Liberal Arts: Psychology

Liberal Arts: Psychology 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 recommended.
• • 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 201

  • Child Psychology

  • 3
  This course provides the student with a broad theoretical and practical basis for the understanding of human development. Emphasis is on the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors, which affect the human organism from conception through adolescence. Various theoretical models including, Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, Bowlby, and Elkin are discussed. Prerequisites: PSY 101, or permission of the instructor.
• • PSY 203

  • Adolescent Psychology

  • 3
  A comprehensive study of the adolescent dealing with adolescent development with a focus on physical, cognitive, emotional, and self-concept changes. Particular emphasis is placed on the adolescent in society and his/her relationship to parents and peers and how this influences development. Prerequisite: PSY 101.
• • PSY 205

  • Psychology of Change

  • 3
  This course examines major issues influencing adjustment and requires the student to explore these issues in relation to his/her own life. Some of the issues discussed include: Values clarification, racial/ethnic identity development, aggression, intimacy, depression, anxiety, and stress. Prerequisite: PSY101 or PSY216.
• • 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 212

  • Group Dynamics

  • 3
  A course designed to enable students to understand common group interactions and the individual’s attitudes and reactions to those situations. It aids students in understanding the socialization process, group theory, the characteristics of effective leadership in a variety of group structures, and the skills required to work effectively within teams. 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. Prerequisites: Placement at ENG 101 level strongly recommended.
• • 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 recommended.
• • PSY 231

  • Psychology of Gender and Culture

  • 3
  The first part of this course will provide a critical examination of the theories and interesting debates that exist within the psychology of gender. The second part of the course will provide an introduction to the field of cultural psychology, including discussion of the psychology of race and ethnicity. As we discuss psychology’s tradition of focusing on differences between people, we’ll keep our similarities in mind.
• • PSY 280

  • Research Design & Methodology

  • 3
  This course introduces students to research methods in psychology, with a focus on critical evaluation of research design and methods. Students will be exposed to a variety of research designs as well as basic statistical theory covering hypothesis testing, ANOVA, and correlational analyses. Ethical guidelines in research and issues of variance in representation in research and program evaluation are emphasized. Students will participate in group project-based learning through practical application of the research process. Prerequisite: ENG 101 and PSY 101 and MAT 107.
• • PSY 290

  • Introduction to Social Psychology

  • 3
  This course is a systematic study of interpersonal behavior, the manner in which individuals are influenced by the function within a group. Topics of particular focus include attitude formation, persuasion, prejudice, conformity, social perception, leadership, attraction, affiliation, and aggression. Prerequisites: PSY 101, or SOC 101, or permission of the instructor.
• • PHL 113

  • Death and Dying

  • 3
  This course is a philosophical, sociological and psychological study of death and dying that seeks to explore this universal experience in what is essentially a death denying society. Among the topics covered are the historical, cultural and religious attitudes toward death, the funeral service industry, the ideas of facing one’s own death and experiencing a “good death”, the physical and emotional processes involved in dying, grief and bereavement, mourning rituals, death and dying among children and adolescents, legal implications, suicide, end-of-life issues, euthanasia and death from a global perspective. Prerequisite: completion of ENG 101 or permission of the instructor.
• • SOC 112

  • Interpersonal Communication

  • 3
  An activity-based introduction to concepts and skills in communication with an emphasis on conflict management, listening, professionalism, cultural differences, and impression management in-person and online. Public speaking and interpreting non-verbal communication will be practiced.
• • 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.
• • ENG 101

  • English Composition I

  • 3
  This course will emphasize developing the student’s ability to articulate his/her thoughts in writing a coherent, unified, and well- structured composition. The student will write a series of papers. The student will also learn the techniques needed to produce a library research paper. The required research paper is a major component of the course. Prerequisite: Completion of ENG 090 or placement into ENG 101.
• • ENG 102

  • English Composition II

  • 3
  A required course, which introduces the student to themes and techniques in the basic genres of literature: the short story, drama, and poetry. Expository papers may be written in response to ideas embodied in literature. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or permission of instructor.