Psychology

This course is an introduction to various areas of psychology: scientific investigation, critical thinking, and leading theories. Topics include, but are not limited to: motivation, emotions, personality, physiological foundations of behavior, psychological disorders and therapy, perception, learning, and human development.

This course will introduce students to the profession of social work within the context of the social welfare system. It will provide an overview of an integrative approach to generalist social work practice, which emphasizes intervention on individual, environmental and societal levels.

This course examines the values and norms that underlie social welfare services; the historical roots of current approaches to social services; the overt and covert functions of social welfare; and the political, social, cultural and economic forces that shape social welfare policy and services in the United States. Throughout the course, the parallel historical development of the profession of social work, including ways in which it responded to the demands of social problems across key periods of social welfare policy transformation will be considered. Students will also gain an understanding of the interrelated nature of global events and domestic social policy as it affects individuals and families across diverse practice settings.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the field of abnormal psychology and mental illness from a biopsychosocial perspective. Focus will be on the complexities and consequences of labeling as well as the diagnostic techniques and research methods used. Contemporary approaches to psychological and biological interventions will be introduced.

This course is designed to provide the student with an overview of counseling psychology as a profession. Information is provided about the basic educational, historical, philosophical and psychological foundations of counseling as well as specific traits and skills of professional counselors. Several broad theoretical perspectives will be studied and applied in role-play situations.

This course is an introduction to the questions addressed by scientists who aim to understand the biological basis of behavior. Students will be introduced to this dynamic field, which investigates the brain, its structure and function, and the ways in which the brain drives behaviors. Topics covered within the course include behavioral genetics, evolutionary psychology, neuroanatomy, physiological perspectives of sensory perception, learning and memory, sleep and dreaming, drug addiction, emotion, human sexuality, and biological bases of psychiatric disorders.

This course provides an overview of the research design process in the social sciences. Students will design and implement their own research study in an area related to the social sciences. All aspects of a research study will be explored and developed by the students. Ethical issues in research will also be investigated.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to experience real world application of Social Science theory. Students will complete a minimum of 135 hours of fieldwork that builds upon previously learned concepts in the Social Sciences. Students need Department Chair approval to register for this course.