Spring Course Descriptions
To view the course description, click on the title.
DISB 3005 advanced, liberal
Instructor: Anamaria Ross, Ph.D
This course explores the diverse and growing ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) as a biocultural and biomedical phenomenon: its sociocultural context, current debates and controversies surrounding diagnosis, and popular treatments. Alongside increasing rates of autism and dyslexia, the US ADHD epidemic inspired neurodiversity advocates to speak against the medicalization of persons who are developmentally and neurologically different, for the recognition that each individual presents a unique blend of liabilities and strengths. A common feature of spectrum disorders, ADHD varies in presentation - symptomatology and severity - as well as its impact on daily functioning. While ADHD behaviors are commonly viewed as a handicap in classrooms and urban environments, new evidence suggests it confers strengths in other settings. This study provides the student with multiple opportunities to gain a more nuanced understanding of ADHD and the type of services that are provided to these individuals. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior and Skills.
Meets SUNY General Education requirements?
no
CHFS 3020 advanced, liberal
Instructor: Debra Kram-Fernandez, Ph.D
This course provides students with an overview of theories, research, and interventions related to childhood stress and trauma and their effects into adulthood. Students will learn the signs and symptoms of stress and trauma, as well as strategies to help children cope and develop resiliency. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior, Skills and Application and Integration.
Meets SUNY General Education requirements?
no
CHFS 4005 advanced, liberal
Instructor: Debra Kram-Fernandez, Ph.D
This course focuses on the theory and practice of cognitive and behavioral interventions in human services. This course will examine several common problems that effect children, adolescents, and adults, and students will learn techniques and skills to address these problems. Students will also learn about the cognitive concept of “schema” in cognitive theory; and how this relates to issues of power and privilege. A schema lens can deepen our understanding of how we maintain stratification, power, and oppression, and invite an exploration of cognitive strategies for addressing social problems. This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Skills and Diversity.
Meets SUNY General Education requirements?
no
DISB 2005 introductory, liberal
Instructor: Debra Kram-Fernandez, Ph.D
Children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (autism, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger’s syndrome) have reported experiencing the world differently than children in the general population. Social skills deficits, sensory and communication issues, and stereotypic behaviors that can cause alienation from peers, put these young people at risk of falling behind their peers in social, cognitive and emotional achievements. The purpose of this course is threefold: First, to understand the needs of young people with traits of autism spectrum disorders, (how are they diagnosed? What are theories of causation? What do symptoms look like? What are goals of treatment or intervention)? Second, what are the healing elements of art therapy, and what does the literature say about the effectiveness of art and art therapy for children with these disorders? Third, what are some techniques that students can add to their repertoire of ways of engaging and assisting these young people This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Service Delivery, Skills, and Diversity.
Meets SUNY General Education requirements?
no
HLHS 4010 advanced, liberal
Instructor: Debra Kram-Fernandez, Ph.D
This course will research and analyze the idea and experience of happiness by examining different theories of happiness from diverse perspectives. What does it mean to be happy? And how best do we go about finding happiness? The goal of the course is to provide the student the opportunity to develop a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the history upon which this issue stands and the ability to apply that knowledge to the contemporary debate. This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior and Skills & Application.
Meets SUNY General Education requirements?
no
CHFS 4025 advanced, liberal
Instructor: Anamaria Ross, Ph.D
This course integrates biological and cultural approaches to pregnancy and parenting, drawing on critical perspectives from anthropology, human development, epigenetics, sociology and public/global health. The student has the opportunity to examine the impact of biological and cultural diversity, along with environmental factors, while considering current theories and contemporary trends, local and global. The student will also explore recent literature on the biocultural, evolutionary, and life-course perspectives on pregnancy and parenting, which has shown that early life environment shapes future health, from pre-conception to adolescence. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior.
Meets SUNY General Education requirements?
no
INMS 3056 advanced, liberal
Instructor: Marie Pennucci
Learn about stories and their implications for leadership in diverse fields. Case studies include business, human services, political science, nursing, cultural leaders, and community activists. This rich mix of approaches allows students to understand how 'stories' will be received in a wide range of potential leadership situations. Students will learn about story structures, and how the skillful creation and articulation of stories is a fundamental part of the leader's vocation. Students will learn to assess how leaders utilize storytelling to frame issues, and how they update personal, political, community, and corporate stories to open opportunities in the face of change. Related courses may be disciplinary rather than interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary; for example: leadership courses specific to nursing, political science, or business.
Meets SUNY General Education requirements?
yes, humanities
INMS 3056 advanced, liberal, 2 credits
Instructor: Bhuwan Onta
This course draws upon bio-psycho-social insights from anthropology, human development, integrative medicine, and psychology, to explore applications, benefits and theories that pertain to mindfulness methodologies in relation to work environments and the workplace.
Meets SUNY General Education requirements?
no
INMS 2996 introductory, liberal, 2 credits
Instructor: Drbra Kram-Fernandez, Ph.D
The purpose of this course is twofold. While physical benefits of a daily yoga practice are well-known and abundant, the beauty of yoga lies in the tools for healthy living that can be taken off the yoga mat. Many current schools of psychotherapy incorporate yogic principles or philosophy. The word "yoga" means to yolk or to bring together. Yoga practice brings together the physical, the mind, and the spiritual. We will engage in four, once monthly, virtual group practice sessions and exploration of two texts. This course will introduce learners to the stages/limbs of yoga that move through ideas of morals and values, self-discipline, physical yoga the yoga postures, breathwork, attention to all clarity in all senses, and ultimately harmony and integration. There are many interpretations of the ancient yogic texts. This course will combine an overview of key principles and experiential yoga practice.
Meets SUNY General Education requirements?
no