NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

435 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS PSYC 3330 Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits) This course will focus on the basic principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Students will learn the philosophy and science of applied behavior analysis and their relation to behavioral interventions, the basic vocabulary and concepts in the field, strategies for measuring, increasing, and decreasing behaviors, and ethical considerations in the application of ABA in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 2300. PSYC 3350 Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits) This course covers the selection of assessments in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), behavioral intervention strategies and change procedures, evaluation and assessment strategies, and methods of accountability in ABA interventions. In addition, focus will be placed on the experimental evaluation of interventions, measurement of behavior, and displaying and interpreting data using single-subject and small group design. The course will also address the ethical use of intervention strategies and making decisions regarding ethical treatment for individuals with a variety of challenges. Prerequisite: PSYC 2300. PSYC 3360 Psychology of Gender (3 credits) This course examines theories about, as well as the psychological and social factors related to, gendered identities, roles, and behaviors. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H or SOCL 1020. PSYC 3370 Interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits) This course will focus on behavior change procedures and system supports for those interventions. The course will also consider evaluation strategies used in both research and in the ethical provision of interventions. It will cover a variety of effective behavioral strategies as well as measurement and assessment of strategies. Additional focus will be placed on the interpretation of the research literature to make sound decisions about assessment and intervention strategies for a variety of populations. Prerequisite: PSYC 2300. PSYC 3400 Sports Psychology (3 credits) This course includes an analysis of the social and psychological dimensions in sport. Emphasis is placed on social and psychological theories and research related to physical activity, physical education, corporate fitness, and athletic programs. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 3450 Foundations of Therapeutic Interviewing (3 credits) General principles of effective interviewing. Skills and techniques for achieving various interview goals, with an cultures develop stereotypes. The course also explores how these stereotypes are used for prejudicial and discriminatory purposes toward other individuals and/or groups. Finally, the course explores the impact of both implicit and explicit prejudice. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 3200 Evolutionary Psychology (3 credits) This course will serve as an overview to the theoretical approach of evolutionary psychology as well as a survey of some of the major topics areas that have been approached from an evolutionary perspective. Adaptationism is the position of claiming that many of the traits we observe in organisms (including present- day humans) exist in their current form because of past evolutionary benefits. Students are expected to develop the ability to evaluate adaptationist hypotheses, to understand the fundamental differences between the evolutionary approach and traditional social science approaches (esp. tabula rasa behaviorism), and to recognize/avoid the common errors of naïve adaptationism. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 3210 Personality (3 credits) Survey of psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive, and behavioral theories of personality. Current issues and personality research. Prerequisites: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 3260 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits) Diagnoses, causes, and prognoses for the various categories of psychological disorders. Case studies supplement and illustrate theory and research. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 3270 The Psychology of Criminal Behavior (3 credits) This course provides an overview of the psychology related to criminal actions. The course will focus on some of the developmental, biological, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and social forces shown to influence criminal thinking and behavior. The class will also cover characteristics of several specific criminal subpopulations including psychopaths, sexual predators, female offenders, substance abusers, serial killers, and mentally disordered criminal offenders. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 3280 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3 credits) This course will review prevalence, etiology, diagnostic criteria, co-morbidity, sampling patterns and outcome across the major childhood and adolescent behavioral disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 2350 or PSYC 2370 or PSYC 2380.