ABS - Applied Behavioral Sciences

This course introduces students to the research on adult learning and development and enhances students' development as learners, professionals, and persons. Students are exposed to ideas and trends in adult learning (such as transformational and emancipatory learning) and adult development and have opportunities for self-assessment and discovery and for applications to varied social contexts. Students assess their learning and personality styles through classroom simulations and group activities. Opportunities are provided for students to review, evaluate, and reflect upon their learning and development and how others learn and develop through their lifespan Pre-requisite(s): ABS 309 and ABS 331. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course provides students with assessment of their personal, professional and academic histories where they establish personal, program and professional goals that will inform, structure and sustain their program of study while in the ABS major. Students will identify and analyze their goals and determine action plans consistent with their short and long term aspirations. There is special emphasis on planning for BA degree completion meeting the NLU graduation requirements.

Focus on ways our our own value systems and philosphies of finding meaning, happiness, and creating our own version of success and purpose may lead to the goal of a happy life. Look at the affects of apply ethical reasoning to our daily lives and decision making. Consider the fundamental framework of ethical dilemmas of moral choice, the moral implications of decision making, and personal integrity. Examine a range of ethical theories. Further consider trends in philosophical, moral, and ethical thinking as it evolved from ancient times to the present. Explore worldview construction. Pre-requisite(s): ABS Core Program or permission of Program Chair or designate.

This intensive writing course equips students with skills that assist them in thinking critically and writing reflectively and descriptively about social and behavioral life experiences. Students learn key elements of writing effectively within the social and behavioral sciences, organized structure, use of author voice, evidence, analysis, and conclusions. Students read, reflect and analyze diverse authors' perspectives as one way to develop perspective and to expand critical reading skills. This course is designed to support the student in strengthening academic writing and critical thinking skills.

This course introduces the study of group behavior and the effect that group functioning has upon organizational effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on the basics of group behavior, principles of group dynamics, problem solving, decision making, diagnosing and resolving conflict in groups, leadership, and management.

Focus on dyadic and small group relationships, and examine connections and interactions in personal lives, families, workplaces, communities, and the greater world. Explore the elements of healthy relationship behavior, inquiring into and reflecting upon the roles and responsibilities of the individuals in those relationships. Further develop skills in interpersonal communication and interaction in the workplace with peers and colleagues. Draw on concepts presented in previous program coursework to apply behavioral science research in a variety of settings. Prerequisites; ABS300, Adult Development, and Learning Assessment; ABS309, Critical Thinking and Writing; and ABS331, Dynamics of Group Behavior; or permission of Program Chair or designate.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of career paths within the field of applied behavioral sciences, covering areas such as working with people who have special needs, psychology, social work, education, counseling, human resources, customer service and social services. Students will gain an understanding of the practical applications of behavioral science theories and methodologies in various professional settings. The course will emphasize the development of skills necessary for effective practice, ethical considerations, and the impact of cultural and social factors on behavior. Through a combination of lectures, guest speakers, case studies, and practical exercises, students will be equipped to pursue careers that improve individual and community well-being.

This course explores the concept of neurodiversity, emphasizing understanding and effectively interacting with individuals across a range of neurological differences. Through interdisciplinary perspectives, students will examine the societal, cultural, and psychological aspects of neurodiversity, and develop practical skills for fostering inclusivity and support in various settings, including work and personal life contexts.

Students are introduced to the essential concepts, methods, and tools employed in the research process. In this course, students narrow their topic of interest, expand literature research skills, using multiple search tools and initiate exploratory fieldwork. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of these ideas, providing students the opportunity to learn the methods of social and behavioral science research by conducting small projects of their own design. This course culminates in a construction of a concept for an inquiry project that can be completed in the future/concurrent coursework in the program.

In this course, students continue their research using the proposal completed in previous/concurrent coursework in the ABS program and implement a guided research project. This inquiry is guided by the research concepts and the topics covered in the Applied Behavioral Sciences program. The students hone the choice of a research topic; connect the role of background research in constructing a research program; properly construct a research design plan; carry out methodologies of assessing human behavior; employ proper means for analyzing research data; and write a summary research report.

Explore the complexity of leadership, major behavior patterns, ethical issues, and strategies that promote effectiveness in organizations.Define leadership and differentiate it from management while investigating the most current research and perspectives in relation to leadership characteristics, values, theories, and differing approaches. Gain awareness of own leadership style, the development of ability to empower others, and capabilities to increase and enhance leadership potential. Current and emerging trends in leadership in a global context and in regard to students’ own lives are examined.

This course examines the ways in which people and ideas are presented in public forums, from speaking to a group of people to the use of media to convey an idea. With the expanding use of technology, it is critical to be able to analyze how media shapes behaviors and values and to learn how to engage technology to communicate effectively. This course is designed to help students understand, analyze, evaluate, and engage in public discourse in diverse situations. Students practice professional presentation skills required for formal situations and explore the effects of communication technologies at the team, organizational, and societal level.

This course examines the social construction of difference, investigating how economic, political, cultural, and social factors mediate experiences of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, and (dis)ability individually and institutionally. Students focus on the intersections of power, ideology, and inequality and how they shape popular imagination, public and private discourse, and social institutions. Topics include the important role of social and political contexts in intercultural interactions; how symbols, beliefs, and rules that make up systems of culture can create and perpetuate inequality, shape individual and group identity, and influence conflict management styles; and opportunities and frameworks for achieving social justice.

Students explore organizational theories, the merger of scientific management, and bureaucratic and administrative theory in relation to managerial and supervisory behavior. Emphasis is placed on practical applications and research in the areas of motivation, decision making, problem solving, and employee/subordinate development, as well as on discovering how people and groups in organizations behave and react. Students also delve into the role of organizational systems, structures, and processes in shaping behavior, and explore how organizations work. Students apply behaviors within organizational structure and draw on concepts presented in previous program courses to more effectively manage their personal and professional interactions and supervise others. Pre-requisite(s): ABS 300, ABS 309, and ABS 331; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hour

This course is the culmination of the Applied Behavioral Sciences program. Students review and reflect on key concepts learned throughout the program, integrating these concepts related to their future personal and professional careers. Students produce a portfolio demonstrating their learning through the program.

In this course, students conduct an independent study project engaging through self-directed inquiry, under the guidance of a faculty member. This inquiry is guided by the research concepts that include topics covered in the Applied Behavioral Sciences Interdisciplinary Field related to a student’s area of professional and personal growth.