Psychology

A beginning course in the basic principles and concepts of psychology. Recommended as a preliminary to other courses in the field. Psychology majors need to earn a grade of C or higher. 

A study of the basic principles of human growth and development across the life span. The environmental and psychological functions of human development are examined. Includes case studies. Psychology majors must earn a grade of C or higher. 

An overview of ethical and legal issues related to human services professions. Topics include responsibility, competency, duty to warn, confidentiality, professional relationships, and professional licensing standards and procedures. As part of the course, students will have a major term paper that will be used to introduce the research skills used in the field of psychology. Students will learn to use primary and secondary sources as well as psychology journals, indexes, and databases as needed for psychology research papers. Psychology majors will begin the process of senior portfolio development. Recommended in the sophomore year to comply with portfolio requirements

A study of the basic principles and concepts required in understanding group dynamics and social behavior, focusing on the different types of social setting and influencing factors on behavior. This course deals with social interactions, including their origins and their effects on the individual. A look at how it impacts government policy, group behavior and organizations.

This course introduces the biological bases of behavior. It explores the different scientific methods to research overall brain functioning and its link to behavior. In addition, students will learn how specific neurological systems might account to processes such as learning, memory, emotions, and psychological illnesses.

A study in an area of student interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory or library work. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

An overview of the physical, mental, and emotional phases of human development during child and adolescence years. A study of the environmental and educational problems of the teenager. (Also taught as EDUC 322)

A study of the 13 disability categories outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004. Emphasis on understanding the educational needs of students with disabilities. The study includes characteristics, causes, prevalence, and legislation regarding students with disabilities. Admission, review, and dismissal procedures for students requiring an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or other specialized program(s) are covered. The roles and responsibilities of the classroom teacher are integrated into the study of each specific disability category. (Also taught as EDUC 326)

A study of conceptual models and theories about death, dying, grief and loss. Cultivate and foster affective development and sensitivity to issues concerning death, dying, and grief.

A study of racial and ethnic groups in american society featuring an examination of their history, cultural heritage, contribution, struggles, and hopes for the future. Emphasis will be placed on a strength-based analysis of diverse groups. Focus will also address working with families in a classroom and counseling setting to to be best serve a multicultural society. Course content will guide students to be better informed and proactive in a multicultural society .

A study of practical applications of conflict and dispute resolution. The course focuses on developing practical problem solving and decision making skills while exploring issues of self-awareness, identity, culture, power, race, gender, violence, and forgiveness. Workplace disputes are explored and addressed from a perspective emphasizing preventive models.

A study of maladaptive and disorganized behavior patterns within a personal and social context, including their development, symptoms, and treatment. Focus on the various etiologies of mental illness and treatment modalities. 

Emphasis on dating, engagement, marriage, and successful family lifestyles. Good communication and relationship skills are studied. Emphasis on therapeutic family models. 

This course will provide an introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology, a scientific discipline that studies human behavior in the workplace. Organizational psychologists help institutions hire, manage, develop, support employees, and align employee efforts with business needs. Their work contributes to outcomes such as better talent to achieve the strategic goals of an organization, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and improved employee engagement.

This course is a study of major theories regarding the development of personality. Students will learn about a variety of personality theories, their history, and their applications.  Students will consider theories that address personality development and implications for normal and abnormal development.  

A study of the group dynamics, the stages of group development, group interventions, and the selection of group participants. Students will gain the essential knowledge and skills for understanding, organizing, and working with groups.

A study of current issues as they relate to crisis intervention. Students will apply crisis intervention theory and models of intervention to various crisis situations. Students will become familiar with assessment and treatment interventions for individuals, families, and groups of varying ages, multicultural backgrounds, and other special needs.

This course covers the topic of animal behavior - how animals interact with each other, with other living beings, and with their environment.  Both proximate causes of behavior and ultimate causes of behavior will be covered.  Special emphasis will be given to developing experimental design, data collection techniques, and hypothesis testing.  Topics to be covered include: natural selection and adaptive change; hypothesis testing; ecology of feeding and antipredatory strategies; habitat use and competition for resources; sexual selection and the ecology of mating and parenting strategies; the ecology of social behavior; evolution of cooperation and altruism; ecological constraints on communication; and sociobiology.  3 Theory 1 Lab. Lab fee.  (Also taught as BIOL 420)

A study of addiction and addictive behaviors. This course provides a comprehensive overview of current theories about addictions, their prevention, and treatment. In addition, it will highlight controversies surrounding behavioral addictions, ways to link theory and practice, and motivational factors in personal change.

An examination of what deviant behavior is (including specific examples of behavior which is so labeled) and social explanations for its existence.

An introduction to applied research methods and their applications to the disciplines of Physical Education, and Psychology. Emphasis is on understanding basic terminology, the use of fundamental research tools, and the integration of research and practice. Students will gain experience with single subject designs, program evaluation methods, SPSS-driven data analysis, and case studies in data collection. This class meets the requirements for the Computer Competencies for General Education (Also taught as KINT 460.)

A study of various theories and techniques used in the counseling process. Study will also include techniques for interviews, administration, questionnaires, and records used in guidance work by teachers, ministers, counselors, and psychologists. Study will include the ethics and principles involved in the counseling process as they relate to the counselor, as well as the situation , and is the final portfolio checkpoint. This class meets the requirements for the Communication Competencies for General Education. Senior year only.

This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity for training in practical work situations and areas of interest dealing in the area of psychology. There are 30 clock hours required for each credit hour. Admission is limited to students who have completed at least 24 hours in psychology. The Psychology Internship must be student-driven but will require departmental approval on a case-by-case basis. Students wanting to apply for a psychology internship:

1. Must have an approved Graduation Contract
2. Must be a student in good standing
3. Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Applications must be received the semester prior to the internship and are available in the Education and Psychology departments. Internship requires faculty approval prior to placement.

Pass/fail course.

A study in an area of student interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory or library work. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

A study in an area of student interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory, or library work. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.