Skip to main content

Secondary navigation:

Woods College of Advancing Studies

Psychology

2013-2014

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 10001  Introductory Psychology
An introduction to the science of human behavior examining such areas as child development, social psychology, personality, psychological disorders, neuroscience, sensation, perception, cognition and states of consciousness, and psychotherapy.
Fall, Tues 6:30–9, Sept 3–Dec 10, Professor Moore

PS 10101  Theories of Personality
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 15–May 7, Professor Canavan

PS 12601  Dynamics of Success
This course traces the origin of success in family dynamics and cultural heritages. It presents three major personal orientations to success: Fear of Success, Healthy or Integrative Success and Conventional Success. We explore the effects of these Orientations to Success on individuals’ behavior in interpersonal, group, organizational and private settings. The concept of success is discussed in the broader contexts of well-being, happiness and effects in society.
Fall, Wed 6:30–9, Sept 4–Dec 11, Professor Canavan

PS 14501  Social Psychology of Health and Illness
What happens to the personality, thinking process, value system, the mind body when sickness strikes? What is disease and how does it impact the core of who we are, what we believe and how we act? How and why do people consider their health, change health practices and accept or reject new information. Class explores how classic and contemporary theory and research in social psychology apply to how people think about health and illness and its impact on the whole person.
Spring, Tues 6:30–9, Jan 14-–May 6, Professor Butehorn

PS 15301  Research Methods
This 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 judgements about research read and undertaken.
Spring, Tues 7–9:30, Jan 14–May 6, Professor Anna Nielsen

PS 15501  Health Psychology
Today’s age is one of intense stress. Health psychology acknowledges the mutual influence of the mind and body in the environmental context. Evidence suggests that rapid technological and social change may compromise physical and mental health. This course explores the nature of these stresses and the range of psychological means available to cope with them. Special areas of inquiry include stress arising from work, family, mobility, leisure and cultural lifestyles. Emphasis is on self-assessment and informed choice of improving the quality of one’s life.
Fall, Thurs 6:30–9, Sept 5–Dec 12, Professor Flannery

PS 16001  Psychology of Emotions
Understanding the nature of human emotions, particularly how attachments and relationships develop and dissolve, suggests a closer look at concepts such as human needs, fear, aggression, love, guilt, family influence and friendship. Course examines these and related issues in the context of various literary accounts to develop a sense of the universal and changing questions of emotional development.
Fall, Mon 6:30–9, Sept 9–Dec 16, Professor Anna Nielsen

PS 18801  Statistics
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.
Fall, Wed 6:30–9, Sept 4–Dec 11, Professor Chambers
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 15–May 7, Professor Chambers


PS 20201  Violence: Crimes Without Boundaries
Violence, including terrorism, is increasing in frequency and severity in homes, worksites and communities. Offices, courts, schools, healthcare settings and public areas are no longer guarantors of safety. Course examines the nature and causes of violence; presents a range of risk management strategies to reduce the potential for violent acts; and reviews ways for dealing with psychological aftermath of aggressive acts.
Spring, Thurs 6:30–9, Jan 16–May 8, Professor Flannery

PS 21801  Social Psychology: Behavioral Influence and Addictive Processes
Addiction touches so many but is understood by few. This course explores the physiological and psychological processes of addiction as well as the biochemical processes which underlie compulsive and repetitive behavior. It examines problematic behavior; gambling, shopping, overspending, sexual addictions, eating disorders and internet addiction. A look at the various forms of addiction within social behavior constructs details how individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors are influenced by actual, imagined and implied presence of others and how these characteristics influence the addiction process.
Fall, Tues 6:30–9, Sept 3–Dec 10, Professor Butehorn

PS 26003  Developmental Psychology
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 14–May 6, Professor Moore

PS 34601  Interaction and Organizational Communication
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.
Fall, Mon 6:30–9, Sept 9–Dec 16, Professor Chevarley
Spring, Thurs 6:30–9, Jan 16–May 8, Prof Anzenberger


PS 36502  Adolescent Development Changes & Challenges

A look at the physical, emotional and 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 (development lags, mild disabilities, attention deficit disorder, autism, Asperger Syndrome). 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 13–May 5, Professor D’Avignon

PS 39002  Psychology and Law
A look at the legal and psychological approaches to human behavior and how they interact. Considers the relevance of psychological findings, methods and theories for such topics as jury behavior, behavior of lawyers, insanity plea, eyewitness testimony, obscenity, discrimination, marriage, divorce, custody, criminal profiles and negotiation.
Fall, Mon 6:30–9, Sept 9–Dec 16, Professor Bullwinkel

Anticipated Psychology electives 2014-2015
Psychological Trauma; Youth Violence