The goal of this course is to provide learners with a thorough understanding of the strategic, political, legal and organizational challenges associated with leading in times of crisis. The course addresses the implications and challenges of policy across local, state, and federal governments, as well as constitutional rights, legal protections, and civil liberties. Several case studies are examined that have implications for political and business leaders.

Preparation for writing and defense of an original research project (thesis), entailing a review of social science research methods and examination of a student-selected topic to be explored in greater depth in POL 415. Students will prepare a detailed annotated bibliography/literature review and research design for use in research for the thesis (completed in POL 415). POL 371 and POL 415 should be completed in consecutive fall/spring semesters in either the Junior or Senior year. HIST 371 may be substituted with the permission of the department/program chair.

Writing and defense of an original research project (thesis). Formal oral presentation to the seminar class (open to the academic community), followed by submission of a polished scholarly paper. POL 371 and POL 415 should be completed in consecutive fall/spring semesters in either the Junior or Senior year. HIST 415 may be substituted with the permission of the department/program chair.

Introductory examination of the fundamental concepts of psychology with particular emphasis on the description of normal human behavior, the methodology by which it is studied, and the factors influencing its modification.

Examination of adolescent development from middle childhood through young adult in each of the following areas: physical growth, cognitive and language development, and social/emotional changes. The course integrates major theoretical approaches to development and shows how each applies to the various developmental stages.

Examination of child development from the prenatal stage through age 10 in each of the following areas: physical growth, cognitive and language development, and social/emotional changes. The course integrates major theoretical approaches to development and shows how each approach relates to each developmental stage.

Covers many aspects of the intersection between culture and psychological phenomena, including development, cognition, communication, social behavior and psychopathology, with special emphasis placed on non-Western cultures.

Fundamental concepts of statistics for the behavioral sciences: measures of central tendency and variability, transformed scores, the normal distribution, probability, tests of significance, correlation, regression, chi square, and analysis of variance.

The study and application of the necessary skills for comprehensive career planning. These include: self-assessment, career decision-making, resume preparation, interviewing and job search techniques.