PSYC- Psychology

SS- This course is an introduction to the science of psychology, including contemporary perspectives, methods of inquiry, and core domains that influence and explain human behavior and mental processes. Students will develop skills such as thinking like a scientist, communicating and collaborating effectively, and applying psychological knowledge to everyday life for personal growth and success.

EDP, SS- This course examines the biological, psychological, and social determinants of human sexuality and sexual behavior. Students will learn about topics related to sexual development (physical and psychological), sexual health, and sexual behavior. They will also consider the ways that human sexuality intersects with issues of power and privilege in society. Throughout the course, the cultural and psychological influences on sexual behavior and perceptions will be addressed. This course will deal with mature content. Parental permission will be required for students who are under 18 years of age.

SS- This Psychology course examines patterns of development and theories regarding human physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development throughout the lifespan. Students will learn to apply models of human development, including systems theories, and draw multiple interpretations from careful descriptions of human behavior across various cultures.

SS- This course provides an introduction to human behavior patterns culturally labeled as mental illness, examining the dominant theories and constructions of psychological disorders currently used in U.S. society and codified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the APA. In addition, it will provide opportunities to explore alternative paradigms and multi-cultural conceptions of mental illness and treatment. Students will learn to describe the major categories of disorders, their etiology, incidence, and treatment as well as cultural attitudes towards such patterns of behavior.

EDP, SS- Students in this course will explore contemporary issues of interpersonal relationships, communication, empathy and conflict resolution from a social science perspective. Students will be presented with social and peace psychology theory and research and then they will learn to apply this research in their daily lives. Special emphasis will be placed on helping students to develop and apply human relations skills in various settings. Students will also learn to negotiate the complexities of communication across various aspects of difference, including culture, gender, and sexual orientation. Note: this course only meets 3.0 credits of the EDP and Social Science requirements.

NS- The overarching goal of this psychology course is to demonstrate how human experiences such as sensation, perception, emotion, memories, and complex cognitive processes are produced within the central nervous system. Students will explore research methods that neuroscientists use to investigate causal relationships between neuroanatomical structures and functions. Students will identify evidence of neuroplasticity and the interactions between experience, genetics, and the development of the central nervous system. The course will provide an evolutionary perspective on the organization of the brain and its complex psychological processes.

SS- This course provides students with the opportunity to study the methods used to gather, organize, and interpret data in psychological science. It is concerned with the validity of information and with the procedures and techniques used to collect, question, and assess knowledge, as well as ethics. The scientific approach is emphasized throughout, as various research designs are selected to test hypotheses. Students will learn to evaluate information and consider alternative explanations.

EDP,SS- This course examines the field of cognitive psychology, with a focus on perception, memory, and learning. Students will explore the mental processes that lead to phenomena such as stereotyping and prejudice, as well as biased eyewitness testimony and false memories. In addition to providing an introduction to research methods and theories, special emphasis will be placed on understanding the applications of cognitive psychology to fields such as business, education, and law.

EDP, GS, SS- This course provides an introduction to social psychology, the scientific study of how an individual¿s thoughts, feelings, and actions are affected by the actual, imagined, or symbolically represented presence of other people. It will include research on the nature, causes, and consequences of individual behavior within various social contexts. Topics and themes will include conformity, persuasion, empathy, relationships, aggression, prejudice, and conflict resolution. Students will learn to apply what they have learned to foster a more peaceful and sustainable world.

EDP, SS- This comparative cross-cultural psychology course explores various psychological perspectives, with the assertion that psychological theories are deeply rooted in the underlying socio-cultural assumptions from which they emerge. Students will explore the impact of culture on cognition, development, emotion, motivation, health and disorders, individual and group behavior, and intercultural perceptions and interaction. They will also examine ethical issues relevant to conducting research across cultures.

SS- This course examines the psychology of work. In it, students will explore human behavior in the context of organizations and industries at the individual, group, and structural levels. Students will develop skills that enhance performance at these levels.