Undergraduate Programs-P

PL/IS 312. Bioethics. (3)

Critical examination of the major bioethical issues from the perspective of biology and philosophy. The multiple viewpoints are studied and weighed in light of one’s own value system. Research and discussion are essential components of the course. Prerequisites: BI 110 or 111, or 211 or 212 or 220; PL 111 or 255. CORE-II and CORE-III.

PL/IS 338. Knowing Reality. (3)

This course continues the search of philosophers and scientists to “know reality.” Three questions are critically examined: 1) How do we know what we know? 2) What standards are used to judge “knowing”? 3) How is “knowing” related to “reality”? Students are encouraged to ponder anew the complexities and contradictions in “knowing reality” and to articulate their own view of what it means to know what is real. Prerequisites: one course in philosophy and one course in natural science. CORE-II and CORE-III.

PL 355. Philosophy of the Human
Person. (3)

Critical examination of the philosophical theories of human nature as presented in the works of specific philosophers from the ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary world. Prerequisite: one lower-division philosophy course.

PL 380. Special Topics. (1-3)

Selected topics to be determined by the department.

Physics (PH)

No Major or Minor is offered.

PHYSICS COURSES (PH)

PH 117. Physics Concepts. (4)

Development of basic conceptual models of physical phenomena including light and color, waves and sound, electricity, and atomic phenomena in an activity-based, collaborative environment. Designed for radiologic science majors. Corequisite: MA 115 or 120 or higher placement. I. CORE-II.

PH 180, 280. Topics in Physics. (1-3)

Presentation and discussion of physics topics. Each offering will be titled appropriately. A student may take any number of different topics. Prerequisites vary with the topic being presented. I, II, S.

PH 231. General Physics I. (5)

An activity-based, collaborative approach to the development of conceptual and mathematical models of physical phenomena as well as scientific reasoning skills. Modern computer tools are used throughout. Topics include motion, force, energy and momentum, and thermodynamics. Laboratory. Prerequisites: MA 120 and 121 or consent of instructor. I.

PH 232. General Physics II. (5)

Continuation of PH 231. Topics include waves and sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear phenomena. Laboratory. Prerequisites: MA 120 and 121, PH 231, or consent of instructor. II. CORE-II.

PH 280. Special Topics. (1-3)

Selected topics to be determined at the discretion of the department.

Political Science (PS)

The study of Political Science is the study of government and its impact on the human community. The range of analysis includes international, national, state, and local levels of organization as well as the interaction between them. This program prepares the student for entrance into various areas of the political system, the private sector, law and the international community. A student may opt for the general PS major or add a concentration in Pre-Law.

The candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science must complete all the general degree requirements as stated earlier in this catalog.

Computer Literacy: Fulfilled by CS 110 - Understanding Computers (3).

In addition to the general education requirements, the following courses in the Major must be completed.

Major:

39 PS hours, including these required courses: PS 120, 230, 231 or 332, 315 or 335, 320, 324 or 326, 340 or 341, 397, 420, 451.

Related Requirements:

All PS majors are also required to take: EC 195, EN 112, SO 101 or PY 101, SO 231 and EN 213.

Pre-law Concentration:

General PS requirements and related requirements plus PS 231, 332, and nine additional hours selected from the following courses: PS 232, 334, 335, 337, 344, 345, 391 or 392.

Political Science majors and minors must receive a grade of “C” or above in all major courses, including related requirements.

Political Science Outcomes:

The political science major at Avila University seeks to provide students with a well-rounded liberal arts education, concentrating on critical thinking, reading, writing and verbal communication skills, in addition to the substantive content outlined below. Each program goal is supported by one or more narrowly focused and measurable program outcomes. The outcomes will be assessed through course work; each student graduating with a major in political science will be expected to have achieved each outcome. While many of the outcomes are addressed in a variety of courses, those courses that are specifically designed to address various outcomes appear in parentheses.

Goal: Students will appreciate the broad nature of governance and representation, and be able to meaningfully apply those principles to historical and current events.

Outcomes:

• Students will understand the interaction of economy, government structure and culture, and the resulting impact on political systems and actors (PS 120, 315, 320, 340, 341 and 346).

• Students will be able to differentiate and apply ancient and modern political theories to historical and current political situations (PS 120, 420).

• Students will appreciate cultural differences between and within nation-states, and the corresponding challenges associated with governance. (PS 120, 315, 327, 334, 335, 340, 341 and 346).

Goal: Students will be familiar with and able to apply both dominant and marginal theories and models of political science.

Outcomes:

• Students can identify and explain a number of institutional and behavioral theories and models associated with the study of American government and politics. (PS 120, 220, 231, 320, 322, 324, 326 and 346).

• Students can identify and explain theories and models pertaining to world politics and international relations. (PS 340, 341 and 346).

• Students will have a working understanding of how law and society interact and are mutually dependent. (PS 120, 232, 332, 334, 335 and 344).

Goal: Students will be able to interpret and engage in scholarly social science research in order to more fully understand and analyze political activity and circumstances.

Outcome:

• Students will understand the nature and importance of the scientific model, as well as theoretical and empirical traditions in political science research and the normative underpinnings associated with them. (PS 230, 397, 420 and 451).

Minors:

(Students may not receive more than one of the following minors)

Political Science Minor: PS 120 and 15 semester hours of PS courses to include at least 9 hrs. at the 300 level or above.

Pre-Law Minor: The pre-law minor seeks to provide a vehicle for non-political science majors who may be interested in law school to learn about the law. All pre-law minors must take PS 120, 231, 332 and 9 additional hours selected from the following courses: PS 232, 334, 335, 337, 344, 345, 391 or 392.

POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES (PS)

PS 120. American National Government. (3)

The structure, function, problems and accomplishments of American government at the federal level including discussions of the Federal Constitution and Missouri Constitution. I, II. CORE-II.

PS 220. State and Local Politics. (3)

The relationship that exists in and between state and local governments. Powers of governors and mayors, forms of governments, and timely issues explored. Regional politics and future scenarios analyzed.

PS/SO 230. Quantitative Methods. (3)

An introductory course in applied statistical techniques used in the social and behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics such as measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion. Special attention will be given to a systematic discussion of some widely-used inferential statistics such as Chi-square, analysis of variance, and regression. Prerequisite: Any college level course in mathematics. I, II.

PS 231. American Justice System. (3)

Introduction to the American court system at the federal and state levels including judicial process and legal decision-making. Examination of judicial selection processes and the impact of the American judiciary on public policy. I, alternate years.

PS/LG 232. Introduction to Legal Research and Writing. (3)

A hands-on experience with legal research sources, procedures, strategies and legal writing style. II.

PS/GS 309. Long Term Care Administration. (3)

This course pursues an interdisciplinary approach to the study of managing long term care facilities. Historical, management, legal, financial and personnel aspects are emphasized. Alternate years.

PS/GS 310. Federal/State Programs for Older Adults. (1-3)

An examination of federal and local, social and financial programs available to the elderly. Topics include national health insurance, legal services, home health care, strategies for effecting legislative priorities. Alternate years.

PS/WS 316. Women in Politics. (3)

Study of the basis of female participation in the American political process, who participates and why, political issues relevant to American women’s power and minority status.

PS 320. Public Policy. (3)

The process of public policy making. How government bodies determine what a public problem is; how they formulate, implement and evaluate policy. Course will also include case studies. I.

PS 322. Elections and Voting Behavior. (3)

Structure and function of the American Electoral system and factors that influence voters decisions. Impact of political parties, interest groups and public opinion on the electoral process. I, alternate years.

PS 324. The American Presidency. (3)

An analysis of the Presidency as a key institution in the American system. Case studies will be presented to illustrate the contribution certain Presidents have made. I, alternate years.

PS 326. The American Congress. (3)

A discussion of the role and function of the American Congress. Attention to be focused on the policy process. The Congress will be compared with other legislatures and evaluated on the basis of its ability to serve its purposes. II, alternate years.

PS 332. Constitutional Law I. (3)

Principles of the American political system as prescribed by the Constitution and interpreted by Supreme Court decisions. Emphasis on the institutions of government and the relationship between the three branches at the national level. I, alternate years.

PS 334. Constitutional Law II. (3)

Constitutional protections both from and of government with emphasis on Supreme Court decisions defining fundamental liberties, property rights and the requirements of substantive due process. II, alternate years.

PS/WS 335. Legal Rights of Women. (3)

This course is designed to introduce students to feminist jurisprudence and the role of women in the law through an examination of feminist legal and political theory. We explore the ways in which traditional gender roles and expectations have come to shape women’s rights in both criminal and civil law. Students will come to understand and appreciate the history of women’s unequal treatment in law, as well as contemporary issues regarding women and the law. Topics include reproductive rights, statutory rape, domestic violence, pornography and issues involving work outside the home. Attention is paid to the ways in which traditional norms involving race, class and gender are reinforced in popular culture, which often serves as a barrier to meaningful change.

PS 337. Topics in Law. (1-3)

Selected topics dealing with specific, contemporary, legal issues.

PS 340. Comparative Politics. (3)

A comparative analysis of the dynamics of various political systems and cross national political behavior with emphasis on the basic concepts of comparative political study. Selected political systems from various regions of the world-Western Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Russia-will illustrate the concepts.

PS 341. International Relations. (3)

Study of the development of the international state system and the interaction between particular political systems and regions. International law and organizations, the role of nationalism and ideology in determining foreign policy and political, social and environmental problems in the international arena are among some of the topics discussed.

PS/SO 344. Criminal Law. (3)

Distinction between criminal and civil law, the role of different participants in the criminal justice system, classification of crimes by state and federal standards, stages of criminal prosecution, constitutional rights and limitations. II, alternate years.

PS 345. Introduction to Litigation. (3)

An overview of the civil litigation process including a study of the rules of civil procedure and the rules of evidence. Emphasis will also be placed on the development of skills involved in simple litigation matters including the preparation of pleadings, motions and discovery requests. I, alternate years.

PS 346. American Foreign Policy. (3)

Analysis of the making of U.S. foreign policy, policy outcomes and the relationship of the major participants in the formation of policy. Case studies will be examined in their historical context. II, alternate years.

PS 380. Topics in Political Science. (1-3)

Selected topics dealing with current problems in the area of political science.

PS 391. Mock Trial Techniques and Procedures. (2)

This course is designed to complement the mock trial competition experience at Avila. Attention is paid to the formulation and delivery of litigation techniques and the accepted procedures in mock trial competition. Students have the opportunity to write and present opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations and closing arguments, as well as offer evidence and use demonstrative exhibits. Emphasis is placed on some of the most common courtroom rules and objections and on development of effective advocacy for both sides of a hypothetical case (either civil or criminal). I.

PS 392. Mock Trial Competition. (1)

this course provides an opportunity for a student to compete in a number of intercollegiate mock trial tournaments as a member of the Avila University Mock Trial Team. Students will learn advanced preparation and litigation skills in order to perform well for tournament judges. Between two and five American Mock Trial association sanctioned tournaments will be attended in addition to local scrimmages. Prerequisite: PS 391. May be repeated for credit. II.

PS/SO/SW 397. Research Methods. (3)

Introduction to methodology and techniques; formulation of research problems; study design; hypotheses; sampling; measurements; questionnaire construction; interviewing and data collection; processing and tabulation analysis and interpretation; presentation of findings. Meets the Communication Intensive course requirement in the major. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. I.

PS 420. Political Philosophy. (3)

A survey of the origins of political theory from the Ancient-Medieval period of political philosophy to contemporary political ideologies. Specific political philosophers are examined including Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke and Rousseau; as well as the political ideologies of Liberalism, Conservatism, Marxism and Fascism. Prerequisite: 3 hours of PS coursework.

PS 451. Scope and Methods of Political Science. (3)

A capstone course which explores the theoretical foundations of political science as related to the major fields of research and methodological applications including critiques of various analytical models and research designs in the study of political phenomena. Meets the Capstone course requirement in the major. Prerequisite: PS 397. II.

PS 490. Directed Readings. (1-3)

Specialized assignment worked out between the faculty member and the student. Prerequisite: 6 hours in PS and consent of instructor.

PS 495. Internship. (1-15)

An opportunity to gain first-hand experience by working in a governmental agency or law office. Opportunities also exist for the student to do their internship through the Washington Center in Washington D.C..

Pre-Law

This area of study is intended to acquaint the student with the legal system in a general manner as well as several areas of law and legal analysis. A student involved in Pre-Law coursework might be interested in law school and/or working in the judicial system.

For required coursework, please see the Political Science major/minor.

Premedicine

This major is designed to help prepare a student for admission into medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, chiropractic, podiatry, and pharmacy schools. The special entrance requirements of the professional schools to which the student may later apply are considered when electives are chosen.

Premedicine Outcomes:

Upon completing the course requirements in the Premedicine Major, each student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic principles of biology, chemistry, and physics.

2. Apply scientific knowledge to solving problems.

3. Understand ethical issues in science and health care.

4. Demonstrate the clear communication of the basic principles of science through speaking and writing.

Computer competency will be demonstrated by successful completion of three hours of CS 110. The candidate for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Premedicine must meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of at least 128 semester hours of academic work with a minimum grade point of 3.25.

2. Completion of the final 30 hours at the university.

3. Completion of at least 12 hours in the major at the university at the 300 and 400 level.

4. Completion of the general degree requirements as stated earlier in this catalog.

The following courses in the premedicine major must be completed:

BI 111, 211 and 212, three of the following biology courses: BI 220, 250, 312, 330, 340, 345; CH 131, 137, 216, 217, 221, and 342; CS 110; HE 101; NS/BI/CH 497, 499; PH 231, 232; MA 241; EN 111 and 112; PL 255.

NO MINOR IS OFFERED.

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Avila University has a Post-Baccalaureate Program to help prepare students with a baccalaureate degree in a nonscience field to obtain the science courses and academic advising to gain admission to a Health Professions School. The Prehealth Professions Advisor works with each Post-Baccalaureate student to plan the student’s individual program of study.

University of Health Sciences –
Avila University Partnership

First year Avila University students who have an ACT composite score of 26 or higher are eligible to apply for one of two openings each year in the medical school class at the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, UHS. The students for this special program will be interviewed and selected at the end of their first year at Avila. If the students who are accepted maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 and a science GPA of 3.5, they will be able to start medical school at UHS during their senior year at Avila.

Psychology (PY)

Psychology is the scientific study of theories, tools, perspectives and methods used by psychologists to describe, explain, predict and/or influence behavior. Students majoring in the field will develop an understanding of the complexities regarding the human condition while studying how to facilitate change. The Psychology Department encourages students to assess and explore themselves as well as others in order to perceive and act on reality most compassionately and responsibly.

Avila psychology majors will learn to approach life as “scientist-practitioners,” competently and confidently reflecting on lessons learned from coursework, independent research and/or field experiences. The Avila psychology major will focus on exploring the human condition in a variety of contexts, at both an individual and systems level.

The Psychology Club and Psi Chi offer psychology majors many opportunities to volunteer for extracurricular activities, such as collaborative learning projects with high school students, field trips, and/or movie reviews. We have a strong and active teacher-student mentoring program, with practicum classes designed to help students reach their potential and achieve their life goals, whether in a graduate program or work place.

We recognize psychology as applicable and useful in almost all occupational settings. In line with this understanding, we offer three areas of concentration, each designed to prepare students for their future goals:

(1) Human Behavior Concentration – Designed for students interested in a liberal arts bachelors degree comparable to that found in most universities.

(2) Organizational Dynamics – Designed for students interested in a career in the work place, particularly careers in human resources and/or customer service areas.

(3) Research Concentration – Designed for students interested in graduate level work and a professional career in psychology. Students must apply for acceptance into the research concentration after completing PY 335. Minimal requirements for acceptance into the research program include: (a) completion of six hours of coursework at Avila, (b) a 3.25 cumulative grade point average, (c) a B grade in PY 335, and (d) recommendation of their advisor.

Requirements for the Psychology Major:

The candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology must complete all of the General Degree requirements stated in this catalog. In addition, students must complete the following Psychology Major core course requirements as well as requirements in a selected area of concentration.

Note: ALL required majors courses – both core and concentration – must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Psychology Major Core Course Requirements:

The psychology major “core” consists of twenty-four credit hours in the following eight courses: PY 101, 201, 203, 205 or 220, 310, 316, 335, 485.

Human Behavior Concentration: In addition to the 24 hours of core course requirements, students must complete the following: PY 224, 320, 350 and six hours from PY 235 or any upper level PY courses.

Organizational Dynamics Concentration: In addition to the 24 hours of core course requirements, students must complete the following: PY 224, 360, 370 and six additional hours from PY 235 or any upper level PY courses.

Research Concentration: In addition to the 24 hours of core course requirements in the major, students must complete the following: PY 320, 335, 350, 497, 498, and six hours from PY 235 or any upper level PY courses. Please note that PY 335, Statistics and Research I, must be completed before a student enrolls in PY 498, Independent Research.

Minor:

PY 101, 201, 310 plus 9 elective hours selected with consent of the minor advisor, three from 201-299, six from 301-499.

PSYCHOLOGY COURSES (PY)

PY 101. General Psychology. (3)

An introduction to the theories, methods, and perspectives that psychologists use to describe and explain behavior, and mental processes in context, and experience. I, II. CORE-II.

PY 201. Theories of Personality. (3)

The scientific study of the whole person, integrating theory and research. Prerequisite: PY 101. II.

PY 203. Cognitive Psychology. (3)

A general overview of classic and current research in cognitive processing. Topics to be covered include: attention, memory, problem solving, reasoning, conceptual thinking and mental strategies involved in language expression and comprehension. I.

PY 205. Human Growth and
Development. (3)

A survey of the main patterns of growth and development of the person over the life span; emphasis on the social, intellectual, emotional and physical development of the person. II, S, even years.

PY 220. Child and Adolescent
Psychology. (3)

A study of the biological, cognitive, social and emotional development of children and adolescents. I.

PY 224. Human Relations in
Organizations. (3)

A hands-on examination of the principles and tools used to effectively confront and respond to interpersonal issues in the workplace. Students will explore individual differences in interaction, communication, motivation, attitude, learning styles and productivity in the context of teamwork. I, odd years.

PY/ED 229. Developmental and Educational Psychology. (3)

An in-depth exploration of learning and motivation theory, cognitive, moral, psychological, and physical development. Additional topics include a self-study, an examination of social-emotional difficulties of children, and the influence of classroom environment on learning. I, II.

PY/ED 235. Psychology of the Exceptional
Child. (3)

Designed to provide an introduction to the various areas of exceptionality (gifted, mentally retarded, learning disabled, behavior disordered, etc.). Social, educational and family characteristics of exceptional children are explored. Samples of the unique teaching methods, materials and techniques of instruction are studied. In addition, laws and regulations covering exceptional students are presented. Observation hours are required. I, II.

PY/AR 251. Introduction to Art Therapy. (3)

The historical foundations of the profession of art therapy, including the development of the field and what has influenced its past as well as future directions, and study of managed care, multicultural, ethical and other current influences. The benefit with various populations and settings in which art therapies work, reinforced with visits from local art therapists. Review of what is required to become a Registered Art Therapist. Prerequisites: PY 101 and 201. I.

PY/GS 304. Psychology of Aging. (3)

Study of the psychological changes and adjustments necessitated by aging. Changes in cognition, role and personality reflecting advancing age. Presentation of current theories and research on aging. II.

PY 310. Abnormal Psychology. (3)

A general overview of the etiology, characteristics and determinants of functional and organic deviations of normal behavior; general information about the therapeutic approaches; the study of the role of behavioral sciences in community mental health action. Prerequisites: PY 101, 201 or consent of instructor. I.

PY/WS 312. The Psychology of Women. (3)

This course explores how women have traditionally been represented in psychology. We will discuss biological, psychological and social influences which contribute to gender differences in experience. The class will focus on women’s diversity with respect to race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and age. CORE-II. I, even years.

PY/WS 314. Psychology of Gender. (3)

An exploration of various perspectives on the role of gender in the formation of individual identity, as well as the interrelationship between gender identity and society. I, odd years.

PY/SO 316. Social Psychology. (3)

Study of the formation, structure and functioning of groups including an analysis of group processes and group products in relation to the individual: attitudes, beliefs, perception of self and others. Prerequisite: SO 101 or PY 101. I, II.

PY 317. Adult Development. (3)

This course provides an overview of the theories and research addressing development during the young and middle adulthood years. This course will address cognitive, social and physical aspects of development. I, odd years.

PY 320. Current Trends in
Psychotherapy. (3)

A survey of the techniques and major systems of psychotherapy. Prerequisites: PY 101, 201, 310. II.

PY 332. Health Psychology (3)

This course focuses upon the description, treatment, and prevention of major health problems, particularly the evidence that strongly implicates individual behavior (psychology of the person) and the lifestyles as relevant issues in illness/wellness. I, odd years.

PY 335. Statistics &
Research Methods I. (3)

This course will survey descriptive and experimental research methods in psychology. Students will be introduced to the process of generating research questions, designing a project to address the question, analyzing the results and drawing conclusions. Meets the Communication Intensive course requirement in the major. Prerequisites: PY 101, must be taken prior to PY 498. I.

PY 350. Biological Bases of Behavior. (3)

Biological psychology seeks to explain behavior in terms of its physiology, its development, its evolution, and its function. An introduction to the biological mechanisms most relevant to key issues in psychology. II.

PY/AR 359. Art as Therapy. (3)

Exploration of techniques of art useful for facilitating self-expression and communication. Demonstration of how art promotes both personal and group understanding. Investigation of symbolic meaning in art and understanding of how art can lead to behavior change and self-understanding. Useful for artists and classroom teachers, as well as for therapists who work with groups of children or adults. Prerequisite: PY 101.

PY 360. Applied Industrial/Organizational
Psychology. (3)

A study of the challenges and solutions that involve psychology in the contemporary workplace, particularly systems issues related to organizational productivity, quality of work product, and quality of work life. I.

PY 370. Solving Problems in the Workplace. (3)

An examination of facilitation methods and intervention strategies designed to enhance change in organizations. This course will translate theory into practice, focusing on practical problems provided by local organizations. Prerequisite: PY 224 or 360. II.

PY 380. Special Topics in Psychology. (1-3)

Psychological principles applied to current dilemmas in American society. Specific topics change each semester. Prerequisites: PY 101, 201, or consent of instructor. I, II, S.

PY 383. Human Behavior & Addiction. (3)

The focus of this course is to investigate and understand the addictive process; that is, the origin, course, maintenance and consequences of uncontrolled thought, feeling or behavior. Addictions to be studied will include food, cigarette, alcohol, legal/illegal drugs, gambling, etc. The students will be exposed to the impact of addictive behavior upon individuals, families and larger social groups. II, odd years.

PY 390. Directed Study. (1-3)

Opportunity for student to explore a topic of interest in depth. Prerequisites: 30 hours in Psychology and consent of instructor. I, II, S.

PY 485. Practicum. (3)

This course combines a field placement experience with a weekly seminar focused on the development of professional behavior. Prerequisite: 30 hours in Psychology. This course meets the Capstone course requirement in the major. I, II.

PY 497. Statistics & Research
Methods II (3)

Students will learn to use and interpret more advanced research methods and statistical analyses, including multivariative designs, factor and cluster analyses and meta-analyses. In addition, a primary requirement is for students to complete a detailed proposal for a research project that they will carry out in PY 498. Prerequisite: PY 335. II.

PY 498. Independent Research. (2)

Students will carry out the research project they proposed in PY 497. This includes data collection, analysis (using SPSS), interpreting results and drawing conclusions. The final paper is to be written in APA style. Students will also be required to give an oral presentation of their project. Prerequisite: PY 497. I.