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Course Descriptions — Behavioral and Social Sciences (BEHS)

BEHS 210 Introduction to Social and Behavioral Science (3)

An interdisciplinary introduction to the study of society that addresses the issues of what it is to be a social scientist from a variety of social science perspectives. Empirical and theoretical contributions of the different social science disciplines are used to better understand the nature of society. Survey covers culture, geography, the individual, family, education, stratification in society, government and politics, and economics. Topics also include the scientific method and research methods in the social science disciplines and the current relationships among the different social science disciplines. A historical overview of the development of the social sciences is provided, and an analysis of social phenomena that integrates insights from the social sciences is presented. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: BEHS 201 or BEHS 210.

BEHS 220 Diversity Awareness (3)

An interdisciplinary study of diversity issues designed to encourage critical thinking about their impact in today’s world. Emphasis is on consciousness of diversity and awareness that each individual lives within a diverse environment. Topics include issues related to age, disability, race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and socioeconomic status, as well as current issues in diversity studies.

BEHS 320 Disability Studies (3)

An interdisciplinary study of disability issues that focuses on understanding and evaluating traditional and current interpretations of the meaning of disability. Topics include the construction of images of people with disabilities by people without disabilities; attitudes and actions toward those with disabilities by those without disabilities; approaches taken by major social institutions (e.g., law, education, religion, the arts) toward disability; distinctions between a sociocultural approach to disability and the medical model; and current issues in disability studies.

BEHS 343 Parenting Today (3)

An overview of critical issues of parenthood in the United States today. Topics include characteristics of effective parenting styles and capable parents, the role of nontraditional parenting techniques, and the social forces that cause changes in parent/child relationships and give rise to varying styles of parenting as developed in the United States. Some cross-cultural comparisons are included.

BEHS 364 Alcohol in U.S. Society (3)

An interdisciplinary examination of the use and abuse of alcoholic beverages from the perspectives of psychology, physiology, sociology, medicine, and public health. The effects of alcohol on all age groups throughout the lifespan are explored in relation to gender, families, race, the workplace, and public safety. Analysis covers current research and trends in the treatment of alcoholism, including prevention, assessment, and intervention, as well as legal aspects.

BEHS 453 Domestic Violence (3)

An examination of the complex phenomenon of domestic violence from a systems perspective that integrates individual, social, political, cultural/ethnic, economic, legal, and medical viewpoints from the past and present. Topics include the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of children, partners, and the elderly. Discussion also covers response systems and mechanisms to prevent and treat violence. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 453 or BEHS 454.

BEHS 486A Internship in Behavioral Science Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in behavioral and social sciences. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to behavioral and social sciences and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Coop toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

BEHS 486B Internship in Behavioral Science Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in behavioral and social sciences. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to behavioral and social sciences and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).