Psychology (PSY)

PSY 1113 Introduction to Psychology
A survey of the subfields of psychology including physiological, perception, motivation, learning, personality, abnormal and social, to enable the student to recognize bases for behavior and to develop an understanding of human behavior and experience.

PSY 2113 Psychology of Adjustment
A study of adjustment problems and their effect on the lives, behavior, and personalities of individuals.

PSY 2243 Human Development
A systematic study of human development over the lifespan, with an emphasis on physical, cognitive,and psychosocial development.

PSY 3033 Introduction to Research and Writing in Psychology
This course is a broad-based introduction to the methods used in behavioral research, including how to search the literature of the discipline of psychology, reading and writing research papers, and using American Psychological Association (APA) writing style.

PSY 3123 Child and Adolescent Development for Education Majors
This course focuses on the study of the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of children’s and adolescents’ development from the prenatal period through adolescence with the emphasis on the development of personality, learning capabilities, and interactive effects of heredity, environment, and maturation.

PSY 3213 Psychology of Childhood Trauma
This course will examine the impact of traumatic events on children, from infancy to adolescence. Students taking this course will be able define childhood trauma; compare and contrast causes, effects and types of childhood trauma; and to identify tools used in the prevention of childhood trauma.

PSY 3233 Psychology of Adolescence
The psychological development of the adolescent in relationship to self, family, peer group, school,and society.

PSY 3243 Psychology of Aging
A review of research, assessment, and treatment methods pertaining to cognitive, social and health conditions that focus on the needs of aging adults. Topics include adjustment, anxiety disorders, capacity limitations, caregiving, dementia, depression, end of life care, health promotion, substance abuse, elder abuse, and suicide. (Prerequisite: PSY 1113)

PSY 3313 Statistics in Behavioral Sciences
Calculating statistics and interpreting the results in solving problems in psychology.

PSY 3353 Psychology of Learning
A survey of basic theories and concepts related to the learning process.

PSY 3363 Cognitive Psychology
This course is intended to introduce the college s tudent to the tenets of cognitive psychology inclu ding, but not necessarily limited to a history of cognitive psychology, models of cognitive psycholo gy, an examination of the basic principles and the ories pertinent to the study of cognition includin g an exploration of perception, attention, memory, linguistics, neurocognition, thinking and intelli gence, and information processing. (Prerequisite: PSY 1113)

PSY 3373 Psychology of Personality
A comprehensive survey of contemporary and classical theories of personality, personality development, and concepts used in understanding personality.

PSY 3393 Social Psychology
An analysis of social influences on behavior, the nature of attitudes and values, social interaction, group dynamics, conformity, and leadership.

PSY 3413 Psychology of Sexuality & Gender
An examination of the biological and psychological determinants of human sexuality and gender. Major consideration is given to the biological bases of sex, gender identity, sexual attitudes and behavior, sexual diversity, sexual dysfunctions, and becoming comfortable with one’s own sexuality.

PSY 3433 Research Methods in Psychology
A survey of research methods used in the study of psychology, with student preparation in planning and research study of a selected topic.

PSY 3493 Psychology of Women
This course will explain how individual differences in biological and environmental factors affect perceptions, cognitions and behaviors. The course will cover the effect of social, economic, political, and cultural forces on behaviorCurrent research findings serve as the basis for the class. Special attention is given to topics as they pertain specifically to women, including fulfilling multiple roles, pregnancy and childbirth, career choices, etc.

PSY 3513 Health Psychology
Health and human behavior are closely related. Thi s course reviews the numerous studies linking huma n behaviors and psychological variables to health status. Health and illness can be influenced by ex ercise, diet, stress, social relationships, coping behaviors, and psychological variables such as ha rdiness. In addition to behavior influencing healt h, health can also influence behavior. Health stat us may influence whether you go jogging, stay in b ed, or even choose a particular career. In short, this course will examine the science that connects behavior to health and health to behavior. (Prere quisite: PSY 1113; in addition, six (6) hours of psychology are recommended)

PSY 3523 Multicultural Psychology
This course is a broad-based introduction to the unique value systems and behaviors common among individuals from diverse ethnic and sociocultural backgrounds which often impact personal adjustment and well-being. The course places strong emphasis on historical contexts and sociopolitical processes impacting perceptions and behaviors of individuals.

PSY 3613 Positive Psychology
This course will be an overview of positive psychology. It is designed to explore the concepts and research foundationsof positive psychology. In addition, a primary focus will be to explore techniques and exercises used to enhance well-being and apply them to yourself.

PSY 3713 Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology explores the intersection of psychology and the legal system, examining how psychological principles and theories apply to criminal justice, law, and related fields, including topics like criminal behavior, eyewitness testimony, and jury decision-making.

PSY 3833 Psychology of Religion
Examination of theory and research on the psychological and social psychological understanding of religious belief and behavior. Topics include conversion, intrinsic and extrinsicreligious orientation, religion and social behavior, theories of religion, special groups and phenomena, religion and mental health, religious development, religious experience, and spirituality.

PSY 4313 Abnormal Psychology
A study of the dynamics, etiology, prevention and treatment of abnormal behavior, including the anxiety and psychosomatic disorders, depressive disorders, social and interpersonal disorders, psychoses, substance abuse disorders, and other abnormal personality patterns.

PSY 4323 Industrial-Organizational Psychology
The study of human behavior as it occurs in business and industrial settings, including the psychological effect of management decisions.

PSY 4353 Psychometrics
An introduction to standardized psychological tests concerning the quantification and measurement of mental attributes, behavior, performance. The course will also examine the design, analysis, and improvement of the tests, questionnaires, and other instruments used in such measurement. The course will also include testing protocol, ethics, and interpretation.

PSY 4373 Neuropsychology
An introduction to the structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and their effect and control upon behavior.

PSY 4393 History and Systems of Psychology
A survey of historical periods and influential theories and concepts related to contemporary psychology with emphasis upon the evolution of scientific method.

PSY 4443 Interviewing Skills
An introduction to the philosophy and core processes of the helping interview. Instructor consent required.

PSY 4453 Advanced Research Methods
This course requires the development of a research proposal involving the investigation of psychological phenomena, which will be carried out the following semester, while enrolled in PSY 4553.

PSY 4513 Behavior Management and Guidance for Children W/Exceptionalities
Development of competency applied behavioral analysis procedures and methods for parent counseling regarding exceptional children.

PSY 4543 Field Experience in Psychology
Practical applications of psychology under professional supervision in a field setting.

PSY 4553 Advanced Research Project
This course follows the successful completion of PSY 4453 and involves conducting the research proposed in the previous course. Thus, this course requires the collection of data, write-up of findings, and submission of completed manuscript for presentation or publication, while under the guidance of a faculty member

PSY 4643 Community Psychology
This course will examine the theories, approaches, methodology, and tools used to understand and facilitate change in community systems.

PSY 4653 Community Evaluation and Planning
This course will examine the theories, approaches, methodology, and tools used in the development and evaluation of community-level programs or interventions.

PSY 4960 Directed Reading
Individualized literature study in some area of psychology selected in consultation with the professor. Petition required.

PSY 4970 Special Studies
Individualized project selected in consultation with the proessor. Instructor consent required.

PSY 4980 Seminar
Small group study of topic announced by department. Instructor consent required.

PSY 4990 Research
Independent investigation designed in consultation with the professor. Petition required.