Course Descriptions

PSYC 201 - Introduction to Psychology

1. Identify the relationships between physical and mental health.
2. Examine the historical influences on the field of mental health.
3. Analyze the influences that impact physical and/or mental wellness.
4. Examine the various subspecialty fields found within Psychology.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological techniques/approaches/theory related to mental health.

PSYC 201H - Introduction to Psychology - Honors

3 CR
Psychology is the science of behavior. Topics investigated include biological foundations of behavior, learning, child development, sensation and perception, thinking, emotion, motivation, individual differences, personality, frustration and adjustment, abnormal behavior, and techniques of psychotherapy. Honors courses emphasize individual study, personal, and group projects with additional learning outcomes common to the Honors Program.

Additional Information: Students may enter the Honors course only as part of the Honors Program or with department approval.

1. Identify the relationships between physical and mental health.
2. Examine the historical influences on the field of mental health.
3. Analyze the influences that impact physical and/or mental wellness.
4. Examine the various subspecialty fields found within Psychology.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological techniques/approaches/theory related to mental health.

Honors Outcomes:

1. Collaborate in college, local, and global communities.
2. Demonstrate expertise and research skills in select areas of study.
3. Develop an interdisciplinary perspective across the liberal arts and sciences.
4. Demonstrate intellectual independence through verbal and written work.
5. Demonstrate research skills, including analysis of information and perspectives from diverse sources.
6. Develop plans and skills to further both academic and professional careers.

PSYC 220 - Developmental Psychology

1. Analyze the lifespan approach to human development, periods of development, and processes of development and the main theories of development.
2. Examine contemporary influences on physical, cognitive and social and emotional development.
3. Identify the influences of lifestyle choices on health.
4. Introduce the major theories of cognitive development.
5. Examine the nature of intelligence, the influence of heredity and the environment on intelligence, methods of measuring intelligence, multiple intelligence, and intelligence across the lifespan.
6. Analyze the sequence of language development, language changes throughout the lifespan, influences on language development, and theories of language development.
7. Examine the critical social contexts of development.

PSYC 240 - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis

1. Demonstrate knowledge of laws, policies, and ethical principles regarding behavior management planning and implementation.
2. Develop, plan, and implement individualized reinforcements systems and environmental modifications.
3. Develop or modify individualized reinforcement systems and environmental modifications.
4. Discuss theories of behavior problems of individuals with exceptional learning needs, etiology, and diagnosis related to various theoretical approaches.
5. Implement a variety of noninvasive techniques to control targeted behavior and maintain attention of individuals with exceptional learning needs.
6. Demonstrate basic classroom management theories and strategies for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
7. Use effective and varied behavior management strategies.
8. Use the least intensive behavior management strategy consistent with the needs of the individual with exceptional learning needs.

PSYC 250 - Abnormal Psychology

1. Analyze the impact of lifestyle choices on physical and/or mental wellness.
2. Analyze the influences that impact physical and/or mental wellness.
3. Analyze the behaviors of a community, its leadership, and the individuals that influence individual and community wellness.
4. Identify the relationships between physical and mental health.

PSYC 260 - Health Psychology

1. Examine the history of health psychology including methods of research, cultural influences, and basic physiological systems.
2. Explain the relationship and influence of stress on physical and mental health.
3. Identify those voluntary and involuntary behaviors that promote good health and also those that are detrimental.
4. Examine the relationship between individuals and the health care system including recognition of the need to seek help, seeking medical assistance, and compliance. Issues of pain, chronic illnesses, and terminal illness are also considered.
5. Develop a basic understanding of serious health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Some of the controversies and the future of health psychology are considered.

PSYC 265 - Addiction and Human Behavior

1. Demonstrate the addiction-related diagnostic methods and disorders utilized in the DSM-5.
2. Examine current approaches to assessment, intervention, and prevention of substance-related and process addictions.
3. Analyze the biopsychosocial factors of addiction causality.
4. Demonstrate the manner in which addictions impact upon affected individuals, family systems, and cultures.

PSYC 270 - Human Sexuality

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the various psychological and sociological theories as they apply to issues of human sexuality.
2. Differentiate between the various theories and evaluate their usefulness.
3. Become familiar with the complexities associated with human sexuality (environmental and biological).
4. Examine the effect of psychological events on issues of sexuality.
5. Review the role of the psychologist (along with other health professionals) in the promotion of sexual wellness and the prevention of sexual dysfunction.
6. Evaluate the social impact of issues of sexuality.

PSYC 275 - Forensic Psychology

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of individual cognitive, psychodynamic, and developmental theories related to criminal behavior and be able to apply these to simulated criminal situations.
2. Students will be expected to compare and contrast these understandings both orally and in writing in a professional and scholarly manner.
3. Students will examine and explore psychological theories and factors associated with them as they apply to life experiences or current real-life observations.
4. Students will analyze and relate how the understanding of mental disorders and personality characteristics affect one’s response to or prediction of specific criminal behaviors via research and interview.
5. Students will be able to define legal terminology used for the classification and treatment of and/or response to criminal behavior.

PSYC 285 - Introduction to Neuropsychology

1. Analyze the impact of lifestyle choices on physical/neurological and/or mental wellness.
2. Analyze the influences that impact physical/neurological and/or mental wellness.
3. Identify the connection between brain function and structure, and subsequent behaviors or abilities.
4. Identify the relationships between brain function and mental health.
5. Determine the degree of validity of inferences drawn from specific evidence.

PSYC 290 - Social Psychology

1. Evaluate how people interpret and use social information to make judgments and decisions about themselves and others.
2. Describe the development of self-concept, self-knowledge, self-control, and impression management.
3. Analyze internal influences on attitudes, and how attitudes and behaviors can be changed.
4. Analyze external influences on attitudes, and how attitudes and behaviors can be changed.
5. Analyze how social psychology can be applied to improve lives and reduce social problems through social interventions and changing individuals’ attitudes.