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2012-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

Core Curriculum Requirements
Please visit www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum/Pages/approved-core-curriculum-courses.aspx for a listing of courses that have been approved for specific Core Curriculum requirements (Class of 2016 and beyond). The list is updated on a regular basis. In addition, students in the Class of 2013, 2014, and 2015 can search the Course Catalog or Semester Course Offerings in CyberFriar to locate courses with a specific Core Curriculum attribute. Need assistance? Please contact Alyssa Marton at aneubeck@providence.edu or 401.865.1765.
 

Political Science

Note: Not all of these courses are offered each semester. Students should check the latest course registration booklet for offerings and for changes in prerequisites.
  

  • PSC 344 - Ancients and Moderns

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This course will examine how the ancient Greeks first posed certain problems of political theory and then compares the ancient treatment with that of some modern and/or contemporary theorists who deal with the same questions. Emphasis may vary. Fulfills the Political Theory requirement.


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  • PSC 348 - American Political Theory

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of the development of American political thought: the Colonial period, the Revolution, the evolution of the Constitution, Jeffersonian democracy, the slavery controversy, the nature of the Union, and political currents since the Civil War. Fulfills the Political Theory requirement.


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  • PSC 361 - International Politics of the Middle East

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Addresses contemporary international conflicts and cooperation in the Middle East, including inter-Arab relations, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Persian-Arab conflict, war and diplomacy in the Persian Gulf (especially Iraq and Iran), East-West politics in Turkey, and the role of outside powers such as the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union. Fulfills the International Relations requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 207.


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  • PSC 369 - International Law and Organization

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines major procedural and substantive aspects of international law, emphasizing the interaction between law and politics. Topics include the role and politics of the United Nations, the evolution of regional federations, and treaties or regulatory regimes that govern international economic, environmental, human rights, humanitarian, and security relations. Fulfills the International Relations requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 207.


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  • PSC 375 - International Conflict Resolution

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    War and peace, and the factors that influence both, comprise the core of international relations. Students will gain an understanding of major theories explaining international conflict and will consider a variety of approaches for seeking peace, including negotiation, mediation, and reconciliation. Examines how power and diverse identities affect political violence, peacemaking, and post-conflict peace building. Prerequisite PSC 207
     


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  • PSC 380 - Gender and Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of the political significance of the treatment, roles, and status of women, with emphasis on the United States. Examination of the meaning of gender, sexism, and feminism. Same as WMS 380.


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  • PSC 382 - Politics and Culture

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An examination of the relationship between politics and the arts. Emphasis may vary between literature and visual art, and between high culture and popular culture.


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  • PSC 416 - Race and Politics in the Americas

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Advanced, in-depth survey of racial politics in North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Considers analytical perspectives such as post colonialism, pan-Africanism, negritude, indigenismo, critical race theory, racial patriarchy, and the “racial contract.” Examines the politics of Indigenous, African-descent, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Fulfills either the American Politics or the Comparative Government and Politics requirement. Same as BLS 416.


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  • PSC 418 - Comparative Public Policy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A comparison of public policies in industrialized nations. Various explanations of why the mix of public policies varies across polities will be examined.


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  • PSC 419 - Public Program Evaluation

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Program evaluation derives from the idea that government and other social programs should have demonstrable results. Students become acquainted with the conceptual issues and primary methods (qualitative and quantitative) for conducting research to evaluate such programs. Students will evaluate a public or private nonprofit program as part of course requirements. Prerequisite: PSC 102 or other social science department equivalent.


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  • PSC 425 - Mass Media and Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This course deals with the influence of mass media on politics. The political content of entertainment and news programming in both electronic and print media will be analyzed. Attention will be given to determinants of political messages in mass media and the consequences of those messages for political behavior. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Prerequisites: PSC 102 and 201.


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  • PSC 430 - International Political Economy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines origins and evolution of the contemporary global economy, emphasizing interdependence and competition among developed countries, increasing globalization and the backlash against it, and the widening gap between the developed and underdeveloped countries. Focus on foreign debt and financial crises, regional trade arrangements, multinational corporations, global production, and the search for sustainable development in the South. Fulfills the International Relations requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 207.


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  • PSC 431 - Transitional Justice

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Transitional justice analyzes the ways in which new democracies deal with the legacies of an authoritarian past. Drawing on contributions from various disciplines (e.g. political science, law, history, sociology, philosophy and the arts,) the course introduces the main concepts, theories, and institutions of transitional justice, and challenges students to elaborate strategies in the field. Prerequisite: PSC 215 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSC 450 - Political Science Internship

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Offers credit to students participating in internships in government, political, and nonprofit public service organizations. Specific academic assignments are included as designated by the instructor. Prerequisites: PSC 101 and 102.


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  • PSC 461 - Tutorial

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An intensive reading course on a topic to be arranged by a student and a supervising faculty member. Course meets regularly during the semester. There will normally be a major paper assignment as a frame for the readings. Students may count this course only once toward their major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: For juniors and seniors only. Department chairperson permission.


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  • PSC 470 - Special Topics in Political Science

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Analysis of special topics of contemporary interest to political science students and faculty. This course on special topics is offered at the discretion of the political science chairperson. Topics may involve experimentation with new course ideas or allow faculty to bring current research ideas to the classroom. Exact content varies. Prerequisites vary.


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  • PSC 482 - Seminar on International Security

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of the ends and means of security for states in the modern world system. Topics include nuclear and conventional deterrence, arms control, conflict management, bargaining, and war termination. Fulfills the International Relations requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 207.


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  • PSC 488 - Capstone Seminar in Political Science

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Subject varies depending upon the faculty member teaching the course. Every seminar emphasizes interconnectedness between subfields of political science. Students critically review concepts, theories, approaches, and methodologies, then employ these to research and complete a substantial research project involving original research, critical review of the literature, and an oral presentation. Prerequisite: Completion of seven political science courses.


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  • PSC 489 - Capstone Seminar in Political Science

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Subject varies depending upon the faculty member teaching the course. Every seminar emphasizes interconnectedness between subfields of political science. Students critically review concepts, theories, approaches, and methodologies, then employ these to research and complete a substantial research project involving original research, critical review of the literature, and an oral presentation. Prerequisite: Completion of seven political science courses.


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  • PSC 490 - Independent Study

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students propose an original research project or community service activity, which is supervised by a faculty member. Readings are assigned to integrate the independent activity with the discipline. A major paper is typically assigned as a frame for the research or activity. Students may count this course only once toward their major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: Department chairperson permission. For juniors and seniors only.


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  • PSC 498 - Honors Thesis

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Two semesters of directed research and the submission of the results in written form to the department. Prerequisite: Seniors only. Departmental approval required.


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  • PSC 499 - Honors Thesis

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Two semesters of directed research and the submission of the results in written form to the department. Prerequisite: Seniors only. Departmental approval required.


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Psychology
  

  • PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of the principal methods and findings of the scientific psychology in a variety of areas, including biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, motivation, emotion, cognitive processes, personality, abnormal psychology, and social psychology.


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  • PSY 201 - Research Design & Statistical Analysis I

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Introduces basic principles of scientific inquiry followed by intensive development of tech­niques for conducting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting psychological research. Experimental and non-experimental methodologies are reviewed, with emphasis on the selection of appropriate designs for different research questions, descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression. Math competency expected.  Prerequisites: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor. MTH 107 or higher is recommended.


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  • PSY 202 - Research Design & Statistical Analysis II

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Continuation of PSY201 with a focus on more advanced principles of design and analysis. Inferential statistical procedures including parametric and nonparametric techniques will be reviewed, with emphasis on the selection of appropriate analyses for different research designs. Students will also be exposed to computer-based data analytic procedures.  Prerequisites: PSY 201 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 303 - Learning

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A critical survey of the methods and findings in classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and verbal learning. Discussion of both historically important and contemporary literature in learning will be expected of students. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 305 - Psychology of Women

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A critical survey of current views in the psychological study of women. Factors related to female development as well as issues of particular relevance to the behavior of women (achievement, materialism, marital roles, etc.) will be discussed. Same as WMS 305.


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  • PSY 306 - Child and Adolescent Development

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of human psychological growth and development from conception through adolescence, including biological, physical, cognitive, and social transitions. Mechanisms of change, influences on development, and the contexts in which development occurs will also be reviewed, drawing on current theory and empirical research. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 314 - Psychology of Aging

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Aging is accompanied by psychological, cognitive/neuropsychological, biological/physical, social, and family changes. This course surveys age-associated changes from a psychological perspective, scientific methods for studying aging, interventions to enhance healthy or normal aging, and pathological changes associated with older age, such as dementia, chronic illness and disability, and mental health issues. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 315 - Human Neuropsychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This course surveys neuropsychology, functional neuroanatomy, and brain-behavior relationships. The effects of brain damage on cognitive, personality, and psychosocial functioning will be discussed as well as descriptions of the most common neuropathological and neurobehavioral syndromes (e.g., traumatic brain injury, aphasia, cerebrovascular accidents [strokes], dementia, etc.). Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 316 - Cognitive Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The study of human cognition, its basic concepts, methods of inquiry, and major findings integrates important theories, major topics, and research methods in cognitive psychology including pattern recognition, perception and information processing, attention, short- and long-term memory processes and organization, and decision-making. Prerequisites: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 317 - Social Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of the influence of others on the thoughts, attitudes, and behavior of the individual. Social issues such as aggression, discrimination, persuasion techniques and marketing, and pro-social behavior are examined in the framework of classical and current re­search and theories of social cognition, person perception, attitude formation and change, and group processes. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 318 - Cultural Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of cross-cultural psychology focusing on how culture affects various psychological domains, including personality, motivation, cognition, and close relationships. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach by discussing theories and research in other fields, such as anthropology and communication, to provide a more thorough understanding of the influence of culture on human behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 323 - Personality

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A critical survey of the basic approaches to personality in the light of theory, assessment, research, and change. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 324 - Psychology of Abnormal Behavior

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of the major forms of abnormal behavior, including a description of the disorders, theoretical explanations of their origins, assessment, and treatment procedures. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 325 - Health Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Explores the role of psychological variables in health and illness. Research and theory relating psychological and behavioral factors to the development, progres­sion, and treatment of diseases, such as coronary heart disease, cancer, and HIV will be critically reviewed. Stress, obesity, pain management, compliance, coping, psychoneuroimmunology, and health promotion/disease prevention will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 326 - Biopsychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Study of behavior in the context of genetics, evolution, and physiology. Includes the biology of the nervous system. Its purpose is to contribute to understanding how a biological entity can give rise to seemingly non-material processes such as thought, perception, and mood. The goal is to better understand the intersection of biology and psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 330 - Psychological Testing and Assessment

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to the principles of test construction, administration, and interpretation. The techniques of assessing test reliability and validity are developed in the context of a survey of the major instruments used to measure intelligence, aptitude, achievement, and personality. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 335 - Psychology and Law

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This course surveys the scientific knowledge of psychological concepts, methods, and results as they pertain to law and legal matters. Topics include the causes of criminal behavior, jury selection and decision-making, competence, civil commitment, eyewitness testimony, polygraph use, and the insanity plea. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 350 - Psychology Internship

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Involves students in psychology applications or research at off-campus sites. Students select from a list of approved sites or develop placement in conjunction with the instructor. Involves 8-10 hours/week at off-campus site, a written journal, paper, and periodic meetings during the semester. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and sophomore or junior status. Permission of the instructor required. Psychology majors only.


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  • PSY 395 - Research in Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students work as an assistant in a faculty member’s laboratory, conducting psychological research. Involves 8-10 hours/week and periodic meetings during the semester. Must be taken on a pass/fail basis. May be repeated for credit, but may only be applied to the psychology major once. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 402 - Animal Learning

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Principles of behavior control developed within the framework of operant conditioning are the basis for investigating acquisition and maintenance of behavior. Individual laboratory participation will integrate procedures of experimental control, laboratory technique, and basic instrumentation with existing bodies of knowledge concerning animal behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 202 or permission of the instructor. PSY 303 is recommended.


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  • PSY 405 - Research in Neuropsychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Introduces students to empirical methods used in human neuropsychology. Particular emphasis placed on how cognitive, neurobehavioral, and psychosocial data are gathered for research purposes with both normal and neuropathological populations. The laboratory emphasizes the development and application of research skills. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 315, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 406 - Experimental Child Psychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Intensive study of psychological processes in children and adolescents. Developmental research methods are emphasized with special attention to modifications for use with children. Laboratory involves all aspects of the research process, including hypothesis creation, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 306, 312, or PSY 313, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 407 - Experimental Social Psychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Examination of the classic and contemporary literature in social psychology, with an emphasis on both research methodology and social psychology content. Discusses current theories of social psychology as well as research design, statistical inference, and ethical considerations in research.  Laboratory stresses gathering, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of data related to social processes. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 317, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 409 - Experimental Health Psychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Reviews the development and utilization of research techniques in health psychology. Stu­dents will investigate interactions among psychologi­cal, behavioral, and physiological factors involved in the etiology of disease and promotion of health. The laboratory stresses the development and application of research skills. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 325, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 416 - Experimental Cognitive Psychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Laboratory course that addresses current studies and research methodology in cognitive psychology.  Explores theoretical issues and techniques of studying human cognition.  Students will learn to understand and critique research design and outcomes in cognitive psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 316, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 426 - Experimental Biopsychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Biopsychology examines behavior in the context of genetics, evolution, and physiology. It considers how a biological entity can give rise to seemingly non-material processes such as thought, perception, and mood. Research methods and techniques of both human and animal biopsychology will be examined with emphasis on quantitative data collection.
    Prerequisites: PSY 202 and 326, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 470, 471, 472 - Selected Topics in Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A seminar involving an in-depth analysis of a specific topic in psychology.  Emphasis will be placed on readings, class discussion, and writing assignments. Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor. Junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 481 - History of Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This seminar is an historical survey of psychology from its philosophical origins to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the various trends, schools of thought, and individuals who have contributed to the nature of contemporary psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 202 or permission of the instructor. Junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 482 - Drugs and Behavior

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines psychological, physiological, and social dimensions of drug use and abuse. Principles of drug action and research methods in behavioral pharmacology will be reviewed. Research and theory related to drug use, abuse, and addiction will be evalu­ated. Prevention, treatment, and public policy issues will be considered. Prerequisites: PSY 202 or permission of the instructor. PSY 303 is recommended.


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  • PSY 483 - Behavior Therapy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This seminar on the practice of behavior therapy emphasizes its basic principles and surveys the wide array of therapy procedures used. Behavioral assessment and applications to problems of everyday life are included. The procedures are critically examined in the light of research evidence. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor or junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 485 - Psychological Disorders of Children and Adolescents

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    In-depth, critical examination of theories and research relevant to expressions, causes, and treatment of psychological disorders of children and adolescents. Examines how developmental, constitutional, and environmental variables interact to produce behaviors problematic to children, their families, and society. Uses primary sources and case studies. Prerequisite: PSY 324 or permission of the instructor. Junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 486 - Theories of Psychotherapy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This seminar explores the major approaches to psychologi­cal treatment of abnormal behavior, including how therapies operate, their theoretical foundations, evaluation of their effectiveness, and ethical issues. Material is presented through lecture, discussion, and audiovisual presentations. Prerequisite: PSY 324 or permission of the instructor. Junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 488 - Advanced Cognitive Development

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An examination of how the ability to mentally represent emerges in infancy and develops over the course of childhood and into adolescence. The methods used to study representation will also be addressed. Empirical research will be the primary source of course material.
     Prerequisites: PSY 202, and PSY 312 or PSY 316. Junior/senior status or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 489 - Psychology in Human Services

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Students intern/volunteer in a clinical supervised field setting. Students maintain a written diary, attend regular seminars to discuss field experiences and integrate their experiences with theoretical and empirical underpinnings of clinical psychology, and read in areas related to the practice of clinical psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 324 and permission of the instructor. Junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 490 - Independent Study

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Students engage in intensive reading or original research in psychology under the direction of one or more faculty according to a pre-arranged plan. Course may be repeated for credit, but it may be applied only once to meet the psychology concentration requirements. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.


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Public and Community Service Studies
  

  • PSP 101 - Introduction to Service in Democratic Communities

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An examination of concepts of community and service and their status in the United States and the world today, including examination of alternative conceptions of community and service and analysis of their meaning and value. Requires work in the community for 2-3 hours per week on average.


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  • PSP 202 - Foundations of Organizational Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to the basic precepts of organizations, organizational behavior, and organizational theory that provide the context within which public and community service take place. Participation in a community service project may be required.


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  • PSP 301 - Community Service in American Culture

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A historical perspective on social and cultural settings in which service takes place in American culture and on the history of attempted solutions to social problems. Students will be introduced to the methodology of community action research and to the use of community service to critically interpret cultures. Requires work in the community for 2-3 hours per week on average.


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  • PSP 302 - Diversity, Community, and Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Diversity in American society and its implications for people in community service. Topics: ethnicity/race, language, religion, gender, social class, sexual orientation, and peoples with “disabilities.” Students study problems in cross-cultural communication and ways in which their life experiences and social structures of service organizations affect community service. Community service case studies relevant to diversity issues used. Same as BLS 302. Prerequisite: PSP 101 or instructor permission.


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  • PSP 303 - Community Organizing

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students learn to view social, economic, and political problems from an organizer’s perspective and to act on these problems using community organizing skills and practices. Historical and contemporary organizing traditions and approaches are explored alongside a real-world “organizing project” of the student’s choosing. Prerequisite: PSP 101 or permission of instructor.


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  • PSP 320 - Practicum in Public and Community Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Provides skills necessary for leadership in communities and small groups, as they relate to providing service. Students assist in service learning courses as facilitators at service sites and reflection leaders. Supervision and feedback will be provided to develop management skills. Normally taken by second-semester sophomores and first-semester juniors. Prerequisites: PSP 101 or 303, and PSP 202, or by instructor’s permission.


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  • PSP 321 - Practicum in Public and Community Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Provides skills necessary for leadership in communities and small groups, as they relate to providing service. Students assist in service learning courses as facilitators at service sites and reflection leaders. Supervision and feedback will be provided to develop management skills. Normally taken by second-semester sophomores and first-semester juniors. Prerequisites: PSP 101 or 303, and PSP 202, or by instructor’s permission.


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  • PSP 360 - Justice Across Borders

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Focuses on the meaning of “justice across borders,” with special attention to the historical and contemporary relationship between the U.S. and its border communities. Reflection on cross-border service experience will be included in the course with opportunities to identify and develop strategies for defining and enhancing justice across borders. Same as GST 360. Prerequisites: PSP 101 or GST 101.


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  • PSP 361 - Philanthropy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Designed to support students’ acquisition of a range of basic knowledge and skills related to philanthropic practice. Combines an emphasis on the theoretical foundations of philanthropy with practical experience in two philanthropic fundamental tools: fund raising and fund distribution. Prerequisites: PSP 101 or permission of department.


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  • PSP 450 - Internship in Community Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An intensive public or community service internship experience in an applied setting. Combines attention to community service issues with specific academic themes designated by the instructor. The internship placement will be integrated with track courses. The experience will be supervised and evaluated with appropriate academic assignments, as designated by the instructor. Prerequisites: PSP 101 and 202.


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  • PSP 470 - Special Topics in Public and Community Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    In-depth analysis of special topics not covered in such depth in existing course offerings. The exact content will vary but may be drawn from current issues, events, and problems, or from theoretical and empirical debates in the research field of community service.


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  • PSP 480 - Capstone Seminar

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A one-semester seminar for senior minors and the first part of a yearlong seminar for senior majors that synthesizes and deepens academic learning with practical experiences. It will focus typically on some of the larger concepts foundational to the major, providing an opportunity to draw together the complex, interdisciplinary material studied during the previous three years. Student will submit a significant written project or product in consultation with faculty.


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  • PSP 481 - Capstone Seminar

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The second part of a yearlong seminar for senior majors that synthesizes and deepens academic learning with practical experiences. It will focus typically on some of the larger concepts foundational to the major, providing an opportunity to draw together the complex, interdisciplinary material studied during the previous three years. Student will submit a significant written project or product in consultation with faculty.


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  • PSP 490 - Independent Study

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A project, done in consultation with a faculty member, in which the student is free to pursue his or her own specialized interests in public and community service. Projects could include community involvement, reading and writing in a specialized area within the field, or community action research. Prerequisite: Prior departmental approval required.


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  • PSP 491 - Independent Study: Community Health

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A requirement for minors who pursue the Community Health track. Similar to PSP 490 but with a focus on community health. Coordinated by both the director of the Feinstein Institute and the advisor for health professions. Prerequisite: Prior departmental approval required.


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Social Science
  

  • SSC 480 - Social Science Capstone Seminar

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Senior-level capstone seminar to integrate and explore the interdisciplinary material in the major with an emphasis on how to conduct and evaluate social scientific investigation and explanation, as well as how to approach a problem from a social scientific perspective using appropriate theoretical and methodological tools through a written and oral presentation.


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Social Work
  

  • SWK 101 - 21st Century Social Work

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Focuses on professional social work, practice methods, and services to underrepresented populations. Emphasizes a range of psychosocial problems experienced by at-risk groups in American society and efforts to foster social and economic justice. Current and historical functioning of the social welfare system and social and economic forces that give rise to America’s underclass are evaluated. Prerequisite: Juniors and seniors by permission.


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  • SWK 220 - Diversity and Culture in Social Work Practice

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    “Cultural competence” includes awareness of one’s own culture-based world view, awareness of the world views of diverse clients, and skills in working across cultural differences. Such competence will be pursued through reflection and dialogue about students’ own cultures and contacts with others of different cultures in reading, cocurricular exploration, and service learning. Same as BLS 320.


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  • SWK 253 - Human Behavior Through the Life Span

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students investigate biological, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of human development throughout the lifespan and consider the impacts that individual and environmental forces exert on behavior and adaptive functioning. Normative developmental tasks and abilities are used as reference points in understanding the strengths and problems of diverse populations.


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  • SWK 254 - Human Behavior in Social Systems

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Common patterns of human behavior found in diverse family structures, groups, organizations, institutions, neighborhoods, and communities are examined through the application of a social systems perspective. Small and large group theory are used to critically evaluate contexts for behavioral norms, social roles, socialization, situational pressures within organizations resulting from various authority and leadership styles, organizational structures, and patterns of communication.


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  • SWK 301 - Current Issues

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Offers an in-depth examination of specific contemporary problems, their scope, policy implications, practice issues, and the role of social work in addressing these. Recent offerings include Violence Against Women (examines the problem of violence against women as a major social problem which warrants an organized societal response); International Human Services (explores the international sociopolitical and global economic contexts for the delivery of human services); Substance Abuse (examines the legal and illegal drugs of abuse, neuroscience of addiction, and treatment modalities); HIV-AIDS in the 21st Century (introduces a conceptual framework for understanding the medical, scientific, political, legal, social, psychological, and ethical dilemmas associated with HIV/AIDS and society’s response to the AIDS pandemic). In certain semesters, this course is cross-listed with GST 301 and/or WMS 301.


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  • SWK 302 - Problems and Practices with At-Risk Children and Families

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines the social and environmental challenges contributing to the vulnerabilities that place children, youth, and families at physical, medical, and emotional risk for abuse, neglect, school failure, health, mental health, and substance abuse problems. Risk factors are identified, classified, and explored through a multidimensional, multi-systemic approach to understanding through actual case materials. Contemporary treatment interventions and existing services are identified and evaluated.


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  • SWK 304 - Group Process

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Group dynamics, stages of development in task, and therapeutic groups are examined. Experiential learning through role plays in simulated group exercises assists students in learning the requisite group leadership skills associated with phase specific interventions. Particular attention is given to communication patterns within groups and conflict resolution strategies.


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  • SWK 360 - Social Policy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Historical and contemporary factors influencing social policy development define the processes which American society uses to approach social problem identification. Examination and analysis of current policy issues through debate explicates the underlying and competing values in social welfare policies and the role of social workers as policy makers and shapers. Prerequisite: Junior social work majors only.


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  • SWK 365 - Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Generalist practice skills necessary for work with individuals, groups, and families and learning to engage client systems, identify and assess needs, and develop service plans are emphasized. Videotaping and simulation techniques are employed to develop the skills of relationship building, interviewing, problem solving, and the professional use of self. Knowledge, values, and ethics of the profession are underscored. Prerequisite: Junior majors only.


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  • SWK 366 - Community and Political Practice

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Community development practice strengthens neighborhood bonds, builds social capital, and networks. Through sustained organizing, communities are empowered to create grassroots organizations and focus on advocacy strategies to remedy social, political, and economic injustices. Students learn to mobilize citizens to obtain collective power, to advocate for current relevant legislation in the R.I. General Assembly, and complete needs assessments. Prerequisite: Junior majors only.


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  • SWK 368 - Research

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Social science research processes, empirically-based practice, basic study designs, and frequently used statistical procedures are introduced. Students will become beginning practitioners of empirical research by evaluating research reports, analyzing logic and methods of empirical inquiry (including program evaluation and single-subject designs), examining ethical research issues, and designing, executing, and evaluating their own research projects. Prerequisite: Social Work majors only.


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  • SWK 370 - Social Work Practicum and Seminar I

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Provides students with the opportunity to learn firsthand about social work practice, requires a minimum of eight hours weekly of professionally supervised practice activity in a community-based human service organization. A concurrent seminar advances learning about functioning in a professional capacity with client systems in an organizational context. Understanding and embodying ethical practice standards is emphasized. Prerequisite: Junior majors only.


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  • SWK 450 - Social Work Practicum and Seminar II

    1 semester, 6 Credits

    First semester of a two-semester practicum, requiring a minimum of 16 hours weekly of professionally supervised, educationally directed practice experience. Students build Generalist practice competencies focused on engaging individuals, families, organizations, and communities in deliberate change. Reflective, informed, evidenced-based, culturally competent habits of practice are emphasized. The concurrent seminar supports professional identification and peer-supported learning.  Prerequisite: Senior majors only.


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  • SWK 451 - Social Work Practicum and Seminar III

    1 semester, 6 Credits

    A continuation of the senior level practicum in which emphasis is placed on integrating and evidencing practice competencies with systems of various sizes, use of the relationship to advance the work in various contexts, policy advocacy to advance human rights and social and economic justice, systematic practice evaluation, and effective oral and written communication. Prerequisite: Senior majors only.


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  • SWK 468 - Research Methods II: Advanced Research Design and Statistical Analysis

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Building on SWK 368, this course stresses “hands-on” practice in applying statistical analyses via computation and statistical software such as SPSS to interpretation of standardized and student-created measures employed in typical social work research designs. Prerequisite: SWK 368 or permission of instructor.


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  • SWK 488 - Theory/Practice Capstone

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Designed to consolidate didactic and field learning and integrate the professions’ theories and practice models, students identify differential problem areas and tailor theoretical and practice models to meet the specific needs of populations-at-risk, diverse groups, and communities. Strategies to combat discrimination and oppression and promote social and economic justice are explored. A thesis project is a required assignment. Prerequisite: Senior majors only.


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  • SWK 489 - Theory/Practice Capstone

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Designed to consolidate didactic and field learning and integrate the professions’ theories and practice models, students identify differential problem areas and tailor theoretical and practice models to meet the specific needs of populations-at-risk, diverse groups, and communities. Strategies to combat discrimination and oppression and promote social and economic justice are explored. A thesis project is a required assignment. Prerequisite: Senior majors only.


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  • SWK 490 - Independent Study

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Guided independent study/research into social work knowledge or practice involves task-framing, execution, and assessment as important student responsibilities, which must be specified prior to registration and developed throughout the semester in consultation with faculty.


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Sociology
  

  • SOC 101 - Introductory Sociology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An analysis of the social bases of human behavior. Introduction to the basic concepts, perspectives, and research techniques of contemporary sociology, including topics such as social organization, culture, socialization deviance, and stratification.


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  • SOC 209 - Social Research Methods

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines the basic logic and techniques employed by sociology in conducting empirical research and analyzing the data obtained. Although the course covers the full array of methods, the emphasis is decidedly quantitative, focusing on experimental control, sampling, and survey methodology. Part of the class is conducted in the computer laboratory using social scientific software programs. Prerequisites: SOC 101.


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  • SOC 301 - Sociology of the Family

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Family patterns and processes in selected societies. Uniformities and variations in structures are considered. The family is analyzed as a social institution and as a form of intimate behavior. Various alternatives to the family are explored, and issues related to human sexuality and gender-role behavior are examined.  The course will focus on race, class, and gender. Same as WMS 303.


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  • SOC 302 - Deviant Behavior

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Theories of deviance are explained. Brief surveys of various forms of deviant behavior with an emphasis on the socio-cultural determinants of, and reactions to, such behavior are reviewed.


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