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BEHS210 Introduction to Social and Behavioral Science (3 cr.)
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.
BEHS220 Diversity Awareness (3 cr.)
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.
BEHS320 Disability Studies (3 cr.)
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.
BEHS343 Parenting Today (3 cr.)
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.
BEHS453 Domestic Violence (3 cr.)
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.