PSY 100 - Psychology of Interpersonal Relationships
The Psychology of Interpersonal Relationships is an experiential approach to everyday intrapersonal and interpersonal processes. It emphasizes observation, practice, and discussion of such topics as self-disclosure, trust, verbal and nonverbal expression of feelings, listening skills, conflict resolution, anger, and stress management, and the value of cultivating diverse relationships. Specific attention will be given to the intersection of a variety of factors including culture, race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, social justice, and how these factors influence intrapersonal and interpersonal processes. Basic psychological principles are presented and integrated into classroom and hybrid discussions. Emphasis is on skill development. It is psychology for daily living, and is neither a preparatory course for PSY101, nor a prerequisite for other PSY courses. 3 Credits.

PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychological Science
An introductory survey of the scientific study of human behavior and cognitive functions, including developmental psychology, neuroscience, learning, personality, memory, perception, psychopathology, and social behavior. Emphasis is on understanding psychological concepts, the integration and application of psychology to real life, and theoretical and methodological issues in scientific psychology. 3 Credits.

PSY 108 - Fundamentals of APA Style
Students will learn the basics of APA style, the standard writing style for most social sciences. Proper techniques for citing sources, preparing a manuscript, and expressing material clearly and accurately will be covered. Students will practice writing short papers and components of papers in this style. 1 Credit.

Prerequisite(s): Completed English 101 with a C or better, or completed English 200 with a C or better.

PSY 109 - Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the individual characteristics and environmental conditions that allow human beings to flourish. This course takes an empirical and experiential approach to helping individuals understand and use course content to enhance their lives. Topics covered may include happiness and well-being, positive emotions and thinking, character strengths and virtues, motivation and self-control, resilience and post-traumatic growth, and healthy relationships and institutions. 3 Credits.

PSY 110 - Understanding Psychological Disorder
This course is designed to give basic information about psychological disorder and treatment and help students learn to evaluate approaches to disorder and therapy. We will look at the historical development and also at recent theories of disorder and treatment. The course will use a variety of teaching techniques including lecture, class discussion, and group activities, and will include a variety of assignments and grading techniques including tests, projects, written work, and participation. Course not open to students who have passed PSY 206, except with permission of the instructor. 3 Credits.

PSY 150 - Psychology of Human Sexuality
Presents a review of the physiological and psychosocial components of sexuality. Primary emphasis is placed on sexuality in the context of love and intimacy, health, safety, and alternative sexual lifestyles. 3 Credits.

PSY 166 - Psychology of Superstitions
An examination of non-critical thinking and human tendencies to believe unlikely (and impossible) claims about the human experience, with a special focus on beliefs on the fringe of serious psychology. Issues addressed in the course include popular beliefs about parapsychology, magic, alien abduction, personality testing, and the mental processes that support these beliefs. 3 Credits.

PSY 200 - Behavior Modification
A study of the principles of conditioning and learning as applied to practical approaches of behavior management and change. Special attention will be given to behavior change in institutional and personal settings. Self-regulation and cognitive-behavioral techniques will also be discussed. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 201 - Developmental Psychology - Child
This course is an introduction to the foundations of development from conception through childhood. The course will explore the interdependence among the physical, cognitive, and social domains of development, and will examine various theories and research methods used to understand and study the development of infants and children. Current issues in the field and their impact on the developing child will also be highlighted. Students will be encouraged to investigate and critique recent research and its application. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 202 - Developmental Psychology - Adolescence
A discussion of issues and theoretical perspectives in the study of adolescence, with particular focus on the physical, cognitive, and social/emotional changes that occur during adolescence. This includes the examination of identity formation, sexuality, family relationships, peer relationships, and moral development. This course will also discuss challenges facing adolescents today. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 205 - Social Psychology
A scientific study of the influence of people on the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of other people. This course examines how individuals affect and are affected by others. Topics include impression formation, conformity and social influence, self-perception, attitudes, aggression, prejudice, helping, attraction, group processes, and other components of social interaction. 3 Credits.

Prerequisites: PSY 101, plus three additional hours in PSY or SOC.

PSY 206 - Adult Psychopathology
Includes a scientific and historical review of the study and treatment of psychopathology, discussion of the major theoretical orientations and the assumptions that underlie them, description of the major DSM disorders including their symptoms, etiology, and current treatments. Contemporary issues related to mental illness will also be discussed, including the need to increase compassion for those with diagnoses and reduce the stigma associated with psychological disorders. 3 Credits.

Prerequisites: PSY 101 with a grade C or higher.

PSY 212 - Developmental Psychology - Lifespan
This course is an introduction to the foundations of human development across the lifespan. The course will describe the history and foundational knowledge related to the study of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, examine the various theories of developmental psychology, and highlight current issues in the field. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 215 - Cognitive Psychology
How do we think, make decisions, solve problems, perceive our world, and remember our past? What is intelligence, creativity, or awareness? Cognitive psychology explores these complex and important human processes. In this course, students will learn the theories, methods, and concepts of cognitive psychology and apply them to many areas of life. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSY 101 with a grade of C or better

PSY 220 - Research Methods in Social Sciences
Through a combination of lecture and hands-on research projects, this course examines the philosophy and methodology of science and how they are applied to social questions. Students plan and conduct research projects and write papers describing their research following APA style. Topics to be explored include ethical issues, experimental and other research methods, the development of testable hypotheses, and the use of electronic databases to explore and review the scientific literature. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 and PSY 108, both with a minimum grade of C; and MTH 161 OR MTH 162 OR MTH 163

PSY 222 - Social Psychology of the Holocaust
This course takes an unflinching look into the darkest corners of human nature, explored through the social psychological lens. Using the Holocaust as a stark example, we will learn how powerful social psychological phenomena can contribute to the human capacity for brutality and cruelty. We will explore the roles of attitude formation, propaganda, prejudice, discrimination, scapegoating, aggression, bystander behavior, and more as we seek to come to terms with the events of the Holocaust and the behaviors of the individuals caught up in those events. Along the way we will learn lessons applicable to modern-day acts of human cruelty both large and small, and identify characteristics of societies that either facilitate or deter mass killings and genocides. 3 Credits.