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Descriptions of courses offered in Psychology Department
Please note that not all courses are offered every semester; information about usual of offerings are dependent on staff and enrollment and are not guaranteed. Please talk to your advisor.
|
100
Level Courses |
|
| PSY
101: General Psychology |
In
this introductory course in psychology - a discipline that studies
human behavior in all its facets, including the processes that underlie
that behavior - a student places major emphasis on two areas: studying
the different aspects of behavior as classified in psychology (e.g.,
learning, motivation, personality) and developing elementary analytical
and problem solving skills to facilitate making her own inferences
about the underlying processes of behavior. |
|
PSY
110: |
The
student examines human development and learning for the entire life
span with emphasis on major theories and current research. She is
expected to identify and analyze behavioral aspects in laboratory
settings of human subjects representing the life stages. The student
is expected to acquire problem solving techniques, theory evaluation
and comparison, identification, and evaluation of contemporary and
global aspects of development, and communication skills. 4 Credits.
Prereq- CM 110; PSY 101. Usually offered Fall, Spring, Summer. |
| |
|
| Psy
250: Abnormal Psychology |
The
student studies the major theories, significant research, and methods
of treatment related to personality development and/or behavioral
disorders. She has the opportunity to improve her communication skills,
social interaction ability and understanding of contemporary issues.
A required field experience enables her to observe and become more
familiar with community treatment facilities and mental health programs.
4 Credits. Prereq- PED 150 or PSY 110. Usually offered Fall, Spring,
Summer. |
| BSC 255: Behavioral Science Research Methods | The
student learns about the research methods commonly used by behavioral
scientists. She participates in a number of classroom exercises to
acquaint her with philosophical and methodological issues related
to a variety of behavioral science methods. She also conducts projects
in which she defines the problem to be addressed, formulates questions
and hypotheses, designs a research instrument. She collects and analyzes
data, using SPSS computer software. She prepares a final report, using
appropriate summary statistics, tables and graphs. 4 Credits. Prereq-
PCM 100 or PCM 101 or SSC 101 or PSY 101; BSC 215 or concurrent registration;CM
156Q; CM 212. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| BSC 256: Probability and Statistics | The
student develops skill communicating statistical information, using
SPSS computer software. She learns both theory and applications of
statistical hypothesis testing, learning to test for the significance
of relationships between variables and differences between groups
in a variety of situations. She learns bivariate descriptive statistics.
She learns to clearly and accurately communicate findings and to accurately
interpret the presentation of statistical findings encountered in
research. 4 Credits. Prereq- CM 156Q; BSC 255. Usually offered Fall,
Spring. |
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| PSY/SOC 320: Comparative Social Institutions: The Family | The
student analyzes what makes families work and what part they play
in the total social fabric. She develops frameworks for interpreting
the historical emergence of current types of families now common in
our society, including varieties associated with different racial/ethnic
and social class groups. Anthropological research on families in other
cultures is also presented in order to highlight how different social
values are associated with different definitions of what a "normal"
or "good" family really is. The course also introduces the
student to the process and products of ethnographic research. 4 Credits.
Prereq- BSC 215; ICM3; one 200 level course in SSC or PSY.
Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 330: Psychological Assessment | The
student learns basic principles vital to test construction and interpretation
and becomes acquainted with some of the most reliable and valid assessment
instruments. She learns how psychological tests are administered and
how the results are analyzed, interpreted and reported. She explores
contemporary controversial issues related to psychological assessment,
such as gender and cultural bias in testing. 4 Credits. Prereq- PSY
250. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 335: Psychology of the Adult Learner | The
student learns about the contributions of psychological theories to
the development of the body of knowledge about adult learners. She
studies such classical frameworks as humanism and cognition, as well
as more contemporary approaches arising from research on the learning
processes of adult women. Several experiential assessment activities
allow her to apply her understanding of the principles of adult learning.
4 Credits. Prereq- PSY 110; all 200-level courses in the major. Usually
offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 345: Physiological Psychology | The student learns about the biological processes underlying human thought, emotion, and behavior. These processes are related to psychological theories as the student develops integrated explanations of normal as well as abnormal psychological phenomena, including substance addiction. 4 Credits. Prereq- all 200-level courses completed in the major.
Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 350: Experimental Psychology | The
student learns to analyze scientific literature and psychological
processes through systematic study of research investigations conducted
and reported in psychology. She develops problem solving skills through
the vehicles of assigned laboratory study and a major laboratory or
field investigation on a topic of student selection. 4 Credits. Prereq-
AC309; BSC 255;BSC 256; CM212; majors only. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 351: Psychology in the Workplace | Using
the framework of industrial/organizational psychology, the student
explores behavioral patterns and problems of individuals in the workplace.
The student learns about the various roles and tasks of psychological
consultation as well as studying specific techniques of psychological
intervention. Students develop a practitioner sensitivity to the "organization
as client" as well as related leadership/consultation skills.
4 Credits. Prereq- PSY 110 and all 200-level courses in the major.
Offered occasionally. |
| PSY 353: Applied Research | The student participates in an applied research project with the intent of creating publishable research. She participates in some or all of the following aspects of the project, depending on the time required to complete the research: definition of the problem, design of the research instrument, data collection and analysis, and preparation of the final report 4 Credits. Prereq- BSC 255;BSC 256;ICM3; completion of one 300-level Psychology course or consent of instructor. Offered occasionally. |
| PSY 360: Psychology of Women | The student analyzes theoretical and empirical literature on the psychology of women. She uses both traditional frameworks and contemporary multicultural approaches to examine the commonalties and differences in the psychological development of women. 4 Credits. Prereq- CM 212; PSY 110. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 365: Social Psychology in Cross-Cultural Perspectives | Social psychology is concerned with the way that the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of a person are influenced by the presence of other people. In this course, the student examines such fundamental human issues as aggression, prejudice, attraction, altruism, persuasion, conformity, and emotion. She also takes a critical look at the cultural and historical contexts of studies on these issues, which are most often rooted in cultures that emphasize the importance of the individual. She analyzes the limitations those contexts imply for generalization about human behavior, and seeks a better understanding of the way her own cultures shape her thoughts, feelings, and actions in the social world. 4 Credits.
Prereq- PSY 101 or SSC 101; all 200-level courses in the major; BSC 255. Usually
offered in Spring. |
| PSY 370: Environmental Psychology | The
student of environmental psychology studies the relationship between
the physical environment and human behavior. She participates in a
variety of environmental awareness exercises and self-guided field
experiences designed to develop her analytic abilities. She examines
various theoretical frameworks and develops a cross-cultural analysis
in an effort to enhance her understanding of non-western perspectives
of the built environment. 4 Credits. Prereq- PSY 250. Offered occasionally. |
| PSY 375: Theories of Personality |
The
primary objective of this course is to develop a practicable understanding
of human behavior as presented in traditional and contemporary theories
of personality development. While basic concepts of personality
theory are presented in Abnormal Psychology (Psy 250), this course
offers the opportunity to incorporate more breadth and depth in
learning. In this course you are introduced to traditional and contemporary
theories and methodologies that explain the intrapersonal dynamics
and processes influencing distinctive patterns of adaptation throughout
the lifespan of the individual. The course focuses on explaining
the nature of personality through the examination and evaluation
of concepts of personality theory. Special attention is given to
the influence of culture on the development of personality and to
theories about personality. 4 credits. Prereq-PSY 250. Usually offered
Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 380: Learning and Cognition | The
student focuses on the nature of human learning and cognition, proceeding
from classical and operant conditioning to more complex cognitive
processes. Particular attention is given to practical application
of learning and cognitive theory on a variety of settings. She is
required to observe behavior and analyze learning and cognitive processes
underlying this behavior. She explores how variations in cultural
contexts may influence learning processes. 4 Credits. Prereq- PSY
250. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 383: Internship | In
conjunction with the faculty advisor and Internship office personnel,
the student selects a psychological setting within the community for
an internship. Under the direction of professionals, she demonstrates
her abilities in social interaction, problem solving, global perspectives,
or analysis, as outlined by her faculty mentor. She participates in
an on-campus seminar which accompanies this experience. 4 Credits.
Prereq- Advanced standing; Departmental consent. Usually offered Fall,
Spring, Summer. |
| PSY 385: Issues in Alcohol and Drug Treatment | This course is designed to meet some of the critical requirements for CADC II (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification. The student applies various theoretical perspectives to form the foundation for coherent approaches to understanding, identifying, and facilitating changes in behavior and thinking related to substance abuse. She analyzes and applies regulations and ethical guidelines as guides for her practice as a CADC II counselor. She integrates her knowledge of service systems to make appropriate referrals for clients and their families. This course is taken concurrently with an internship at a designated Alcohol and Drug Addiction (AODA) treatment site with a supervisor who is CADC II or III certified. 2 credits. Prereq - BSC 215; PSY 250; concurrent registrtion in PDC/PSY 383. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
|
PSY/SOC
390: Case Management
|
This
course focuses on case management within a variety of human service
organizations, The student explores how to assess and address client
concerns through a working alliance with the client. She considers
various models of case management and the ethical standards that guide
this type of work. She also studies how to help clients access community
resources through the building of functional community networks. Further,
she explores what it means to be an active agent of systemic change,
particularly through the knowledge gained from the unique vantage
points of a caseworker. Throughout the semester, the student develops
case-management skills through practice in "labs." 2 credits.
Prereq - BSC 215; PSY 250; SSC 101. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
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| PSY 441: Animal Behavior | The
student investigates mechanisms underlying patterns of animal behavior
and their ecological, physiological, and evolutionary basis. She identifies
differences and commonalities between the fields of comparative psychology,
behavioral ecology, and neurophysiology in their approach to examining
animal behavior. She focuses on the selective value of various behaviors
and uses behavioral models to describe and interpret behavior. She
designs, conducts, and evaluates behavioral experiments. She works
extensively with the primary literature of animal behavior. 4 credits.
Prereq - BI 222 or BI 231 or BI 341 or BSC 255 or PSY 345 or PSY 350.
Offered occasionally. |
| PSY 483: Advanced Internship | In
this course, the student participates in a field experience that allows
her to develop helping skills that she is learning in PSY 490, Clinical
Psychology or directed research in an Independent Study, PSY 497. She works under the direction of professionals in a community, therapeutic, or research setting that is consonant with her career choice. 2-4
Credits. Prereq- Good standing; concurrent registration in PSY 490 or PSY 497.
Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 490: Clinical Psychology | The
student engages in an in-depth study of contemporary approaches to
counseling and psychotherapy. She evaluates various theoretical frameworks
from the perspective of her own developing helping skills and critiques
application of these models to varying clinical settings. 4 Credits.
Prereq- Concurrent registration with PSY 483; Social Interaction Level
4. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY
491: Senior Seminar |
This course focuses on the integration of psychological methods and theories. The student who has selected psychology as a major area of concentration, with faculty and peer assistance, chooses a major issue within psychology to investigate and discuss in on-going seminar sessions. Her work culminates in a major class presentation and theoretical paper written in APA format. 2 Credits. Prereq- Major; Good standing; PSY 350 and one other 300-level Psychology course. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
|
PSY 497: Independent Study in Psychology
|
To undertake this work in independent research or study, a student must demonstrate her ability to make a statement of her goals and of the procedural measures for achieving them with minimal faculty direction. Entry to the course depends ultimately upon faculty consent to provide a mentor for the course. May be used as internship supervision for students with a research-focused internship. 1-4 credits. Prereqs dependent on course topic . |
Back to courses
of study
Last updated
January 31, 2011.
Contact kris.vasquez@alverno.edu
with questions or comments.