A-to-Z Index

Cluster Five: Individuals in the Human Community (6 credits)

PHOTO - JMU Student

Coordinator: Dr. Georgia Polacek 

Description:

In Cluster Five, students learn about themselves as individuals and as members of different communities. Through studying the many variables that influence human behavior, students gain an understanding of the relationship between the individual and a diverse community and develop a sense of responsibility for self and community. Students explore how individuals develop and function in the social, psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions.

 

Requirements:

The two courses within this six credit-hour cluster may be taken concurrently or individually, in any order. Students are required to complete one course each in Wellness and in Sociocultural Domains. Students are expected to complete Cluster Five coursework during the first two years at the University.

  • Complete one course in each of the two areas below (any order):
    • Wellness Domain 
      • GHTH 100 Personal Wellness
      • GKIN 100 Lifetime Fitness and Wellness

      Courses in the Wellness area examine the dimensions of health and wellness. An emphasis is placed on the factors that influence health and wellness, particularly individual behaviors. Students will participate in self-assessments that provide information about their health and wellness behaviors and their overall health status. In addition, students will learn strategies that improve lifetime health and wellness. Courses include a physical wellness component as a part of the course requirements.

    • Sociocultural Domain
      • GPSYC 101 General Psychology
      • GPSYC 160 Life Span Human Development
      • GSOCI 140 MicroSociology: The Individual in Society

      Courses in this area focus on sociocultural and psychological aspects of individuals interacting within societal contexts. Students study the formation and functions of social relationships and reflect on personal responsibilities to diverse communities within which people function throughout life. Students explore sociocultural and psychological aspects of personal belief systems, self-identity, and assumptions about others. Courses in this area enable students to develop ethical and scientifically based critical thinking about human behavior and social interaction.

Cluster Five Course Descriptions

Learning Objectives:

After completing Cluster Five: Individuals in the Human Community, Wellness Domain, students should be able to:

  • Understand the dimensions of wellness, the various factors affecting each dimension, and how dimensions are interrelated
  • Understand the relationship between personal behaviors and lifelong health and wellness
  • Assess their own levels of health and wellness and understand how these levels impact their quality of life
  • Identify and implement strategies to improve their wellness

After completing Cluster Five: Individuals in the Human Community, Sociocultural Domain, students should be able to:

  • Identify factors that affect individual and group behavior in social contexts
  • Identify factors that lead an individual or group to adopt a particular position on social and behavioral issue
  • Discern the extent to which sources of information about the socio-cultural dimension are reputable and unbiased
  • Evaluate the extent to which the approach to, and uses of, psychosocial research are ethical and appropriate