Psychology Courses

Formerly PSY 101, PSYC& 100

Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Topics include major psychological theory, learning, neuropsychology, consciousness, cognition, memory, and research methods.

Formerly PSY 100, PSYC 103

Designed to meet requirements for students graduating with vocational and technical degrees. The application of psychology in the workplace and the development of human relations skills is emphasized.

Formerly PSY 106, PSYC 106

This course provides an overview of all aspects of child growth and the developmental stages of children from conception to adolescence, including the physical, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, mental, social, and personality development of the child. Provides an understanding of the things and situations that can affect how a child behaves.

Formerly PSY 230, PSYC& 180

A survey of human sexuality from biological, psychological, sociocultural, and sociobiological perspectives. Topics include sexual orientation, sexual dysfunction, and sexually transmitted diseases.

A class used to explore new coursework.

Formerly PSY 240, PSYC& 200

A comprehensive survey of psychological development of the human from conception to death using the biopsychosocial approach.

Formerly PSY 201, PSYC 201

This course will provide students with an introduction to the field of social psychology, a subfield of the science of psychology that focuses on the perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals and groups within a social context. As this is a survey course, this class will give you a broad overview of the major theories and findings within social psychology. It is recommended that students complete PSYC& 100 prior to enrollment.

Formerly PSY 205, PSYC 205

A study of important findings of modern psychology as they relate to adjustment: social development, personality theory, motivation, mental health, and resources for personal growth.

Covers psychological research methodology and techniques. Topics include the logic of hypothesis testing, experimental design, research strategies and techniques, fundamentals of scientific writing, evaluation of research literature in psychology, and ethical issues in psychological research. Students learn to apply computer software to data collected in psychological research, and participate in a class research project.

Introduces students to the interface of psychology and the law. The applications of psychological theory, research, methods, and expertise to issues that come before the legal system are the focus of this course. Topics include forensic assessment; competency and insanity; dangerousness and psychopathy; domestic violence; profiling; child abuse; and sex offenders. Legal standards regarding insanity, civil commitment, and eye-witness and expert testimony will be reviewed.

Formerly PSY 202, PSYC& 220

Explores the conceptualization of abnormality and mental disorders from sociocultural, biological, psycho-dynamic, cognitive, and behavioral perspectives. Describes maladaptive mental disorders as well as their incidence and treatment.

An overview of the psychological, behavioral, and social factors in health and disease. The biopsychosocial approach integrates the understanding and application of biological, psychological, and social factors as they relate to one's health and overall well-being. Some topics covered include stress and wellness, the adoption of healthy behaviors, and the avoidance of maladaptive behaviors. It is recommended that students complete PSYC& 100 prior to enrollment.

Historically, psychology has been somewhat negative in orientation, through an emphasis on human weaknesses and liabilities, abnormalities, developmental difficulties, pathology, and treatment modalities. Mental illness, rather than mental health, has been a primary focus for research and practice. This course describes how the scope of psychology has recently been broadened to understand positive emotion, build strength and virtue, and provide a framework for creating what Aristotle called the good life. Topics include happiness (subjective well-being, positive emotions), optimal performance, personal fulfillment, optimal wellness/medical health, emotional intelligence, creativity, optimism, hope, self-efficacy, goals and life commitments, wisdom, spirituality, meaning and purpose in life, and the civic virtues.

Students work as volunteers in a community agency and complete a journal and report (usually 1 credit).

A class used to explore new coursework.