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  Psychology Course Descriptions
 
PY 150 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY    (BS)    (3 hours)
An exploration of the theories, methodology, and concepts of psychology. Topics include history and systems, development, learning, cognition, consciousness, motivation, emotion, personality, disorders, social psychology.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]
PY 240 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY     (BS)    (3 hours)
A study of the relationships, processes, behaviors, functions, and structures involved in marriage and family over the lifespan.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 290 PSYCHOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE    (BS)    (3 hours)
A study of the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Personality development in cultural contexts is explored through current research. Field observations or interviews may be required.
 [Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 300 SPECIAL STUDIES      (1-3 hours)
Individual or group study of topics or issues in psychology. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]
PY 310
PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT  (BS)  (3 hours)
An introduction to and the application of principles of personal growth and development and behavioral change. Projects leading to individual change may be selected by participants and facilitated by the course.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 320 HUMAN SEXUALITY    (BS)    (3 hours)
An examination of human sexuality with emphasis upon scientific findings, social issues, and implications for the individual and society. Prerequisite: PY 150 or   SO 110.
 [Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PEPY 345 PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT      (3 hours)
Study in the psychology of communication, perception, learning, personality, motivation, and emotion in relation to sports. Includes various perspectives-community, parents, business, schools, etc. Knowledge and understanding of the psychological skills needed to become an effective coach. Course does not satisfy a behavioral science requirement.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PYAPY 352 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS     (BS)    (3 hours)
An exploration of the philosophies of professional ethics which can be operative in helping professions. Approached developmentally, with the use of case studies, the course provides students with the opportunity to see/solve situations from various points of view as well as to clarify their own philosophy of life and the ethics that flow from that philosophy.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 355 AGING: ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES    (BS)    (3 hours)
An introduction to gerontology; cross-cultural perspectives; physical, social, and psychological aspects of the aging process; services and programs for older adults; current research and theory on aging and adjustments to later life; issues and problems facing older persons. Prerequisite: PY 150 or SO 110.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 410 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY     (BS)    (3 hours)
The study of the relationship between physical health and psychological adjustment, reflecting the views that both mind and body are determinants of health and illness. Examines ways in which psychological and behavioral medicine variables influence the onset, course, treatment, and prevention of illness and disease. Prerequisite: PY 150.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 460 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY     (BS)    (3 hours)
The study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Such topics as attitudes, social beliefs, cultural and group influence, persuasion, conformity, prejudice, aggression, attraction, and altruism are considered. Prerequisite: PY 150 or SO 110.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 465 INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY     (BS)    (3 hours)
An examination of the psychological aspects of industry and organizations, including theory and research, organizational and management environments, productivity, leadership, and human resources. Prerequisite: PY 150.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 475 PERSONALITY THEORIES
   
PY 500 ADVANCED STUDIES      (1-3 hours)
Individual or group studies of topics and issues in psychology. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 535 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY      (BS)    (3 hours)
Studies in the historical and contemporary perspectives of psychological disorders and human deviance and approaches to treatment. Prerequisites: PY 150 and three additional hours of psychology.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 550 HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY  (IS) (3 hours)
An idea seminar course that consists of inquiry and analysis of the history of Psychology from the early philosophers to current day theorists and researchers.  An integration of the world view of Psychology centers  around the key idea of how human behavior and mental processes are, and were, understood and analyzed in combination with selected personality theorists who most strongly impacted the field's understanding of individual similarities and differences.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PYCR 585 RESEARCH METHODS: DESIGN      (3 hours)
Methods of studying social and psychological phenomena, with emphasis on understanding the scientific process, techniques of data collection, and writing research reports. Students are required to design, conduct, and report on small-scale studies. Prerequisite: PY 150 or SO 110 and six additional hours in the major.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PYCR 586 RESEARCH METHODS: STATISTICAL ANALYSIS      (3 hours)
A practical application of research design methods in the field of behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on the integration of knowledge about the logic of research and the role of the student in seeking answers to questions within the subfields of psychology, sociology, and human services. Specific topics include steps involved in formulating a research project, collection of data, statistical analysis of data, and arriving at conclusions to the study. Prerequisite: PY 150 or SO 110 and six additional hours in the major.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 588 DIRECTED RESEARCH       (1-5 hours)
Advanced research in behavioral science. Prerequisites: nine hours in psychology and consent of instructor.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PYCR 590 BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE SEMINAR      (3 hours)
An integrative review and overview of key perspectives in the behavioral sciences, and related concerns from general education, consistent with the mission and goals of the college; application of these perspectives to making critical decisions about personal, societal, and ethical issues. Fulfills the Senior Integrative Experience requirement. Prerequisite: Senior major in the behavioral sciences or consent of the instructor.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PYCR 591 PRACTICUM I     (variable  hours)
Application of classroom theory and training in a supervised applied setting. Students will gain a practical understanding of the setting and interact with other practicum students through individual and group sessions. Placement emphasis is on working with clients, case management, and agency interactions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PYCR 592 PRACTICUM II    (variable  hours)
Application of classroom theory and training in a supervised applied setting. Students will gain a practical understanding of the setting and interact with other practicum students through individual and group sessions. Placement emphasis is on working with a more diverse population of clients, and expanding site-based learning. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PY 598 DIRECTED READINGS   (1-3 hours)
Advanced study through supervised reading in a selected area of psychology. Prerequisites: nine hours of psychology and consent of instructor.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

CRIMINOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY COURSES
SO 110 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY    (BS)    (3 hours)
Basic concepts, including culture, social organization, groups, the self, social interaction, social inequality, and social institutions, along with an emphasis on the socio-cultural influences on everyday behavior. Basic research practices and theoretical positions are also introduced.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

SO 160 SOCIAL PROBLEMS     (BS)    (3 hours)
Identification, definition, discussion, and analysis of major social problems from a sociological perspective. Focus on poverty, crime and delinquency, substance abuse, sexual deviance, violence, family disorganization, and population problems. Theories of causation and alternative responses are examined.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

SO 250 CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY     (BS/CS)    (3 hours)
An introduction to cultural and social anthropology. Examination of variations and similarities among societies in language, economic systems, kinship systems, child-rearing practices, religion, political systems, and cultural change. Study of diverse societies through the comparative method.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

CR 380 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY     (BS)    (3 hours)
Definitions of juvenile delinquency, the nature and scope of the delinquency problem, types of delinquent behavior, theories of delinquency causation, the juvenile justice system, traditional and alternative treatment programs. Prerequisite: SO 110.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

CR 450 CRIMINOLOGY      (BS)    (3 hours)
The development of criminal law and definitions of crime, measurement of the incidence and types of crime, theoretical explanations of crime, the criminal justice system and treatment programs, issues and trends in criminal justice. Prerequisite: SO 110.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

CR 470 POLICE, COURTS, PROBATION, AND PAROLE     (BS)    (3 hours)
Elements of the types and functions of law enforcement; examination of the jurisdiction, structure, processes, and personnel of the judicial system; practices, procedures, and trends in probation, parole, and other non-incarcerating sentencing alternatives. Prerequisite: SO 110.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

CR 490

PENOLOGY     (BS)    (3 hours)

Study of the emergence of jails, prisons, and youth facilities; structures and functions of correctional facilities; staffing and personnel training; programs and services; administration of correctional facilities; prison overcrowding; legal and political issues confronting corrections. Prerequisite: SO 110.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
APY 250 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES (SS)   (3 hours)
An examination of the history and development of the helping professions, the knowledge and value base of human services, the shaping of social policy in human services, and an overview of contemporary human services in the United States. Interview techniques, basic counseling skills, problem identification and clarification, case management, and crisis intervention are also addressed.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]
APY 300
Series
SOCIAL ISSUES     (1 hour)
A series of one credit hour seminars that address current social issues in Applied Psychology. Seminar content varies by semester.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

APY 325 INTRODUCTION TO ADDICTIONS (SS)  (3 hours)
Course covers all areas of addictions and accompanying disorders in the individual, the family, and society. An introduction to the physical, psychological, sociological, and spiritual aspects of addictions.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

PYAPY 352 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS (SS)  (3 hours)
An exploration of the philosophies of professional ethics which can be operative in helping professions. Approached developmentally, with the use of case studies, the course provides students with the opportunity to see/solve situations from various points of view as well as to clarify their own philosophy of life and the ethics that flow from that philosophy.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

APY 522 ADDICTIONS: PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE  (3 hours)
Concepts of educating the employee and the workplace to addictions prevention models; methods of strategic intervention and referral; and the employee assistance model. Prerequisite: APY 325.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

APY 525 ADDICTIONS: INTERVENTIONS AND RELAPSE PREVENTION  (3 hours)
Applications of the twelve core issues in addictions, as well as assessment, referral, and individual and family interventions. Historical and current models of relapse prevention are covered. Prerequisite: APY 325.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

APY 551 METHODS OF PRACTICE II: GROUP PROCESS  (3 hours)
Exploration of the theory and mechanics of the group process including group design, developmental stages, facilitation skills, team concepts, and ethics. Prerequisite: APY 250.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

APY 552 METHODS OF PRACTICE III: FAMILY SYSTEMS.  (3 hours)
An overview of family systems perspective including family development, family relationships, the family as a psychosocial system, ethics, and concepts of systemic change.  Prerequisite: APY 250. 
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

APY 591 FIELD PRACTICUM I   (variable hours)
Application of classroom theory and training in a supervised applied psychology setting. Students will gain a practical understanding of the setting and interact with other practicum students through group sessions. Placement emphasis is on working with clients, case management, and agency interactions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology]

APY 592 FIELD PRACTICUM II   (variable hours)
Application of classroom theory and training in a supervised applied psychology setting. Students will gain a practical understanding of the setting and interact with other practicum students through group sessions. Placement emphasis is on working with a more diverse population of clients, and expanding site-based learning. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
[Psychology]      [Applied Psychology] 
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“Our classroom approach is collaborative, inquisitive and facilitative,”

Nancy King
Psychology Professor
 
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