Behavioral & Social Sciences at LSC-University Park
Dave Gaer
Dean of Instruction, Behavioral and Social Sciences
281.290.2663 | Office: B12.603C David.C.Gaer@LoneStar.edu
The Behavioral & Social Sciences Division provides highly qualified professionals who guide students through this field and a network of classes in a broad range of topics, including education, speech, criminal justice, political science, geography and sociology. We work diligently to provide the framework and perspective that prepares students for higher levels of education as they pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While at LSC-University Park, our students can take advantage of completing their Field of Study degree in Criminal Justice or Speech Communication, both of which transfer directly to four-year institutions. Our faculty and staff at LSC-University Park look forward to helping you reach your ultimate goals.
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Interested in the human existence – how we came to be, and where we are headed? Anthropology classes help you enhance the lives of others by gaining a deeper understanding of human behavior through the the study of human societies, cultures and their development.
The LSC-University Park Criminal Justice Department offers an Associate of Arts with a Field of Study in Criminal Justice. The program prepares students to enter a variety of careers in the criminal justice system or transfer to a four-year university to continue working toward a Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice. Students in the Criminal Justice program will receive cutting-edge classroom instruction blended with real-life scenarios. Hands-on educational experiences include investigating mock crime scenes, fingerprinting, handcuffing and participating in mock trials.
The LSC-University Park Geography Department offers students a transferable World Geography course that explores the earth’s diverse landscapes, economic development, and the cultural, physical and political dynamics at work within different regions of the globe. A valuable addition to any degree plan, geography studies are for students interested in world affairs, culture and understanding the characteristics of places around the world.
Courses
GEOG 1301, GEOG 1302, GEOG 1303, and GEOG 2389
EDUC 1300 is a study of the research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation, factors that impact learning and application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level academic strategies. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners.
Courses
EDUC 1300
Faculty
Michael Donnelly
Keita Ford
Sandra Van Alstine
The LSC-University Park Education Department provides students with opportunities to participate in early field observations at all levels of P - 12 schools with varied and diverse student populations. Course content should be aligned as applicable with the State Board for Educator Certification’s Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities standards and coincide with the National Assessment of Educational Progress position statement related to developmentally appropriate practices for children from birth through age eight.
The LSC-University Park Political Science Department seeks to promote greater civic awareness and understanding of the political process, and to foster enhanced citizenship and participation in government. It offers fully transferable, lower-division Federal Government courses and Texas Government courses that fulfill associate degree requirements.
The LSC-University Park Psychology Department offers a range of foundation and intermediate courses designed to explore human behavior. General Psychology provides an overview of the field and is a prerequisite for other courses offered. Additional courses include Human Sexuality, Lifespan Growth and Development, Personality Psychology, Social Psychology, and Statistics.
If you are passionate about helping others through action and meaning, then a social work career might be for you. Social Work classes serve as an introduction to the ethics and philosophy of enhancing human well-being and meeting the basic needs of various people, specifically those from oppressed and impoverished backgrounds. You will also learn about the types of social work along with methods and objectives to prepare you for further study.
The LSC-University Park Sociology Department offers courses introducing the basic elements of society. Social studies help students make educated decisions about their own lives and how they might want to change society as a whole. The Sociology Department offers transferable courses in the Principles of Sociology and Minority Studies that can be used toward an Associate of Arts degree and workforce programs.
The LSC-University Park Speech Department is devoted to the study and practice of effective communication. Courses are designed to challenge students to improve on skills necessary to their academic, business, civic and personal lives. Transferable courses include Introduction to Communication, Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communications, Business and Professional Communications, and Discussion and Small Group Communication.
