May 01, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


Textbook information for required and supplemental materials for all courses can be found at the Life University Bookstore link: http://life.textbookx.com


The numbers in parentheses listed following the course description, i.e. Credit Hours:  (2-1-2.5), are explained below:

  • The first digit is the number of lecture quarter credit hours for the course.
  • The second digit is the number of laboratory quarter credit hours for the course.
  • The third digit is the number of credit hours for the course.

A Credit Hour is based on the amount of time spent per week in scheduled activities. Each contact hour of classroom work per week for eleven (11) weeks, or its equivalent, is equal to one-quarter credit hour. Two contact hours of laboratory work per week for eleven (11) weeks, or its equivalent, is equal to one-quarter credit hour. A minimum of two contact hours of clinical work per week for eleven (11) weeks, or its equivalent, is equal to one-quarter credit hour. Additional clinical work is expected in professional programs to meet either patient or clinic needs and as directed by clinician of record. Online courses, hybrid, accelerated, and other non-traditional modes of delivery will demonstrate equivalent time and effort.

 

English

  
  • ENG 201 - Survey of American Literature


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 102 
    This course is an examination, in historical context, of selected American authors and their works, with emphasis placed on major writers of the 19th and 20th Centuries.
  
  • ENG 202 - Survey of British Literature


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 102 
    This course is an examination, in historical context, of selected British authors and their works from Beowulf to the present.
  
  • ENG 203 - Foundations of Western Literature


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 102  
    This course is an examination, in historical and cultural context, of selected world authors and their works from the Classical Period through the Renaissance.

     

    Note: This course is offered both on-campus and online.

  
  • ENG 204 - The Western Literary Tradition


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite:ENG 102 
    This course is an examination, in historical and cultural context, of selected world authors and their works from the 17th Century to the present.
  
  • ENG 205 - Survey of Eastern Literature


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 102 
    An examination of classic works of Eastern Literature.
  
  • ENG 206 - African-American Literature


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 101 
    In this course, the contributions of African-Americans to literature is read, analyzed and discussed from a historical perspective, Major emphasis is on the twentieth century, with interpretation and analysis of four genres: poetry, drama, short story and shovel.
  
  • ENG 210 - Studies in Mystery Fiction


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 101 
    The course will require students to read, write journal entries on and discuss works by some of the best-known writers of mystery fiction. The course will use the mystery genre  to examine cultural attitudes as they relate to social issues and cultural diversity.
  
  • ENG 211 - Novels of Social Change


    (5-0-5)
    ENG 102
    This course is an examination of American and British novels which focus on social issues and social change in the 19th and the early 20th centuries.
  
  • ENG 212 - Identity and Otherness


    (5-0-5)
    ENG 102
    This course is an examination of American and European novels which focus on social issues and social change in the 19th and the early 20th centuries, as well as perspectives lending insight into identity and otherness.
  
  • ENG 213 - Studies in Science Fiction and Fantasy


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 101 
    This course id an examination of science fiction and fantasy literature, along with its major characteristics, tropes and themes. Students will write short essays and take several exams; in class, students will participate in discussions of the variation types of science fiction and fantasy fiction, the literary aspects of the works and the social issues raised by those works.
  
  • ENG 220 - American Drama


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 102 
    This course is an examination of American drama from its origins to the present - with an emphasis on major 20th Century writers such as O’Neill, Hellman, Miller, Williams, Hansberry and Albee.
  
  • ENG 230 - Introduction to Short Fiction


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 101 
    This course is an introduction to shorter works of fiction from the early novelty of the short story in America (Poe, Hawthorne, et al.) to its European counterparts (Maupassant, et al.), up to contemporary trends in American, British and Continental writing.
  
  • LFS 110 - Technical and Scientific Writing


    (2-0-2)
    Prerequisites: TSE 099 TSR 099 , or ENG 101 
    This course will familiarize students with APA, a style commonly used in psychology, nutrition, exercise science abd business writing and research. The course will focus on APA writing style which covers tense, paraphrasing and transitions.

Environment

  
  • ENV 101 - An Introduction to Meteorology and Weather


    (3-0-3)
    This course is designed to provide an introduction to the study of weather. The specific principles behind a variety of everyday topics will be explained, including weather patterns, cloud formations and hurricane development. Topics will include: an introduction to the Earth’s atmosphere, seasonal and daily temperature variability, atmospheric moisture and condensation, cloud formation, precipitation process, wind circulation, air masses and fronts, thunderstorms and hurricane development.
  
  • ENV 103 - Introduction to Oceanography


    (3-0-3)
    This introductory course focuses on the oceanic component of the Earth system with particular emphasis on the role of the ocean in Earth’s geological, biological, chemical, physical and climatic cycles. This course includes a discussion of a number of interdisciplinary topics that are pertinent to current environmental awareness including El Nino, Global warming, The Carbon Cycle, the physical properties of sea water and sea ice, and tidal fluctuations. Also addressed will be the origin and evolution of marine basins, oceanic circulation and the ocean’s role in climate control.
  
  • ENV 201 - Geosystems


    (4-2-5)
    This course will focus on the aspects of geology most relevant to human awareness and will be designed to introduce students to common topological structures and features of the earth’s surface. It will also introduce the materials and processes from which these features are formed, as well as touch upon common geologic hazards. Pertinent (and practical) laboratory experiments and demonstrations will be included (i.e. identification of common minerals and rocks and methodology for construction of geologic maps).
  
  • ENV 203 - Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

    NTR 203  
    (2-0-2)
    This course will focus on the social, economic and environmental aspects of food and agriculture and how this affects the food industry. Grounded in a farm to fork philosophy, this course will take the stance that healing the system promotes vitalism on a wide scale. Practical ways to implement sustainable programs in the food industry will be highlighted.
  
  • ENV 300 - Environmental Sciences and Sustainability


    (3-4-5)
    Prerequisite: BIO 112 
    This course consists of a basic introduction to Earth’s capacity to endure human consumption of natural resources and how human consumption of goods and nature’s exploitation has profound consequences for nature’s intricate and delicate balance and the future of human civilization. In this course, students will be introduced to major issues in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability (i.e. global warming, population growth, conservation and energy crisis). The main goal is to show students how the natural habitat is affected by social and environmental conflicts, and how politics influences the outcome of this interaction. Students will be exposed to scientific method in the lab and will be taught to use environmental sciences to evaluate the impact of human activities on the natural habitat.
  
  • ENV 302 - Secular Ethics and the Environment


    5-0-5
    In this course we will study the moral relationship between human beings and the environment; and consider the ethical ramifications of our actions on the environment. This case study based course provides an introduction to secular ethics in context of current environmental issues with a focus on understanding relevant ethical principles and values in order to rationalize our daily life choices with respect to good environmental stewardship.

Film

  
  • FLM 101 - Introduction to Classical Cinema


    (5-0-5)
    This course will provide a basic introduction to classical domestic and foreign cinema from the silent era through the early 1960s. Emphasis will be placed on the stylistic and narrative techniques associated with major international movements in filmmaking.
  
  • FLM 102 - World Cinema


    (3-0-3)
    A continuation of Film 101, focusing on new developments in world cinema during the period 1960-2000. FLM 103  Contemporary Cinema (3-0-3) A discussion group surveying filmmakers and films of the past twenty years. Emphasis will be placed on recent movements, independent productions and regions with developing industries.
  
  • FLM 103 - Contemporary Cinema


    (3-0-3)
    A discussion group surveying filmmakers and films of the past twenty years. Emphasis will be placed on recent movements,

Finance

  
  • FIN 303 - Principles of Finance


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ACT 202 
    This introductory course is designed to develop knowledge of the basic concepts, principles and functions of managerial finance, with emphasis on working capital management, capital budgeting and capital structure strategies of the non-financial corporation.

First Year Experience

  
  • FYEX 1101 - Focused on Life: DC I


    (0-1-0)
    This course will cover topics of importance to new Doctor of Chiropractic students at Life University. Students will be exposed to items such as balancing a professional program, communication and relational skills, University policy and procedure, financial management, the Eight Core Proficiencies and the concept of wellness in their own lives. Content is based on the Wellness Portfolio inherent at Life University. This course will be facilitated online.

Health Care

  
  • HCM 301 - Introduction to Health Care Management


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: MGT 301 
    The course introduces students to the healthcare system and the components that are involved in the delivery of health care within the United States.
  
  • HCM 350 - Health Care Ethics and Policy


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: HCM 301  or NTR 300 )
    This course will review the role ethics and values play in the delivery of health care in this society, as well as in the determination of health policy within our society. The patient/provider relationship will be explored, quality of life issues discussed and medical and managerial ethical issues examined. In addition, healthcare policies on both a local and national level will be discussed.
  
  • HCM 401 - Health Care Financing


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: HCM 301 
    This course discusses the various approaches and techniques utilized to finance the healthcare delivery system. Emphasis will be placed on the different methods in use throughout the U.S. to reimburse healthcare providers as well as the numerous healthcare reform proposals currently suggested. Students will discuss the effect of financing methods on the accessibility, quality and planning of healthcare services. Comparisons will be made between the U.S. healthcare system and its counterparts in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany.

History

  
  • HIS 101 - World Civilization to 1500


    (5-0-5)
    This course is a survey of world civilization from the prehistoric origins of humankind to the dawn of the modern world circa 1500. The emphasis of this course is on political, cultural, social, intellectual and economic institutions with the objective of developing a global perspective.

     

    Note: This course is offered both on-campus and online.

  
  • HIS 102 - World Civilization since 1500


    (5-0-5)
    This course is a survey of the modern world examining the cross-cultural currents that accelerated the creation of a global village. The focus of this course are on the Age of Discovery, international trade, colonialism, imperialism, domestic reforms and retrenchment, industrialism, world wars, nationalism, and universalist political and economic ideologies.
  
  • HIS 110 - World Geography


    (5-0-5)
    This course is a survey of world geography and an intensive study of the relationship of human beings to the environment. Climate, topography and natural resources in various regions of the world are examined for their historical effect on the culture, economy and the welfare of population.
  
  • HIS 120 - History of World Religions


    (5-0-5)
    This class will introduce students to a number of religious traditions in their classical formulations and their contemporary practices. This introduction will provide students a framework within which to reflect on their own experiences, as well as prepare them for further academic study in both the humanities and social sciences. Traditions include indigenous practice, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Mu, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other faiths.
  
  • HIS 201 - US History to 1877


    (5-0-5)
    This course is a survey of U.S. history including the English settlement of North America, independence, the U.S. Constitution, the ongoing debate over federal power versus state rights, liberty versus slavery, westward expansion, reform movements, sectional conflict, the Civil War and Reconstruction. The emphasis will be on the political, economic and social development of the United States with slavery and states rights as central themes in the “irrepressible conflict” between the North and the South.
  
  • HIS 202 - US History since 1877


    (5-0-5)
    This course is a survey of U.S. history, including the closing of the West, industrialization, U.S. imperialism, activist presidents, Progressivism, World War I, The Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Revolution, the Great Society, the loss of faith in the U.S. Government and the Reagan Revolution. The course deals with the underlying themes of race relations, social change, U.S. emergence as a world power and the expansion and contraction of power among presidents and the U.S. government.
  
  • HIS 211 - African American History to 1877


    (3-0-3)
    This course is a survey of African American History. This class will discuss the political, social, economic, and psychological developments of African Americans from their discovery in Africa and arrival in America until 1877.
  
  • HIS 212 - African American History since 1877


    (3-0-3)
    This course is a survey of African American History. This class will discuss the political, social, economic, and psychological developments of African Americans from 1877 until the present.
  
  • HIS 428 - U.S. History since 1945


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: HIS 201  or HIS 202 
    This course is intended to offer a more specialized investigation into U.S. history since 1945, such as the Cold War, Civil Rights Revolution, Korea, Vietnam, Great Society, Watergate, the oil crisis and the Reagan Revolution.

Humanities

  
  • HUM 211 - Intercultural Communication


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 102 
    The objective of this course is to provide an overview for the study of communication and culture. We will follow a “culture general” approach to examine the factors that influence communication between persons of different cultures and/or ethnic groups. Applications will often use a cross-cultural format to compare communication and meaning between specific cultures. The focus will be upon isolating similarities and differences in intra-cultural (i.e., communication between members of the same culture and/or co-culture) and intercultural communication.

     

    Note: This course is also available as an online course. 


Life Skills

  
  • LFS 105 - Academic Strategies


    (3-0-3)
    Prerequisite: Placement test or academic probation
    This course is designed to teach specific learning strategies and study skills as well as methods of applying these strategies in various academic situations.  Upon completion of the course, the students will have practiced a variety of techniques for maximizing their time management and academic success.

Management

  
  • MGT 301 - Principles of Management


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: BSN 101  or NTR 209 
    This course is designed to introduce basic principles and concepts of management that are applicable to a variety of organizations. Topics include a history of the study of management, underlying ideas of “schools of management thought,” functional and behavioral aspects of management, and organizational theory.
  
  • MGT 302 - Leadership and Development


    (5-0-5)
    (Prerequisite: MGT 301)
    Leadership/Team Building will focus on people as the main issue of an organization’s ability to succeed. The Leadership/Team Building course paradigm will embrace the principles of fairness, kindness and trustworthiness which makes for better use of people in the organization. Also, this paradigm will show how significant improvements can be made in personnel and organizational effectiveness through true understanding of leadership excellence and its application.
  
  • MGT 325 - Entrepreneurship and Social Change


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: ENG 101 
    This course enables students to utilize pragmatic and results-oriented methods of a business entrepreneur with the goals of a social reformer. The social entrepreneur seeks innovative solutions to social problems that have an impact on society. The student will select an innovative project utilizing techniques of successful social entrepreneurs.
  
  • MGT 330 - Sports Management


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: BSN 101 
    Sports Management offers students a look at the diverse, expanding field of sport and recreation. It is designed to provide a comprehensive look at the basic organizational structures found in the sports industry. Students will examine applications of managerial concepts and processes and the ways in which organizations interact with each other and with the government.
  
  • MGT 401 - Critical Thinking for Organizational Behavior


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: MGT 301 
    The theories of organization and the ways in which the structure, leadership and personality of management influence functions of an organization are discussed in this course.
  
  • MGT 402 - Human Resource Management


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: MGT 301 
    This course is an introduction of major topical areas in personnel. Particular emphasis is placed on the functional areas that form the major occupational categories in personnel. It includes basic concepts in employment planning, selection and placement, training and development, employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits, health, safety and security.
  
  • MGT 404 - International Management


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: MGT 301 
    This is a survey course introducing students to the considerations involved in the generation, maintenance, and control of international flows of people, information, funds, goods and services for commercial purposes, publics (employees, communities, media, investors), and organizational decision making.
  
  • MGT 415 - Entrepreneurship & Small Business Strategies


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisites: ACT 202 , CIM 305 , MGT 301 and MKT 301 
    In this course, emphasis is placed upon the essentials of Entrepreneurship and the operation of a small business enterprise. Participants will be given practice in “recognizing a need” and determining how to best meet the need identified. The participant also learns the fundamentals of starting a small business, i.e. locating funding determining best geographic location, when to hire additional personnel, organizing a project from beginning to end, eliminating the waste of project time and money, and to spot problems before they become critical. Material will also cover the essentials of expansion of existing small business, which include market research, market feasibility analysis, financial analysis, pro-forma budgets, income, and profit and loss statements.
  
  • MGT 441-445 - Internship

    *This course can be repeated.
    (1 to 5*)
    Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
    This course is designed to provide students with community-based learning experience in the field of management or directed studies. To register, the student must obtain prior written approval from the Program Coordinator for Business. *(Credits are determined according to the following: four hours worked equals one credit, six hours worked equals two credits, eight hours worked equals three credits, 10 hours worked equals four credits, 12 hours worked equals five credits.) Up to 15 credits may be taken in this category.
  
  • MGT 450 - Systems Theory Applied to Business Policy


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisites: FIN 303 ; MGT 301  and Min. 145 cr.
    The course is a capstone course for several business disciplines, serving to prepare the student to conceptualize and formulate overall organizational policy and strategy.
  
  • MGT 460 - Senior Research Project Report


    (3-0-3)
    Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
    This course is designed to provide the student an understanding of the process required for academic research. The course will start with an overview of research methodology and then continue with developing the theme of how managers used research techniques to manage and make informal decisions.
  
  • MGT 461 - Senior Research Project Report


    (3-0-3)
    Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
    This course is a continuation of MGT 460  where an accepted proposal for a research project provides the starting point for this course. In this course students will be required to finish their research project by writing a research report and be required to orally defend the report to the business faculty.
  
  • MGT 470 - Event Planning


    Prerequisites: BSN 101 ; MAT 100 /MAT 101  or MAT 102 /MAT 103 
    Students in Event Management will study concepts regarding the creative, technical and logistical components of successful events that may be public or private/personal activities. Event Management involves planning, launching and post-event evaluation of activities that may be social, charitable, sports, musical, business or cultural - just to name a few. The students will apply project planning software in their planning, managing and completion of event activities.
  
  • MGT 488 - Current Topics & Challenges in Sports Management


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: BSN 101 
    This course presents investigation and exploration of selected topics and challenges in sports management related to the current technologies, marketing and management challenges related to the sports environment. 
  
  • PMT 301 - Principles of Project Management


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: CIM 305  and MGT 401  
    Principles of Project Management (PM) will include the concepts of PM, methods, techniques and tools available to the project manager, planning needs, scheduling, how to organize and control the routine activities of a project, and budget/performance objectives. Area of study will include projects in contemporary organizations, system development cycle, organizational behavior, participation and teamwork, conflict and stress in projects, and project control.

Marketing

  
  • MKT 301 - Principles of Marketing


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: BSN 101 
    This course presents marketing concepts and activities relating to the flow of goods and services to the consumer.
  
  • MKT 320 - Entrepreneurship and Social Media


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: CIM 101 
    This course will examine entrepreneurship and the use of social media as a catalyst for new business ventures, providing an interactive marketing tool and medium for social, non-profit and for-profit entrepreneurs. The students will analyze various written sources, models and case studies for increasing creativity and marketing effectiveness and efficiency; strategies for evaluating and planning websites; and how to use social media blogs, news releases, podcasts and viral marketing to reach the end-user (consumer) of their chosen service or product. Achieving positive customer relationships that are continuous is the goal for successful entrepreneurs.
  
  • MKT 340 - Marketing Research


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: MKT 301 
    This Marketing Research course provides an interactive experience for students to act as a marketing researcher, to learn about the marketing research process and to gain an understanding of these steps. A uniform case study is used to give students an opportunity to define their problem, collect their data, analyze the data, and either prove or disprove their hypothesis. SPSS, a statistical software widely used in the marketing research industry today, is included to aid students in analyzing their data.
  
  • MKT 360 - Advertising and Product Branding


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: MKT 301 
    Amongst multi-disciplinary courses, advertising stands out eminently. Advertising borrows from several disciplines: the arts, social sciences, and business. The course covers advertising design, copywriting, selection of media, analysis of cost-effectiveness of advertising, and Internet advertising techniques.
  
  • MKT 370 - Sports Marketing


    Prerequisite: BSN 101 
    The Sports Marketing course provides an overview of the principles and practices of promotions and marketing in the sports industry. Topics include sports marketing planning, market segmentation and identification of the target market, sport marketing mix and sponsorship.
  
  • MKT 450 - International Marketing


    (5-0-5)
    Prerequisite: MKT 301 
    As global economic growth occurs, understanding marketing in all cultures is increasingly becoming important. The course focuses on marketing strategies and management within the context of international and global markets.

Master of Psychology

  
  • MPSY 6000 - Introduction to Positive Psychology


    (5 cr)
    This course will provide an introduction to positive psychology. It is designed to explore the research behind the concepts, techniques, and exercises that enhance well-being. The format of the course will be didactic, experiential and interactive. Assigned readings will be given weekly.
  
  • MPSY 6040 - The Evolution of Coaching


    (5 cr)
    During this course, students will explore the history of coaching through the psychological theories and therapies, as well as the social and spiritual movements out of which coaching has evolved. As coaches, students need to know where their core ideas come from. Furnished with such knowledge, students have access to a much more flexible toolkit, and are in a better position to judge where and when to call on one technique or model rather than another.
  
  • MPSY 6050 - Introduction to Secular Ethics


    (4 cr)
    This course covers topics in psychology, neuroscience, and moral philosophy-it will examine the case for and against secular ethics, and explore its relationship with positive psychology and contemplative science.
  
  • MPSY 6100 - Theories and Techniques of Coaching Psychology


    (5 cr)
    Students will be focused on learning the fundamental skills of coaching, and laying the foundation for sound contemporary coaching practice. Drawing on established approaches from positive psychology and traditional psychology, students will be trained in the core micro skills of coaching. Practical experience of self-coaching and co-coaching are central aspects of this course, requiring students to apply self-coaching strategies to their own lives.
  
  • MPSY 6150 - The Psychology of Forgiveness


    (4 cr)
    In this course, students examine the psychological research on forgiveness as a complex construct involving cognitive, affective, motivational and behavioral aspects. Students also look closely at techniques for cultivating forgiveness found in the contemplative traditions, focusing in particular on a classic Indian text, Shantideva’s “Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life,” the sixth chapter of which is a handbook on forgiveness and how to deal with anger and resentment. Students will explore these concepts not only theoretically, but also through practical exercises in order to complement students’ understanding with a phenomenological account of forgiveness.
  
  • MPSY 6200 - Positive Leadership: Empowerment and Self-Management


    (5 cr)
    Prerequisite: MPSY 6000 
    Drawing on psychological research at the level of the individual, group and organization, the class focuses on leadership development as it applies to politics, business, social enterprise, and education. Topics include goal setting, ethics, story-telling, charisma, systems thinking, and crucible experiences.
  
  • MPSY 6240 - Positive Approaches to Leadership


    (5 cr)
    Drawing on psychological research at the level of the individual, group and organization, the class focuses on leadership development as it applies to politics, business, social enterprise, and education. Topics include goal setting, ethics, story-telling, charisma, systems thinking, and crucible experiences.
  
  • MPSY 6250 - Workplace Coaching


    (5 cr)
    This course will be focused on expanding students’ coaching repertoire by expanding their knowledge of Business Coaching, including corporate, executive, team and small business coaching.
  
  • MPSY 6300 - The Science of Happiness: Approaches to the Good Life


    (5 cr)
    This course focuses on the science of happiness, integrating findings from positive psychology, psychiatry, behavioral genetics, neuroscience and behavioral economics. Over the course of the semester, students will consider the genetics of happiness, including the notion of a biologically determined hedonic set point, the brain’s pleasure circuitry, and the mind’s power to frame events positively, a tool used with great success in cognitive therapies. Students will question an idea that has gained prevalence since the Enlightenment: that pleasure and happiness are our purpose.
  
  • MPSY 6350 - Foundations of Contemplative Science


    (4 cr)
    This class will provide an introduction to contemplative science that includes both the practice of contemplative techniques and the ways they can be studied and evaluated scientifically, focusing on the most important research findings, paradigms and challenges in this emerging field, and providing a basis for further coursework in the Contemplative Science and Secular Ethics track.
  
  • MPSY 6380 - Mindfulness Meditation Lab


    (2.0 Credits. Pass/Fail)
    This course will provide students with training in three main forms of meditation being commonly practiced today: mindfulness meditation, insight (vipassana) meditation, and loving kindness (metta) meditation. While spiritual in nature-in the sense that they foster the development of inner values, peace of mind, insight into one’s own mental processes, and kindness toward others-these meditations are secular and universal, and therefore appropriate for individuals of any (or no) religious affiliation. Although these meditations have been shown to have demonstrable psychological and physical health benefits, the focus of this course will be on the actual practice of the meditation, rather than on meditation theory and the scientific study of meditation.
  
  • MPSY 6400 - Vitalism, Stress Management & The Science of Well-Being


    (3 cr)
    Prerequisite: MPSY 6000 
    This course integrates related findings from the fields of personality psychology, behavioral economics, behavioral genetics, neuroscience and social psychology. Particular focus on the conceptions and practices of well-being as a function of sociocultural context (e.g., nation, region, gender, age, and social class). Limited enrollment. Preference given to students who have taken Cultural Psychology. Application required. Class sessions will be comprised of short lectures followed by group discussions regarding the lectures, readings, films, and weekly experimentation with various wellbeing enhancement techniques.
  
  • MPSY 6440 - Character Strengths and Virtues


    (3 cr)
    Prerequisite: MPSY 6000 
    This course will provide an introduction to “Positive Psychology,” the empirical study of what permits humans to flourish or, as described by Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000), “[the] science of positive subjective experience, positive traits, and positive institutions.” Students will concentrate on studying positive traits or virtues but will also touch on research on positive subjective experience and positive institutions. Students will begin with an overview of the agenda of this new movement in psychology and discussion of a framework for studying virtues. Students will next sample philosophical and religious approaches to cultivating virtues so that they will be able to compare these approaches to scientific approaches. The next section of the course will be a survey of scientific studies of several different virtues, including a two-week section on optimism so that students have an in-depth exposure to at least one program of research in this area. Students will end by studying the application of positive psychology to several important areas such as health and youth development.
  
  • MPSY 6450 - Positive Psychology: Thriving and Flourishing


    (3 cr)
    Prerequisite: MPSY 6000 
    This course will provide an overview of the emerging field of ‘Positive Psychology.’ Students will be provided with opportunities to understand theory and research pertaining to the psychology of human strengths, assets, abilities and talents. Knowledge gains will be reinforced with personalized experiential learning exercises.
  
  • MPSY 6480 - Positive Psychology of Meaning


    (4 cr)
    Prerequisite: MPSY 6000 
    This course is organized around the proposition that people are meaning-seeking and meaning-making creatures, motivated to lead a life that is happy, fulfilling and worth living. This course examines contemporary research on meaning as the central construct in different areas of positive psychology, such as life satisfaction, health, and resilience. It also explores the clinical implications of the meaning advantage.
  
  • MPSY 6500 - Research Methods and Statistics


    (5 cr)
    Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission
    This course will provide a basic introduction to the different types of research methods in Psychology, as well as the descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The course offers a brief introduction to the philosophical underpinnings of research inquiry. Major topics include: the use of scientific method in psychology, hypothesis formation, research study design, ethics, and data analysis and interpretation. Emphasis will be placed on the establishment of appropriate connections between research questions and methodologies. Students will discuss the process of research as it relates to each approach. This process includes writing an introduction, specifying a purpose statement, and developing research questions and/or hypotheses. This course will also discuss the methods and procedures for quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies.
  
  • MPSY 6540 - Program Evaluation


    (5 cr)
    Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission
    Students will learn about different types of program evaluation, including needs assessment, formative research, process evaluation, monitoring of outputs and outcomes, impact assessment, and cost analysis. Students gain practical experience through a series of exercises involving the design of a conceptual framework, development of indicators, analysis of computerized service statistics, and development of an evaluation plan to measure impact. This course covers experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental study designs, including the strengths and limitations of each.
  
  • MPSY 6550 - The Art of Self-Care: Mindfulness, Meditation, and the Mind/Body Connection


    (4 cr)
    This course will examine mindfulness, loving kindness, and insight styles of meditation in both their traditional Buddhist and contemporary presentations, as well as the growing scientific literature on mindfulness and its effects. It will also provide students with personal training through first-person engagement with mindfulness and insight meditation practices.
  
  • MPSY 6580 - Positive Organizational Scholarship and Human Flourishing


    (5 cr)
    This course invites students to explore the opportunities presented by two vibrant and emerging fields: Positive Psychology and Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS).
  
  • MPSY 6640 - Contemplative Retreat Supervision


    (5cr)
    Prerequisites: MPSY 6350  and MPSY 6550  and at least two quarters of MPSY 6380 
    This course enables students in the Contemplative Science and Secular Ethics track to engage in a taught meditation retreat with supervision from a faculty member in the track to gain first-person experiential and reflective knowledge of contemplative practice.
  
  • MPSY 6650 - Applied Positive Psychology Coaching


    (5 cr)
    This course will focus on the growing positive psychology evidence base as it relates to coaching applications. In short, positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. It is a rich and growing field, and aligns perfectly with coaching: both assume people are basically healthy, resourceful, and motivated to grow. Students will explore recent research in positive psychology and how it builds upon current coaching practice to help refine it. Students will also learn the importance of relationships, autonomy and achievement in the coaching process.
  
  • MPSY 6660 - Secular Ethics and Contemplative Pedagogy in Education


    (4 cr)
    Prerequisites: MPSY 6050 MPSY 6350 
    This course investigates how to best introduce the cultivation of basic human values and contemplative practices into education on the basis of sound research, assessment, a developmental psychological approach, and a firm grounding in the pertinent theories of emotions, conflict resolution, contemplative practice, and social and emotional intelligence. Students will look at existing evidence-based programs and research and design an intervention that builds on existing programs and research, or propose an innovative research design for evaluating such programs.
  
  • MPSY 6700 - Mindfulness Based Cognitive-Behavioral Coaching


    (5 cr)
    This course will focus on the exploration of various aspects of coaching from a mindfulness based cognitive-behavioral framework. Topics including procrastination, stress, performance, self-esteem, perfectionism, goal selection and Socratic questioning will be discussed using illustrative in-depth coach-coachee dialogues. Students will gain an understanding of positive psychology interventions such as mindfulness, meditation and cognitive-based compassion and their applications to coaching individuals and teams.
  
  • MPSY 6750 - The Psychology of Group Coaching


    (5 cr)
    This course will focus on providing a foundation for group coaching -what it is and how it differs from one-on-one coaching. Throughout the course, students will explore this evolving area of coaching as students learn practical methods for designing, implementing and marketing group coaching programs.
  
  • MPSY 6800 - Compassion: Science, Theory and Practice


    (4 cr)
    Prerequisites: MPSY 6050  and MPSY 6350 
    In this course, students will focus on a protocol that employs analytical meditation to cultivate compassion, namely Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT), that is currently utilized in health-related and educational contexts, and that has been examined scientifically in a number of studies. Students will examine its theory, including its background in the Tibetan Buddhist lojong tradition; review the scientific research that has been conducted on it; and learn the practice itself through first-hand experience of its eight stages.
  
  • MPSY 6840 - Compassion Meditation Lab

    *This course can be repeated.
    (2 cr Pass/Fail)
    This course will provide students with training in Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT), a secularized meditation protocol for developing compassion towards oneself and others. Through a systematic, eight-step process, CBCT employs analytical meditation alongside non-analytical techniques to foster insight into one’s own mental experiences, self-compassion and resilience, gratitude and forgiveness, empathy, and unbiased compassion. Students will be guided through this process in weekly meditation sessions. Although CBCT has shown to have demonstrable psychological and physical health benefits, the focus of this course will be on the actual practice of the meditation, rather than on meditation theory and the scientific study of meditation.
  
  • MPSY 6850 - Advanced Seminar in Contemplative Psychology


    (4 cr)
    Prerequisites: MPSY 6500 , MPSY 6550 , MPSY 6800 
    This course provides students with an opportunity to engage in an in-depth examination of one specific contemplative tradition through the lens of both traditional texts and sources and contemporary psychology and neuroscience, in order to see what contemplative psychology has to offer positive psychology, and vice versa. The format will be seminar-style. The specific contemplative tradition to be examined can vary depending on instructor expertise and student interest, and possible topics include the Tibetan lojong or ‘mind training’ tradition; the medieval Christian contemplative tradition; or Sufi spirituality. The psychological, cognitive science, and neuroscientific literature presented will focus on research on emotions and emotion regulation, areas that are particularly amenable to comparisons with contemplative psychologies that largely focus on transforming emotional patterns.
  
  • MPSY 6880 - Positive Psychology Capstone


    (1 credit)
    Prerequisites: MPSY 6500  and MPSY 6000 
    The primary aim of this capstone course is to allow students to reflect on what they have learned in previous positive psychology courses, to see how the various areas of research interrelate with each other and with the world, to see how students can use positive psychology in their lives and careers, and to polish students’ writing and presentation skills in preparation for the world after graduation.
  
  • MPSY 6890 - Positive Psychology Capstone


    (1 credit)
    Prerequisites: MPSY 6880 
    The primary aim of this capstone course is to allow students to reflect on what they have learned in previous positive psychology courses, to see how the various areas of research interrelate with each other and with the world, to see how students can use positive psychology in their lives and careers, and to polish students’ writing and presentation skills in preparation for the world after graduation.
  
  • MPSY 6900 - Contemplative Science and Secular Ethics Practicum


    (1-5 credits)
    Prerequisites: Completion of all required courses in the Contemplative Science and Secular Ethics track and at least 3 quarters of Meditation Lab courses (MPSY 6380 .
    This course enables students in the Contemplative Science and Secular Ethics track to engage in a training practicum that will place them in a setting where they can (a) create an intervention related to contemplative science and secular ethics or adapt an existing intervention to a specific population; and (b) implement such an intervention (either the one they designed or an established protocol). Typical settings would include educational and clinical settings, such as a local school. Students may also be involved in participating in on-going meditation studies taking place in the Atlanta area, where they would serve in capacities such as meditation instructor or assistant meditation instructor.
  
  • MPSY 6950 - Contemplative Science and Secular Ethics Research Project

    *This course can be repeated.
    Total Credit Hours: (15 credit hours-5 Fall, 5 Winter, and 5 Spring)
    Prerequisites: MPSY 6500  and completion of all required core courses in the Contemplative Science and Secular Ethics track.
    This course is for students who will submit a thesis based on an independent research project in the Contemplative Science and Secular Ethics track. Students will be given the opportunity to carry out a research project on a topic related to positive psychology, contemplative science and secular ethics, with the approval and supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. Students should already have identified a research issue early in their course of study and prior to enrollment in this course, and must also have completed the necessary prerequisites in research methods and any other coursework necessary for the successful completion of their project.
  
  • MPSY 6990 - Comprehensive Exam


    (0 cr)
    Prerequisite: Must be taken during final quarter of program with instructor permission
    Comprehensive examination related to general and coaching track. 

Master of Sport Health Science

  
  • MSHS 5410 - Physiological Therapeutics – Adjunct Procedures


    (3-2-4)
    This course is designed for those who will be utilizing physiological therapeutic modalities to augment their treatment and care programs. Instruction on the use of various electrotherapy, acoustical, and mechanical devices, as well as safe and effective treatment procedures are covered. (Note: only three (3) credits will transfer to DC Program.)
  
  • MSHS 5430 - Physiological Therapeutics – Rehabilitative Procedures


    (3-2-4)
    This course is designed for the student who will be utilizing rehabilitative procedures in conjunction with various modalities to augment their treatment and care programs. Instruction on therapeutic/rehabilitative exercises and treatment protocols are covered. Also included are discussions on the use of thermotherapies and soft tissue work in conjunction with exercise. (Note: only three (3) credits will transfer to DC Program.)
  
  • MSHS 6000 - Exercise Physiology


    (4-0-4)
    This course offers the study of the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise in terms of how they relate to human performance limitations, training effects, and health-related benefits. Emphasis will be given to a study of the components of physical fitness. Exercise metabolism and nutrition will be covered.

     

    *Please note that the course description has been updated since the publication of this Catalog (See Catalog Addenda  for additional details):

    This course will examine the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise relative to human performance, limitations, training effects, and health-related benefits. Basic and applied exercise physiology as well as exercise metabolism and physical fitness concepts will be covered.

  
  • MSHS 6020 - Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology


    (4-0-4)
    Prerequisite: MSHS 6000 
    This course offers the study of the responses of the cardiorespiratory system to physical activity, as well as the adaptations to exercise training. Topics covered include energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, cardiovascular responses (acute and chronic) to training, physiological control mechanisms, and physiological changes due to diseased states and various environmental conditions.
  
  • MSHS 6040 - Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology


    (4-0-4)
    Prerequisite: MSHS 6000 
    This course will examine the relationship between neuromuscular structure and function with an emphasis on understanding the acute responses and chronic adaptations of skeletal muscle to exercise and training. Topics discussed include the biochemical and morphological characteristics of skeletal muscle fibers, neural regulation, and bioenergetics of muscular contraction and fatigue, and muscle plasticity as related to development, growth and adaptation.
  
  • MSHS 6050 - Evaluation Fundamentals


    (2-0-2)
    This course provides the student with an introduction to the injury evaluation principles of patient care. Topics include: patient interviewing and history taking, medical documentation, monitoring vital signs, positioning, transfers, the use of assistive equipment for ADL activities, gait instruction, and wheelchair prescription and training. Students will also be introduced to goniometry, manual muscle testing, reflex testing and sensory testing.
  
  • MSHS 6100 - Exercise Electrocardiography (EKG)


    (3-2-4)
    This course offers the study of the electrical activity of the heart and its mechanical function with emphasis on arrhythmia and 12-lead interpretation. Topics discussed include cardiovascular structure and function, EKG interpretation, stress testing protocols and ergometry used in the clinical setting, and interpretation of EKG/GXT data in various patient populations.
  
  • MSHS 6120 - Exercise Testing & Prescription


    (3-2-4)
    Prerequisite: MSHS 6000 
    This course offers the study of the fundamental principles of exercise testing and prescription for healthy and diseased states. Ergometry commonly employed in human performance labs, clinical settings and health clubs will be evaluated. Topics discussed include medical screening, strength testing, power and flexibility, anaerobic and aerobic fitness assessment, body composition, exercise prescription and metabolic calculations.
  
  • MSHS 6220 - Nutrition for Fitness and Sport


    (4-0-4)
    Prerequisite: MSHS 6000 
    The course examines the nutritional requirements of fitness enthusiasts and athletes in relation to metabolism during exercise and recovery. The relationship of exercise and diet to health and disease is also examined.
 

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