400

ABS 400 Methods of Inquiry in the Behavioral Sciences

Students are introduced to the basic concepts, methods, and tools employed in the research process. In this course, students narrow their topic of interest, build upon library research skills, 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 proposal for a research project to be completed in the future/concurrent coursework in the program. Pre-requisite(s): ABS 340, ABS 431, and LIBR 300; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): ABS 401. 5 quarter hours

5

ABS 401 Independent Inquiry in the Behavioral Sciences

In this course, students revise their research proposal completed in previous/concurrent coursework in the program and implement an independent research project engaging in self-directed inquiry. This inquiry is guided by the research concepts that include: review of the topics covered in the Applied Behavioral Sciences program to guide the student in honing the choice of a research topic; role of background research in constructing a research program; proper construction of a research design plan; methodologies of assessing human behavior; proper means for analyzing research data; and construction of a useful summary research report. Pre-requisite(s): ABS 340, ABS 431 and LIBR 300; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): ABS 400. 2 quarter hours

2

ABS 406 Leadership in a Changing World

This course focuses on the intricacies of leadership, major behavior patterns, ethical issues, and strategies that promote effectiveness in organizations. Students define leadership and differentiate it from management and explore leadership characteristics, values, theories, and differing approaches. Students become more aware of their leadership style, how they develop their ability to influence others, and how they use their position of power to increase and enhance their leadership potential. They also study current and emerging trends s in leadership in a global context and in regard to their own lives. Pre-requisite(s): ABS 407, ABS 430; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None 5 quarter hours

5

ABS 407 Applied Communication in Society

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. Pre-requisite(s): ABS 400, ABS 401 and ABS 426; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

5

ABS 426 Critical Perspectives of Difference

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. Pre-requisite(s): ABS 340, ABS 431, and LIBR 300; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

5

ABS 430 Economic Models of Behavior

In this course, students are introduced to economic models of human behavior. These models, based on the concept of exchange, are used to describe decision making by the individual, decision making between two individuals, and decision making among groups of individuals. The course also covers selected concepts from both microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, and how these concepts guide our personal, group, and decisions. Pre-requisite(s): ABS 400, ABS 401, and ABS 426; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

5

ABS 431 Organizational Behaviors and Professional Development

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 ABC 331; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hour

5

ABS 435 Senior Seminar: Integrating the Applied Behavioral Sciences

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. Pre-requisite(s): ABS 407, and ABS 430; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 quarter hours

2