This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to examine their life-space; to envision alternative possibilities in their personal and professional growth; and to foster the development of creative changes toward their future life-career. This course has two essential aspects. First, the theoretical and academic aspect in which the focus of the class and text is on major psychological theories and their applications for everyday life. Second, the experiential aspect in which the students are encouraged to participate in growthful exercises individually and in group situations. The course involves the various areas of life including relationships to family members, to friends and associates, and to professional colleagues. This course includes a Service-Learning and Community Engaged (SL/CE) component.

Supporting parents in the discovery of the child’s development from pre-natal to adolescent explosions, Parenting Children and Adolescents will give parents tools to be knowledgeable about appropriate actions and reactions in all stages of their child’s lives. This course will use strengths-based approaches to helping parents expand on what they are already doing well in helping them achieve their goals for supporting and interacting with their children.

Students will investigate and put into practice the various styles and methods of communicating publicly, from notes, ex tempore, memorized, and reading aloud.  Students will learn the skills relevant to good speech communication: conception, organization, techniques of generating interest, the use of audio-visual aids, audience inclusion and involvement, and overcoming performance apprehension.