Introduction to the science of human behavior and mental processes. Students examine the relation between the nervous system and behavior, learning, perception, language, personality, intelligence, and psychopathology.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Psychological development and change throughout the life span. Topics include the principles of child and adolescent development, and the genetic and environmental influences on the course of physical, motor, intellectual, emotional, social, and personality development. Emphasis on adult issues of individual integrity, career pursuit, and intimacy. Examination of senescence and adjustment to aging. Additional attention is devoted to the family lifecycle concept. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
PSY111
Principal forms of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders with emphasis on their causes, symptoms, and courses of treatment. Examination of classification systems for psychological disorders used to determine categories of behavior. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
PSY111
Study of the phenomena of and interactions among physical, psychomotor, behavioral, cognitive, emotional, social, moral, and personality development from the prenatal period to the middle school years. By examining the data and theories of child development, students gain an understanding of normal and abnormal development useful in interactive settings with children.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
PSY111
Study of the etiology, classification, and treatment of behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders of children and adolescents. Emphasis on the research methods, concepts, and theories associated with developmental psychopathology, a field of study which adopts a developmental perspective in understanding abnormal child behavior. Examines the relationship between typical and atypical development. Applying a developmental perspective clarifies the differences in behavioral expressions of disorders at various ages, wellness and positive growth opportunities, and the effects of biological, family, peer, and community system factors on children’s disorders. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
PSY111
Introduction to the study of the relationship between the brain and behavior, cognition, and emotion, including clinical assessment of brain functioning. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
PSY111
Study of interaction of individuals in groups. Harmony and conflict within groups as well as between groups and group leadership; phenomena of imitation and suggestion. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
PSY111
Examination of the psychological, biological and social factors that contribute to human sexuality. Based upon the belief that human beings wish to explore and to experience their sexuality in a holistic and responsible manner, the course covers such topics as human sexual development across the lifespan; the physiology and anatomy of reproduction; cross-cultural and historical perspectives about human sexuality; contemporary perspectives about human sexuality; sexual dysfunctions and therapeutic approaches to treatment of those dysfunctions; gender identity; gender roles and gender stratification as they relate to human sexuality; values clarification (including legal and ethical issues) related to human sexuality; and sexuality within the context of human intimate relationships. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Examination of the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging as they affect the adaptation of the individual to the environment. The economic, political, and legal issues which affect the administration of human service organizations are studied. Emphasis on human service intervention with the elderly client. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Introduction to the basic principles of behavior change and their application in a variety of settings. The principles examined draw upon the areas of operant and classical conditioning, modeling, cognitive theory, and single-subject experimental methodology. Techniques based on these principles are discussed, including shaping, contingency management, stimulus control, desensitization, modeling, self-destruction, and outcome evaluation. Various settings where these techniques have been applied are considered, including home, school, industry, clinic, prison, and community. Ethical issues are explored. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
PSY111
Introduction to the way clinical psychologists conceptualize, assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent mental and physical health issues. Focus on holistic approach to clinical mental health. Topics include research, assessment, education requirements in clinical psychology, history of the field, diagnosis, ethics, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and current psychotherapies and issues. Experiential learning is expected. As needed.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
PSY111
Exploration of the research, concepts, and theory behind cognitive and behavioral practices that promote well-being and fulfillment. Scientific study of personal strengths and what makes for positive experiences, relationships, and institutions. Topics include, but are not limited to, resilience, self-efficacy, courage, compassion, wisdom, love, creativity, mindfulness, grit, flow, humanity, positive emotions, and spirituality/transcendence. Experiential learning is expected.
3 Credits: 3 Lecture
Prerequisites:
PSY111