Special Populations
(Minor Only)

Administered through the Behavioral Science Department in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Special Populations Minor provides insight and understanding into the world of the exceptional children, especially primary and secondary school students. Consult with the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advising Office for a list of faculty advisors.

Minor Requirements

The total semester hours for the minor in Special Populations is 18 credit hours. A maximum of 6 lower- level credit hours and at least 12 upper-level credit hours are required.

Before taking Special Population courses as listed below, students should take PSYC 1301 Introduction to Psychology and PSYC 3341 Child/Adolescent Psychology or its equivalent. These courses may be counted toward the 18 credit hours in this minor if they are not also used for credit in a student’s major. The total semester credit hours required for a minor in Special Populations is 18.

Students choose from the following courses to complete their coursework.
CRIM 3365 Juvenile Delinquency & Justice (3)
EDUC 4310 Early Intervention (3)
EDUC 4352 Collaborative and Inclusive Practices (3)
EDUC 4353 Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (3)
EDUC 4354 Learning Disabilities (3)
EDUC 4355 Mental Retardation (3)
EDUC 4356 Behavioral Management (3)
KINE 3310 Motor Development (3) or
KINE 3330 Physical Activity for Handicapping Conditions (3)
PSYC 3403 Principles of Learning (4)
PSYC 4311 Cognitive Psychology (3)
PSYC 4341 The Exceptional Child (3)
PSYC 4371 Motivation (3)
SOCI 3365 Juvenile Delinquency & Justice (3)

Course Listing

CRIM 3365 Juvenile Delinquency and Justice (3)
A study of the juvenile justice system, theories of causation, the distribution and frequency of delinquency, correctional treatment, and prevention programs in modern society. The student may enroll in this course for credit in sociology. F

EDUC 4310 Early Intervention (3)
This course focuses on issues related to young children who exhibit atypical development, including the roles that families and professionals in the field play in facilitating development. F

EDUC 4352 Collaborative Teaching and Inclusive Practices (3)
This course will examine the teacher’s role in collaborating with parents, teachers, and other professionals in the design of a classroom learning community promoting success for students with disabilities in the general education setting. Prerequisite: EDUC 3352 or PSYC 4341. Summer 06

EDUC 4354 Learning Disabilities (3)
This course will examine typical characteristics associated with learning disabilities, identification procedures used, and the development of appropriate intervention programs. Students will participate in field based activities throughout the course. Prerequisite: EDUC 3352 or PSYC 4341. S

EDUC 4355 Mental Retardation (3)
This course examines characteristics associated with mild and moderate mental retardation, identification procedures used, and the development of appropriate intervention programs. Field-based experience is required. Prerequisite: EDUC 3352 or PSYC 4341. F

KINE 3310 Motor Development (3)
An examination of the factors affecting physical growth, those influencing the acquisition of fundamental motor skills, and the effects of aging upon physical performance. F, S

KINE 3330 Physical Activity for the Disabled (3)
Introduction to various handicapping conditions with particular emphasis on their impact upon an individual’s ability to perform sports and other physical activities. A closer look at a variety of appropriate physical activities for disabled persons.

PSYC 3403 Principles of Learning (4)
Major research results of classical and instrumental conditioning in animals and humans. Verbal learning, concept learning, problem solving and memory in humans will also be reviewed. Prerequisite: PSYC 1301. S

PSYC 4311 Cognitive Psychology (3)
Research and theories of cognitive processes, including concept learning, problem solving, memory, attention, and language development and maintenance. Prerequisite: PSYC 1301. F

PSYC 4341 The Exceptional Child (3)
Theories and research in fields of biology and psychology concerning exceptional children, emphasizing mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed and mentally gifted. F, S, Summer

PSYC 4371 Motivation (3)
Theories and experimental research concerning drives, needs and preferences as proposed by scientists studying personality, learning and physiology. Prerequisite: PSYC 1301. S

SOCI 3365 Juvenile Delinquency and Justice (3)
A study of the juvenile justice system, theories of causation, the distribution and frequency of delinquency, correctional treatment, and prevention programs in modern society. The student may enroll in this course for credit in criminology.