PSYC 121

Applied Psychology (3 CR)

The course will focus on learning how to apply psychological principles in order to better understand one's own experience (cognitive, behavioral and emotional) and that of other people. This course is not a substitute for Introduction to Psychology and will not meet the prerequisite requirement for advanced psychology courses. 3 hrs./wk.

PSYC 130

Introduction to Psychology (3 CR)

Prerequisite: RDG 126 with a grade of "C" or higher OR appropriate score on the COMPASS reading test OR appropriate score on the ACT reading test

This basic introduction to psychology includes the study of biological aspects of behavior, the brain, consciousness, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, stress, maturation and development, learning and memory, normal and abnormal personality, and social psychology. This course is the prerequisite for all advanced-level psychology courses. 3 hrs./wk. This course may be offered as a Learning Communities (LCOM) section, see current credit schedule for LCOM details.

PSYC 200

Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3 CR)

Prerequisite: PSYC 130

The course will examine human behavior and psychological principles in an industrial/personnel context. It will also focus on how organizational factors contribute to individual behavior and how individuals affect groups and organizational functioning. Topics include recruiting, selecting and training personnel; evaluating job performance, work motivation, job satisfaction and other attitudes; leadership; and organization and job design. This course may not be offered every semester. 3 hrs./wk.

PSYC 205

Human Sexuality (3 CR)

Prerequisite: PSYC 130

PSYC 205, Human Sexuality, is a balanced and thoughtful account of what is known about sexuality from various perspectives. A broad and representative survey of research is presented in a number of topical areas. Psychobiology, sexual development during childhood and adolescence, sexual interactions, love relationships and behavior, gender issues, sexual orientation, health issues and diseases, and sexual problems and solutions will be studied. Primary emphasis will be placed on the individual and the couple as a unit of analysis. Class discussions of issues relating to human sexuality will be encouraged. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

PSYC 210

Methodology in Social Sciences (3 CR)

Prerequisite: PSYC 130 or SOC 122 or ECON 230 or POLS 122

This course deals with scientific research methods utilized in the social sciences, especially psychology, sociology, political science and anthropology. The course examines a wide range of data collection methodologies including observation, questionnaire construction, and controlled experimentation. The course will be beneficial for analyzing and evaluating the quality of research findings reported in both the popular and academic press. It will also be useful to those who plan to engage in occupations requiring the use of research methodology. This course may not be offered every semester. PSYC 210, SOC 210 and POLS 210 are the same course. Do not enroll in more than one of these three courses. This course is a required prerequisite or corequisite for PSYC 230 Personality Theory. 3 hrs./wk.

PSYC 215

Child Development (3 CR)

Prerequisite: PSYC 130

This course is a comprehensive account of human development from conception through adolescence. The course integrates genetic, biological, physical and anthropological influences with psychological processes and explores determinants of behavior from a genetic and environmental perspective. 3 hrs./wk.

PSYC 218

Human Development (3 CR)

Prerequisite: PSYC 130

This course is a comprehensive account of human psychological and physical development from conception through infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and death. The course integrates genetic, biological, physiological and anthropological influences with the psychological process and explores determinants of development from both hereditary and environmental perspectives. 3 hrs./wk.

PSYC 220

Social Psychology (3 CR)

Prerequisite: PSYC 130

Social psychology is the study of social influence on behavior and cognition. Social psychology explores our relationships with others, our interdependency, and the mutual influence we have on one another. The course will cover concepts such as attitude formation, attitude change, prejudice, aggression, affiliation, obedience to authority, and conformity; special emphasis will be placed on fostering prosocial behavior and how our attitudes toward self and others are influenced by race, ethnicity, gender, age, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and political beliefs. The course requires students to acquire a critical awareness of research methodology. 3 hrs./wk.

PSYC 221

Environmental Psychology (3 CR)

Prerequisites: PSYC 130 or ITMD 121 or BIOL 130

Environmental psychology will allow students to explore the relationship between the environment and human behavior. The premise of the course is that the social setting, environmental setting, and individual behavior are interrelated. The focus will be on (1) our relationships with the human built environment, (2) our relationships with the natural environment, (3) how humans adapt to changing environments, and (4) how we can coordinate our behavior to achieve sustainable relationships with our environment. The content of the course will appeal to individuals interested in urban planning, architecture, interior design, ecological sustainability, and community physical and psychological well-being. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

PSYC 225

Educational Psychology (3 CR)

Prerequisite: PSYC 130

This course addresses issues that apply theories of psychology to the educational environment. Topics included in the study of educational psychology include research methodology, theories of human development, principles of learning, the psychology of motivation, theories of intelligence, testing and assessment techniques, and career development. A 20-hour observation in an educational setting is required. This course may not be offered every semester. 3 hrs./wk.

PSYC 230

Personality Theory (3 CR)

Prerequisite: PSYC 130

The general viewpoints of paradigms in psychology will be studied, with emphasis on each system's contribution to understanding human personality. The assumptions of each system will be critically analyzed using evidence from research and criticisms from philosophy. Usefulness of theories will be presented, and the systems will be compared and contrasted. General theories covered will include psychoanalysis, trait, biological, humanistic, behavioral/social and cognitive. This course is typically offered in the spring semester. 3 hrs./wk.

PSYC 250

Health Psychology (3 CR)

Prerequisite: PSYC 130

This course covers content, methods and theory regarding the interplay between psychological and biological determinants of health and illness and examines how these factors relate to health status. The course focus is on the application of psychological methods, principles of maintenance of health, prevention of disease, treatment of illness, and rehabilitation and recovery from impaired health. It follows an interdisciplinary approach to content and instruction. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.