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Student Handbook: Core Course Descriptions

All students in the MA program complete these courses, in addition to the courses for their specific track, to fulfill the requirements of the Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science degree.

 

BH5101 Adult and Experiential Learning (2 credits)

The ability to learn effectively from one's experience is a core competency required both to thrive in an experiential learning community and to lead in an increasingly chaotic and turbulent world. In this course, students learn how to position themselves as proactive life-long learners in the LIOS/Bastyr University community and in the world at large. They will discover how their unique learning style influences their approach to learning, leading and teaching others. Students participate in activities that lead to the creation of the self-directed learning plan for each year of the master's program.

BH5103 Human Diversity in Systems (3 credits)

Credits vary by quarter for a total of three. In this course, students apply the theories of Hall, Bennett and Allen-Agbro to explore the characteristics of diverse cultural paradigms and systems, understand the influence and dynamics of their own cultures of origin and identity, and examine the impact of power and dominance in systems and in interpersonal and intergroup relations. Focusing on issues of age, race and ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual/affectional orientation and religion, students develop self-awareness, intercultural communication skills and practitioner competencies. Special attention is given to creating healthy cross-cultural and power relationships in systems.

BH5105 Group Membership (3 credits)

This course focuses on the development of fundamental interpersonal communication skills, self-awareness and effective participation in groups from the member role. Students learn the skills required of self-defined, self-correcting, open learners and practitioners by participating in an intensive, small group, learning laboratory based on Lewin's T-Group model. Emphasis is given to the importance of gender in its relationship to individual behavior and personality development in the adult life cycle.

BH5106 Group Development (3 credits)

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Credits vary by quarter for a total of three. This course provides an overview of the major theories of group process and group development. Students develop facilitation skills focused on enhancing healthy group development and influencing effective group process by participating in an intensive, small group learning laboratory based on Lewin's T-Group model. Emphasis is given to the importance of gender in its relationship to interpersonal interaction, group process and group development.

BH5108 Family of Origin Theory and Practice (2 credits)

Credits vary by quarter for a total of two. Students apply the theories of Bowen, Williamson, Friedman and Framo to the exploration of their own family of origin histories and issues. Emphasis is placed on the student's identification and resolution of key family of origin issues, leading to increased personal and professional competence. Special attention is given to connecting these issues to the student's effective functioning in practitioner roles and work systems through participation in small group and personal activities.

BH5112 Systems Theory in the Applied Behavioral Sciences (2 credits)

Credits vary by quarter for a total of two. In this course, students learn the key principles of systems theory and apply them within the LIOS/Bastyr learning community. This course will lay the groundwork for the student's ongoing examination of the relationship of self in systems, surfacing the inherent paradoxes and polarities contained therein. Students will be encouraged to see the systems of which they are a part as emerging narratives in which they play a role.

BH5118 Statistics and Research Methodologies (4 credits)

Credits vary by quarter for a total of four. This course provides an overview of basic statistics used in the social sciences, and reviews the principles of empirical investigation and the primary research methods used in the social sciences. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of conducting research will be reviewed. Emphasis is given to evaluating, interpreting, and critiquing published research. Empirical research will be examined within a larger exploration of epistemology and the development of the critical thinking skills necessary in the evolution of all knowledge.

BH5122 Organizational Development (4 credits)

Credits vary by quarter for a total of four. This course focuses on the fundamental theories and skills of influencing effective organizational functioning and change from the member or employee role. Essential elements of work team and organizational development, emphasizing key process and maintenance issues, are presented and integrated through learning laboratory activities. The interactive nature of the relationship between individuals and their organizational context is examined. Special emphasis is placed on a systemic approach to understanding the influence of member behavior (functional or pathological) on organizational health.

BH5127 Fundamentals of the Counseling and Coaching Relationship (3 credits)

This course presents theories of interpersonal dynamics emphasizing the systems perspective in the circular relationship between helper and helpee. Based on this systems perspective, focus is placed on the practitioner skills essential to creating and maintaining an effective helping relationship. The foundational principles of Rogers' and Carkhuff's work are supplemented by the related communication and human relation skills of Wallen, Short and Miller, and Nunnaly and Wackman in a skill practice format emphasizing the counseling/coaching relationship and approach to resolving human problems.

BH5133 Creating Healthy Social Systems (2 credits)

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This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of what constitutes well-functioning organizations. Using the theories of Short, the class covers the elements of the learning organization, the roles of sponsor/agent/target/advocate and the four sectors or contexts in which companies and organizations are involved. A learning laboratory experience is used to integrate the key concepts.

BH6100 Group Leadership (3 credits)

This course presents major theories of group leadership. Students are placed in the leader role to develop skills in guiding groups through appropriate stages of development in an intensive small group learning laboratory based on Lewin's T-Group model. Emphasis is given to the importance of gender in its relationship to leadership theory and skills.