Course Descriptions

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, memory, 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 Psychology
Through a combination of lecture and hands-on research projects, this course examines the philosophy and methodology of psychological science and how they are applied to research questions. Students plan and conduct research projects and write papers describing their research following APA style and format. Topics to be explored include ethical issues, correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental, and other research methods, the development of testable hypotheses, and the use of electronic databases and analytical software to explore and review the scientific literature and assess results. 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.

PSY 225 - Multicultural Psychology
Multicultural psychology examines human behavior as it occurs in culturally heterogeneous settings. This course will introduce students to theoretical and practical approaches used to examine the impact of culture on various psychological processes. This course will use discussions, readings, film, and various class activities to promote an understanding of human experiences in multicultural contexts. Topics will include race, culture, gender, class, stereotyping and prejudice, religion and spirituality, family, and mental health. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSY 101

PSY 230 - Mysteries of Sleep and Dreaming
This course explores various questions about sleep and dreaming, including why we sleep and why we dream. Topics include how sleep and dreaming are scientifically studied, current theories and research on sleep and dreaming, sleep stages, and the neurological and psychological bases of sleep and dreaming. The course also examines the functions of sleep and dreaming, changes in sleep-wake cycles through the lifespan, various sleep-wake disorders, physical and psychological consequences of sleep deprivation, and healthy sleep practices. The course emphasizes sleep as an active process, vital to optimal physical and psychological health and functioning. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSY 101

PSY 261 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
This course introduces students to the field of child and adolescent psychopathology. Child and adolescent disorders are discussed using an approach that emphasizes multiple developmental pathways and comparisons to normative development. The course includes theoretical approaches to the development of psychopathology; biological and psychosocial risk factors; diagnosis and assessment; and empirical approaches to treating children and adolescents. The course covers various psychological disorders in childhood and adolescence, including neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; conduct disorders; anxiety and anxiety-related disorders; depression; bipolar disorder; eating disorders; and trauma- and stressor-related disorders. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 and either PSY 201, 202, or 212

PSY 262 - Forensic Psychology
The focus of this course is an examination of the interaction between the discipline of psychology and the criminal justice system. It examines the aspects of human behavior directly related to the legal process such as eyewitness memory, testimony, jury decision making, and criminal behavior. In addition, the professional practice of psychology will be examined as to how it interacts with the legal system, and criminal and civil law. The student will gain an understanding of the production and application of psychological knowledge to the civil and criminal justice systems. It embraces psychology and the law, psychology of police and policing, corrections, parole, victim services, addiction services, family services, and the full range of activities related to law enforcement and treatment of offenders. This course provides a strong foundation of understanding for individuals interested in psychology, law, criminal justice, and related fields. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101 or permission of instructor.

PSY 270 - Selected Topics in Psychology
This course will explore a different topic in depth each semester. Using a variety of methods, including readings, tests, homework assignments, projects, papers, and group work, students will learn about the important questions and methodologies researchers use to address the topic. They will learn what we know and don't yet know about the topic, and appreciate its importance at personal, social, and global levels. Examples include the Psychology of Gender, the Psychology of Hunger, Eating and Body Image, and the Psychology of Memory and Thinking. Specific information as to the topics offered each semester will be available at the time of registration. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSY 101, or permission of the instructor