Course Descriptions

PSY100 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3). Basic orientation to the methods of research, areas of investigation, and principal concepts of psychology. This course is a prerequisite to all courses in psychology except for PSY211; Theories of Human Nature, and PSY338; Conflict Resolution. (Students who have already completed EDU241 with a grade of "B" or better may proceed directly to advanced Psychology courses without having to complete PSY100.) Each Fall/Each Spring.

PSY210 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3). The study of developmental growth and behaviors throughout the life. The theories of physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and moral development are included. NOTE: Students may not receive credit for both EDU210 and PSY210. Prerequisite: PSY100 or EDU241. Each Spring.

PSY215 PHILOSOPHICAL AND HISTORICAL BASES OF PSYCHOLOGY (3). The roots of modern psychological thought and methodology are explored. Included are the origins of attitudes and behavior in philosophy, religion, the natural sciences, a review of the early schools of psychology, and coverage of present day theories and findings. In addition to learning about the major schools and systems of psychology (e.g., Functionalism, Structuralism, Gestalt, etc.), cultural and political forces will be understood as to how they shape psychological theories. An examination of the work of key individuals who have shaped the field of psychology will be included. Prerequisite: EDU241, PSY100, SOC100, POL100, or SWK100. Spring 2007.

PSY305 THEORIES OF PERSONALITY (3). The study of genetic, cultural, and social causes of differences among persons. Attention is focused on four major theoretical approaches within psychology, along with their distinctive methods of assessment and research concerning personality. Prerequisites: PSY100 or EDU241 and sophomore, junior, or senior standing. Each Fall.

PSY306 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3). The selective exploration of social stimuli, social responses, and social interaction from a psychological perspective. Prerequisites: PSY100 or EDU 241. Each Fall.

PSY312 MOTIVATION AND EMOTION (3). The psychological study of the theories and research of human motivations and emotions. Prerequisites: One of: PSY100 or EDU241; one of: BIO102 or BIO125; and sophomore, junior, or senior standing. Alternate years. Spring 2007.

PSY323 HUMAN SEXUALITY (3). An exploration of psychological factors in human sexuality including developmental, biological, and social perspectives. Such topics as sexual orientation, gender identity and roles, sexual relationships, sexual dysfunction, power and violence, and commercialization will be covered. Prerequisite: EDU241, POL100, PSY100, SOC100, or SWK100.

PSY325 SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY (3). An in-depth study of the theoretical and empirical research pertaining to the psychological determinants of athletic performance. Areas will include the history of sport psychology, personality, motivation, goal setting, fundamental beliefs, anxiety, casual attribution, communication, and intra-team dynamics. Prerequisite: EDU241, POL100, PSY100, SOC100, or SWK100. Spring 2007.

PSY327 PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN (3). Presents a survey of topics related to the psychology of women, such as gender identity and roles, theories of female development, relationships, achievement, language, health issues, spirituality, sexuality, and violence. Prerequisite: EDU241, POL100, PSY100 SOC100, or SWK100.

PSY339 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3). An introduction to the theories and research concerning attention, perception, encoding, storage and retrieval of information utilized in language comprehension ,and problem-solving. Prerequisites: PSY 151 or EDU241 and junior or senior standing. Alternate years. Spring 2006.

PSY350 TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY (3). The exploration of areas of psychology in greater depth than in existing courses. Potential topics include: black psychology, women and psychology, cultural issues in psychology, biological psychology, individual differences, human sexuality, and others. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing. Each Fall/Each Spring.

PSY403 CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY (3). A study of the ways in which cultural factors shape and affect human attitudes and behavior. The course will cover a variety of multicultural groups including Latino/a, African, Asian, Native-American, and a strong emphasis will cover the wealth of research in Black psychology. Prerequisite: EDU241, POL100, PSY100 SOC100, or SWK100.

PSY418 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (3). An examination of psychological, sociocultural, and biological aspects of maladaptive behavior patterns. Topics include: anxiety mood disorders, schizophrenia, substance-related disorders, and personality disorders. Theoretical perspectives, current treatment approaches, and issues relating to prevention are also addressed. Prerequisites: PSY 151 or EDU241 and junior or senior standing and PSY305 (Psychology majors) or SOC 221 (Criminal Justice majors) or SWK300 or SWK380 (Social Work majors). Each Spring.

PSY425 PSYCHOBIOLOGY (3). Introduction to the neuronal and behavioral foundations of psychobiology including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and behavioral ecology. The course will be overview the physiological underpinnings of psychology, attitudes and behaviors, and discuss the newest research in psychological, psychiatric, and medical fields. Prerequisite: PSY100.