A broad spectrum of research and theoretical concepts are presented to provide a balanced understanding of human behavior. Topics include the biological basis of behavior, human development, personality, health and wellness, learning and memory, social diversity, abnormal behavior and therapy.

This course studies the developing person from conception through late childhood. Current research and applications are used to explain biosocial, psychosocial and cognitive development. The importance of specific environmental contexts in development is emphasized. Topics include bonding and attachment, language development, abuse and neglect, parenting, gender role development, intellectual disability and giftedness, peer relationships, and moral development.

This course presents the study of abnormal behavior including anxiety, mood disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorder, and other DSM categories. Topics include diagnosis, classification, causes, prevention and treatment modalities with emphasis on eclectic, biological, and cognitive models, as well as cultural influences, community needs and resources.

This course is a survey of the socialization, gender role development, mental health, special concerns and life span changes of women. The relationship of psychology to the position and roles of women is also examined from a cross-cultural perspective. This course is only offered in the fall semester.

Educational Psychology focuses on the learning process and related ideas such as development, individual differences, cognition, effective learning environments, motivation and exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on studying the development of effective teaching-learning relationships in the American school environment. Connections among a variety of disciplines are stressed, as well as links to the real world beyond the classroom.

This course studies the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and depressants, psychoactive drugs, stimulants and hallucinogens on the user and abuser. Topics include the effects of drugs taken in combination, drug classification, absorption, distribution, metabolism, half-life, tolerance, cross-tolerance and elimination.

This course incorporates psychological and sociological theory and research as applied to contemporary group situations. A wide range of issues concerning human experience in group settings is explored, including interpersonal attraction, gender roles and sexism, cross-cultural and within cultural differences, attitude formation based on group membership, prejudice, conflict, power and aggression between groups, pro-social behavior and group conformity.

This is an introductory counseling skills course that emphasizes developing skills and techniques to facilitate the helping process, through an understanding of helping theory and the dynamics of the helping relationship. Helper self development will be achieved via in-class exercises and the use of a pseudo-client.

This course is a learning experience designed to provide students with skills necessary to develop sensitivity to others, to become more effective listeners, and to convey awareness, understanding and patience. Students will learn strategies to become more effective in interacting with diverse people as individuals, in groups, organizations, and in the community. This course is only offered in the spring semester.

This course studies the developing person across the life span from conception to death. Numerous theoretical perspectives are applied to studying biological, cognitive, and psychosocial change. Emphasis is given to the role of genetic influences as well as the specific environmental contexts in which development occurs.

This course presents the period of adolescence as a distinct stage in the lifespan, with its own unique biological, psychosocial, and cognitive issues. Current theoretical perspectives and research findings are used to explain and explore such topics as the challenges of puberty, identity development, risk taking behavior, intimate relationships, and the impact of cultural variables on adolescent development. This course is only offered in the spring semester.

Biopsychology is a branch of psychology that studies the relationship between the structure and functioning of the nervous system and behavior. This course will introduce students to the biological basis of behavior by exploring research findings of biopsychologists in explaining such behaviors as wakefulness and sleep, learning and memory, emotions and stress, psychological disorders, and reproductive functioning. New information in this field is rapidly increasing; as students examine the current level of knowledge in this field and develop a framework of biopsychological principles, they will become prepared to incorporate the future knowledge that is sure to follow.

Special topics courses are developed to explore emerging issues or specialized content not represented in the main curriculum. Not all courses are offered each semester. See the schedule of classes for availability.

Cooperative Education experiences are work-based learning experiences with an employer for a specific period of time. The experience may be paid and must be related to the career and specific curriculum in which the student is enrolled. It is an opportunity for the student to supplement/integrate classroom learning with learning from a related work setting. A student registers for one to four credits of Cooperative Education in the curriculum in which he/she is enrolled. Permission from program coordinator is required. Students must have completed 12 credits prior to co-op, and have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Please see the Coordinator for Career Services in Advising, Career & Transfer Services for approval.

Cooperative Education experiences are work-based learning experiences with an employer for a specific period of time. The experiences may be paid and must be related to the career and specific curriculum in which the student is enrolled. It is an opportunity for the student to supplement/integrate classroom learning with learning from a related work setting. A student registers for one to four credits of Cooperative Education in the curriculum in which he/she is enrolled.