Psychology

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

PSY 100 : Survey of Psychology

An introductory course with emphasis on principles of human behavior. Topics covered include motivation, learning, perception, emotion, development, personality, states of consciousness, group processes, problem solving and thinking, and methods of inquiry.

Credits:

3

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Recognize the study of psychology as a science.
  • Discuss the biological and environmental basis of human behavior.
  • Integrate the basic perspectives, concepts, principles, and general information comprising the field of psychology.

PSY 170 : Psychology of Adjustment

Focus is on understanding, evaluating and improving adjustment. Includes study of theories, concepts and techniques concerning personal growth and behavior change.

Credits:

3

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Identify and evaluate important issues in her or his own past and present.
  • Integrate the basic perspectives, concepts, principles, and general information comprising the field psychology.
  • Utilize the various psychology adjustment models and concepts in understanding his or her life.

PSY 202 : Psychology of Gender

Survey of topics in psychology relevant to gender and its impact on the lives of women and men: socialization of gender, mental health, racial identity, majority-minority status, sexual orientation, life-span issues, and violence. (Cross-listed as WS 202)

Credits:

3

Prerequisites:

A grade of “C” or better in WS 151 or PSY 100 or consent of instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Describe the central concepts, theoretical perspectives, and research methods used in the psychology of gender.
  • Use theoretical perspectives to explain gender behavior.
  • Describe the biological influences on sex.
  • Describe the cultural influences on gender.

PSY 212 : Survey of Research Methods

Provides an overview of research design strategies used in psychological research. Topic covered include the scientific method; reviewing literature for hypothesis development; ethical issues in research; the operational definition of variables; observational, self-report and experimental methods; data analysis; inferential hypothesis testing; and the American Psychological Association writing style. The course furnishes students with the fundamentals of research that all psychology majors should be aware of, regardless of whether they plan to pursue a research career. Emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation of psychological research as it is reported in the popular media and research periodicals.

Credits:

3

Prerequisites:

Grade of C or better in PSY 100

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Describe basic research methods for psychology.
  • Craft a solid research question
  • Identify appropriate variables for a given research question.
  • Choose the appropriate methodology to answer a research question.
  • Critically analyze the research methodology in scholarly publications and in various other sources.

PSY 224 : Abnormal Psychology

Concepts and principles used in clinical practice: dynamics, diagnosis, and treatment of abnormal behavior. Compares and contrasts the different patterns of abnormal behavior. Examines the differences in theoretical models for understanding maladaptive behavior.

Credits:

3

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Compare and contrast historical and current theories of abnormal behavior.
  • Identify and describe different types of abnormal behavior and the “best practice” therapies associated with each type.
  • Apply the principles of psychology to their own thoughts and feelings.
  • Illustrate understanding of the role of culture, ethnicity, and socio-economic factors in defining abnormal behavior.

PSY 240 : Developmental Psychology

This course examines the emotional, mental, physical, and social development of individuals from infancy to adulthood with special attention to interests abilities and critical issues at successive developmental stages.

Credits:

3

Prerequisites:

Credit for PSY 100 or consent of instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Recognize the study of psychology as a science.
  • Discuss the biological and environmental basis of human behavior.
  • Integrate the basic perspectives, concepts, principles, and general information comprising the field of developmental psychology.
  • Utilize the various developmental psychology models and concepts in explaining human behaviors.

PSY 250 : Social Psychology

This course will provide students with an understanding of the relationship of social roles on human behaviors and how interpersonal relationships, attribution theories, attitudes, group behaviors, and stereotypes affect human behaviors.

Credits:

3

Prerequisites:

Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100.

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Recognize the study of social psychology as a science.
  • Integrate the basic perspectives, concepts, principles, and general information comprising the field of social psychology.
  • Utilize the various social psychology models and concepts in explaining human behaviors.

PSY 251 : Human Sexuality

Examines topic areas in the field of human sexuality including anatomy/physiology, sexual response, and sexual themes in society. Emphasizes understanding of one’s sexuality through decision- making and communication skills.

Credits:

3

Prerequisites:

Credit for PSY 100 or consent of instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Recognize the study of human sexuality as a science.
  • Describe the role of biology, culture, and socio-economic factors in the understanding and expression of human sexuality.
  • Discuss the basic perspectives, concepts, principles, and general information comprising the field of human sexuality.

PSY 257 : Psychology in Literature

This course explores how psychological concepts are utilized in popular literature. The literature analyzed varies with student interest. The course emphasizes how psychological theories are illustrated through literary characters and situations along with investigating how accurately these characters and situations reflect real life research on said theories.

Credits:

3

Prerequisites:

Grade of C or better in PSY 100

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Analyze empirical articles.
  • Evaluate the application of psychological concepts in popular literature.
  • Construct a research question to investigate and determine appropriate sources to answer that question.
  • Describe current research on a psychological concept.

PSY 260 : Psychology of Personality

An introduction to the basic theoretical approaches to personality, how they are developed, changed and analyzed.

Credits:

3

Prerequisites:

Credit for PSY 100.

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Recognize the study of personality psychology as a science.
  • Discuss the basic perspectives, concepts, principles, and general information comprising the field of personality psychology.
  • Utilize the various personality psychology models and concepts in explaining human behaviors.

PSY 270 : Introduction to Clinical Psychology

This course will provide students with an understanding of the history, theories and current developments in clinical psychology and different methods of assessment, forms of intervention and types of psychological problems.

Credits:

3

Prerequisites:

Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100.

Student Learning Outcomes Are:

  • Critique the foundation of knowledge, skills, professional attitudes and values associated with clinical psychology.
  • Integrate the basic perspectives, concepts, principles, practices and general information comprising the field of clinical psychology.
  • Utilize the various clinical psychology models and concepts in explaining human behaviors.