PSYCHOLOGY COURSESPSY 100 General Psychology 3 credits A survey of basic concepts, issues and areas of psychology. It introduces students to a scientific approach to understanding behavior. It is a prerequisite for all other psychology course PSY 201 Optimal Wellness: A Biopsychosocial Approach 3 credits This course follows the biological, psychological, social and spiritual model of health and wellness. While disease prevention, health-related research and rehabilitation issues are discussed, the main focus of the course is on exploring the mind-body-spirit connections. Special attention is placed upon the importance of interpersonal relationships and how they contribute to a sense of well-being. PSY 202 Stress, Disease and Psychophysiological Interventions 3 credits It has been estimated that 70 to 90% of medical and psychological office visits are due to stress-related conditions. The purpose of this course is twofold. During the first half of the course, the psychobiology of stress and the effects of exposure to prolonged stress are discussed. The second half of the course focuses on specific stress-related conditions and their psychophysiological treatments. PSY 204 Psychology of Religion 3 credits An exploration of the historic connections between Psychology and Religion which are understood as foundational to both disciplines in Western thought. Students explore the work of William James, Carl Jung and other theorists and apply their understanding of religious phenomena and experience to both patterns of praxis and thought. The class probes the role of mysticism, prayer and meditation as manifestations of religion that can be best understood through the application of psychology. PSY 209 Family Dynamics 3 credits This course is designed to help students acquire an understanding of a variety of issues affecting family functioning. Issues discussed will range from couples issues, stages of relationships, codependency in relationships, communication skills and how they affect the family dynamic, work and families, blended/stepfamilies, parenting styles, and different theories of family therapy. PSY 211 Experimental Methods 4 credits An introduction to the scientific field of research and data analysis that is required for working in any area of psychology. Topics include qualitative and quantitative experimental methods, selection of subjects, validity and ethical considerations, literature searches, and composing APA-style documents. The SPSS computer package will be introduced along with descriptive statistics, and mini-field experiments will be conducted. This course MUST be taken the semester immediately before PSY 212. Students must receive a passing grade in PSY 211 before going on to PSY 212. A student must enroll in the same section for both PSY 211 and PSY 212. This course is for declared psychology majors only. PSY 212 Statistical Methods 4 credits A continuation of the exploration of the scientific field of psychology research and data analysis. Topics include theory, computation, and application of various descriptive and inferential (nonparametric and parametric) statistics. The SPSS computer package will be used for each data analysis method, and data analyses will be tied to specific research designs and mini-field experiments. This course MUST be taken immediately after PSY 211. Students must receive a passing grade in PSY 211 before going on to PSY 212. A student must enroll in the same section for both PSY 211 and PSY 212. This course is for declared psychology majors only. PSY 220 Sensation and Perception 4 credits (Cross-listed as Neuroscience 220) An in-depth study of sensory systems including vision, taste, olfaction, audition and somatic senses. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or Biology 121. PSY 222 Psychology in Current Events 1 credit The media and press play an enormous role in providing information and stories to the public; many are related to the field of psychology. This course will explore current news events and bridge the gap between psychological principles and theories and application in the real world. Discussion, dialogue, and debate will be used to stimulate critical thinking on controversial psychological issues. PSY/HON 224 Women in the Workplace 3 credits An examination of the theory, research, and practice of various issues involving women in the workplace. Topics include: the history of women at work; nontraditional occupations and roles; gender differences in communication, leadership, and work styles; management and associated psychological paradigms; relevant legal and political issues; work-life dilemmas and personal planning and growth strategies. Active participation is required. PSY 227 Principles of Helping Relationships 3 credits The goal of this course is to enhance student’s ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. This course focuses on the dynamics found in virtually all interpersonal relationships. Through numerous experiential exercises and examples, students will learn the important skills necessary for successful relationships such as effective communication skills, building trust, and conflict resolution. PSY 229 Introduction to Biological Psychology 3 credits Physiological Psychology is the study of physiological mechanisms of behavior. In this course, students gain knowledge about the various neurohormonal and biopsychological processes that are involved in behaviors. The course moves from an overview of how the brain works, how it regulates the various functions of the body, to how the biology of the brain influences individuality and behavior. PSY 230 Team Building and Group Dynamics 3 credits An overview of teams and groups in a social and work context. Discussion will include: the evolution and development of teams, the emergence of member roles and leaders, decision-making and problem-solving techniques, communication processes, power and conflict issues, management of diversity, and teambuilding strategies. Experiential exercises will be emphasized. PSY 231 Social Psychology for Psychology 3 credits This course will examine theoretical perspectives as well as laboratory and field research demonstrating the importance of situational influences on behavior. Topics include: self-concept and presentation of self, attitude formation and persuasion, conformity and obedience, as well as factors influencing interpersonal attraction, interpersonal aggression, and pro-social behavior. PSY 235 Psychology of Adjustment 3 credits A study of the universal search by individuals for happiness, security and a healthy, meaningful life. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to: self-discovery in adolescence and adulthood, sickness, health and coping, and intimate relationships. The course will cover the adjustments to natural changes and tasks that accompany growth and development. PSY 241 Child Development 3 credits A study of human development through infancy and the childhood years with emphasis on the psychological processes that are involved. PSY 250 LifeSpan Development 3 credits A theoretical and empirical exploration of human development from conception through the later years and death. Course content covers bio-social, cognitive and psychosocial development during each stage of life. PSY 251 Health Psychology 3 credits Health Psychology is a rapidly growing field within the discipline of psychology. It is devoted to the understanding of psychological factors that affect health and disease. The course emphasizes theoretical developments and empirical findings in Health Psychology. PSY 301 Psychology at Work 3 credits A study of psychological concepts and methods applied to the workplace. Topics include: personnel selection and legal issues, training, evaluation, worker motivation and satisfaction, organizational culture and behavior, workflow design, man-machine interaction and consumer psychology. Assignments provide hands-on experience. PSY 309 Abnormal Psychology 3 credits This course introduces students to the multidimensional approach to psychopathology, as well as clinical assessment and diagnoses of mental disorders. Attention is given to the disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Prerequisite: Junior Standing PSY 310 Forensic Psychology 3 credits A study of psychology and the law including the court system and legal process, psychological assessment applied to legal issues of child custody, mens rea defenses, developmental problems, problems faced by psychologists as expert witnesses, and criminal profiling. Prerequisites: Junior standing (or permission of the instructor), PSY 309 recommended. PSY 311 Criminal Behavior and Profiling 3 credits This course examines criminal behavior as it is manifest in violent crimes, including psychopathic behavior, and serial killers. Students will learn to profile criminal behavior by using three methodologies to guide profile generation. For upper level students (junior and senior status) only. PSY 100 and PSY 309 are required. PSY 312 Tests and Measurements 3 credits The goal of this course is to expose students to the theories and techniques of psychological testing. Students will learn the basic psychometric principles that apply to all types of tests, learn how to administer, score, and interpret some widely used tests, and will learn about the applications of tests in various settings such as health, industry, clinical and forensic settings. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in PSY 211 and PSY 212. PSY 315 Counseling Children 3 credits This course will address current theories related to the identification and treatment of childhood disorders, as well as introduce some of the common individual and group techniques used in treatment such as play, art, puppets, games, etc. Students will also gain an understanding of the parent’s role and family dynamics when working with children. Prerequisite: Psychology 309 or 351. PSY 316 Systems of Psychotherapy 3 credits An in depth examination of the current major approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. The course explains psychoanalytic psychotherapy, client centered therapy, feminist therapy, cognitive therapy, existential therapy, rational-emotive therapy, behavior therapy and multi-model therapy. Prerequisite: Psychology 309 or 351. PSY 317 Learning 4 credits An introduction to basic principles of learning, including such aspects as operant, classical conditioning and social learning theories. Lecture three hours, laboratory. Prerequisites: A passing grade in PSY 211 and junior standing. PSY 336 Cognitive Psychology 4 credits An overview of the scientific field of cognitive psychology. Students become familiar with the different areas studied in the field, including attention, perception, memory, decision-making, language and problem solving. Students critically read key research articles at the core of the field. Laboratory experiments provide an opportunity to experience the application of various principles and concepts discussed in class. Lecture three hours, laboratory. Prerequisites: A passing grade in PSY 211 and junior standing. PSY 339 Existential Psychology and the Search for Meaning 3 credits Explores the contributions of existentialism to the field of clinical psychology. Central to existentialism are concepts such as freedom, responsibility, anxiety, suffering and search for meaning. These and other existential concepts will be explored through close examination of the works of authors such as Kierkegaard, Kafka, Tolstoy, Nietzsche, Frankl, Yalom and May. Prerequisites: PSY 100 & 351. PSY 350 History and Systems of Psychology 3 credits A study of major schools and systems of psychology, their historical and philosophical foundations and the people associated with the evolution of the field of psychology. This course is intended to provide an understanding of the issues that have been important to psychology and an understanding of the discipline as it exists today. PSY 351 Theories of Personality 3 credits Introduces the works of selected personality theories exploring human behavior and personality development. It includes representatives of the psychodynamic, behavioral and humanistic/existential orientations. Prerequisite: Junior Standing PSY 360 Seminar: Special Topics 3 credits Depending upon student interest, this seminar course covers topics, problems and/or methods not ordinarily included in regularly scheduled courses. PSY 364 Psychology Literature Review 3 credits A study of the steps involved in preparing literature reviews in the behavioral sciences. The primary focus is on collecting original research published in academic journals, selecting appropriate pieces, and writing and presenting a sound and comprehensive research review. Prerequisites: A passing grade in PSY 211 and junior standing. PSY 365 - 366 Advanced Psychology Research I & II 6 credits Provides the student with an opportunity to initiate and complete a research project and to discuss current research relevant to the interest of class members. Students will present their research results at an undergraduate psychology conference at the end of the second semester. Students must take both semesters to receive credit. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PSY 211 and 212 and senior standing. |
