Teaching Summary
Dr. Jenny Shields teaches across undergraduate and graduate levels with a central commitment to meaning-centered education, an approach that honors not only the science of psychology but the complexity, dignity, and humanity of those it seeks to serve. Her teaching is rooted in a belief that rigorous intellectual training and deep personal reflection are not mutually exclusive but essential partners in shaping ethical, effective professionals.
In undergraduate classrooms, she invites students from diverse majors to think critically about human behavior, not as abstract theory but as something alive and present in their relationships, communities, and careers. Her goal is to help students connect psychological concepts to the moral and emotional questions that define everyday life, encouraging them to lead with curiosity, courage, and compassion, no matter where they’re headed.
At the graduate level, Dr. Shields prepares future clinicians to navigate the ethical tensions and systemic barriers inherent in real-world care. Drawing from her dual expertise as a licensed psychologist and healthcare ethicist, she challenges students to think beyond protocol, to ask not just “What can I do?” but “What should I do, and why?” Her teaching equips them to practice with nuance, relational wisdom, and the moral clarity required to lead in high-stakes environments.
Across all settings, Dr. Shields fosters a classroom culture that values integrity, empathy, and reflective thought. She views teaching as a sacred trust, to walk alongside students not only as they master competencies but as they wrestle with what kind of professionals, and what kind of people, they want to become.
Student Reviews
“Finding out that I was in this class during the middle of the break was a complete shock… Dr. Shields is so good at encouraging and supporting her students and has made me feel very appreciated from my hard work. Overall, I am so thankful to have had Dr. Shields as my instructor for this course, and could praise her all day long! I would recommend her to any and everyone!”
“I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your support throughout this course. This past year has been one of the most challenging times of my life… your course has helped shift my perspective. I truly appreciate the understanding and flexibility you’ve shown, and I’m extremely grateful. Thank you again for everything.”
“Dr. Shields’ teaching strategy of cultivating a warm and welcoming class environment truly helped me stay motivated and productive. Her kindness and encouragement helped me stay on top of assignments to make her proud.”
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Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
13 October 2025 – 12 December 2025This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
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Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
13 October 2025 – 12 December 2025This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
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Course Taught
Psychology of Parenting Behavior (S)
18 August 2025 – 12 December 2025This course explores the historical and contemporary dynamics of the parent-child relationship. Students will engage with current research on communication, discipline, and resilience, examining parenting as a bi-directional process that shapes both parents and children. The curriculum addresses real-world challenges, including the impact of technology, societal values, and diverse family structures, preparing students to apply parenting science to practical contexts with empathy and cultural humility.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113 with grade of “C” or better. -
Course Taught
Psychology of Parenting Behavior (S)
18 August 2025 – 12 December 2025This course explores the historical and contemporary dynamics of the parent-child relationship. Students will engage with current research on communication, discipline, and resilience, examining parenting as a bi-directional process that shapes both parents and children. The curriculum addresses real-world challenges, including the impact of technology, societal values, and diverse family structures, preparing students to apply parenting science to practical contexts with empathy and cultural humility.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113 with grade of “C” or better. -
Course Taught
Clinical Child Psychology (S)
18 August 2025 – 12 December 2025This course offers a comprehensive exploration of child and adolescent mental health through a developmental psychopathology framework. Students analyze the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors shaping common psychological disorders. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundational knowledge, fostering critical thinking and communication skills to evaluate evidence-based approaches and understand the complexities of supporting young people and their families.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113 with grade of “C” or better. -
Course Taught
Clinical Child Psychology (S)
18 August 2025 – 12 December 2025This course offers a comprehensive exploration of child and adolescent mental health through a developmental psychopathology framework. Students analyze the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors shaping common psychological disorders. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundational knowledge, fostering critical thinking and communication skills to evaluate evidence-based approaches and understand the complexities of supporting young people and their families.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113 with grade of “C” or better. -
Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
18 August 2025 – 10 October 2025This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
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Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
18 August 2025 – 10 October 2025This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
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Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
10 March 2025 – 2 May 2025This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
-
Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
10 March 2025 – 2 May 2025This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
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Course Taught
Clinical Child Psychology
13 January 2025 – 2 May 2025This course offers a comprehensive exploration of child and adolescent mental health through a developmental psychopathology framework. Students analyze the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors shaping common psychological disorders. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundational knowledge, fostering critical thinking and communication skills to evaluate evidence-based approaches and understand the complexities of supporting young people and their families.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113 with grade of “C” or better. -
Course Taught
Clinical Child Psychology
13 January 2025 – 2 May 2025This course offers a comprehensive exploration of child and adolescent mental health through a developmental psychopathology framework. Students analyze the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors shaping common psychological disorders. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundational knowledge, fostering critical thinking and communication skills to evaluate evidence-based approaches and understand the complexities of supporting young people and their families.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113 with grade of “C” or better. -
Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
13 January 2025 – 7 March 2025This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
-
Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
13 January 2025 – 7 March 2025This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
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Course Taught
Systems of Psychotherapy
13 January 2025 – 2 May 2025This core graduate course provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary psychotherapeutic models, including psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems frameworks. With a focus on psychotherapy integration and common factors, the course adopts a biopsychosocial and scientist-practitioner perspective to understand behavior change. Students develop conceptualization and critical thinking skills by examining evidence-based inquiry, cultural competence, and ethical dilemmas through case studies and theoretical discussions, building a strong theoretical foundation for future clinical practice.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 5113; graduate standing in the clinical program of the Department of Psychology or consent of instructor. -
Course Taught
Developmental Psychology (S)
16 December 2024 – 10 January 2025This course provides a comprehensive survey of human development across the entire lifespan. Students will explore the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur from conception through infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging. Key theories and research findings are examined to understand the complex interplay of biological and environmental factors that shape human growth and behavior at each stage of life.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113. (Course previously offered as PSYC 3583). -
Course Taught
Developmental Psychology (S)
16 December 2024 – 10 January 2025This course provides a comprehensive survey of human development across the entire lifespan. Students will explore the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur from conception through infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging. Key theories and research findings are examined to understand the complex interplay of biological and environmental factors that shape human growth and behavior at each stage of life.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113. (Course previously offered as PSYC 3583). -
Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
14 October 2024 – 6 December 2024This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
-
Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
14 October 2024 – 6 December 2024This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
-
Course Taught
Clinical Child Psychology
19 August 2024 – 6 December 2024This course offers a comprehensive exploration of child and adolescent mental health through a developmental psychopathology framework. Students analyze the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors shaping common psychological disorders. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundational knowledge, fostering critical thinking and communication skills to evaluate evidence-based approaches and understand the complexities of supporting young people and their families.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113 with grade of “C” or better. -
Course Taught
Clinical Child Psychology
19 August 2024 – 6 December 2024This course offers a comprehensive exploration of child and adolescent mental health through a developmental psychopathology framework. Students analyze the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors shaping common psychological disorders. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundational knowledge, fostering critical thinking and communication skills to evaluate evidence-based approaches and understand the complexities of supporting young people and their families.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1113 with grade of “C” or better. -
Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
19 August 2024 – 11 October 2024This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.
-
Course Taught
Introductory Psychology (S)
19 August 2024 – 11 October 2024This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students are introduced to the core concepts, historical trends, and major theoretical perspectives of psychology, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, the application of the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience, and the ability to apply psychological principles to understand everyday life.