Behavioral Sciences

Pathways

Behavioral Sciences

Behavioral Science involves the careful analysis of human behavior and includes a number of diverse disciplines, including anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Those who wish to pursue a career in the behavioral sciences have the opportunity to work in fields like education, law enforcement, business, and more.

For students interested in pursuing a career in Behavioral Sciences, we recommend the following core courses in conjunction with Laurel Springs School graduation requirements: Psychology, AP Psychology, AP U.S. Government & Politics, Sociology, AP Statistics, AP Human Geography, and Pre-Calculus.

Anthropology I

The aim of anthropology is to use a broad approach to gain an understanding of our past, present, and future, and in addition address the problems humans face in biological, social and cultural life. Explore the similarity and diversity of humankind through time as you examine how we have evolved from a biologically and culturally weak species to one that has the ability to cause catastrophic change.

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Anthropology II

Continue the study of global cultures and the ways that humans have made sense of their world. Examine the ways cultures have understood and gave meaning to different stages of life and death, the creation of art within cultures, and how cultures evolve and change over time. Apply the concepts and insights learned from the study of anthropology to several cultures found in the world today.

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Criminology

Why do some individuals commit crimes and others do not? What aspects of our culture and society promote crime and deviance? Look at possible explanations for crime from the standpoint of psychological, biological and sociological perspectives, explore the categories and social consequences of crime, and investigate how the criminal justice system handles not only criminals but also their misdeeds.

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Health Careers

Explore a variety of career options related to the healthcare field, including medicine, nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, dental careers, sports medicine, personal training, social work, psychology, and more. You will gain insights into basic job skills and information that can aid you in healthcare and other career paths.

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Human Geography

How do language, religion, and landscape affect the physical environment? How do geography, weather, and location affect customs and lifestyle? Explore the diverse ways in which people affect the world around them and how they are affected by their surroundings. Discover how ideas spread and cultures form, and learn how beliefs and architecture are part of a larger culture complex.

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Peer Counseling

Explore the role of a peer counselor, learning the observation, listening, and emphatic communication skills counselors require, and receive basic training in conflict resolution and group leadership. These valuable skills will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in your personal and work relationships.

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Personal Psychology I

Self-knowledge is the key to self-improvement! Sample topics include the study of infancy, childhood, adolescence, perception, and states of consciousness. Amazing online psychology experiments dealing with our own personal behavior are featured in this course.

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Personal Psychology II

Personal Psychology II continues the study of self-improvement initiated in Personal Psychology I. Topics include memory, intelligence, emotion, health, stress, and personality. This course features virtual psychology experiments that give students insight into human behavior.

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Philosophy: The Big Picture

Read about a man who hung out on street corners, pestering everyone he met with questions. Learn about an eccentric who climbed inside a stove to think about whether he existed. These and other philosophers of the Western world are among the most brilliant and influential thinkers of all time and will inform you of the fundamental ideas of Western Civilization. By the time you’ve “closed the book” on this course, you will better understand yourself and the world around you – from atoms to outer space – and everything in between.

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Real World Parenting

Learn what to prepare for, what to expect, and what vital steps parents can take to create the best environment for their children. Parenting roles and responsibilities, nurturing and protective environments for children, positive parenting strategies, and effective communication in parent/child relationships are some of the topics covered in this course.

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Social Problems I

Explore the challenges faced by social groups, as well as the complex relationships that exist among societies, governments, and the individual. Each unit focuses on a particular area of concern, often within a global context, and explores possible solutions at the structural level as well as that of the individual. You will develop the skills necessary to help make a difference in your own life, in your community, and globally.

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Social Problems II

Learn about the overall structure of the social problem and how it impacts their lives. Each unit focuses on social problems like racial discrimination, drug abuse, the loss of community, and urban sprawl, then discusses possible solutions at individual and structural levels. For each issue, students examine the connections in the global arena involving societies, governments, and the individual.

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Sociology I

Students will examine social problems in our increasingly connected world and learn how human relationships can strongly influence and impact their lives. Exciting online video journeys to an array of areas in the sociological world are an important component of this relevant and engaging course.

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Sociology II

Develop your “sociological imagination” and examine how society shapes human action and beliefs, and how in turn these factors re-shape society! Fascinating online videos journeys not inform students, but motivate them to still seek more knowledge on their own.

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Women’s Studies: A Personal Journey Through Film

Maybe you grew up watching movies with female characters like Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, or Ariel. Maybe you’ve wondered why there are stereotypes about women being bad drivers or ignorant about sports. Maybe you want to know about feminism and the women’s movement. The Introduction to Women’s Studies: A Personal Journey Through Film can help you answer these questions. Though it focuses on the experience of women, it’s appropriate for anyone who wants to learn to critically examine films while learning about the history of the women’s movement and how gender, race, and social class influence us. Women have earned their right to stand up and be recognized as equal partners and reap the benefits of their hard work. As the anonymous quote goes, “History is Herstory too..”

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World Religions

Throughout the ages, religions from around the world have shaped the political, social, and cultural aspects of societies. Explore major religions that have played a role in human history, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, and Taoism. Trace major developments in these religions and explore their relationships with social institutions and culture. Discover the similarities and differences among the major religions and examine the connections and influences they have.

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