PSYEL - Psychology Elective
PSY101 - General Psychology
An introduction to the basic concepts, research methods, and implications of psychology. The major theoretical perspectives are presented through such areas as sensation and perception, learning and cognition, personality, human development, and abnormal behavior.
Credits: 3
PSY102 - Developmental Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101 or permission from Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
A lifespan approach, from pre-natal development to aging and death. Emphasis will be on the interaction of psychological, biological, and social systems that influence development. Major theoretical perspectives, multicultural aspects, and research findings are applied throughout the course.
Credits: 3
PSY201 - Abnormal Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101
The course utilizes current classifications of mental disorders to explain abnormal behavior. Case studies and other resource materials are applied to demonstrate the complexity of determining etiology, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. The course requires a research project.
Credits: 3
PSY202 - Human Sexuality
Prerequisite: PSY101
An exploration of human sexuality in Western society through lecture, group discussions, and experiential learning activities. Students will assess their personal attitudes, values, and knowledge of topics in sexuality. Efforts to understand and respect value systems that differ from personal beliefs will be stressed. The course requires a research project.
Credits: 3
PSY220 - Biology of the Mind
Prerequisites: PSY101, BIO109, or BIO130 or equivalent
This course investigates the interaction between neurobiology and psychology with an emphasis on personal cognition. Specifically, students will explore the structure and function of neural tissues and apply this to major perspectives within psychology and psychotherapy. Topics to be investigated include emotion, motivation, learning and memory, sexuality and gender identity, theories of consciousness, addiction, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and dissociative disorders. Clinical applications to mental health, wellness and disease will also be emphasized.
Cross Listed with BIO220. Credit will not be granted for both PSY220 and BIO220.
Credits: 3
PSY301 - Health Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101 or permission from Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Health Psychology examines how biological, psychological, and social factors interact with and affect the efforts people make in promoting good health and preventing illness. The course explores how effectively people cope with and reduce pain and the recovery, rehabilitation, and psychological adjustment of serious health problems. The course also focuses on the role of stress and certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and weight control, as well as specific chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. The course requires a research project.
Credits: 3
PSY303 - Organizational Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101, or Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Organizational Psychology attempts to understand and explain human behavior in organizational settings; including culture, structures, and communications. This course will introduce the methods, practices, theories, and research, which includes the psychological aspects such as work attitudes and motivation, as well as group dynamics, organizational communication and structures. This course requires a research project.
Credits: 3
PSY315 - Social Psychology
Prerequisite: PSY101 or permission from Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Social Psychology attempts to understand and explain human affect, behavior, and cognitions through intrapersonal, interpersonal, and group dynamics. Emphasis is on social influence, social perception, social relations, with an application to Western culture. Major theoretical perspectives and research findings, including multicultural aspects, are applied throughout the course. The course requires a research project.
Credits: 3