PSYC 140 Psychology of Positive Adjustment
Course Information
| Course Number | PSYC 140 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Psychology of Positive Adjustment |
| Description | The Psychology of Positive Adjustment introduces students to the scientific literature on positive adjustment to modern life. We will examine the questions: What is well-being and happiness? Who achieves it? Why does it elude some people? Which practices foster well-being and happiness? We will draw from the research in social psychology, neuroscience, personality psychology, cognitive psychology and sociocultural psychology. The course will incorporate the concepts of ethical living, values clarification, and civic responsibility as part of the mature development of psychological well-being. (Prerequisites: Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score 250+ OR Classic Accuplacer Reading score 77+ OR MCA Reading score 1046+ OR ACT Reading 21+ OR completion of one of the following courses with a grade of C, 2.0, or higher: READ 0099, ENGL 0099, or ENGL 100 [or equivalent].) (MNTC 5: History/Social & Behavioral Sciences & MNTC 9: Ethical & Civic Responsibility) |
| Total Credits | 4 |
| Total Hours | 64 |
| Instruction Type | Credits and Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 4 Credits, 64 Hours |
Pre/Corequisites
Prerequisite: Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score 250+ OR Classic Accuplacer Reading score 77+ OR MCA Reading score 1046+ OR ACT Reading 21+ OR completion of one of the following courses with a grade of C, 2.0, or higher: READ 0099, ENGL 0099, or ENGL 100 [or equivalent].
Institutional Core Competencies
- Communication - Students will be able to demonstrate appropriate and effective interactions with others to achieve their personal, academic, and professional objectives.
- Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility - Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to engage in the social responsibilities expected of a community member.
Course Competencies
- Demonstrate an understanding about how research is conducted and the goals of researchers in the field of adjustment psychology.
- Explore the major perspectives which influence the field of positive psychology.
- Identify the characteristics of positive adjustment and factors contributing to poor adjustment.
- Explore the impact of stress: sources, physiological responses, socio-behavioral responses.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the coping mechanisms/strategies contributing to effective stress management and positive life adjustment.
- Summarize the major life events which create challenges for most/all individuals.
- Articulate the importance of effective communication and social skills to positive adjustment.
- Summarize the development of habitual patterns of response and thinking and the impact of habituated patterns on adjustment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of significant social relationships and love to positive adjustment.
- Explore the impact of career choice and work life to positive adjustment.
- Exhibit an understanding of family systems and their impact on positive adjustment.
- Articulate traditional and nontraditional techniques for cognitive reframing - the development of new, healthy mental patterns which foster positive adjustment.
- Explore the lifelong value of learned optimism.
- Identify the impact that ethical decision-making and values clarification have on positive adjustment during the lifespan.
SCC Accessibility Statement
South Central College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you have a disability and need accommodations for access to this class, contact the Academic Support Center to request and discuss accommodations.
North Mankato: Room B-132, (507) 389-7222; Faribault: Room A-116, (507) 332-7222.
Additional information and forms can be found at: southcentral.edu/disability
This material can be made available in alternative formats by contacting the Academic Support Center at 507-389-7222.