Credits: 3.00 Credits
The major emphasis of this course is on the scientific study of the behavioral and mental processes of human beings. Both the biological structure of the human organism and the effect of the environment upon behavior are studied. The major areas of psychological study, including research methods, sensation and perception, learning theories, and cognitive processes are surveyed.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and principles of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development at each major stage of life - from conception until old age. Major theories are explained and fully integrated throughout the human life span
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course covers the problems of human adjustment using the psychoanalytic, social-learning, and humanistic perspectives. The course also focuses on stress, its effects and its management. The third area of study concerns interpersonal and social aspects of adjustment.
PSYC 1063 Basic Helping Skills
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course is designed to assist the student in developing the helping skills necessary to conduct a productive, helping session. Helping models, ethical considerations, and interview methods will be examined, particularly as they apply to the human services field.
PSYC 2033 Adolescent Development
Credits: 3.00 Credits
Adolescent Development is an introduction to the physical, cognitive, and social changes which occur between puberty and young adulthood. Contemporary issues of gender, sexuality, morality, and education are discussed. Psychological theories and developmental stages of life will be explored by the student and applied to adolescent behavior.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
Major emphasis of this course is on understanding the symptoms, etiology, diagnostic classification, and theories pertaining to psychopathology. Special attention is paid to the medical model, the psychological model, and the behaviorist model as they apply to the causes and treatment of the behavioral disorders. Newer developments in therapy are analyzed which treat mental disorders as problems of living rather than specific diseases.
Credits: 1.00 TO 4.00 Credits
This course allows students who have successfully completed a previous course in psychology to continue study in that subject. A student may contract for one to four credit hours. However, directed study may be contracted by a student only with the approval of the directing instructor and the department chairperson.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course provides students with an overview of historical and contemporary psychological approaches to helping. Topics will include theories of counseling, cultural issues, professional concerns and ethical standards of the field. The course will also address issues related to the historical and theoretical bases of crisis intervention.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
The course examines social psychology - the scientific discipline which studies the psychology of the individual in society. It focuses on the individual during social interaction and societal influences. Among topics considered are attitude change, person perception, attribution theory, verbal and nonverbal communication, conformity and nonconformity, aggression and affiliation, stereotypes and prejudice, social justice, and interpersonal attraction.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
In this course, students will study various health determinants, the impact of socio-economic and cultural influences on health-related behaviors, the physiology of stress and effective ways to manage or reduce its negative consequences and how to evaluate research in health related fields. In addition, students will critically examine global health concerns from a health systems and health policy perspective. Topics such as the global impact of disease, theories of health-related behavior change, stress, coping, communicable and chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, HIV, chronic pain management and the placebo effect will be covered. Strategies for individual and community health advocacy will also be discussed.
PSYC 5103 Industrial/Orgnztnl Psychology
Credits: 3.00 Credits
Industrial/Organizational Psychology is an advanced course which applies the principles of psychology to the workplace. The focus of the course is on such topics as scientific management, human relations, motivation, group dynamics, and personnel selection. Students will learn about performance appraisal, leadership skills, labor-management relations, and organizational communication. Other topics for discussion include employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and the abuse of drugs.
PSYC 5203 Personality Psychology
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course examines personality development, types of personalities, and personality disorders. Students analyze the relationship between personality and several factors including culture, gender, and motivation. Critical examination and analysis of different personality theories will assist students in the development of a self-analysis project to better understand their own personality.
PSYC 5303 Autism Spect. Related Disorder
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course will examine theory, research, and interventions in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other related disorders, such as Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Some of the topics that will be covered include the early history of ASD and related disorders, diagnosis, and treatment of autism; current classification and diagnostic issues and techniques; epidemiological and etiological issues; major neurological and psychological theories of ASD; current approaches to intervention; and current ASD research.
PSYC 6103 Family & Intimate Rel Violence
Credits: 3.00 Credits
The course will provide a systemic examination of family and intimate relationship violence throughout the lifespan. The course will include discussion of the causes and types of violence, reporting procedures and legal remedies associated with this type of violence. It will also examine intervention and prevention programs that are available to the victims, perpetrators and others affected by it. While the course focuses mainly on the violence in the U.S., family and intimate relationship violence in other cultures will be explored. Students will be expected to prepare a research-based paper or presentation on current literature related to family and intimate relationship violence.
PSYC 7003 Working w/Diverse Populations
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course will examine and promote understanding, sensitivity, awareness, and knowledge of human diversity. Patterns and trends in victimization and victim-blaming will be examined, particularly as they relate to high-risk groups that are often hidden in or forgotten by society (the homeless, persons living with mental disorders, veterans, those suffering from dementia, addicts, etc.). Emphasis will be placed on the psychological aspects of the individuals and groups, as well as the professional responsibilities and skills that are critical to working with these vulnerable populations.
PSYC 7103 The Psychology of Killers
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course examines the psychological factors that are unique to mass murderers and serial killers. This course will examine what accounts for that violent rage that is unleashed against other human beings who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. To what extent might lethal forms of violence be caused by genetics or neurological deformities, a history of childhood neglect and abuse, or a socialization of hatred toward others? At what point in the psychological evolution of a killer might that person be considered "criminally insane?" Using a case study approach drawn from readings, film, and television, students will explore the "dark side" of human psychology in order to understand why these killers kill.
