Courses

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.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the value of interpersonal relationships and skills
2. Explain the skills necessary for interpersonal effectiveness
3. Explain how factors such as culture, race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, and social justice influence the intrapersonal process.
4. Explain how factors such as culture, race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, and social justice influence the interpersonal process.
5. Apply the principles of effective communication.
6. Evaluate one's own intrapersonal growth.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate between the numerous areas of specialization within the broader field of psychology.
2. Identify the major research methods used in psychology.
3. Apply the basic principles of scientific thinking to the various subfields of psychology.
4. Recognize important concepts in various sub-disciplines of psychology (including biological, behavioral, clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology).
5. Identify important theories in various sub-disciplines of psychology (including biological, behavioral, clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology).
6. Identify applications of scientific psychology in real-world situations.

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.

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

Course Learning Outcomes
. 1. Apply APA format to a document.
2. Distinguish plagiarism from appropriate quoting and paraphrasing.
3. Cite sources in proper APA style.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the basic premises of Positive Psychology, and analyze criticisms of the field.
2. Identify different ways to define and measure happiness, as well as variables that are related/unrelated to happiness and well-being.
3. Describe the history of Positive Psychology and its relationship to traditional psychology.
4. Identify the difference between values and character strengths. Use signature strengths in new ways.
5. Identify the components of enabling institutions.
6. Demonstrate comprehension of research and current theories in Positive Psychology.
7. Employ Positive Psychology interventions to increase personal well-being.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of science in psychology and in clinical practice.
2. Describe the systems and processes used to diagnose psychological disorders.
3. Identify the cultural and social factors that impact the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.
4. Describe the leading models of abnormal behavior and apply these models to the understanding of psychological disorders.
5. Identify some of the major categories of psychological disorders and describe their symptoms, possible causes, and potential treatments.
6. Identify and describe the resources available to individuals with psychological disorders.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify historical and cultural psychological perspectives on human sexuality.
2. Compare and contrast major theoretical perspectives that inform the scientific study of the development and expression of an individual's sexuality.
3. Relate the reproductive and nervous systems to sexual drive, arousal, conception and contraception, sexually transmitted diseases and sexual dysfunction.
4. Elaborate how sexual and gender orientation informs identity and lifestyle.
5. Analyze and elaborate how psychological principles can be applied to developing sexuality that is ethical, enjoyable, and healthy.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Report on the basic components underlying the human tendency to believe false conclusions, including mental processes and social factors.
2. Differentiate between scientific explanations and non-scientific and pseudo-scientific explanations of phenomena, to compare skeptical, cynical, and gullible orientations to phenomena.
3. Explain the role of science literacy in our society as it relates to the development of healthy skepticism.
4. Generate proposals to use scientific tools to analyze popular claims, and recognize when scientific tools are correctly applied or misapplied to refute or support specific claims.

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.

Prerequisite: PSY 101.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe the basic principles of operant conditioning, respondent (classical) conditioning, and observational learning.
2. Summarize data collection methods used in behavior modification, and operationally apply data collection procedures to behavior modification programs.
3. Demonstrate behavioral techniques used to teach new behaviors.
4. Illustrate and prepare behavior modification plans to increase or decrease existing behaviors.
5. Summarize ethical considerations associated with conducting behavior modification on various populations.

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.

Prerequisite: PSY 101.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the developmental perspective and its relationship to child development.
2. Compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches used to understand child development.
3. Relate key concepts of the scientific method to research in child development.
4. Identify how the interaction among various hereditary and environmental influences impact child development.
5. Synthesize how biological, cognitive and social-emotional processes interact to influence child development.
6. Analyze critical current issues within the field and their impact on the developing child.
7. Apply principles of child development to situations that involve interacting with children.

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.

Prerequisite: PSY 101.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the developmental perspective and its relationship to adolescent development.
2. Compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches used to understand adolescent development.
3. Relate key concepts of the scientific method to research in adolescent development.
4. Identify how the interaction among various hereditary and environmental influences impacts normal and abnormal adolescent development.
5. Synthesize how biological, cognitive and social-emotional processes influence adolescent development.
6. Analyze critical current issues within the field and their impact on the development of today’s adolescents.
7. Apply principles of adolescent development to practical situations that involve interacting with adolescents.

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.

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

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Recognize major theories of social psychology related to cognitive and behavioral phenomenon.
2. Describe the scientific methods used to obtain knowledge about social behavior.
3. Analyze the complexity of action in social contexts by combining factors related to the person and the situation.
4. Describe situational factors that constrain human action.
5. Describe social factors that affect personal motivations.
6. Analyze contemporary events using social psychological theories or concepts.
7. Examine the effects of implicit and explicit prejudice on cognition and behavior.
8. Write formerly using APA style.

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.

Prerequisites: PSY 101 with a grade C or higher.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Compare and contrast historical and contemporary perspectives of psychopathology.
2. Compare and contrast various etiological models of psychopathology.
3. Distinguish among various assessment techniques used to diagnose psychological disorders.
4. Compare and contrast various interventions used to treat psychopathology.
5. Analyze case material according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) criteria.
6. Analyze how research methods are applied to the study of psychopathology
7. Evaluate contemporary issues in the mental health field.

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.

Prerequisite: PSY 101.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the lifespan developmental perspective and how it enhances our understanding of lifelong development.
2. Compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches used to understand lifespan development.
3. Relate key concepts of the scientific method to research in lifespan development.
4. Identify how interactions among hereditary and environmental influences impact development across the lifespan.
5. Synthesize how biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional processes interact to influence development across the lifespan.
6. Examine key principles of aging including factors associated with successful aging and ageist stereotypes.
7. Compare and contrast diverse cultural, religious, and individual characteristics as they affect development across the lifespan, including topics such as birthing, child rearing, and coping with grief and death.
8. Apply principles of lifespan development to situations involving infants, children, adolescents, and/or adults.

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.

Prerequisite: PSY 101 with a grade of C or better

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate comprehension of the basic concepts of perception.
2. Demonstrate comprehension of the basic concepts of memory.
3. Demonstrate comprehension of the basic concepts of problem solving.
4. Demonstrate comprehension of the basic concepts of language.
5. Apply the concepts of cognitive psychology to relevant areas of daily life or to controversial issues.
6. Explain how evidence from scientific research is used to address issues in the field of cognitive psychology.
7. Write a paper analyzing some aspect of cognitive psychology, using correct APA style, including references.

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.

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

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply concepts of research methodology in psychology to answer research questions.
2. Distinguish which research method is appropriate to address various research questions.
3. Evaluate psychological research in terms of ethical standards.
4. Formulate research questions and testable hypotheses based on issues in psychology.
5. Design original psychological research using appropriate methodology.
6. Execute original psychological research using appropriate methodology.
7. Use APA style and format to write an original research report.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the methods used in key social psychological research investigating acts of human cruelty.
2. Describe the specific contextual factors that are central to facilitating evil interpersonal acts, using the Holocaust as an example.
3. Describe the specific person-based factors that are central to facilitating evil interpersonal acts, using the Holocaust as an example.
4. Describe the specific contextual factors that are central to understanding the behaviors of victims, bystanders, and rescuers.
5. Describe the specific person-based factors that are central to understanding the behaviors of victims, bystanders, and rescuers.
6. Discuss the models that social scientists have constructed to explain how a society can develop systems for mass killing and genocide.
7. Discuss the models that social scientists have constructed to explain how a society can rationalize mass killing and genocide.
8. Explain how lessons learned from studying the Holocaust are applicable to modern-day events.
9. Outline factors that have been identified as deterrents to mass killings and genocide.

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.

Prerequisite: PSY 101

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply key concepts of multicultural psychology to human behavior.
2. Apply key concepts of multicultural psychology to psychological processes.
3. Differentiate among research methods used in the field of multicultural psychology.
4. Examine the impact of cultural identity on human behavior.
5. Examine the impact of cultural identity on psychological processes.
6. Analyze the impact of specific historical events on cultural identity.
7. Examine an integration of factors including race, culture, gender, class, historical events, prejudice and discrimination, and immigration on human behavior.
8. Examine an integration of factors including race, culture, gender, class, historical events, prejudice and discrimination, and immigration on psychological processes.

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.

Prerequisite: PSY 101

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe how sleep and dreaming are scientifically studied, including how REM and NREM sleep stages are differentiated.
2. Identify the neurological bases of sleep, including brain structures, neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate sleep.
3. Recognize how daily sleep/wake cycles change throughout the lifespan.
4. Evaluate theoretical explanations as to why we sleep and dream.
5. Differentiate the neurological, physiological and psychological functions of sleep and dreaming.
6. Compare and contrast various sleep-wake disorders, including parasomnias, insomnia, and narcolepsy, and other sleep disruptions.
7. Explain the effects of sleep deprivation on physical and psychological health and functioning.
8. Apply healthy sleep practices to personal sleep patterns and habits.

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.

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

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches used to understand the development of psychological disorders in children and adolescents.
2. Describe how research methods are applied to the study of child and adolescent psychopathology.
3. Explain how biological and psychosocial factors interact to influence the development of psychological disorders.
4. Compare and contrast key diagnostic criteria of psychological disorders prevalent in children and adolescents.
5. Distinguish among various assessment techniques used to diagnose psychological disorders in children and adolescents.
6. Compare and contrast interventions used to treat psychological disorders in children and adolescents.
7. Analyze critical current issues and controversies within the field of developmental psychopathology.

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.

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

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and critique the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists.
2. Identify and interpret the challenges unique to forensic psychology.
3. Apply the concepts of forensic psychology to an actual situation.
4. Analyze the ethical issues related to the practice of forensic psychology.
5. Apply the psychological concepts of assessment and evaluation to legal institutions.

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.

Prerequisite: PSY 101, or permission of the instructor

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Define and recognize basic concepts relating to the focus topic of the course
2. Analyze and evaluate the theoretical positions and research evidence relating to the focus topic
3. Describe and evaluate practical applications of the focus topic to individuals, groups, societies, or other appropriate area