RESULTS:College of Arts & Sciences, Advent Semester 2024

Politics

In this course, we will examine the politics of loneliness through political theory, philosophy, and literature. We will ask: From what does loneliness stem? Is it native to the human condition; or is it a function of capitalist life? What does it mean to be lonely? Are there different forms of loneliness? Is there a difference between solitude and loneliness? What impact does loneliness have on our collective political life? Is there a connection between the rise of loneliness and the resurgence of nationalism, illiberalism, and the far right? Does social media exacerbate loneliness? What does a politics of loneliness, whether against or for, look like?
A seminar on a topic related to politics. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.
This course examines the role of ethnicity in political conflict. Students explore theories and definitions of ethnic and collective identities and consider the role that these identities play in the emergence and resolution of political conflict. Case studies include India, Lebanon, Northern Ireland, South Africa, and the former Yugoslavia. Not open for credit to students who have completed POLS 240 or POLS 340.
The course introduces human rights conditions in today's world. While it covers varying philosophical traditions of human rights, major emphasis is placed on how different actors and institutions are able to influence human rights conditions, both from an international and domestic perspective.
Students learn not only about theories and institutions, but also about how actors behave within them. In the simulation modules, students assume the roles of political participants appropriate to the particular exercise learn to respond pragmatically to changing conditions of political situations. The simulations for a particular module derive from the institutions and events related to American or international politics, and might include the United Nations, U.S. National Security Council, or the U.S. Supreme Court.

Psychology

A study of clinical psychology from a scientist-practitioner perspective, including DSM diagnostic criteria, assessment measures and strategies, treatment modalities, case studies, and ethical issues. Major theoretical paradigms and research on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness are presented and discussed.
A study of clinical psychology from a scientist-practitioner perspective, including DSM diagnostic criteria, assessment measures and strategies, treatment modalities, case studies, and ethical issues. Major theoretical paradigms and research on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness are presented and discussed.
As an introduction to the field of industrial-organizational psychology, this course examines the application of psychological theories and research to workplace issues facing individuals, teams, and organizations. Both industrial and organizational psychology will be explored to reveal the value that psychological principles and methods bring to individuals, businesses, and society. Major topics include performance appraisal, employee selection, training, motivation, stress, and leadership.
An introduction to the study of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, and reasoning. Students consider empirical findings from a variety of methodologies as well as the methodologies themselves. Broader issues such as unconscious processes and cultural differences in cognition are also examined in this context. Students are encouraged to discover applications of findings in cognitive psychology to other areas of psychology, other disciplines, and their everyday lives.
Psychology has traditionally been concerned with people's responses and reactions to difficulties, deficits, and disorders. Taking the opposing viewpoint, positive psychology is a course that aims to understand and implement behaviors and mental processes that foster optimal functioning and the pursuit of the good life. Both individual level and interpersonal level functioning are examined. Students in this primarily discussion-based course must be prepared to speak in class multiple times per class period. The course also involves a significant major project.
This course examines cultural influences on human behaviors and psychological processes and explores micro, meso, and macro elements affecting individuals’ interactions in cross-cultural contexts. The content focuses on the way cultures shape and are shaped by psychological factors and explores psychological principles as universal or culture-specific. Students will learn about cross-cultural theories, discuss cultural similarities and differences across the globe, and develop cross-cultural awareness and competence.
This course examines cultural influences on human behaviors and psychological processes and explores micro, meso, and macro elements affecting individuals’ interactions in cross-cultural contexts. The content focuses on the way cultures shape and are shaped by psychological factors and explores psychological principles as universal or culture-specific. Students will learn about cross-cultural theories, discuss cultural similarities and differences across the globe, and develop cross-cultural awareness and competence.
An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles.