Psychology

Course Descriptions

PSYC 1000
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
General Psychology introduces the field of psychology, surveying the psychological elements of human behavior. It includes physiological mechanisms, cognitive skills and intrapersonal elements of perception, motivation, and personality, as well as mental health problems. The student will be understand the difference between subjective and objective evidence; points of views other than their own; and how to apply theory in their personal lives.
Prerequisite: None

PSYC 1050
HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY
This is an applied theory and concepts course focused on psychological and counseling themes. The course is designed to examine developmental and life skill themes. Students are required to actively discuss, apply, and participate.
Prerequisite: None

PSYC 1060
ETHICS & DIVERSITY
The student will learn ethical standards for the counseling and psychological professions, including how to apply them in practice and research. The student will also: learn how prejudice and discrimination affect members of minority and majority groups; become aware of how being victimized by prejudice has felt to various people belonging to physical, cultural, economic and behavior minority groups; thoughtfully consider how one’s own membership in a racial, ethnic or social group has influenced one’s life; and explore ways in which people can move beyond stereotypes to reduce prejudice and learn to value differences.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1000

PSYC 1300
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/SEXUAL ASSAULT
This course surveys the issue of domestic violence and sexual assault from both an information and advocacy perspective. Battering and sexual assault within families and within society will be explored as will elder abuse. Training will include means of responding to the victim and to addressing the wider social implications of violence.
Prerequisite: None

PSYC 2000
RESEARCH PSYCHOLOGY METHODS
This course introduces students to psychological methods of research. Students will apply various forms of descriptive and experimental designs and will produce a final research project which they have designed and executed. There is a heavy emphasis on application and APA writing.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1000

PSYC 2050
INTRODUCTORY COUNSELING
Students will study the major theories of counseling such as psychoanalysis, person centered, gestalt, and behavioral therapy. Students will also study, through role-play, the skills needed to be a helper and the various techniques that may be utilized in both formal counseling and informal helping situations. They will also begin their study of ethics as applied to counseling situations.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1000

PSYC 2080
PSYCHOBIOLOGY
This is a one semester course that serves as an introduction to the biological bases of behavior. It includes ethology and comparative behavior, psychobiological development, physiological and sensory mechanisms of behavior, and evolution and behavioral genetics. It presents basic structural and functional properties of the nervous system. This course fulfills WWCC Lab Science requirement. Crosslists with BIOL 2080
Prerequisites: 4 hours of BIOL and PSYC

PSYC 2210
DRUGS AND BEHAVIOR
This course surveys drugs which affect behavior, emphasizing drugs with abuse potential. Includes a brief introduction to the chemistry of the brain and how drugs may have their effects. Discusses behavioral., social, historical and medical aspects of each major class of psychoactive drug.
Prerequisite: None

PSYC 2300
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
This course is an overview of growth and development from conception through adolescence. Psychological development includes the physical, cognitive and social changes that humans experience at various stages. Students will learn the various theories and produce a project that demonstrates some aspect of development.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1000

PSYC 2330
PSYCHOLOGY OF ADJUSTMENT
Adjustment is the psychological process of adapting to, coping with, and managing the problems, challenges, and demands of everyday life. This is a human growth course whereby emphasis is given to application of theory. Students will assess, evaluate, and practice skills that allow them to learn to adjust to the problems of everyday life.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1000, HLED 1003 or Instructor Permission

PSYC 2340
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY I
This course surveys the range and symptoms associated with mental health problems and how they are diagnosed. Behavioral health issues, including treatment and prognosis, are included as well as the environmental, intrapersonal and physiological factors which contribute.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1000

PSYC 2380
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY I
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of some of the factors which influence the behavior of both individuals and groups of people in a social environment. For the vocational student, the course is intended to provide an exposure to some contemporary social problems from a social psychological point of view. The student who intends to pursue further study in psychology will become familiar with the current theory, methodology and research findings of the field.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1000 or SOC 1000

PSYC 2470 (26-296)
PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP
The Psychology Internship Program provides the opportunity to obtain practical work experience in the clinical field of psychology. Some programs allow for direct interaction between students and clients, while others of a more confidential nature involve observation only. Once a student has completed the observational period, they may graduate to increased involvement in that program. A student can earn no more than four credits and must register by mid-semester.
Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

PSYC 2485
PSYCHOLOG Y SEMINAR:
This course will discuss current topics in psychology, generally one theme each semester. Students will discuss, study, and report on that specific topic. The content may vary from semester to semester.
Prerequisite: None