PSY - Psychology

Course introduces the study of mental processes and behavior, with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary psychological investigation. Topics may include the biology of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, memory, cognition, motivation, emotion, life-span development of behavior, personality, abnormal behavior and its therapies, social behavior and individual differences.

Course increases awareness of values, emotions, and other motivational factors that affect an individual’s growth. Content includes learning theory, personal behavior, human relationships, personal growth in a culturally diverse society; opportunity for group experience to examine similarities and differences between self and others in diverse society.

Course is designed for students to explore multiculturalism from a psychological perspective. Focus is on the ways in which culture has shaped understanding of psychological theory, research and practice. Cultural variations in psychological functioning will be studied with regard to motivation, emotion, perception, development and mental process. These multicultural perspectives also shape vales, norms, and worldview. Topics include cultural oppression and group subjugation, along with methods aimed at equity and equality.

Course explores the psychological influences on people’s ability to achieve wellness as well as the psychological factors that contribute to illness and disease. The course examines topics in light of contemporary research and theory on the interactions between biological health, behavior, and cognitive processes. Biopsychosocial factors related to interventions that help people stay healthy and/or recover from illness are also explored. Attention is devoted to the impact of positive lifestyle change on wellness to achieve an optimum state of health.

Course introduces the study of human development. Content includes neurobiological, physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of humans from conception through childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age including end of life issues. Emphasizes normal developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. The theories and principles of human development are examined in light of contemporary research.

Course explores, from an interdisciplinary perspective, biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects of human sexuality. Content includes sexual identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and effects of genetic, cultural and environmental influences on human relationships and behavior.

Course examines the role that diversity and oppression play in our lives, in our communities and in society at large. Diversity issues in relation to culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, language background, sexuality, gender and disability will be addressed. The course will examine prejudices, personal biases, and stereotypes, and is designed to promote advocacy and the creation of a just society.

Course introduces field of human services and human services theory. Content includes human problems in aging, child abuse, drug abuse, delinquency, mental retardation, criminal behavior, health, poverty, education and employment, and the organizations and agencies designed to alleviate such problems. Review of several intervention strategies also included.

Course examines the development of the child from birth through adolescence. Content includes theory and research on the biological, physical, social and cognitive development of the human child from conception through adolescence. Topics may include genetic factors, prenatal development, sensory and perceptual changes, motor system development, language acquisition, social learning, cultural influences and aspects of abnormal development.

Course focuses on application of psychological principles to educational practice. Content includes exploration of children’s and adolescent’s cognitive, socio-emotional, and linguistic development, learning processes, and motivation. Students will examine learner-centered instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and assessment strategies that acknowledge learner differences and student diversity within an affirming and equitable environment. A 10-hour directed observation in a K-12 school setting is required. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both PSY 201 and EDN 201.

Course focuses on scientific study of individual behavior as affected by presence of others. Content includes interpersonal attraction, aggression, prejudice, attributions, persuasion, attitudes, social influence, norms, and conformity.

Course explores how biological, psychosocial and sociocultural influences on an individual produce and maintain various psychological disorders. Content includes preventive measures and therapeutic strategies; dysfunction assessment, categorization of abnormal behavior and research methodology.

Course introduces the development of adolescents, with emphasis on physical and physiological changes and social and cognitive development. Topics may include: the role of play; sociocultural influences; stresses associated with adolescence; changing relationships with family, friends and the opposite sex; identity development; sexuality; drug use; suicide; and delinquency.

Course introduces the changes that occur from early adulthood through old age. Topics may include: career choice and development; relationship, marriage and family formations; theories of adult personality development; mid- and late-life transitions; aging; and dying, death and bereavement.

Course explores how various theories (such as psychodynamics, humanistic-existential, trait, behavioral, dispositional and social-cognitive) address fundamental questions about personality – its origins, development and influence on thoughts, feelings and actions. Course examines the historical contexts, research methods, and applications of personality theories in various settings, including clinical practice and everyday life. Students will learn to apply diverse theories of personality to better understand themselves and others. Personality theories and their underlying principles are analyzed in light of contemporary research.

Course provides an overview of research and theory of women and gender in psychology. This course centers on feminist and psychological theories and research related to gender socialization and its relationship to human development, work experiences, sexuality, and health. Course explores corrections to the longstanding influence of male gender bias in psychological theory and research. Themes related to women's experiences, marginalized gender identities, and intersections with race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation will be explored.

Course focuses in how the brain mediates behavior, emotion and cognition. It includes the study of sensory systems, neural development, emotion, learning, memory, consciousness, reproduction, and neurological and psychological disorders.

Course studies application of psychological methods, principles, theory and empirical research in business and industry to management and employment in diverse organizational environments. Focus is on practices in personnel selection, placement, training, performance appraisal; job analysis, design, satisfaction, and motivation; labor relations, leadership, decision making, and organization development; and research methodology.

Course provides planned and supervised field experience in human services environment. Minimum 250 (two-hundred-fifty) hours in a supervised field experience, content includes identification of practicum objectives for student, in consultation with the site supervisor and faculty supervisor. Focus is on supervised practical work experience to develop an understanding of the helping process and the role of the helping professional.

Course continues PSY 230. Provides planned and supervised field experience in human services environment. Content includes identification of practicum objectives for student, in consultation with the site supervisor and faculty supervisor. Focus is on additional supervised practical work experience to deepen understanding of helping process and role of the helping professional.

Course explores various family systems theories. Content includes patterns of communication, roles adopted by family members, and development of identity and self-esteem in the family. Focus is on relationship of dysfunctional family systems to addictive process, and methods of helping families move to healthier level of functioning.

Course studies human behavior in group situations. Content includes structure and interaction of groups, makeup of successful groups, leadership qualities, conformity, deviance, and group pressures. Current group counseling research reviewed; specific simulations of actual group sessions to illustrate effective group counseling approaches.

Course studies crisis counseling theories, assessments, evidence-based models, interventions, resources, and standards. The content addresses core elements for responding to severe mental illness, substance use overdose, disasters, and pandemics. Trauma Informed Care (TIC) approaches, resilience, and recovery models are examined through application, case studies, and exercises. The course will explore how crisis intervention is offered in marginalized communities, culturally sensitive and gender responsive approaches, partnerships with substance abuse treatment centers, law enforcement, first responders, faith-based leaders, and peer support.

Course studies behavioral and cognitive effects of psychoactive drugs, including both illicit and illicit drugs, and use of drugs in treating psychological disorders. Content includes both psychology and physiology of addictions; information on drug use, misuse, abuse, and addiction; socially abused chemicals and historical background, pharmacology, psychological and physiological effects, medical uses, dependence patterns and toxicity.

Course examines historical, societal, psychological, behavioral and familial perspectives of substance use and co-occurring disorders. Content includes current theories on substance use and related disorders; the etiology and assessment of substance use and trauma related disorders; characteristics of addicted behavior; impact of alcohol and other drug use on family and society; substance use relative to special populations; historical and current treatment and the recovery process; practical knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and code of ethics.

For a number of reasons, individuals experiencing mental illness and substance use disorders more often interact with the criminal justice system than the general population does. Thus, the better prepared officers and staff are to respond effectively and appropriately, the more likely the interaction will be a positive one. The Mental Health First Aid for Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Public Safety course builds upon the effectiveness of the standard Mental Health First Aid curriculum by focusing on the unique experiences and needs of law enforcement, corrections, and public safety audiences.

Course provides an introduction to behavioral science research methods. Topics include the scientific method, research designs, statistical analysis, and interpretation of empirical data. Students will learn to formulate research questions, design studies, conduct surveys, and critically evaluate behavioral research. Key topics include ethics in research, hypothesis generation, experimental and non-experimental designs, reliability and validity, measurement and operational definitions, and the analysis of data. Upon completion, students will develop the skills necessary to critically assess behavioral research and apply basic statistical techniques to interpret findings. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both PSY 240 and SSC 240.

Course surveys major issues relating to the field of psychology. Focus and/or scope differ from other psychology courses currently offered. Course may be taken for credit up to four times on different topics. Prerequisite may vary by topic.