May 18, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

 

Psychology

  
  • PSY* 104 - Psychology of Adjustment


    Credit(s): 3
    Theoretical basis of interpersonal communication, including focus on the self concept and defensiveness, and elements of clear verbal messages. Other units cover the perception process, connotative and denotative language, nonverbal communication, active listening, facilitative and debilitative emotional expressions, characteristics of relational communication, and conflict resolution.
    Formerly listed as PSY 120 or SOC 220, not open for credit to students who have successfully completed PSY 120 and/or SOC 220.
  
  • PSY* 105 - Group Dynamics


    Credit(s): 3
    Theoretical basis of group behavior, including focus on the distinction between content and process variables. Task and maintenance functions of group members are explored. Other topics include concepts of group membership, conformity and deviancy pressures, styles of leadership, and group problem solving and decision making. (Students enrolling in this course are require to conduct 25 hours of service learning. Please consult an academic advisor or program coordinator regarding service learning requirements.)
    Formerly listed as PSY 130 or SOC 221, not open for credit to students who have successfully completed PSY 130 and/or SOC 221.
  
  • PSY* 111 - General Psychology I


    Credit(s): 3
    - On Campus and Online -

    Corequisite(s): ENG* 101P  
    Introduction to the basic concepts and methods of psychology. Primary emphasis is placed on the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include: basic physiological processes underlying behavior; states of consciousness; learning and memory; and stress, health, and adjustment.
  
  • PSY* 112 - General Psychology II


    Credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111  
    A continuation of PSY* 111 , PSY*112 includes the following topics: sensation and perception; language, thought, and intelligence; developmental psychology; personality theory and measurement; abnormal behavior; methods of therapy; motivation and emotion; and social psychology.
  
  • PSY* 201 - Lifespan Development


    Credit(s): 3
    - On Campus and Online -

    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111 .
    This course will provide an overview and introduction to the study of development through the lifespan. Genetic and environmental influences on the biological, cognitive, and social aspects of development from conception to death will be examined. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation for the complexities of development by investigating prominent theories, research studies, issues of diversity, and global perspectives within lifespan development.
  
  • PSY* 204 - Child And Adolescent Development


    Credit(s): 3
    - On Campus and Online -

    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111  recommended.
    Corequisite(s): ENG* 101P .
    Development of the child from conception through adolescence, with focus on physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. Both hereditary and environmental influences are considered.
    Formerly listed as PSY 232, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 232.
  
  • PSY* 208 - Psychology of Adult Development and Aging


    Credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111  recommended.
    Corequisite(s): ENG* 101P .
    A study of behavior dynamics and developmental processes from young adulthood through old age. The physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of aging are studied.
    Formerly listed as PSY 233, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 233.
  
  • PSY* 210 - Dying and Death


    Credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111 .
    Study of dying, death, and bereavement in American society. Topics include the social meaning of death, the dying process, a developmental approach to understanding death attitudes, and the funeral as an expression of bereavement. A unit on personal coping focuses on personal death awareness, children and dying, and the hospice approach.
    Formerly listed as PSY 250, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 250.
  
  • PSY* 240 - Social Psychology


    Credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111 .
    Behavior of the individual as it is determined by social situations. Topics covered include attitude formation and change, social perception and attribution, social power and influence, human aggression, and pro-social behavior.
    Formerly listed as PSY 252, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 252.
  
  • PSY* 243 - Theories of Personality


    Credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111 .
    A systematic presentation of the major systems and theories of personality. Focus is on psychoanalytic and ego psychology perspectives, as well as social learning, cognitive developmental, humanistic, and person situational theories.
    Formerly listed as PSY 255, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 255.
  
  • PSY* 245 - Abnormal Psychology


    Credit(s): 3
    - On Campus and Online -

    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111 .
    In-depth study of abnormal behavior. Topics include theoretical perspectives of abnormality, classification systems (DSM-5), and the prevalent groups of disorders: anxiety, personality, schizophrenic, mood, psychoactive substance, and developmental. Stress and psychophysiological symptoms are discussed, as are maladaptive behaviors of childhood and adolescence, and brain disorders and aging.
    Formerly listed as PSY 260, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 260.
  
  • PSY* 247 - Industry and Organizational Psychology


    Credit(s): 3
    - On Campus and Online -

    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111  
    A comprehensive study that introduces the student to the applications of psychology in the work place. The three main topic areas to be covered: organizational psychology, human factors psychology, and personnel psychology.
    Formerly listed as PSY 247, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 247.
  
  • PSY* 248 - Psychology of Life / Career Planning


    Credit(s): 3
    Career development theories and their application to career choices of the independent student are explored. Emphasis is placed on methods of career research, decision-making, interviewing, and résumé writing skills.
    Formerly listed as PSY 248, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 248.
  
  • PSY* 250 - Psychological Aspects of Human Sexuality


    Credit(s): 3
    Corequisite(s): ENG* 101P  
    This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the range of human sexuality and gender variations. The focus will be on current information, attitudes and the role of sexuality as a positive enriching force in life. The distinction will be made between sexuality and gender differences. Sexuality and gender variations will be examined in the light of biological origins, psychological determinants, social factors and cross-cultural beliefs and attitudes. A combination of didactic presentation and experiential learning will be utilized to examine the current research of the field.
  
  • PSY* 253 - Multicultural Issues in Psychology


    Credit(s): 3
    - On Campus and Online -

    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111  
    This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of diversity issues and invite a healthy dialogue on multicultural topics. Emphasis will be placed on the relations between different groups and the impact on the individual members of the group. The course will assist in developing awareness, particularly for those interested in working in multicultural settings, of the varying needs of a pluralistic society. Lectures will be structured to permit open discussion and critical reflection grounded in both personal experience and scholarly readings.
    Formerly listed as PSY 253, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 253; not open for credit to students who have successfully passed PSY* 253.
  
  • PSY* 256 - Psychology of Men and Women


    Credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111 .
    Study of the similarities and contrasts in behavior between men and women. Emphasis on the development and influence of gender roles from the perspectives of biology, anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Topics include interpersonal power, family roles, language and communication, and educational and career issues.
    Formerly PSY 256, not open for credit to students who have successfully completed PSY 256. Formerly listed as PSY 257, not open to students who have successfully completed PSY 257.
  
  • PSY* 270 - Psychology of Trauma


    Credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): PSY* 111  
    This course is designed to introduce students to the psychology of trauma. The course will explore psychological trauma from a variety of viewpoints. Presentations will be based on theories and applications emanating from the growing field of traumatic stress with an emphasis on interpersonal trauma at the individual, familial, and communal levels. Students will learn about responses to a variety of trauma including childhood trauma, adult sexual assault, domestic violence, natural- and human-caused disasters.