Psychology (PSY)

This course will assist students in developing a greater understanding of self and others. Students will be introduced to psychological principles to apply toward understanding individual changes and growth. Topics discussed will include theories of adjustment, belief systems, self-concept, health and stress, interpersonal relationships, and learning preferences and styles.

This course explores how cognition, emotion, stress, lifestyle, andthe environment impact a person's health and sense of well-being. Students will review the psychological and behavioral factors which enhance wellness while preventing one's risk for illness. Students will journey toward wellness by studying and experiencing alternative, preventive and stress reducing techniques. Modalities explored are the mind/body connection, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and spirituality.

This course explores the theoretical basis of group behavior including focus on the distinction between content and process variables from a psychological perspective. Topics emphasized in this course include concepts of group membership, functions of groups, conformity and deviancy pressures, styles of leadership, group problem solving, and group decision making.

This course examines major issues, theories and research in the study of the creative process. Emphasis is placed on practical application of psychological concepts to foster progress in making a creative product or solving a problem in a creative manner in any domain or interest. Students will apply concepts and strategies from class to their own creative endeavors and reflect on results, as well as exchange feedback with each other to apply concepts and strategies to a variety of goals and contexts. Students will create original work and assess its value according to the standards of their particular domain of interest. Based on their experiences within the course, students will develop individualized plans for making progress in their creative endeavors beyond the conclusion of the course.

This course will explore and review the field of psychology. Topics will include history of psychology, research methods, the biological basis of mind and behavior, motivation and emotion, learning, memory, health and stress, and life span development. The course is appropriate for those who are considering a career in psychology or have an interest in developing a better understanding of the basis of human behavior.

This honors course will explore, review, and critique thefield of psychology. Topics will include history ofpsychology, research methods, the biological basis ofmind and behavior, motivation and emotion, learning,memory, health and stress, and life span development. The course is appropriate for those who are consideringa career in psychology or have an interest in developing a better understanding of the basis of human behavior. Students will complete an original research study.

This course continues the exploration of the basic areas of study within the field of psychology begun in General Psychology I. Course topics include sensation, perception, thinking and language, intelligence, personality, social psychology, consciousness, psychological disorders, and treatment of psychological disorders.

The course will offer a realistic portrait of the personal experiences of late life and highlight the mental health issues that confront human beings as they age.

This course examines the nature of substance and behavioral addiction. It incorporates theoretical perspectives and contemporary research. Social, cultural, and familial contexts of drug use and addictive behaviors are explored. Students investigate the neurobiology of addiction. Prevention, assessment, andevidence-based treatment options and culturally relevant treatment options are examined.

This course is a general introduction to exceptional learners, their families, and their education. The course includes discussion of the psychological, medical, and sociological aspects of exceptional learners and their relationship to family, community, and especially the educational system. The course emphasis is on the inclusion of exceptional learners within family, community, and school. This course focuses on all exceptional learners, including gifted and/or talented students.

This course is a general introduction to adults with disabilities and the issues faced by them in current American society. The emphasis is on issues relating to full inclusion in neighborhoods, community associations, workplaces, and leisure-recreation experiences. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its powerful implications for full community inclusion by individualswith disabilities will be examined.

This course explores various learning theories, especially behavior modification, as they relate to children and adults with disabilities. Included will be an introduction to the biological aspects of the brain and learning. Ethical questions regarding the application of certain learning theories will be examined.

The goal of this course is to promote an understanding of the use of assistive technology for people with disabilities. This course will further address assistive technology for people with physical, sensory, mental health, intellectual, learning, and developmental disabilities and how assistive technology can promote independence and empowerment. In addition, this course will focus on the evolution of assistive technology and how it is utilized across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Settings include: the classroom, the community, the workplace, at home and in social and community environments.

This course will examine current legal, ethical, community, family and personal support issues affecting children and adults with disabilities and their families. Through the study of literature, newsletters, and media accounts and by listening to the leaders and advocates of today, students will more fully understand the challenges and opportunities of people with disabilities.

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.

This course will study human development from conception through adolescence. It will focus on the theories of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth along with research methodologies in child development. Hereditary and environmental influences are explored.

 A study of behavior dynamics and developmental processes from early adulthood through late adulthood. The physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of aging will be studied. Students will develop an understanding of normal, healthy aging and the biopsychosocial challenges of the aged.

Examines the processes of death, dying and grieving. Death and loss as they relate to major developmental life tasks are also studied, including the effect of death and loss upon survivors. Both Eastern and Western perspectives are considered.

In this introduction course, students study the psychology of women. Using the feminist theory, research and leading psychological theories, women's issues in contemporary society, and the social expectations for women will be examined.

This course examines the relationship of psychological and emotional states on physical wellness. Students will learn a variety of theories about the relationship between acute and chronic illness and psychological health. Also, students will learn a variety of coping skills to promote sound psychological and physical well-being. Overall emphasis is placed upon those psychological factors which can prevent or reverse and sustain or recapture health.

This course surveys the physiology of the dreaming process in the context of stages of sleep and the neurobiology of dream states. Theories of Freud, Jung, Adler, and Gestalt psychologists are applied to an understanding of the dream process and dream interpretation. The course also examines the influence of culture and myth upon the dreaming process and the dreamer.

This course approaches the knowledge and understanding of criminal behavior and its impact upon individuals and society from a developmental, biological, social, and other psychological perspectives. Topics include: criminological theories, biological and psychological models of criminal behavior, crime and mental disorders, juvenile delinquency, human aggression and violence, multiple murders, psychopathy, and criminal homicide. Students will be familiarized with different perspectives on criminal behavior as well as etiology, risk factors, assessment and treatment in relation to different criminal behaviors.  

The course will examine the application of psychological theory and research in educational settings. Topics will include cognitive and social development, intelligence, individual abilities, learning and assessment along with effective teaching and classroom management techniques. The course is appropriate for those who are considering a career in teaching or have interest in developing inclusive educational situations.

Psychological research enables psychologists to describe, predict, and explain human behavior and thought. Such research often relies on the analysis of quantitative data. In this course, you will learn how to describe, analyze, interpret, and report psychological data. Course content includes coverage of both descriptive and inferential analytic procedures. Students will gain practical experience in writing reports of research according to the standard conventions of the American Psychological Association and in the use of data analysis software commonly employed by research psychologists.

This course involves an in-depth examination and analysis of situational (i.e., social) factors which influence behavior, cognition, and emotion. The course emphasizes the presentation, evaluation, and application of theories and research in topic areas such as social cognition, group processes, attribution, conformity, attitude formation and change, prejudice, and interpersonal behavior (e.g., altruism and aggression).

This course examines the current theories and research in the psychological study of human personality to understand the underlying causes of individual behavior and experience. Emphasis will be placed on views which discuss the unique qualities of personality, genetic factors, interpersonal dynamics, and the influence of the family. Current research questions, such as stability of the personality over time and in various situations and cultural differences in personality development, will also be considered.Psycho-dynamic, humanistic, trait, biological, existential, and earning theorists will be analyzed.

This course explores the causes, symptoms, classification, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorders. Students will examine both contemporary and historical psychological models and theories related to the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

A survey of the psychological factors that influence the individual in the work setting. Includes employee attitudes, motivation, group dynamics, decision making, leadership, assessment, and training as an introduction to human resource management.

This course examines abnormal behavior within the scope of development. The course reviews normative development and examines it against a myriad of disorders that arise beginning in early childhood extending through adolescence. Genetic, cultural, and environmental factors will be explored along with options for evaluation and treatment.

This course surveys scientific theories and studies relevant to understanding human sexuality. Contemporary research, modern medical, sexological, and psychological insights into human sexual experience and behavior are emphasized.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of diversity and related issues from a psychological perspective through healthy dialogue on a variety of multicultural topics. Emphasis is placed on relations and interactions between diverse groups and the impacts on individual members of groups.

This course focuses on the basic theories and principles of learning with applications to the field of business, health, education, and psychotherapy. Students explore how people learn to overcome fears and undesirable habits as well as adhere to positive regimens. Classical and operant conditioning, human learning and motivation, and behavior modification are examined in this course.

This course is designed to introduce students to the psychology of trauma. The course will include a brief history of the field, as well as current approaches to understanding trauma from cognitive, neuropsychological, developmental, and clinical viewpoints. Students will learn about responses to a variety of trauma including childhood trauma, adult sexual assault, domestic violence, natural and human caused disasters.

This course is an introduction to the neural foundations for behavior. Students will examine how a neuroscientist studies the brain and nervous system, organization of the brain and nervous system, and major brain circuits, functions, diseases, and disorders. This course will also discuss how brain disorders and diseases are related to human behavior and mental health disorders.

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. This course will explore psychological strengths and optimal functioning, including (1) subjective states such as happiness; (2) individual traits such as wisdom and resilience; and (3) institutions such as healthy families, work environments, and communities.

Students analyze and reflect critically on such issues as Profiling, Eyewitness Testimony, Capital Punishment, Insanity Defense, False Confessions, Innocence, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Offenders. In examining these issues, students explore multiple perspectives (specifically related to offenders), examine real life cases, and analyze multiple moral and ethical perspectives.