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Woods College of Advancing Studies

Psychology

2012-2013

Professors: Kristin Bullwinkel, A.B. Smith, J.D. Suffolk; Loretta Butehorn, A.B. Boston College, A.M. Goddard, Ph.D. Boston University; Donnah Canavan, A.B. Emmanuel, Ph.D. Columbia; Joseph W. Chevarley, A.B. Notre Dame, M.P.A. Massachusetts, M.Ed. Hawaii; Raymond B. Flannery, Jr., A.B. Holy Cross, A.M. Boston College, Ph.D. Windsor; Michael Moore, A.B., A.M., Ph.D. Harvard; Collection Services Librarian, Anna Nielsen, A.B. Boston College, M.S., Ph.D. Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

PS 10101  Theories of Personality
PS10101 Syllabus
New developments and increasingly sophisticated technology inform and expand our understanding of personality and individual differences. Course takes a fresh look at whether something as complex as personality can be reduced to a few basic traits. Is personality inherited or acquired? How can modern psychology reconcile individual needs with those of the community? Readings consider theories of key figures and such factors as temperament, resilience, parenting, education, gender, attachment.
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 16–May 8, Professor Canavan

PS 11901  Youth Violence: Assessment and Prevention
PS11901 Syllabus
Violence by our young people has become a national public health epidemic. Youthful assailants have moved from misdemeanors to major crimes of homicide, rape, robbery and assault. When violence occurs, the community asks why were there no warning signs of impending trouble and what can be done to prevent such problems in the future? This course examines the warning signs, which are usually many and protracted; it looks at related theories of development, attachment and adjustment and then explores active strategies parents, teachers, counselors, law enforcement and others interested in young people can implement to prevent these violent outbursts.
Spring, Thurs 6:30–9, Jan 17–May 9, Professor Flannery

PS 13901  Abnormal Psychology
PS13901 Syllabus
How do we decide when human behavior is “abnormal” rather than “normal.” To answer this and related questions course views a variety of emotional disturbances present in our culture. Includes definition of mental illness, disorders of mood, anxiety, personality and eating, major types of disturbances, theories of psychopathology and the more severe forms of mental illness. Clinical and research data examined with respect to theory and to the most prevalent forms of treatment both traditional and nontraditional.
Spring, Tues 6:30–9, Jan 15-May 7, Professor Butehorn

PS 15301  Research Methods
PS15301 Syllabus
The introductory course in research methodology examines issues underlying research from a theoretical and practical point of view. It explores the basic concepts and problems encountered in designing and conducting research and develops the practice of critically thinking about resources located in the research process. Focus is on the tenets of sound research practice to enable students to make reasonable judgments about research read and undertaken.
Spring, Tues 7-9:30, Jan 15-May 7, Professor Anna Nielsen
*Note time change*

PS 18801  Statistics
PS18801 Syllabus
Prof. Chambers' website
Introductory course in inferential statistics covering description of sample data, probability, binomial and normal distributions, random sampling, estimation, and hypothesis-testing. Illustrated by applications to behavioral sciences.
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 16-May 8, Professor Chambers

PS 26003  Developmental Psychology
PS26003 Syllabus
A look at general psychological issues as they relate to the developing child. Topics within the areas of personality, social, and cognitive development are considered along with the theoretical and practical implications of studying age differences in behavior.
Spring, Tues 6:30-9, Jan 15-May 7, Professor Moore

PS 34601  Interaction and Organizational Communication
PS34601 Syllabus
To thrive in constantly transforming organizations, it is important to understand the factors which influence performance and satisfaction, and the dynamics critical to interacting with and managing others effectively. Reviews the major theories of management and considers how personality, motivation, communication, perception, group dynamics, leadership style and organizational culture affect productivity and personal and professional success.
Spring, Thurs 6:30–9, Jan 17–May 9, Prof Anzenberger

PS 36502  Adolescent Development Changes & Challenges
PS36502 Syllabus

A look at the physical, emotional nd social development of adolescent years. Discusses value development and sexual identity, cultural influences: media, technology, economic uncertainty. Examines individual and interpersonal relationships (family, friends) associated with educational challenges (dvelopment lags, mild disabilities, attention deficit disorder, autism, Asperger Sndrome). Considers the impact of disrupted family organization, the role of risk, vulnerability and resilience. Explores strategies for positive responses and instructive approaches.
Spring, Mon 6:30-9, Jan 14-May 6, Professor D'Avignon