 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
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 212; PSY 101. Usually offered Fall, Spring, Summer. |
| |
|
| BSC
215: Small Group Behavior |
In
this interdisciplinary course, the student is introduced to the
underlying assumptions and applications of small group research
and behavior to social psychology. In addition, she has the opportunity
to learn and improve her interaction skills, using both interpersonal
and task-oriented models, as well as developing the ability to analyze
her own and others' behavior. 2 Credits. Prereq- PSY 101 or SSC
101. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| BSC 220: Complex Organizations |
The
student investigates formal and informal structures and processes
in complex organizations. She develops skills in analyzing bureaucracies
and in proposing and evaluating solutions to problems related to
organizational environments. She also acquires communication, interaction
and decision making skills that allow her to function effectively
in bureaucratic settings. Alternatives to traditional hierarchical
systems are explored. 4 Credits. Prereq- CM 212; BSC 215. Usually
offered in Fall. |
| 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- CM 212; 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. |
 |
|
| |
|
| Psy 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- RC 200; CM 212; BSC 215; 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 examines the biological determinants of human behavior. The
structure and function of the nervous system are learned, and the
implications for behavioral change are explored. Each student completes
a major project which allows her to integrate psychology with the
natural sciences and health professions. 4 Credits. Prereq- PSY 250.
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-
CM 212; PSY 135; BSC 255; 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. |
| BSC 353: Applied Research | The
student participates in an applied research project undertaken in
conjunction with a community agency or group. She participates in
every phase of the project, including the definition of the research
problem, construction of the research, design and data-gathering instruments,
data collection and analysis, and the preparation of the final report.
If a student wishes to participate in one phase of the project, she
may do so when the project design allows. 2-4 Credits. Prereq- PSY/MGT/PCM/SSC 135; BSC 255; CM 106Q; CM 212. Usually offered each semester. |
| 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. 2 Credits. Prereq- CM 212; PSY 110. Usually offered Fall, Spring. |
| PSY 365: Social Psychology in Cross-Cultural Perspectives | In
this course, the student examines individual behavior in social contexts.
She examines how one's thoughts, feelings and actions are influenced
by the groups with which one affiliates. She analyzes the impact of
individual affiliations to various social groups - such as family,
church, ethnic/racial community - on one's psychological development
and world view. Further, she applies her analysis of a selected behavioral
concern by formulating strategies for change and presenting her ideas
to a group or organization currently addressing this concern. 4 Credits.
Prereq- PSY 101 or SSC 101; all 200-level courses in the major. 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
390: Case Management
|
This
course focuses on case managtement 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. |
| |
|
| 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. She works under the direction of professionals in a community
or therapeutic setting that is consonant with her career choice. 2-4
Credits. Prereq- Good standing; concurrent registration in PSY 490.
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. Usually offered
Fall, Spring.
|
Back to courses
of study
Last updated
April 23, 2008.
Contact kris.vasquez@alverno.edu
with questions or comments.