Cluster Five: Individuals in the Human Community

Dr. David Daniel, Cluster Five Coordinator

Through studying the many variables that influence human behavior in contemporary society, 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.

Cluster Five Learning Objectives

After completing Cluster Five: Individuals in the Human Community, students will be able to do the following:

In the Wellness Domain

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.

In the Sociocultural Domain

Understand how individual and sociocultural factors interact in the development of the beliefs, behaviors and experiences of oneself and others.
Discern the extent to which sources of information about the sociocultural domain are reputable and unbiased.
Evaluate the extent to which the approach to and uses of psychosocial research are ethical and appropriate.

Cluster Five Structure

In Cluster Five, students learn about themselves and others as individuals and as members of different communities. The courses within this six credit-hour cluster may be taken concurrently or individually, in any order.

Students are expected to complete Cluster Five course work during their first two years at the university, and are strongly encouraged to complete their Wellness Domain coursework in their first year.

Students are required to complete one course each in both the Wellness and Sociocultural Domains.

Wellness Domain

Courses in this area examine the individual behaviors that influence the dimensions of health and wellness.

Students will gain knowledge and conduct self-assessments relating to a variety of health topics. 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.

Choose one of the following:

HTH 100. Personal Wellness 3.00
KIN 100. Lifetime Fitness & Wellness (2,2) 3.00

Sociocultural Domain

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.