Psychology Department      
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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
200 Level Courses
300 Level Courses

400 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.
4 Credits. Prereq- NSS 128 or IN 125 or concurrent registration. Usually offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

PSY 110:
Life Span Development





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.





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Last updated April 23, 2008.    
Contact kris.vasquez@alverno.edu with questions or comments.