Course Description: This course is designed to provide an overview of the nature of stress and selected approaches to its management. First, the anatomical and physiological basis of the stress response is explored and various theories advanced to explain the stress response are discussed. Based on this foundation, a diversity of approaches to manage stress are presented. For each approach, students are introduced to the theoretical mechanisms of effectiveness underlying the approach, examine the various facets of each approach, apply the approach to a given stressor, and learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach in managing stress.

Stress management approaches presented include the following: assertiveness training, cognitive restructuring, communication skills, exercise, nutrition, role clarification, behavior modification, goal-setting, time management, coping skills, imagery, yoga, meditation, progressive relaxation, and autogenic training.

Course Text:

  • Seaward, B. L. (2006). Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being. (5th edition) Boston: Jones and Bartlett.

  • Seaward, B. L. (2004). Managing Stress: A Creative Journal. (3rd edition). Boston: Jones and Bartlett.

Student Competencies: At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to meet the competencies listed below as assessed through specified assignments:

  • Define stress and describe the anatomical, neurological, and physiological basis of the stress response.
  • Discuss the influence of stress on one's health, its effects on one's life, and its impact on communities in which we live and work.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of various stress management approaches, including theoretical mechanisms of effectiveness, criteria for selection, specific techniques, application to a diversity of situations, and evaluation of effectiveness.

Student Evaluation: Students will be evaluated on the basis of their performance on the following items:

  • Self-Assessment Exercises: The self-assessment exercises are designed to help you understand the material covered in the course and apply it to "real world" situations. These will comprise 50% of your grade. There will be two or three self-assessments depending on the length of the course. You may use your textbooks, study guide, and powerpoint slides as well as any notes you have taken. You may not use the assistance of another person -- doing so would constitute academic dishonesty and grounds for failing the course. You are strongly advised to complete the chapter self-assesments and questions at the end of each chapter as you read and definitely prior to taking the self-assessments. Please take the time to read the information page on self-assessments.
  • Journaling - The Journaling assignment is worth 40% of your grade. Read carefully the information on the journaling assignment, including examples of what constitutes an A versus a C answer.
  • Discussion - The Discussion Assignment is worth 10% of your grade. Read carefully the requirements of this assignment and make sure that you post in a timely fashion.

Be sure to check out the generic scoring rubric before beginning your work.

Late work. It is important that you submit your work on time. Work that is a day late will be penalized two letter grades; no work will be accepted more than 2 days late. If circumstances arise that warrent a time extension, please contact me ahead of the due date to arrange for an extension.

Academic Honesty: Standards for academic honesty, as outlined in the Student Conduct Code, will be followed in this course.

.Home :: Outline :: Journaling :: Self-Assessments :: Discussion

Schedules May Intersession
Summer Session 1
Summer Session 2
Winter Intersession
 

This page was last updated on 12.10.08 by Dr. Deborah A. Wuest, Ed.D.