Nursing Concepts (3)

    This specialty nursing theory course examines the concepts related to nursing care in the area of behavioral and mental health. Pre-licensure prerequisites: NU 425 , NU 450 , NU 452 , NU 453 NU 456 . SP.
  
  • NU 476 - Foundations of Evidence Based Nursing Care (3)

    This nursing theory course is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by beginning practitioners to evaluate and use information from research and other sources of evidence to guide the ethical delivery of evidence based nursing practice.  Pre-licensure prerequisites: NU 458 NU 459 , NU 471 , NU 473 . RN to BSN students must have advisor approval. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Contribute. FA.
  
  • NU 481 - Practicum II (4)

    This clinical nursing course is an application of patient care concepts that provides students the opportunity to care for clients with complex or specialized healthcare issues within a variety of settings. Prerequisites: NU 458 , NU 459 , NU 471 , and NU 473 . 2015 CORE: Community Engagement. CR/NC. FA.
  
  • NU 482 - Health & Illness Concepts III (3)

    This nursing theory course examines concepts related to nursing care of adult medical/surgical clients with complex and/or multisystem healthcare needs. Prerequisites: NU 458 , NU 459 , NU 471 , and NU 473 . FA.
  
  • NU 483 - Analysis & Evaluation of Healthcare Systems (2)

    This nursing theory course examines concepts related to the profession of nursing as well as professional behaviors that promote quality and safety in healthcare delivery and healthcare systems. Prerequisites: NU 466 , NU 470 , NU 476 NU 481 , and NU 482 . SP.
  
  • NU 484 - Population Based Health Concepts (3)

    This specialty nursing theory course examines the concepts related to nursing care of aggregates, communities, and populations. Pre-licensure prerequisites: NU 466 , NU 470 , NU 476 NU 481 , and NU 482 . RN to BSN students must have advisor approval. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Contribute, Global Studies. SP.
  
  • NU 485 - High Acuity Nursing Concepts (2)

    This specialty nursing theory course examines the concepts related to nursing care of clients with highly complex and multisystem healthcare needs. Pre-licensure prerequisites: NU 466 , NU 470 , NU 476 NU 481 , and NU 482 . SP.
  
  • NU 486 - Advancing Professional Practice in Nursing (3)

    This nursing theory course continues the development of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by the Registered Nurse transitioning into the role of baccalaureate prepared practitioner and emerging leader in the work setting. Prerequisite: RN to BSN students must have advisor approval.
  
  • NU 488 - Practicum III (2)

    This clinical nursing course is an application of patient care concepts that provides students the opportunity to care for clients in focused clinical areas (e.g., high acuity, population based, hospice, home health). Prerequisites: NU 466 , NU 470 , NU 476 NU 481 , and NU 482 . CR/NC. SP.
  
  • NU 489 - Capstone Practicum (4)

    This theory/immersion clinical nursing course will allow students to synthesize the knowledge, skills, and experiences they have acquired in their nursing education in preparation for practice as a baccalaureate prepared nurse. Students will prepare for the NCLEX-RN™. Meets the Capstone requirement in the major. 1 hour lecture, 3 hours clinical. Prerequisites: approval of nursing faculty. SP.
  
  • NU 490 - Directed Study (1-3)

    The student independently pursues an approved and directed in-depth study of a specific area of nursing. Admitted nursing majors only. FA, SP, SU.
  
  • NU 491 - Capstone for the RN-BSN Student (3)

    Through this clinical immersion experience, students will synthesize their learned knowledge, skills, and experiences in preparation for practice as a baccalaureate nurse. This course meets the capstone requirement for the RN-BSN curriculum. Prerequisites: Admission to the RN-BSN program and advisor approval. 2015 CORE: Community Engagement.
  
  • NU 492 - Options in Health Related Careers (1-3)

    Exploration of opportunities in health related careers, which might include working in human service fields, management of health related services, not for profit, and business settings. This is the capstone course for the Wellness Studies major.  Prerequisite: Approval of advisor.
  
  • NU 493 - Transitions in Practice (3)

    This Nursing theory course explores topics fundamental to nursing practice at the baccalaureate level. Prerequisites: RN to BSN students must have advisor approval and NU 456 . SP.

Physics

  
  • PH 117 - Physics Concepts (4)

    Development of basic conceptual models of physical phenomena including light and color, waves and sound, electricity, and atomic phenomena in an activity-based, collaborative environment with integrated laboratory. Designed for radiologic science majors. Corequisite: MA 115  or MA 120  or higher placement. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. FA, SP.
  
  • PH 180 - Topics in Physics (1-3)

    Presentation and discussion of physics topics. Each offering will be titled appropriately. A student may take any number of different topics. Prerequisites vary with the topic being presented.
  
  • PH 231 - General Physics I (5)

    An activity-based, collaborative approach to the development of conceptual and mathematical models of physical phenomena as well as scientific reasoning skills. Modern computer tools are used throughout. Topics include motion, force, energy and momentum, and thermodynamics. Laboratory. Prerequisites: MA 120  and familiarity with basic trigonometry. FA.
  
  • PH 232 - General Physics II (5)

    Continuation of PH 231 . Topics include waves and sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear phenomena. Laboratory. Prerequisites: PH 231  or consent of instructor. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. SP.

Philosophy

  
  • PL 111 - Introduction to Philosophy (3)

    A critical examination of philosophical approaches to the nature of reality, religious belief, moral responsibility, and human freedom by addressing perennial questions, such as: How should I live? How do we know what we know? Is free will an illusion? Is the existence (or non-existence) of God or gods something that can be proved rationally? What is the proper balance between the public good and our own private freedom? Is there an independent standard for judging what is truly real versus what is truly illusion? PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Acquire.
  
  • PL 112 - Philosophy of Humor (3)

    We all find things amusing: humor, in fact, is constant across all human culture. Sometimes we agree on what’s humorous, and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes humor unites us, and sometimes it divides us. The aim of this class is to examine humor philosophically, in the process introducing the student to philosophy more generally. The sorts of questions we will ask will be: What makes something humorous? Can we develop a theory of humor? What role does humor play in human lives, and especially in our own lives? What is the relationship between humor and ethics and humor and politics? 2015 CORE: Creativity & Culture, Acquire.
  
  • PL 113 - Critical Reasoning (3)

    This course will focus on the study of arguments and will help students develop techniques useful in recognizing, analyzing, and evaluating arguments. The application of both the inductive and deductive criteria for evaluating arguments will be explored as well as other criteria of evaluation. Topics the course will cover include rational argumentation, fallacies, definition, meaning, truth, and evidence. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire.
  
  • PL 221 - Philosophy of Religion (3)

    This course offers classical and contemporary arguments for understanding the existence, nature, and reality of God. We will analyze and evaluate contemporary conceptions of divinity, humanity, and spirit as well as related issues in the philosophy of religion: evil, immortality, relationships between faith and reason, the nature of religious experience, and conceptions of the religious subject. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Transform, Global Studies.
  
  • PL 255 - Ethics (3)

    This course is a critical examination of a range of major ethical theories, where students will systematically reason through and discuss major ethical notions as well as notions of ethical agency. Questions that might be covered include but are not limited to: How do we as members of communities live? How ought we live? What are the differences between good and bad choices? Why should I act other than what is in my self-interest? Do I have duties to myself and others? If so, what are those duties? What kinds of actions are morally significant or irrelevant to moral thinking? PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. FA, SP.
  
  • PL 300 - Existentialism (3)

    This course is an overview and examination of various theories and expressions of 19th and 20th century existential thought. The basic question interrogated in this class is: how do we find meaning in a world that seems to lack meaning or to be absurd? Topics that might be covered include (but are not limited to) questions of existence, freedom, anxiety, power, justice, religion, and ethics. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform.
  
  • PL 311 - Continental Philosophy (3)

    This course explores ideas of existence, freedom, anxiety, subjectivity, power, and justice in the writings, films, and other works of 20th Century and contemporary theorists and philosophers. Prerequisite: One lower-division course in Philosophy.
  
  • PL 312 - Bioethics (3)

    This is an interdisciplinary course that examines complex moral issues involving biology and medicine. Multiple viewpoints and issues are studied, such as: the patient-physician relationship, death and dying, ethics of care, technology and medicine, as well as the ethics and biology of genetics and eugenics. Research and discussion are essential components of the course. Prerequisites: BI 111  or BI 112 ; or PL 111  or PL 255 . PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & III.
  
  • PL 326 - Feminist Theory & Practice (3)

    This course provides an overview of the major philosophical issues that have defined feminism as a subject of intellectual inquiry and offers practical engagement of these issues through its community engagement component. Although feminism’s historical focus has been on women, an even more fundamental issue for the movement has been how power and oppression are created from and wielded upon various categories of humans. In this light, this course will explore the construction of numerous identities (including “woman,” “man,” and many other ways of understanding the self), how power is negotiated from those identities, and how these translate into issues of subjectivity, rights, politics, aesthetics, sexuality, ethics, and a host of other issues. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Contribute, Community Engagement. FA.
  
  • PL 339 - Social & Political Philosophy (3)

    This course is a critical examination of some major political and social questions, such as (but not limited to): What is the nature and scope of political authority? What (if any) legitimate forms does it take? Can the state be justified? What does it mean to be a political agent? What is the relationship between politics and religion, economics, race, and/or gender? This course challenges students to critically reflect upon our shared political freedoms and obligations, justifications of political authority, the social nature of identities, and our roles as political subjects. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform, Global Studies.
  
  • PL 344 - Music & Politics (3)

    Musical works representative of folk, popular, and refined art idioms will provide subject matter for analysis and discussion of the following: conceptualizing the distinct nature of music from other art forms and human activities, the role of emotion in music and politics, the political use of music, and the musical representation of politics and political action as well as the possibility of music affecting social and political relations. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & III. 2015 CORE: Creativity & Culture, Contribute, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies.
  
  • PL 355 - Metaphysics (3)

    This course involves the study of the nature of reality, both what is and what we can say exists. Metaphysical concepts we may consider are existence, being, minds, bodies, freedom, human nature, and the nature of experience. We will consider these concepts, and arguments associated with those ideas, in both classical and contemporary discussions. Prerequisite: one lower-division course in Philosophy.
  
  • PL 358 - Violence (3)

    A multidisciplinary investigation into acts and relations of social and political violence. This investigation may focus within the following arenas: the social phenomena of violence and power; the extent of its moral justifiability, political legitimacy, and practical efficacy; the reality and responsibilities of perpetrators, victims, and others; and how communities are rebuilding and sustaining relations within various present realities of violence. Within this subject matter and these contexts, the course aims to enrich and expand video techniques as well as develop creative representational strategies. Throughout the course, students work to advance critical skills as viewers, makers, and readers of filmmaking within the context of course content. Students will work individually and in groups to explore the advocacy potential of the video production process as well as the final product. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & III. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Contribute, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies, Community Engagement. SP, even years.
  
  • PL 360 - Human Rights & Social Justice (3)

    Drawing from the values and perspectives of Catholic Social Teaching through the lenses of Philosophy and Social Work practice, this course critically examines social justice concepts and develops intercultural skills needed to address issues of social justice with individuals and diverse communities. Through a cultural immersion experience abroad, students will be engaged with local communities and participate in community-based learning opportunities which address issues such as human rights, human dignity, solidarity with the poor, and the common good.  PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & III. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Contribute, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies, Community Engagement. SP, odd years.
  
  • PL 372 - Being Together: A Global Context (3)

    This interdisciplinary course will introduce the student to thinking about what it means to exist together with other human beings in the midst of a “global” world, especially as that concept is navigated by means of gender, racial, class, and other differences. We will consider both the genesis of these categories and also how best to understand them, and we will do so largely by recognizing that they are influenced or determined by other categories, like, for example, power and desire. In this way, the course will consider both the most basic philosophical issues involved in existing with others (recognition, acknowledgment, and inter-subjectivity, as well as their failures) as well as the more specific ways in which we come to relate to and identify ourselves and each other (gender, race, class, and others). We will conclude the course by exploring issues of justice in light of a global context and of our explorations throughout the semester. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies.
  
  • PL 380 - Special Topics (1-3)

    Selected topics to be determined by the department.
  
  • PL 480 - Special Topics (1-3)

    Selected topics to be determined by the department.
  
  • PL 485 - Practicum (3)

    Experience in one of the specialized areas of Philosophy with departmental guidance and supervision.
  
  • PL 490 - Directed Studies (3)

    Approved and directed in-depth study of a specific area of Philosophy according to student need and interest. Prerequisite: permission of department.
  
  • PL 499 - Senior Seminar (3)

    Students from both Philosophy and Religious Studies work through a global theme, analyzing and evaluating issues and problems within the theme from the perspectives and methodologies of both disciplines. Meets the Capstone requirement in the major. Prerequisite: permission of department.

Political Science

  
  • PS 120 - American National Government (3)

    The structure, function, problems, and accomplishments of American government at the federal level including discussions of the Federal Constitution and Missouri Constitution. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. FA, SP.
  
  • PS 220 - State and Local Politics (3)

    The relationship that exists in and between state and local governments. Powers of governors and mayors, forms of governments, and timely issues explored. Regional politics and future scenarios analyzed.
  
  • PS 334 - Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties (3)

    Constitutional protections both from and of government with emphasis on Supreme Court decisions defining fundamental liberties, property rights, and the requirements of substantive due process. Alternative years.
  
  • PS 337 - Topics in Law (1-3)

    Selected topics dealing with specific, contemporary, legal issues.
  
  • PS 340 - Comparative Politics (3)

    A comparative analysis of the dynamics of various political systems and cross national political behavior with emphasis on the basic concepts of comparative political study. Selected political systems from various regions of the world - Western Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Russia - will illustrate the concepts.
  
  • PS 344 - Criminal Law (3)

    Distinction between criminal and civil law, the role of different participants in the criminal justice system, classification of crimes by state and federal standards, stages of criminal prosecution, constitutional rights and limitations. Alternate years.

Psychology

  
  • PY 101 - General Psychology (3)

    An introduction to the theories, methods, and perspectives that psychologists use to describe and explain behavior and mental processes. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. FA, SP.
  
  • PY 102 - Orientation Seminar in Psychology (3)

    An introduction to the discipline of psychology, including specialties and careers in the field. Students will examine professional interests, explore career options, establish educational goals, learn degree requirements and expectations, develop skills for academic success, and become familiar with psychology department faculty and resources. FA.
  
  • PY 201 - Personality Psychology (3)

    The scientific study of individual differences, integrating theory and research. Prerequisite: PY 101 . SP.
  
  • PY 208 - Lifespan Development (3)

    A survey of the main patterns of growth and development of the person over the lifespan; emphasis on the social, intellectual, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of the person. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. FA, SP.
  
  • PY 210 - Abnormal Psychology (3)

    A general overview of the etiology, characteristics, and determinants of deviations from normal behavior; general information about therapeutic approaches; the study of the role of behavioral sciences in community mental health action. Prerequisite: PY 101 . 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. FA, SP.
  
  • PY 212 - Conflict Resolution (3)

    This course focuses on various strategies for dealing with a conflict in a positive manner. It is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to resolve conflicts and have successful outcomes. The skills of listening, assertion, problem solving, and conflict management are emphasized. Prerequisite: CO 110 . PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. FA, SU.
  
  • PY 214 - Psychology of Gender (3)

    This course provides an exploration of various perspectives on the role of gender in the formation of individual identity, as well as the interrelationship between gender identity and society. Students will examine the construction and development of gender identity through a scientific lens. The interaction between gender stereotypes and relationships, work, and health are explored. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Transform. FA.
  
  • PY 216 - Social Psychology (3)

    Study of the nature and causes of individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in social situations. Topics include social cognition, perception of others’ intentions, attitudes, interpersonal relationships, and the power of a group to influence individual behavior. Prerequisite: PY 101  or SO 101 . 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. FA
  
  • PY 224 - Psychology of Communication (3)

    A hands-on examination of individual differences in receptive and expressive communication with a focus upon increasing awareness of self in the context of group interactions. Prerequisite: PY 101 . PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. FA.
  
  • PY 235 - Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3)

    Designed to provide an introduction to the various areas of exceptionality (gifted, intellectually disabled, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed). Social, educational, and cognitive characteristics of exceptional children are explored. Samples of the unique teaching methods, materials, and techniques of instruction are discussed. In addition, laws and regulations covering exceptional students are presented. Field-based assignment required. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. SP.
  
  • PY 251 - Introduction to Art Therapy (3)

    The historical foundations of the profession of art therapy, including the development of the field and what has influenced its past as well as future directions, and study of managed care, multicultural, ethical, and other current influences. The benefit with various populations and settings in which art therapies work, reinforced with visits from local art therapists. Review of what is required to become a Registered Art Therapist. Prerequisites: PY 101  and PY 201 . FA, even years.
  
  • PY 260 - Research Methods (3)

    Introduction to methodology and techniques: formulation of research problems, study design, hypotheses, sampling, measurement, questionnaire construction, interviewing and data collection, processing and tabulation, analysis and interpretation, presentation of findings. SP.
  
  • PY 261 - Psychological Statistics & Methods I (3)

    Students will learn the foundations of scientific research in psychology, emphasizing the role of psychology as a science, the role of scientific reasoning in everyday life, ethical issues in behavioral research, qualitative research, observational research, and survey design. Students will begin to develop proficiency in SPSS data entry and management, descriptive statistical analysis and reporting, the visual display of data, APA style essentials, and academic writing, reading, and oral communication in psychology. Prerequisites: PY 101  and one of the following: MA 115 MA 120 , MA 121 MA 125 , MA 155  or MA 241 . 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. FA.
  
  • PY 262 - Psychological Statistics & Methods II (3)

    Students will learn the fundamentals of experimental, quasi-experimental, and advanced experimental design in psychology. Additionally, students will develop proficiency in using SPSS for basic inferential statistical analysis while further mastering APA style and academic writing, reading, and oral communication in psychology. Prerequisite: PY 261 . 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Transform. SP.
  
  • PY 297 - Research Experience I (1)

    An early apprenticeship in psychological research. Students will learn how to conduct psychological research through discussion, reading, and hands-on experiences. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval. FA, SP.
  
  • PY 320 - Psychotherapy Approaches (3)

    A survey of the techniques and major systems of psychotherapy. Prerequisites: PY 101 , PY 201 , and PY 210 . SP.
  
  • PY 321 - Leadership (3)

    This course has a two-fold emphasis. It is first an overview of theories about leadership, including the traits, skills, and behaviors associated with those theories. Secondly, it focuses on one’s personal leadership, whether at work, in the community, within groups, or in any other form of organization. Students learn about the evolution of theories on leadership and relate those theories to case studies and their own leadership. Throughout the course, they explore the meaning of leadership to their own goals and assess their interests, values, priorities, and qualities that support or test those goals. Students use the knowledge gained in this course to plan for their own development as a leader so that they are better equipped to meet the challenges of new opportunities and a changing world. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Contribute.
  
  • PY 326 - Child & Adolescent Psychology (3)

    A study of the biological, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and adolescents. Prerequisite: PY 101 .
  
  • PY 332 - Health Psychology (3)

    This course focuses upon the systemic influence of psychological factors on physical and mental health and illness. Specific emphasis will be placed on the causes and treatments of stress-related health issues, as well as the evidence that implicates individual behavior and lifestyles as relevant issues in wellness/illness. Prerequisite: PY 101 . FA.
  
  • PY 333 - Topics in Applied Research Methods (1-4)

    Students will learn about methods used in psychological research, including the theoretical and practical background of the methods, with hands-on experience in the collection and interpretation of data. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: PY 101  and instructor approval.
  
  • PY 350 - Behavior & the Brain (3)

    This course seeks to explain vertebrate (especially human) behavior, traditionally within the domain of psychology, in terms of the biological disciplines of physiology, development, and evolution. Behavior will thus be examined from the viewpoint of both the psychologist and the biologist with common themes emerging from the two somewhat different views. The course provides an introduction to the biological mechanisms most relevant to key issues in psychology. PRE-2015 CORE: Level III. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Contribute, Interdisciplinary Studies.
  
  • PY 351 - Animal Behavior (3)

    The course emphasizes an evolutionary approach to understanding behavior. Students learn key hypotheses regarding diverse behavioral strategies, such as group living, fighting and assessment, sexual selection, parental care, cooperation and altruism. Examples will be drawn from a wide range of taxa including insects, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Students will learn about experimental design and data interpretation, building quantitative skills and enhancing their understanding of the nature and limitations of science through a case study approach. They will also complete an independent research paper based on primary literature in the field.  Course material will include applications of behavioral theory to the management and conservation of wildlife. Ways in which evolutionary theory can inform our understanding of human behavior will also be discussed. This course includes an integrated lab.  Prerequisite: BI 112  or permission of instructor.  FA, odd years.
  
  • PY 360 - Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)

    A study of the challenges and solutions that involve psychology in the contemporary workplace, particularly systems issues related to organizational productivity, quality of work product, and quality of work life.
  
  • PY 371 - Cognitive Psychology (3)

    A general overview of classic and current research in cognitive processing. Topics to be covered include attention, memory, problem solving, reasoning, conceptual thinking, and mental strategies involved in language expression and comprehension. Prerequisite: PY 101 . 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Transform. FA.
  
  • PY 373 - Diversity in the Workplace (3)

    This interactive course increases your understanding of a variety of models of individual, cultural, and social group identities, focusing on several contemporary frameworks for understanding differences.  Special emphasis is placed on providing the skills and competencies necessary for working with multicultural, inclusive teams. 2015 CORE: Creativity & Culture, Contribute, Global Studies, Community Engagement. FA, SP, SU.
  
  • PY 375 - Motivation & Emotion (3)

    Students will learn about the psychology of motivation and emotion, including the relationship between motivation, emotion, and cognition; emotional expression and experience; communication of emotion; emotional intelligence; and biological underpinnings of emotion. Students will learn how to apply knowledge about motivational/emotional processes to their own lives, including personal relationships and the workplace. Prerequisite: PY 101 . FA.
  
  • PY 380 - Special Topics in Psychology (1-3)

    Psychological principles applied to current issues. Specific topics change each semester. Prerequisite: PY 101 . FA, SP.
  
  • PY 383 - Drug Addiction & Use (3)

    The focus of this course is to investigate and understand the addictive process: that is, the origin, course, maintenance, and consequences of uncontrolled thought, feeling, or behavior. Addictions to be studied will include food, cigarette, alcohol, legal/illegal drugs, and gambling. The students will be exposed to the impact of addictive behavior upon individuals, families, and larger social groups. Prerequisite: PY 101 . 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Contribute. SP, odd years.
  
  • PY 390 - Directed Study (1-3)

    Opportunity for the student to explore a topic of interest in depth. Prerequisites: 30 hours in Psychology and instructor approval. FA, SP.
  
  • PY 393 - Sports Psychology (3)

    The primary academic objectives of the course include the introduction of the short but rich history of sport psychology, to provide an overview of the specializations within the field, to explore practical applications of psychological research and theory to exercise and athletic competition, and lastly, to familiarize the student with potential careers and interest areas within sport psychology. Prerequisites: CO 225  or PY 101  with a “C” or higher and 2.5 cumulative GPA. SP.
  
  • PY 425 - Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)

    This course is the capstone for psychology majors and will review current trends and cutting edge research as well as historical antecedents to understanding the role of psychology in the 21st century. Students will leave with knowledge and skills on how to use their degree in the world of work. Prerequisites: PY 261  and PY 262 . FA.
  
  • PY 459 - Art as Therapy (3)

    Exploration of techniques of art useful for facilitating self-expression and communication. Demonstration of how art promotes both personal and group understanding. Investigation of symbolic meaning in art and understanding of how art can lead to behavior change and self-understanding. Useful for artists and classroom teachers, as well as for therapists who work with groups of children or adults. Meets the Capstone course requirement for the Art Therapy concentration.  Prerequisites: PY 101  and PY 210 . FA, odd years.
  
  • PY 485 - Field Experience in Psychology (3)

    This course combines a field placement experience with a seminar focused on the development of professional behavior. Meets the Capstone requirement for the School of Professional Studies Psychology degree. Prerequisites: PY 425  and instructor approval. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Contribute, Community Engagement. SP.
  
  • PY 497 - Research Experience II (1)

    This course is an advanced apprenticeship in psychological research. Students will learn how to conduct research through discussion, reading, and hands-on experiences, from initial planning stages to data collection and analysis, writing up results, and submitting to conferences and academic journals. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: PY 261 , PY 262 , and instructor approval. FA, SP.
  
  • PY 498 - Senior Thesis (3)

    This course provides students with an opportunity to produce a primary research project as an undergraduate thesis. Students will complete all facets of the project, including preparing a literature review, IRB application, data analysis, paper or poster presentation, public review, and submission for publication. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: PY 261 , PY 262 , 2 credits of PY 297  or PY 497 , and instructor approval. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Contribute. FA, SP.

Religious Studies

  
  • RS 111 - Introduction to Religious Studies (3)

    This course will provide a critical analysis of religion as a human endeavor through historical, anthropological, and sociological standpoints. Through the academic study of religion, students will become conversant with major themes, issues, figures, and phenomena that have been instrumental in religion’s social description and analysis. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Acquire.
  
  • RS 117 - World Religions (3)

    This course offers both a historical and critical look at human religious experience through a study of the world’s many religious traditions. Topics include the varieties of religious belief and the historical/political experiences that inspired them, including ideas of the holy and sacred, scriptures, myths, symbols, rituals, and morality. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Acquire, Global Studies.
  
  • RS 221 - Philosophy of Religion (3)

    This course offers classical and contemporary arguments for understanding the existence, nature, and reality of God. We will analyze and evaluate contemporary conceptions of divinity, humanity, and spirit as well as related issues in the philosophy of religion: evil, immortality, relationships between faith and reason, the nature of religious experience, and conceptions of the religious subject. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Transform, Global Studies.
  
  • RS 225 - Introduction to Catholic Studies (3)

    This course is a critical study of the beliefs and practices of Roman Catholics. We examine contemporary trends and issues within Roman Catholic communities using methods from the social sciences. The course gives special attention to gender and power dynamics within Roman Catholic institutions. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Transform. SP.
  
  • RS 227 - Images of Jesus (3)

    A critical study of the religious, cultural, and historical images representing ancient and contemporary understandings of Jesus. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II.
  
  • RS 231 - Christianity (3)

    This course will address origins and major events in the history of Christianity and its different cultural expressions throughout the world, spanning from the time before Jesus’s birth through the present period. The study of Christianity will be approached as an incredibly widespread, diverse, multi-purposed, multi-vocal, and global phenomenon. Topics to be addressed include the historical figure of Jesus; the rise of Christianity as a local and global phenomenon; the political, social, and cultural role of Christianity throughout a variety of locales; and how Christianity has been an instrument of both defeat and power for underrepresented groups. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Transform.
  
  • RS 233 - American Religious History (3)

    This course examines religious experience within the context of the United States. Rather than attempt to cover all religious groups in a chronological approach, we will focus on a variety of religious groups that helped shape, influence, and build the nation over the last four centuries. We will examine the contributions and belief systems of white Protestants and Catholics, Native Americans, African-Americans, Hispanics, as well as other lesser-known groups such as Shakers, Mormons, and Christian Scientists, among others. We will also briefly explore late 20th and early 21st Century faith groups that grew out of the American mainstream and serve as alternatives to traditional religious organizations. Finally, we will survey the more recent influx of Eastern religious traditions into the U.S. This course is particularly concerned with the interaction of religion and American culture attempting to answer such questions as: What role has religion played in the shaping of our diverse culture? What forces, secular and religious, led to the development of a religiously pluralistic society? How have the American peoples expressed their religious beliefs through communal patterns, behavior, institutions, and rituals? What does it mean to be religious and how is faith related to components of individual, communal, and nationalistic experience? Finally, how have transnational faith communities influenced and been influenced by U.S. culture in the 21st Century? PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Transform.
  
  • RS 251 - Islam (3)

    Through formative, classical, and contemporary interpretations of Muslim history and religion, this course will analyze the diverse understandings of Islam, including the nature of religious experience, the nature of God, and the life and significance of Muhammad. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Transform, Global Studies.
  
  • RS 252 - Judaism (3)

    Situating ancient and contemporary interpretations of Jewish history, politics, and religion together, this course will analyze and explore many of the following aspects of Judaism: diverse understandings of the relationship between the Hebrew Bible and Jewish communities, beliefs and rituals within religious practice, the role of women within Judaism, conceptions of Jewish identity, as well as the nature of God, religious experience, divine revelation, and religious authority. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Transform.
  
  • RS 311 - Peace Studies (3)

    This course provides an interdisciplinary (religious studies, communication, philosophy, sociology, history, and economics) approach to achieving peace on a personal, local, national, and international level. The focus is on developing practical strategies for creating peace and living peacefully in a global society. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & III. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Contribute, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies.
  
  • RS 317 - Catholicism in Latin America (3)

    This course explores the religious and political history of Latin America. It will highlight how church teachings and structures have responded to the needs and demands of various social groups. It will give attention to the ways in which art, architecture, and literature have expressed ideologies. Prerequisite: One course in Religious Studies. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & III.
  
  • RS 319 - Women, Religion & Community in the U.S. (3)

    This course will examine women and religion and how the interaction of religious and gender ideologies helped shape experiences and create women’s communities within a variety of religious traditions in the United States. We will view religious experience through a multicultural lens which includes the perspectives of African-American, Native American, Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant women and some women founders of American and international religious groups. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & III.
  
  • RS 326 - Shaping the American Dream (3)

    This is an interdisciplinary course that uses literature and religious studies to understand fundamental values which combine to form the culture of the U.S.; central themes are the Puritan Ideal, the Social Gospel Movement, and the diverse face of U.S. culture at the end of the second millennium. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & III.
  
  • RS 327 - Liberation Theology (3)

    This course examines twentieth and twenty-first century theologies of liberation with emphasis on the contributions of groups such as, but not limited to: Native American, Latin American, Asian, African-American, and African.
  
  • RS 360 - Issues of Social Justice (3)

    Drawing from the perspectives of Catholic Social Teaching and Social Work practice, this course explores the concept of social justice and examines the intercultural skills needed to address issues of social justice with individuals and communities. Through a cultural immersion experience abroad, students will be engaged with local communities and participate in community-based learning opportunities in order to develop, practice and assess the intercultural skills needed in working towards social justice on a local-global scale. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & III.
  
  • RS 368 - Christianity in Film (3)

    This course is a cross-disciplined investigation of the interaction between Christianity (both as a formal social institution and its cultural manifestations) and the global film industry. The course will focus on the widespread themes through which cinematographers have portrayed the world’s largest religion, along the way uncovering the flexibility of Christianity as a force interacting with and being impacted by culture. The course will grapple with the great diversity of Christian representations in film, including topics such as the following: the figure of Jesus; Catholic and Protestant theologies; Christian concepts of good, evil, and morality; and popular cultural forms of Christian discourse. PRE-2015 CORE: Level II & Level III. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Transform, Interdisciplinary Studies.
  
  • RS 380 - Special Topics (1-3)

    Selected topics to be determined by the department.
  
  • RS 480 - Special Topics (1-3)

    Selected topics to be determined by the department.
 

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