Course Descriptions

Psychology

PSY101E Introduction to Psychology

This course is an introduction to the study of psychology as a biological and social science. This study includes research methods and theories used in studying such topics as learning, perception, motivation, emotions, thinking, personality, and social interaction.

PSY140E Psychology of Personality

A survey of a variety of theories of personality with a focus on the major assumptions, concepts and modes of explanation used in each approach.  This course is designed to provide a background out of which the student can develop his/her own views on the nature of personality.

PSY181E         Psychology of Development: Adolescence and Maturity

This course focuses on the experience of adolescence by exploring those developmental and personal tasks which are unique to this period of life. A diverse range of readings, including both scholarly and literary works, provides a background for discussions and experiential activities on such topics as identity, self-awareness, self-actualization, peer relationships, career choices, mortality and sexuality. Individuals are encouraged to examine their own development as persons both as a resource for self-knowledge and for understanding key aspects of the developmental process in adolescence. 

PSY186E Psychology of Aging

How do behavior and personality change as we age? Behavior at each stage of an individual’s life should be viewed as the product of the dynamic interaction between the social system and the personal system as each system reflects both stability and change over time. The course simplifies and elaborates the gerontological knowledge base which, combined with professional values, enhances skill development in service to aging persons, families, and groups.

PSY190E         Psychology of Development: Infancy and Childhood

Focuses on the major developmental sequences that occur during this time-frame. Areas include: physical development, cognitive development, social and moral development, parent-child relationships and skill mastery. Also identification and "identity" formation are covered.

PSY209E         Psychology of Men

The unique qualities of the male psyche are explored, beginning with the early theories of Freud and Jung as well as the contemporary theories of Robert Bly and Sam Keen. Topics include identity formation in men, masculine rites of passage, relationships with women, male bonding and personality changes caused by development and aging.

PSY212E         Psychology of Sport

This course provides the student with an understanding of the theoretical and applied principles of sport psychology.  Topics include social psychology of sport, theories of motivation and competition, cognitive/behavioral strategies used to enhance sport performance, and gender issues. 

PSY214E         Psychology of Identity & Human Sexuality

An attempt to gain psychological understanding of sexuality as an important component of self and to aid the student in gaining understanding of psychological theories regarding human sexuality.  

PSY215E         Psychology of Dreams

Dreams and related expressions of the human capacity to create and use symbols and metaphors are considered from the viewpoints of such theorists as Freud, Jung, Perls, Adler, Savary, and Faraday.  The course focuses on interpretation and understanding of dreams through different approaches.  Related topics such as the physiology of dreaming and the psychology of consciousness are also explored.

PSY265E         Statistics

Students are introduced to basic concepts in statistics and probability with emphasis on the testing of statistical hypotheses using the methodology of inferential statistics.

PSY 351E Physiological Psychology

In this course, stress is placed on determining the contributions and limitations of physiological psychology in understanding behaviors, such as perception and thinking, psychosomatic disorders, learning, and emotion. Prerequisite: PSY 101E