General Psychology

A variety of factors may cloud judgment when interpreting experiences.In this course, students learn about research methods that psychologists use to test hypotheses in an objective and systematic manner to minimize biases, providing a framework for more accurate conclusions. Students examine experimental and non-experimental methods, issues related to the validity and reliability of measurement, dependent and independent variables, sampling, and ethical concerns related to psychological research. (Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000 or PSYC 3002.)

In this course, students integrate knowledge and skills attained through their psychology coursework to create a final Capstone Paper that examines one area of psychology through a professional lens. In addition, students engage in scholarly discourse about key issues and theories, including ethics, learned throughout the program. Finally, students reflect on their experience in the program and consider career possibilities that might utilize their learning while considering ways to contribute to positive social change.   (Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1001, PSYC 2000, and PSYC 2101.)

Individuals are often influenced by others and by the social situations in which they find themselves. Students in this course examine the basic concepts and applications of social psychology, including attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; stereotyping; prejudice and discrimination; interpersonal relationships; group behavior; and the effect of environmental stress on behavior. They also learn how bias can sway objective conclusions as well as how ethical factors influence research in social psychology. Students apply principles and theories presented in the course to case studies and situations in daily life, including instances of stereotyping and discrimination. They also use these theories to understand strategies for helping others and reducing aggressive behavior.   (Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.)

Most people recognize and appreciate the individuality of human beings, including race and ethnicity as related to self-perception and to the perception of others. In this course, students explore their own racial and ethnic identities in the context of contemporary psychological knowledge as well as contemporary issues and challenges related to race and ethnicity. Students explore and discuss a variety of topics, including the development of racial and ethnic identities; social classification; privilege and stigma; perceptions of racial and ethnic identities; assimilation; inequalities in race and ethnicity; and the relationship of race and ethnicity to social change. Students apply psychological concepts to better understand their own sense of ethnic and racial identities and how these identities shape their experiences in the world.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Researchers have demonstrated that there are few psychological differences between men and women. And yet history and conventional thinking indicate otherwise. Students in this course are introduced to the basic theories, principles, and applications of gender and gender differences. Students explore distinctions between sex and gender, masculinity and femininity, and sexuality and sexual orientation; gender differences in social behavior, perception, and cognitive abilities; and cross-cultural research on gender and sexuality. Through discussions and applications, students debunk myths surrounding sex and gender similarities and differences, and they apply theories to case examples and individual experiences. PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

While traditional psychology in the United States has been Western in focus, increased globalization has promoted an examination into human behavior from a broader perspective that includes the influence of cultural and global trends on individual and group behavior. In this course, students explore a variety of global perspectives in psychology as well as some of the issues and controversies facilitated by differing cultures. They explore and discuss trends and research methods in global psychology, indigenous psychology, psychotherapy in a global world, and the role of psychologists internationally. Students critically evaluate psychological issues from a global rather than a domestic perspective.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

In a world encumbered with conflict, tension, and injustice, strategies for building peace are essential. In this course, students assess theories and principles of conflict management and resolution. They examine and employ theories and applications of intergroup dynamics; principles and underlying philosophies of non-violence; and social science principles to understand conflict and promote peace. Students gain practical experience applying principles of peace building to proposing solutions for contemporary, individual, and social issues.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

What drives people to do what they do? In this course students have the opportunity to answer this question as they explore basic theories of motivation and emotion. They also explore bodily needs, such as hunger, thirst, and sex, that drive people to action; concepts in motivation, such as achievement, altruism, and conflict; and concepts related to emotion, including happiness, hormonal influences, and mood. Students assess content and share different perspectives through peer discussions on related topics, such as sources of motivation, hunger and eating, need for power, extraversion, goals, and decision making.   (Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.)

How do people learn, and what strategies maximize learning? In this course, students have an introduction to the behavioral and cognitive bases of learning and memory. Students engage in contextual and application-based assignments, such as simulation lab work, focusing on classical and operant conditioning, cognitive theories of learning, and introductory concepts of memory. Students apply learning principles and concepts, such as social learning theory and locus of control, to real-world behavior and performance.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Students in this course are provided with a comprehensive overview of cognitive psychology, the scientific study of mental processes: How people acquire, store, transform, use, and communicate information. Topics may include perception, attention, language, memory, reasoning, problem solving, decision making, and creativity. PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

The study of the brain and how it functions has contributed significantly to the understanding of how people react and adapt to their environments. In this course, students examine basic brain physiology and learn how the brain functions to control behavior. Students explore specific applications of brain structure to memory and attention, sensation and perception, development, socialization, motivation and emotion, and socialization. They apply concepts and theories about the brain to psychological health and well-being.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Humans experience many developmental changes throughout the lifespan, but those of greatest significance occur from conception to young adulthood. In this course, students examine key theories related to various aspects of development in infants, children, and adolescents. Students apply social, biological, and cognitive maturation processes and perspectives to better understand their own development and personal experiences. They also discuss related topics, such as cross-cultural issues, attachment and temperament, language and personality development, and puberty and sexual development. (Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology: (PSYC 1001 OR PSYC 1001Y) AND PSYC 2000; All other programs: PSYC 1001 OR PSYC 1001Y)

Adulthood represents a rich developmental experience including many significant life transitions. In this course, students explore the key theories, transitions, and applications of adult development. They examine the social, biological, and cognitive maturation processes that define development of adulthood into older age. Students engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of theories to specific transitions and topical issues, such as career changes, attachment and marital satisfaction, personality, retirement, and cognition. Applying concepts presented in the course, students discuss cross-cultural issues in development, emotional development, adult roles, memory, and physical aging.   (Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.)

Students in this course are introduced to the nature of addiction and the impairment in individuals who suffer from addictions. It includes a review of theories on substance disorders and approaches to identification, prevention, and treatment. Topics include historical perspectives, diagnoses, types of addictive behaviors, treatment, and current research. PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Students will be introduced to the field of industrial organizational psychology where the principles of psychology are applied within the workplace. Key topics will illustrate how the tenets of industrial organizational psychology apply at three levels: the individual, group, and organizational levels. Students will also explore each side of the field: Industrial and Organizational sides. On the industrial side, students will examine job analysis, selection, training, and performance measurement. Focusing on the organizational psychology side, students will explore motivation, teams, communication, and leadership in organizations. Lastly, ethics, culture, and legal implications will be integrated throughout the course. PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Students in this course are provided with an expansive overview of forensic psychology, including basic tenets, practices, and procedures. Students explore subspecialties of forensic psychology; roles and responsibilities; and related legal, ethical, and diversity issues. They learn how forensic psychology links to the criminal justice system as they explore related topics, including criminal profiling, police psychology, psychology in the criminal courts, and correctional psychology. Through this course, students acquire a broad understanding of forensic psychology theories and concepts, which they apply to the analysis of controversial issues and contemporary challenges within the field. PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Psychological disorders form the basis of diagnosis in psychology. In this course, students examine a wide variety of common psychological disorders, including mood, thought, anxiety, substance abuse, sexual, personality, and dissociative disorders. Students also explore underlying causes, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments. They examine concepts of normal and abnormal as related to psychology, methods used in the process of diagnosis, and the measurement of psychological functioning. Students also differentiate among disorders and learn limits to effective diagnosis. Applying concepts and theories learned in the course, students demonstrate their understanding through practical application and case study assignments.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Students in this course examine major concepts and theories of influence and persuasion. Understanding the psychology of influence and persuasion, and recognizing how we use it in daily interactions—or how we experience it used by others—is a vital component of making positive decisions about relationships and careers, as well as everyday challenges and opportunities in our lives. Students will apply specific theories to common situations to analyze and evaluate the impact of influence and persuasion on their own and others' attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. Particular areas of study include influence and persuasion in daily communication; cultural considerations; media and consumer behavior; and politics and leader influence. Throughout the course, students also apply self-reflection strategies to case studies and their personal experiences and also assess the ethical aspects of influence and persuasion. PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Are leaders made or born? This question has been debated for decades. Building on requisite comprehension of psychology, such as understanding development and behavior, mental processes, and how people interact, students apply this knowledge in consideration of what makes a leader. They examine theories and principles of leadership and leader development. Students engage in coursework focused on leadership styles, characteristics and qualities of effective leaders, cultural issues, empowerment and development, ethics and values, and global leadership. They apply leadership concepts and principles to personal experiences to contextualize theory and further examine the leadership role.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

How does one's culture influence health-related behavior and how does culture impact an individual's response to stress, pain, and illness? In this course, students learn how biological, psychological, sociological, and cognitive factors affect individual health behaviors. Students engage in discussions and practical, application-based assignments on a variety of topics, including cultural responses to health, stress management, and coping mechanisms; pain theory and management techniques; health psychology theories and models; and strategies for helping people achieve health psychology goals when faced with illness. Students apply principles of health psychology to case studies and real-life examples related to promoting, achieving, and maintaining optimal health as well as psychological adjustment to illness in different cultures.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Students in this course are provided with a comprehensive overview of cognitive psychology, the scientific study of mental processes: How people acquire, store, transform, use, and communicate information. Topics may include perception, attention, language, memory, reasoning, problem solving, decision making, and creativity. PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Psychological disorders form the basis of diagnosis in psychology. In this course, students examine a wide variety of common psychological disorders, including mood, thought, anxiety, substance abuse, sexual, personality, and dissociative disorders. Students also explore underlying causes, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments. They examine concepts of normal and abnormal as related to psychology, methods used in the process of diagnosis, and the measurement of psychological functioning. Students also differentiate among disorders and learn limits to effective diagnosis. Applying concepts and theories learned in the course, students demonstrate their understanding through practical application and case study assignments.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Most people recognize and appreciate the individuality of human beings, including race and ethnicity as related to self-perception and to the perception of others. In this course, students explore their own racial and ethnic identities in the context of contemporary psychological knowledge as well as contemporary issues and challenges related to race and ethnicity. Students explore and discuss a variety of topics, including the development of racial and ethnic identities; social classification; privilege and stigma; perceptions of racial and ethnic identities; assimilation; inequalities in race and ethnicity; and the relationship of race and ethnicity to social change. Students apply psychological concepts to better understand their own sense of ethnic and racial identities and how these identities shape their experiences in the world.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Researchers have demonstrated that there are few psychological differences between men and women. And yet history and conventional thinking indicate otherwise. Students in this course are introduced to the basic theories, principles, and applications of gender and gender differences. Students explore distinctions between sex and gender, masculinity and femininity, and sexuality and sexual orientation; gender differences in social behavior, perception, and cognitive abilities; and cross-cultural research on gender and sexuality. Through discussions and applications, students debunk myths surrounding sex and gender similarities and differences, and they apply theories to case examples and individual experiences. PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Students in this course examine major concepts and theories of influence and persuasion. Understanding the psychology of influence and persuasion, and recognizing how we use it in daily interactions—or how we experience it used by others—is a vital component of making positive decisions about relationships and careers, as well as everyday challenges and opportunities in our lives. Students will apply specific theories to common situations to analyze and evaluate the impact of influence and persuasion on their own and others' attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. Particular areas of study include influence and persuasion in daily communication; cultural considerations; media and consumer behavior; and politics and leader influence. Throughout the course, students also apply self-reflection strategies to case studies and their personal experiences and also assess the ethical aspects of influence and persuasion. PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

Are leaders made or born? This question has been debated for decades. Building on requisite comprehension of psychology, such as understanding development and behavior, mental processes, and how people interact, students apply this knowledge in consideration of what makes a leader. They examine theories and principles of leadership and leader development. Students engage in coursework focused on leadership styles, characteristics and qualities of effective leaders, cultural issues, empowerment and development, ethics and values, and global leadership. They apply leadership concepts and principles to personal experiences to contextualize theory and further examine the leadership role.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

How does one's culture influence health-related behavior and how does culture impact an individual's response to stress, pain, and illness? In this course, students learn how biological, psychological, sociological, and cognitive factors affect individual health behaviors. Students engage in discussions and practical, application-based assignments on a variety of topics, including cultural responses to health, stress management, and coping mechanisms; pain theory and management techniques; health psychology theories and models; and strategies for helping people achieve health psychology goals when faced with illness. Students apply principles of health psychology to case studies and real-life examples related to promoting, achieving, and maintaining optimal health as well as psychological adjustment to illness in different cultures.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

The study of the brain and how it functions has contributed significantly to the understanding of how people react and adapt to their environments. In this course, students examine basic brain physiology and learn how the brain functions to control behavior. Students explore specific applications of brain structure to memory and attention, sensation and perception, development, socialization, motivation and emotion, and socialization. They apply concepts and theories about the brain to psychological health and well-being.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

While traditional psychology in the United States has been Western in focus, increased globalization has promoted an examination into human behavior from a broader perspective that includes the influence of cultural and global trends on individual and group behavior. In this course, students explore a variety of global perspectives in psychology as well as some of the issues and controversies facilitated by differing cultures. They explore and discuss trends and research methods in global psychology, indigenous psychology, psychotherapy in a global world, and the role of psychologists internationally. Students critically evaluate psychological issues from a global rather than a domestic perspective.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.) 

In a world encumbered with conflict, tension, and injustice, strategies for building peace are essential. In this course, students assess theories and principles of conflict management and resolution. They examine and employ theories and applications of intergroup dynamics; principles and underlying philosophies of non-violence; and social science principles to understand conflict and promote peace. Students gain practical experience applying principles of peace building to proposing solutions for contemporary, individual, and social issues.   PSYC 1001 [or PSYC 1002 and PSYC 1003] and PSYC 2000.)