Liberal Arts: Behavioral Science

Liberal Arts: Behavioral Science Courses

• •  

  • Code

  • Course

  • Credits

• • PSY 101

  • General Psychology

  • 3
  This course is an introduction to the basic concepts, major theories, different theoretical perspectives and research methods in psychology. The focus is on theories of personality, motivation, learning, intelligence, emotions, developmental processes, physiological psychology, perception, and psychological assessment. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • PSY 103

  • Child Development

  • 3
  This course is designed to provide the student with an integrated understanding of child development as it relates to early childhood education. A broad theoretical background is combined with principles of application. Emphasis is on the social context of early development, group processes, influence of the family, role of play, and the development of cognitive capabilities. Visitations to pre-school centers required.
• • PSY 210

  • Psychology of Learning

  • 3
  This educational psychology course will explore the teaching and learning process; teaching with an emphasis on planning effective instructional strategies, classroom management, and assessment. It focuses on human development, learning theories, individual difference, and motivation. Prerequisite PSY 101.
• • PSY 215

  • Abnormal Psychology

  • 3
  This course is a comprehensive study of the major mental disorders as defined by the DSM-IV TR. Etiologies and treatment for each disorder or cluster of disorders will be covered. Major disorders examined include the following: Anxiety disorders, dissociative & somatoform disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, sexual dysfunction, neuropsychological disorders, and disorders of childhood and adolescence. Prerequisites: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor.
• • PSY 216

  • Growth & Development

  • 3
  This course explores human growth and development across the lifespan, from how the fetus develops a preference for familiar voices, to the adolescent identity crisis, to the development of wisdom in late adulthood. The course is organized around major developmental periods in the lifespan. Contributions of significant developmental theorists are highlighted. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • PSY 221

  • Health Psychology

  • 3
  This course is intended to introduce the student to the tenets of health psychology, including, but not necessarily limited to, a history of health psychology; models of health psychology; an examination of the basic principles and theories pertinent to this field including the prevention and modification of health compromising behaviors; as well as the influences of psychosocial factors on mental health (e.g. stress, depression), physical health (e.g. heart disease, chronic illness, pain) and health-related behaviors (e.g. substance use and abuse, aggression, sexual behavior). Prerequisites: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor.
• • PSY 230

  • Sport Psychology

  • 3
  This course focuses on the many areas of psychology that apply to sports. A wide array of psychological subjects will be explored, including motivation, team experience, mental imagery, performance anxiety, youth sports, gender issues, and more. Multicultural and international views of the field will be included and class discussion of theories and research will be encouraged. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • PSY 280

  • Research Design & Methodology

  • 3
  The goal of this course is to familiarize the student with the experimental methods used by psychologists and other social scientists in conducting their research. Students will be exposed to a variety of research designs as well as basic statistical theory covering hypothesis testing, ANOVA, and correlational analyses. Students will participate in the process of conducting research by formulating a testable idea, developing a method by which to test their idea, and communicating their idea to others. Prerequisite: ENG 101 and PSY 101
• • PSY 300

  • Positive Psychology

  • 3
  The broad goal of this course is to examine well-being theory. The main objective is to help students measure and build the elements that contribute to human flourishing. The course is designed to introduce the concepts (e.g., biological, psychological, social, emotional), research behind the concepts, techniques, and activities that enhance wellbeing. In addition, students will have the opportunity to engage in a detailed analysis and positivity change process(es) utilizing validated questionnaires and evidence- based positive psychology and well-being enhancing interventions. Prerequisite: ENG 101 and PSY 101.
• • PSY 301

  • Child Psychology

  • 3
  This course provides the student with a focus of child psychology from the biological, psychological and socioemotional factors of human development from conception to adolescence. Students will analyze theoretical models including Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, Bowlby and Elkind through a sociocultural lens. At the end of the course students should determine which theoretical models are best used to understand development in terms of physical maturation, identity, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Prerequisites: PSY 101 or PSY 103 or permission of the instructor.
• • PSY 307

  • Psychology of Change

  • 3
  This course is a comprehensive look at the psychology of personal change and associated factors, from a biological, sociocultural, and psychosocial perspective. Students will be able to apply their knowledge of the working model to analyze a program of change within an area of interest. Prerequisites: PSY 101 and PSY 216.
• • PSY 330

  • Social Psychology

  • 3
  Social Psychology examines how human thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and emotions can be influenced by outside factors, such as race, culture, gender, and the influence of others. Social Psychology also delves into the scientific research and methods used to track and study such attitudes and perceptions. Topics covered include social influence, social behavior, self-esteem, gender roles, conformity, aggression, motivation, and prejudice. Prerequisites: PSY 101 and SOC 101.
• • SOC 101

  • General Sociology

  • 3
  An examination of the behavior of humans in social groups. Emphasis will be placed on concepts including culture, society, socialization, role, personality, institutions and social change. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • SOC 102

  • Contemporary Social Problems

  • 3
  An analysis of the chief areas of social mal-adjustment. Consideration is given to selected critical problems including race relations, ethic discrimination, changing sex role patterns, family dislocation, and an aging population, mental illness, crime, alcoholism and drug addiction.
• • SOC 112

  • Interpersonal Communication

  • 3
  An experience-based introduction to the concepts and skills in oral communication; listening, feedback, group discussions, speeches, self-disclosure and relational communication.
• • SOC 140

  • Aging in America

  • 3
  Students will explore the process of aging in America from a sociological perspective. Explore roles of the aged today as they compare to other societies and times, the status of elderly in America, the effects of elderly boomers on commercial and cultural images, and the ethical dilemmas raised by the new elders in our society. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of the instructor.
• • SOC 203

  • Sociology of the Family

  • 3
  This course will focus on the family as a primary social institution. Emphasis will be placed on theoretical perspectives, variations, and alternatives, as well as the changing family over the life span. Special topics include cross-cultural influences, issues related to courtship, marriage and family development, and the effects of changes in the American family. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of the instructor.
• • SOC 250

  • Women and Gender in Society

  • 3
  This course examines the intersecting social arrangements of gender, sex, and sexuality across history and cultures. Students will investigate the issues impacting women’s social condition. Topics include women's work and economic status, sex roles, gender expectations, the socialization of women, mothering, and women's movements for social change. Masculinity and non- binary expressions of gender will be considered alongside inquiry into the ways we become gendered subjects and experience our bodies. Prerequisites SOC 101 or SOC 102.
• • SOC 355

  • Race, Class, Gender and Social Justice

  • 3
  This course will critique the systemic injustices whereby privileges and opportunities have accrued to some people based only on their membership in the dominant groups of race, class, and gender. This course will include topics such as racial and gendered pay gaps; discriminatory policing abuse; lifespan and health outcomes; work/life balance in families; immigration policies; reparations for slavery; reproductive rights; the gig economy and insecure work; decline of unions, Fair Share/Millionaire taxes; environmental racism; identity politics and political polarization. Prerequisites SOC 101 or 102.