Psychology (PSY)

PSY-112. Career Development. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
An in-depth exploration of the role of societal norms and educational and psychological factors upon individual career choices. Students establish, change or confirm career goals and learn skills necessary for ongoing career and life planning.

PSY-113. General Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
An introductory survey of the scientific studies of human behavior on the following topics: human development, physiology, learning, individual differences, motivation, perception, personality, abnormal and social behavior. The course is designed to prepare the student for further study of the broad spectrum of psychology.

PSY-116. Psychology and Education of the Disabled. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
A study of the social, emotional, physical and learning characteristics of individuals with disabilities. Methods of diagnosis and differentiation, curriculum, teaching techniques, resources and integration into the community are examined.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-117. Health Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
This course examines the effects of the physical, mental, cultural and environmental stressors on one's mental and physical health. Modern and ancient beliefs regarding the interaction of the mind and body are presented.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-180. General Psychology - Honors. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
This honors course is a more advanced General Psychology course which includes, but is not restricted to, a more advanced text, emphasis on research methodology, and lectures which explore subject matter in greater depth. The course introduces students to the scientific study of behavior with emphasis on critical thinking skills. Students improve their abilities to analyze data objectively both in written and oral presentations. The General Psychology Honors section can be used to fulfill the Honors Social Science elective. Admission to the course is based on the recommendation of the honors program advisor only.
Prerequisites: Permission of department chair or honors advisor.

PSY-213. Child Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
The course consists of the interplay of biological, psychological and cultural forces that shape the growing child from prenatal development through adolescence. Students learn to interpret relevant research using a critical-thinking approach.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-214. Adolescent Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
An examination of adolescence, the transitional period between childhood and adulthood. Issues covered include the adolescent in the context of family, school and work environments, emotional and cognitive changes and the maladapted adolescent.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-217. Educational Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
This course introduces the student to psychological theory as it applies to teaching and learning. Topics include learning theory, motivation, tests and measurements, classroom management and teaching students with special needs. Educational Psychology is strongly recommended for students pursuing a career in teaching.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-218. Cross-Cultural Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
The student is exposed to the psychological experiences and individual differences in cognitive, emotional and behavioral development of individuals who represent diverse populations within the United States and learn how one's self-perception and the perception of others affect well-being.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-219. Developmental Psychology - the Human Lifespan. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
The course considers the developing person from conception through death in terms of biosocial, cognitive and psychological development and discusses how these three domains interact. Additionally, it considers how contextual issues such as age, gender, culture, socioeconomic status and ethnicity broaden our understanding of human development.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-221. Psychology of Personality. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
An in-depth discussion of major personality theories and relevant research. There is a focus on application to case studies and life experiences.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-224. Abnormal Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
This course considers the tools involved in distinguishing abnormal from normal behavior. It surveys the range of mental disorders included in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual including anxiety disorders, depression, addictions, problems of children and the elderly, deviance and schizophrenia, and covers modern treatment interventions.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-229. Community Mental Health. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
A survey of institutional and community-based mental health programs of prevention and treatment, sources of environmental stress, identification of high risk groups, and the role of professionals and volunteers in the field.
Prerequisites: PSY-113 or an introductory course in Sociology.

PSY-290. Independent Study in Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
The design, development and implementation of individual research from formulation of hypothesis to analysis of results in the field of psychology.
Prerequisites: PSY-113 and additional 3 credit Psychology course and permission of department chair.

PSY-291. Special Topics in Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
An examination of selected topics or issues in Psychology. Topics differ each time the course is offered. Students should consult the department chair for further information.
Prerequisites: PSY-113.

PSY-292. Honors Abnormal Psychology. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
This honors course is an in-depth coverage of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders as categorized by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Students are required to complete a research project using the American Psychological Association format.
Prerequisites: PSY-113 or PSY-180 and permission of Honors Advisor.