Course Descriptions - Psychology

This course provides an overview of psychology, introducing students to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Topics covered include theory and research in psychology, biopsychology, consciousness, learning, memory, personality, disorders, and social psychology. Students will demonstrate an understanding of key topics in Psychology and apply course concepts to analyze real-world situations, including their own daily life. Designed for non-majors seeking a foundational understanding of psychology, this course is also suitable for psychology majors fulfilling a three-credit general psychology requirement for transfer purposes.

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It serves as a foundational component for students pursuing advanced coursework in Psychology and related disciplines. Topics include history of psychology, research methods, neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning, memory, social psychology, disorders and therapies. Additional topics may include consciousness, lifespan, thinking and intelligence, language, gender and sexuality, emotions, personality psychology, health psychology, and applied psychology.

This course is an in-depth look at the processes of normal human adjustment and their application in the student's life adjustment. A component of the course is diversity and dealing with diversity, specifically the development and changing group identities in the U. S.; an examination of the individual and institutional processes of unequal power between groups; an examination of the students' attitudes, behavior and beliefs about diversity, stereotyping, prejudice, bias and racism and bigotry; and experience in developing the necessary communication skills for living and working in a diverse society. Other topics may include goal setting and change processes, self-awareness and identity, physical and psychological health, stress and coping, interpersonal relationships and communication, emotions and motivation, social interactions, psychological growth and development, meaning and values, and decision making.

Psychology of Gender includes the theory and research relating to sexuality, gender roles and sexual orientation.

This course focuses on the psychological, intellectual, and physical development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Topics include general theoretical approaches and research methods in studying child and adolescent development, birth and the newborn child, and development in the following areas: prenatal, physical, perceptual, cognitive, intellectual, language, personality, social and atypical.Completion of General Psychology is helpful prior to taking this course.

As a psychological journey through the stages of adulthood, this course covers the biological, psychological, and socio-emotional changes from early adulthood to the time of dying and death. Topics include, but are not limited to: theories of adult development, research methods, identity, relationships, cognitive and biological changes associated with aging, grief and loss, and death and dying. Student participation in research, service learning, and/or campus activities is expected in this class.

Life Span Developmental Psychology examines continuity and change across the life span. The course examines the biological, cognitive, and social development of humans from conception through death. Topics will explore maturation, human growth experiences, transitions, and the various stages of psychological and physical development as key components influencing human behaviors.

This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.

Students use basic mathematical and computerized procedures to analyze data in the behavioral sciences. Students use statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, PSPP) to conduct descriptive and inferential data analyses. Students choose and apply statistical procedures to help to answer psychological and behavioral scientific research questions. Students read, interpret, and write APA-style Results sections for behavioral science research.

This course examines the major theories and classic research studies of Social Psychology. We will analyze how individuals thoughts, feelings and actions are influenced by others. Topics include perception, attraction, altruism, aggression, attitudes, leadership, conformity and obedience, stereotyping and prejudice, persuasion and propaganda and the self-concept.

This course is an introduction to the origin, classification, and treatment of psychological disorders. Topics include historical and research issues, adjustment reactions to stress/anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychoses, types of psychotherapy, legal and ethical issues.

The course explores the major theories of personality, including psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and trait approaches. By studying these perspectives, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of personality psychology, the study of the self, and its significance within psychological theory and research. Additionally, students will apply these concepts to gain insight into their own personalities and those of others. The course will also focus on research methods in personality psychology and how to critically assess claims about personality using empirical evidence.

An overview of past and current research on human sexuality. The course will address: the human sexual response; models and sources of arousal; cultural influences on human sexual behavior and sexual diversity; emotional aspects of sexuality and sexual dysfunction; sexual communication, intimacy, dependency and jealousy; sexual exploration and courting behavior across the life span; atypical behavior, commercialized sex, and sexual coercion. Pre-reqs: PSYC 1150 or PSYC 1160 or instructor-approved prerequisite appeal form.

This course is an introduction to diversity and multiculturalism within psychology. We will examine how culturebroadly defined affects the client/therapist relationship, individual identity, group behavior, and research within psychology. By the end of this course, students will have a broad understanding of extant research on diversity from a wide variety of perspectives including international perspectives. Students will be able to evaluate research and research arguments. Students will be able to think critically about psychological theory, the impact of public policy, research findings, and future research directions.

This course will examine the interaction between psychology, the legal system and race. Topics we will explore include but are not limited to include eyewitness memory, the insanity defense, involuntary civil commitment, forensic evaluation in cases of child sexual abuse, false confessions, profiling, and child custody determinations. The class addresses various controversies in the law, including jury selection, jury decision-making, police interrogations and confessions, use of lie-detector tests, eyewitness testimony, repressed and recovered memories, and the role of psychologists as expert witnesses. We will survey real-world examples of what may be current at the time. These real-world examples will describe scenarios and cases that illustrate or explain an important legal concept or psychological principle covered in the chapter or section being discussed in class. This course provides a strong foundation of understanding for individuals interested in Forensic Psychology, Criminal Justice and Law.