Course Descriptions

Introduction to Psychology 3.0 Credits

To acquaint the student with basic principles, methods and fields of psychology such as learning, memory, emotion, perception, physiological, developmental, intelligence, social and abnormal.

Prerequisites:

None

General Education Designations: Social & Behavioral Sciences [SB]

 Introduction to Psychology Lab 1.0 Credits

Optional laboratory designed to accompany PSY101. Application of psychological principles in areas such as learning, memory, emotion, motivation, cognition, language, development, personality, and intelligence.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 or permission of instructor.

Psychology of Parenting 3.0 Credits

The demonstration and application of psychological principles to the development and guidance of children and adolescents.

Prerequisites:

None

Psychology and Culture 3.0 Credits

Presents current knowledge about human diversity in behavior and culture using examples from a variety of contexts and nations. Highlights topics in cross-cultural psychology, such as intergroup relations, ethnocentrism, gender, personality, emotion, language, communication, work and health. Emphasis on applications of behavioral and cognitive principles to enhance interactions in a multicultural world.

Prerequisites:

None

General Education Designations: Global Awareness [G], Social & Behavioral Sciences [SB]

Les, Gay, Bsxl & Trans 3.0 Credits

Introduction to the study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals. Includes psychological, developmental, social, biological, historical and cultural aspects. Review of research literature regarding the etiology and assessment of sexual orientation, prejudice, and discrimination, and family issues. Current issues in lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgendered studies.

Prerequisites:

None

Understanding Death & Dying 3.0 Credits

Designed to give the student an understanding of the research and theories of death, dying and the bereavement process.

Prerequisites:

None

Educational Psychology 3.0 Credits

Scientific research and psychological principles as they apply to teaching and learning. The role of psychology in educational settings, human diversity, theories of learning, intelligence, memory, creativity, assessment, and factors influencing effective instruction and learning.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Instructor.

Introduction to Sport Psychology 3.0 Credits

Application of the physiological, behavioral, social, cognitive, and humanistic perspectives in psychology to sport. Includes topics such as optimal performance, correlation, motivation, co-action effect, self-actualization, psycho-behavioral techniques, self-efficacy, and the general health benefits of sport participation.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Instructor.

General Education Designations: Social & Behavioral Sciences [SB]

Psychology of Religion 3.0 Credits

Provides an introduction to the history, varieties and theories of the psychology of religion from an empirical, research-based perspective. Specific areas of study include the role of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and personality on religious experience, the effects of religion and prayer on mental and physical health, the development of religious thought and behavior over the lifespan, and the social psychology of new religious movements. In addition, the role of cultural differences on religious attitudes both within the USA and around the world is also addressed.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 or permission of Instructor.

General Education Designations: Global Awareness [G], Social & Behavioral Sciences [SB]

Introduction to Statistics 3.0 Credits

An introduction to basic concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics, with emphasis upon application to psychology. Consideration given to the methods of data collection, sampling techniques, graphing of data, and the statistical evaluation of data collected through experimentation. Required of psychology majors. If you enroll in PSY230, you must also enroll in PSY231 with the same instructor, during the same semester.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of C or better and MAT092 or equivalent, or permission of Instructor.

General Education Designations: Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application [CS]

Laboratory for Statistics 1.0 Credits

Applications of inferential and descriptive statistics to computers in the field of psychology. Students taking PSY230, are required to enroll concurrently in PSY231, with the same instructor.

Prerequisites:

None.

Corequisites: PSY230.

Psychology of Gender 3.0 Credits

To assess historical and psychological perspectives on women and men and to evaluate contemporary viewpoints regarding the psychology of women and men.

Prerequisites:

None

Developmental Psychology 3.0 Credits

Human development from conception through adulthood. Includes: physical, cognitive, emotional and social capacities that develop at various ages. Recommended for students majoring in nursing, education, pre-med, and psychology.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Instructor.

General Education Designations: Social & Behavioral Sciences [SB]

Psychology of Adolescent Development 3.0 Credits

Explores the highly specialized developmental stage of adolescence. Includes biological, cognitive, psychosexual, and sociocultural factors as well as current theories and research.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Instructor.

Social Psychology 3.0 Credits

The scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by other people and situations. Includes how we think about ourselves and others, persuasion and influence, sexual and romantic attraction, friendship and helping others, aggression and prejudice.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Instructor.

General Education Designations: Social & Behavioral Sciences [SB]

 Psychology of Personality 3.0 Credits

Introduction to theories of personality with emphasis upon application of specific theories towards the understanding of individuals.

Prerequisites:

None

Positive Psychology 3.0 Credits

Overview and application of psychological principles based on strengths and resilience of human beings as opposed to dysfunction and symptoms of mental disorders. Topics include happiness, relationships, resilience, optimism, well-being, and brain research explaining positive emotions.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Instructor.

Abnormal Psychology 3.0 Credits

Distinguishes between normal behavior and psychological disorders. Subjects may include stress disorders, problems with anxiety and depression, unusual and abnormal sexual behavior, schizophrenia and addictive behaviors. Causes and treatments of psychological problems and disorders are discussed.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Instructor.

General Education Designations: Social & Behavioral Sciences [SB]

Introduction to Forensic Psychology 3.0 Credits

Overview of the practice of psychology in the law, by the law, and of the law. Focuses on the complementary functions and distinctions between psychology and the legal justice system. Topics include, but are not limited to, criminal investigations, risk and level of danger, competency, interrogations, confessions, assessment, eyewitness testimony, child custody, and domestic violence.

Prerequisites:

PSY101.

Biopsychology 4.0 Credits

Biological foundations of sensation, perception, motivation, emotion, cognition and psychopathology. Designed for students in the life sciences.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Instructor.

General Education Designations: Natural Sciences General [SG]

 Psychology of Human Sexuality 3.0 Credits

Survey of psychological and physiological aspects of human sexual behavior. Emphasis placed on the integration of the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors in sexual functioning.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of C or better, or permission of instructor. Student must be 18 years or older.

General Education Designations: Social & Behavioral Sciences [SB]

Volunteerism Service Learning Experience in Psychology 1.0 Credits

Service learning field experience within private/public agencies, and citizen volunteer groups.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 and permission of Instructor.

Volunteerism Service Learning Experience in Psychology 2.0 Credits

Service learning field experience within private/public agencies, and citizen volunteer groups.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 and permission of Instructor.

Volunteerism Service Learning Experience in Psychology 3.0 Credits

Service learning field experience within private/public agencies, and citizen volunteer groups.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 and permission of Instructor.

Research Methods Laboratory 1.0 Credits

Laboratory experience in support of PSY290AC lecture course.

Prerequisites:

ENG101 or ENG107. Prerequisites or Corequisites: PSY230 with a grade of "C" or better or permission of Instructor.

Corequisites: PSY290AC lecture course.

General Education Designations: Literacy & Critical Inquiry [L], Natural Sciences General [SG]

Research Methods 3.0 Credits

Planning, execution, analysis, and written reporting of psychological research using American Psychological Association guidelines (APA). Surveys the literature, procedures, and instruments in representative areas of psychological research.

Prerequisites:

ENG101 or ENG107. Prerequisites or Corequisites: PSY230 with a grade of "C" or better or permission of Instructor.

Corequisites: PSY290AC lab course.

General Education Designations: Literacy & Critical Inquiry [L], Natural Sciences General [SG]

Psychology of Altered States of Consciousness 3.0 Credits

Examines phenomena and history of altered states of consciousness. Surveys scientific principles, methods and applications in altered states research. Reviews current psychological research in topics related to sensory deprivation, daydreaming, meditation, hypnosis, sleep and dreams, and the effects of drugs.

Prerequisites:

PSY101 with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Instructor.

General Education Designations: Social & Behavioral Sciences [SB]

 Special Projects 1.0 Credits

Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development.

Prerequisites:

Permission of Program Director or Instructor.

Special Projects 2.0 Credits

Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development.

Prerequisites:

Permission of Program Director or Instructor.

Special Projects 3.0 Credits

Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development.

Prerequisites:

Permission of Program Director or Instructor.