Description:

The course will focus on learning how to apply psychological principles in order to better understand one's own experience (cognitive, behavioral and emotional) and that of other people. This course is not a substitute for Introduction to Psychology and will not meet the prerequisite requirement for advanced psychology courses. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe, integrate and apply the theoretical systems in psychology to the self and others.
2. Recognize and apply behavior management principles to one's self and others.
3. Observe and begin to modify cognitive, emotional and behavioral aspects of the self.
4. Relate cognitive approaches to improving one's intellectual functioning and in managing interpersonal conflict.
5. Explore various areas of interpersonal relationships.
6. Differentiate between the lay use of psychological principles and trained professional operating within a traditional organized social service community.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Theoretical Frameworks
   A. Identify the Humanistic, Behavioral, Psychoanalytical and Cognitive
approaches.
   B. Distinguish the role each theory has in psychological functioning
and in therapy.
   C. Apply the different theoretical approaches to self and others.

II. Self and Person Perception
   A. Explain and relate principles of the Psychoanalytic,
Neo-Psychoanalytic, and Transactional analysis to life-span development
issues.
   B. Examine and evaluate self-schema and how thinking influences
attributions about self.
   C. Judge problems and issues of person perception to attitudes,
stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and conflict resolution.
   D. Attempt to change ways of thinking about self.
   E. Be sensitive to gender and cultural diversity.
   F. Explore one's relationships including in love, sexuality, 
loneliness and solitude.
   G. Identify views toward death and dying.

III. Behavioral Change
   A. Record various behaviors and select areas for self-change.
   B. Study one's time management, learning, assertiveness and
communication styles.
   C. Communicate and develop a plan to survey one's  view of self which
includes one's values, goals, decision-making and emotional coping
styles.
   D. Determine factors for organizational/societal change.
   E. Personalize components involved in career planning.
   F. Plan strategies to cope with stress and evaluate how present life
style decisions influence future health.
   G. Describe sexually transmitted diseases and evaluate ways of
preventing their occurrence.
   H. Distinguish how different mental health professionals can facilitate
personal change and growth.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

      A minimum of four examinations               50% of grade

      Class project involving a personal behavior 
         change over the semester                  25% of grade

      Personal journal that includes reaction to
         each class session and relevant book 
         and/or handout assignments                25% of grade
                                                  100%

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.