PY 101. Introduction to General Psychology
This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.
Credits: 3
PY 201. Learning: Behavior Analysis
This course explores the mechanisms that underlie human learning. Emphasis is placed on the examination of the behavioral approach to the study of human learning. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 202. Childhood and Adolescence
This course examines the psychological changes that take place between birth and adolescence. Emphasis is placed on the cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical dimensions of developmental change. The psychological pathologies unique to this segment of the lifespan are discussed. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 203. Abnormal Psychology
This course covers the historical views of abnormality as well as current classification of abnormal behavior. It emphasizes the comparison of perspectives on causes and treatments of abnormal behavior. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 204. Social Psychology
This course deals with theoretical and applied aspects of the individual in social contexts. Attention is given to interpersonal relations and group dynamics, for better understanding of functioning in social situations. Topics include conformity, aggression, interpersonal attraction, and communication. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 205. Adulthood and Aging
This course examines the adjustments faced by the individual from midlife through old age. Emphasis is placed on the effect of role changes on the individuals view of self and their ability to function. Methods to ease role transitions are covered. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 206. Theories of Personality
This course investigates a variety of personality theories, including biological factors, psychoanalysis, humanism, existentialism, and behaviorism. Emphasis is placed on the contribution of each theory to the field. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 207. Life-Span Development Psychology
This course explores the changes that take place in human development from conception to death. Cognitive, emotional, social, and physical developments are covered at each chronological stage. Emphasis is placed on biological and environmental influences across the life-span. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology. Students who have successfully completed PY202 Childhood and Adolescence and/or PY205 Adulthood and Aging may not take PY207 Life-Span Developmental Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 208. Death, Dying and Bereavement
This course increases personal knowledge about death as an aspect of the life process and assesses the impact of dying and bereavement from psychosocial, cultural, and historical as well as developmental, medical, and legal perspectives. Human roles relating to the distinct needs of dying persons and their friends and families are examined. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 209. Forensic Psychology
This course examines the relationship between psychopathology and criminality, and describes the legal context in which forensic psychology is practiced. Unlike other disciplines of psychology, which are therapeutic or habilitative in nature, it is concerned with the prevention, detection, and reduction of crime. Prerequisites: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology and PY203 Abnormal Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 210. Research Design for the Behavioral Sciences
This course examines research methodology in the behavioral sciences including observational and recording methods, the evaluation of performance (psychometrics), and quasi-experimental research. Emphasis is placed upon the application of the methodologies to research designs and the interpretation of psychological reports. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 212. Adolescent Psychology
This course explores physical, social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development during adolescence. It examines theories and research about adolescent development. Topics include the changing role of relationships with peers and parents, gender and identity development, problem behaviors, and appropriate interventions to reduce risky behavior and promote successful development. The influence of the social and cultural context on development is considered. Fifteen hours of observation of adolescents in a 7th - 12th grade school setting must be completed. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology and CO231 Philosophy, Principles, and Organization of Athletics in Education or, ED150 Social & Philosophical Foundations of Education. .
Credits: 3
PY 213. Human Sexuality
This course provides an overview of the biopsychosocial perspectives of human sexuality. It covers the personal and biological aspects of human sexuality, and its historical and cultural perspectives. Topics include sexuality across the lifespan, sexual identity development, and variation of the human sexual experience. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3
PY 215. Health Psychology
This course explores the psychological and behavioral processes in health, illness, and health care. Emphasis is placed on psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors that contribute to physical health and illness. Topics include health research, stress and pain management, and behavioral health. Prerequisite: PY101 Introduction to General Psychology.
Credits: 3