PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
Credits: 3.00
Basic preparation for advanced work in pure and applied psychology through an acquaintance with the fundamental principles of human behavior. The nature of psychology, biosocial basis of behavior, individual differences, dynamics of behavior, personality and mental health will be examined.
PSY 136 Personality
Credits: 3.00
A comparison of major approaches to the study of the development and structure of normal personality. Topics include the applications of psychological research to understanding and promoting mental health and human resilience. Consideration is given to the role of healthy personality in managing frustration, conflict, adjusting to predictable and unpredictable life changes, and achieving maximum well-being.
PSY 137 Introd. Indust/Organizational Psychology
Credits: 3.00
Explores the application of psychological theory and research to understanding and improving work environments in both for profit and non-profit organizations. Students will gain skills through experiential learning of topics including enhancing motivation, performance evaluation, job satisfaction, communication, conflict resolution, achievement and leadership.
PSY 138 Creativity and Innovation
Credits: 3.00
The aim of this course is to provide understanding of the theories and research associated with creative thinking. It is designed to develop techniques and skills for innovation and effective problem solving applied to real life issues. As the world changes in complexity, creativity becomes increasingly one of the most important personal and business strategies for survival and success.
PSY 200 Child Psychology
Credits: 3.00
A study of children from their prenatal stage through adolescence. Physical, psychological and cognitive areas of development are examined. Major theories as well as developmental stages are given careful attention. Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 204 Adolescent Psychology
Credits: 3.00
The effect of experiences in childhood and of cultural institutions on puberty is examined. Included are major areas of progression and regression of personality, central conflicts and methods of coping with stress, characteristics of adolescent phases of development.
PSY 206 Human Development/Life-Span Ap
Credits: 3.00
A study of human development from conception to death. The physical, social, psychological and cognitive areas of life-span development will be examined. The major theories of human development the potential age stage-related crisis and other related problems of each stage will be given careful attention.
PSY 208 Psychology of Exceptional Child
Credits: 3.00
This course is designed for individuals who wish to learn about the developmental process in exceptional children, for individuals who wish to work with children and adolescents with special needs, as well as for persons having children with special needs in their families. The course will define and describe the various categories of children with special needs (for example, gifted children, mentally retarded children, emotionally disturbed children and children with sensory handicaps). The course will identify the conceptual frameworks and therapeutic interventions that are useful in meeting these needs. Family dynamics, the importance of social experiences, care giving and delivery systems, and activity programming are some of the topics covered in an attempt to prepare the worker for the realities of working in the therapeutic milieu.
PSY 210 Educational Psychology
Credits: 3.00
This course investigates three models (Behavioristic, Humanistic, and Cognitive) of human functioning and selected learning strategies derived from each. In addition, a number of traits and behaviors (e.g., motivation, curiosity, creativity, and intelligence) related to children's learning and cognitive development are explored.
PSY 214 Social Psychology
Credits: 3.00
An examination of the function of the individual in social groups and the mutual influences of one upon the other. Emphasis is placed upon the processes of communication, persuasion, attitude and opinion formation and change, the structure and function of small groups and the measurement techniques employed in measuring these phenomena.
PSY 215 Abnormal Psychology
Credits: 3.00
Biology, behavior and environment interact in complex ways to produce what is defined as abnormal. Historical material, pertinent research and relevant case studies provide an understanding of abnormal psychology and its impact on all of us.
PSY 216 Assessment & Techniques for Child/Youth
Credits: 3.00
This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills in assessing the risk factors in the current situation of the child and/or adolescent. The course will focus upon the youth, educational, social, psychological, emotional and physical environment to determine the level of required intervention. Students will learn the techniques needed to assess and reduce risk factors.
PSY 217 Drugs - Their Use and Abuse
Credits: 3.00
A presentation of the principles and factual bases of drug use and abuse. This course deals with how actions and effects overlap and how increased dosages can lead to disease or death. It discusses and illustrates the sources and action of commonly abused drugs; considers the social, economic, psychological and legal complications of drug abuse; and contrasts accepted use of drugs and alcohol with their abuse.
PSY 218 Physiological Psychology
Credits: 3.00
An analysis of the basic physiological mechanisms underlying behavior. Special emphasis is given to the functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and disruptions of these systems, induced by drugs and other chemical alterations.
PSY 219 Drug & Alcohol Treat. Proc-Int
Credits: 3.00
To provide a working knowledge of the helping process as it applies to drug and alcohol counseling, students completing this course should be able to: develop assessment and diagnostic skills; formulate appropriate goals, and treatment plans; improve interviewing and intervention skills with drug/alcohol clients; discuss and compare individual, group, and family treatment approaches; describe the levels of service available to drug/alcohol clients and their families; use AA, AL-ANON and other support groups as treatment allies; appreciate the impact of sex, age, ethnicity, race and religion on the treatment process; and understand the American Psychiatric Association's (DSM IV) assessment of substance use disorders, anti-social personalities and depression. Alcohol and Drug Certification Process: The Pennsylvania Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counsels Certification Board recommends 300 clock hours of training/education relevant to field addictions. It should be noted that three semester/college credit hours are equivalent to 45 clock hours of training/education. All students will be advised of the procedure for applying for certification credit.
PSY 240 Psychological Anthropology
Credits: 3.00
A one semester course exploring the intersection of Anthropology and Psychology where culture affects human behavior. It challenges our beliefs about human nature by examining cultures with different conceptions of personality, self, perception and cognition, and which mental processes may be universally held. This course will be cross-listed with ANT 240. PSY 101 and ANT 104 are recommended before taking this course.
PSY 245 The Psychology of Women
Credits: 3.00
A course designed to provide insight into the meaning, development and structure of the normal human personality with the emphasis on women. Topics covered are those related to the states of life in the human female: childhood, puberty, adolescence, adulthood (single woman, wife, mother, career woman), and menopause.
PSY 250 Psychology of Aging: Helping Skills
Credits: 3.00
This course is an in-depth exploration of psychological theories and their applications to appreciating and working with older adults. Students will have the opportunity to gain an increased understanding of their own personal development and self-knowledge in the context of the life cycle and to explore feelings about the aging process. Classroom experiences that focus on enhancing communication skills will be designed to enable students to translate psychological theories and helping techniques to everyday family and job-related encounters with older adults. Open to all majors.
PSY 255 Human Sexuality
Credits: 3.00
A survey of the major topics of sex education with emphasis placed on sexual development, functioning, behavior; gender identification, reproduction, interpersonal relationships, health, historical and cultural sex studies, and sex education. (Also offered as ESW 255)
PSY 299 Indepth Study in Psychology
Credits: 3.00
An individual, guided research project on a specific problem or area in Psychology. Working under the direction of the instructor, the student will be expected to research and submit an original, formal paper that is highly detailed and supportive of the student's solution to the problem or area he has selected. Note: May be taken only with the expressed permission of the Social Sciences Division Chair. Prerequisite: A minimum of six credits in psychology.
