Psychology

A scientific approach to the study of behavior and mental processes designed for both majors and non-majors. Topics include research methods, biology of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, memory, lifespan development, motivation, emotion, personality theories, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and psychotherapy.

This course examines the biological basis of behavior and mental processes. Psychopharmacology, cognitive neuroscience, research processes, and ethics will also be addressed.

An introduction to research methods in psychology. This course presents how researchers in psychology use critical analysis, theories, and methods to generate usable information. Emphasis on research design, experimental procedures, instrumentation, qualitative methods, and the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings. Attention is paid to strategies to decolonize psychological research.

Explore aspects of the legal system studied by psychologists. Emphasis on research and theories in psychology to understand key participants in the legal system (e.g., criminals, police, victims, witnesses) and examine legal controversies (e.g., race and justice, death penalty, insanity defense, profiling, and eyewitness identification) that can affect legal outcomes.

An introduction to data analysis including measurement and research design. Intended for general education and prospective behavioral science majors. The course will focus on computation, interpretation, and application of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include organization of data, central tendency and variability, hypothesis testing, non-parametric statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression.

Critical exploration of psychological research as it applies to understanding the causes, physiology, consequences, and management of stress. Emphasis is on applied stress management.

An introduction to the symptoms, prevalence, causes, and treatments of disturbances in mental, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Methods of assessment, classification, current diagnostic criteria, and theoretical models for understanding these disorders are discussed in-depth. Attention paid to social and cultural understanding of psychopathology.

An introduction to the theoretical constructs describing personality, including how personality develops and the dynamics of human behavior. Current research and intersectional approaches to understanding personality are addressed.

A psychological examination of shyness as a form of temperamental diversity. A comparison of shyness, social anxiety, introversion and the potential psychosocial challenges of each. Strategies for addressing challenges will be presented.

Examination of the development of communication patterns in a psychological and sociological context. Psychological and emotional barriers to effective communication will be explored. Application of assertiveness techniques to effect behavior change based on cognitive and behavioral theories in psychology are a major focus. Assessment and implementation of appropriate techniques in a variety of situations, including communication with family, friends, and at the workplace are also discussed.

An examination of research, theory, and applied psychological science related to the emotions, cognitions, and behaviors of eating, food, and weight. Includes a critical look at common myths and realities regarding weight and health, eating disorders, and the sociocultural pressures related to food choices and body size.

The multidisciplinary study of human development from conception through death. Examination of current research and theories with an emphasis on the ways that biological, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental forces and their interactions impact development throughout the lifespan.

An exploration of the experiences, theories, and research concerning issues of race and ethnicity as they relate to individual and group behavior, emotion, and thinking, including attitudes, identity development, racism, bias, privilege, coping strategies, and intersectional experiences. Psychohistorical analysis of the experiences of African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinx Americans, Arab Americans, and Native Americans.

Examines the psychological experiences of LGBTQ people. Intersectionality, feminist psychology, and queer theoretical perspectives are used to analyze the impact of queer identity on how individuals think, feel, and behave. Critical exploration of current research and models of sexual orientation and gender identity, and impacts of stigma and discrimination.

This course is an analysis of theories and research on how behavioral, cognitive, and emotional processes are impacted by sex and gender. It includes an intersectional critique of biological, psychological, sociocultural ideas of gender, gender continuums from cis to transgender and addresses topics such as stereotypes, relationships, violence, sexuality and issues related to mental health. Included is a focus on experiences of, and responses to, oppression.

Critical exploration of psychological theory, research findings, and concepts relevant to human adjustment. Emphasis on the proactive and practical application of psychology to improve self awareness, facilitate personal growth, and enhance social relationships.

The study of human behavior and mental processes in the context of the social world. Examination of current research and theories with an emphasis on how an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence and are influenced by other people, sociocultural factors, and the physical environment.

Introduction to the psychology of children from conception through adolescence. Examination of research and theory, emphasizing how development is enhanced or restricted. Physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development are discussed. Practical information is given for parents, teachers, counselors, and other concerned adults.

An introduction to the biopsychological principles of psychoactive drugs. The course will explore the impact of drugs on neuronal communication and behavior. A primary focus includes critical evaluation of psychological research findings, research controversies, and popular claims.