Seminar in Contemporary Trends: Addictions

Summer 2020 > Humanities & Social Sciences > PSYC.4771 > 061

Course No: PSYC.4771-061; SIS Class Nbr: 3295; SIS Term: 2940
Course Status: Registration Closed

Course Description

An advanced seminar to consider special current topics in psychology with focus on critique of the theoretical and empirical literature, identification of future research pathways, and the potential for application with consideration of ethics and social responsibility. The focus of this seminar is on the psychology of addictions. Drawing upon current theory and research, we will look at the nature and causes of the problem behaviors associated with alcohol and drug use. We will also consider whether problems in such areas as shopping, eating, gambling, sex, video games, and the Internet can be understood as forms of addictions. In addition, we will examine the implications of whether or not such addictions should be viewed as diseases, and we will evaluate the relative importance of biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors. This is a writing-intensive course.

Prerequisites, Notes & Instructor

  • Prerequisites: PSYC.1010 Intro to Psychological Science, and PSYC.2320 Psychology of Personality, or PSYC.2720 Abnormal Psychology, and PSYC.2690 Research I: Methods.
  • Core Codes: SRE, WOC, SS
  • Credits: 3; Contact Hours: 3
  • Instructor: Michael Bar-Johnson
  • UMass Lowell Bookstore

When Offered & Tuition

  • Online Course
  • 2020 Summer: May 18 to Jul 26
  • Chat Hours: Wed 7-8pm*
  • Course Level: Undergraduate
  • Tuition: $1140
  • Note: There is a $30 per semester registration fee for credit courses.

*Chat Hours provide an opportunity for the instructor and students to communicate in "real time". It is an informative and interactive session where course related questions, answers, and discussions take place. While student attendance during chat hours is not required, it is highly recommended. Weekly chat sessions are archived for students who are not able to participate in the live chat sessions at the scheduled times.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this catalog. However, the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies reserves the right to implement new rules and regulations and to make changes of any nature to its program, calendar, procedures, standards, degree requirements, academic schedules (including, without limitations, changes in course content and class schedules), locations, tuition and fees. Whenever possible, appropriate notice of such changes will be given before they become effective.

Course Registration Closed

The registration period for this course has ended.

Check availability for the current semester