Psychology

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 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 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. 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 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
  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 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.
• • 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 utilizing validated questionnaires and evidence-based positive psychology and well-being enhancing interventions. Prerequisites: ENG 101 and PSY 101.
• • PSY 305

  • Personality

  • 3
  The course provides an overview of the major theories and approaches to the psychology of personality (psychodynamic, phenomenological, cognitive, and learning), methods of assessment and research and the development of individual behavior. Application of personality theory to self-understanding, personal fulfillment and interpersonal relationships will be explored. Topics include historical evolution, philosophical assumptions, conceptual connectedness, and their implications for theory and practice. Prerequisites: PSY 101 and PSY 280.
• • 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 or PSY 216.
• • PSY 311

  • Cognition

  • 3
  This course provides a detailed introduction to the major topics in cognitive psychology. Students will be encouraged to apply concepts to their individual interests across a wide range of careers, such as accounting, computer programming, medicine, engineering, management, nursing, science, education, and mental health. Topics include attention, decision making, emotion, language, learning, memory, neuroscience, perception, problem-solving, and vision. Students will explore the connection between cognitive research and real-world issues of consequence. Prerequisites: PSY 101. PSY 280 Recommended.
• • PSY 317

  • Sensation and Perception

  • 3
  This course explores the psychological areas of sensation and perception, including vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Physiological, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cultural implications are also explored. Prerequisites: PSY 101. PSY 280 Recommended.
• • PSY 329

  • Cultural Psychology

  • 3
  This course focuses on cultural influences on psychological processes and cultural differences in experience of self and psychological phenomenon. Topics covered include development, relationships, cognition, emotion, gender, sexuality, mental health, morality, and social interactions. Research methods in cultural psychology will be explored. Prerequisites: PSY 101 and HSV 260.
• • 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.
• • PSY 331

  • Psychology of Gender

  • 3
  This course examines psychological theory and practice through the lens of gender. We will investigate how the psychological and social construct of gender affects experience. Prerequisites: ENG 101, PSY 101, and HSV 260.