Course Descriptions

Psychology Course Descriptions

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

PSYC-100 - GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY  3 credits
This introductory course identifies those scientific methods used to study human behavior. Discussion centers around the contribution of heredity, environment, learning, perception, motivation and emotion in shaping our individual personalities. Honors component available.
PSYC-109 - HUMAN RELATIONS  3 credits
This is a course designed to build a strong self image. Each student has an opportunity to understand that he/she is a functioning human being in the twentieth century and that this is not a task to be taken lightly. He/she will realize that we are all similar in many ways and that we are also different. This course will help the student establish a philosophy of life that will be very helpful in his/her communications and awareness of the future.
PSYC-230 - PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING  3 credits
Gerontology, the study of aging from maturity to old age, has grown over the past 50 years. It is an exciting and relatively new field. This course examines adult development and aging, providing an opportunity for students to look into what the future might hold for them. This course focuses on the aging process in modern society. It examines how aging affects the social system from a macro and micro perspective. It looks at the scientific study of elders, with emphasis on bio-psycho-social effects on aging. Also, it examines multicultural aspects related to relationships, retirement, grief and bereavement. This course also outlines physical and cognitive issues related to aging, with special emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. PREREQUISITE: PSYC-100
PSYC-305 - CHILD PSYCHOLOGY  3 credits
This advanced course examines the major influences on a child’s physical, cognitive, and social development from conception through early childhood. Information is presented in chronological order to give an integrated view of the child at each major phase of development. An examination of the basic theories and contemporary research suggest some answers for more effective parenting. PREREQUISITE: PSYC-100.
PSYC-325 - LIFESPAN HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT  3 credits
This course will emphasize the cognitive, biological, psychosocial, sexual, cultural, and moral development of the individual from conception through old age. The theories of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg, Kubler-Ross, and other prominent psychologists will be applied to specific problems in the developmental process. PREREQUISITE: PSYC-100.
PSYC-335 - THEORIES OF PERSONALITY  3 credits
This course is an introduction to psychological theory and research on the concept of personality. It examines the prominent paradigms in personality theory: psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and trait theory. Particular emphasis is placed on the determinants and development of personality and current thought regarding the interplay of biological and environmental influences. PREREQUISITE: PSYC-100
PSYC-350 - ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY  3 credits
This advanced course examines the major influences on a person’s physical, cognitive and social development from middle childhood through adolescence. An examination of the basic theories and contemporary research is presented for each major phase in order to give an integrated view of development in humans during this time of their lives. PREREQUISITE: PSYC-100.
PSYC-400 - PRINCIPLES OF NORMAL/ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR  3 credits
A general introduction into the origin, development, types of mental illness, and the methods of coping with psychological dysfunction. Inquiry will also be made into the theoretical and applied approaches of several of the major schools of thought with regard to helping services. PREREQUISITE: PSYC-100.
PSYC-409 - INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY  3 credits
This is a general outline of topics, readings and projects for the Social Science Course in the Next Step Program. Key curriculum areas include Change in Work, Business Organization, Global Economy, Labor History, Corporate Response, Collective Bargaining, the Umbrella Competencies and Challenges. This outline does not define sequencing of these issues. Each professor may determine the order and emphasis based on his or her discipline and unique approach and on the needs of each particular class of students, keeping in mind the overall course objectives as defined below.
PSYC-900 - DIRECTED STUDY IN PSYCHOLOGY  
Semester hour credit will vary from one to three, depending upon the written, agreed-upon, approved, student-professor contract.