Course Descriptions

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PSY 1 - Introduction to Psychology (3)
Introduction to the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. Surveys major concepts, findings, and practical applications of contemporary psychological research. Focuses on basic topics addressed in such research: the biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, developmental processes, learning and memory mechanisms, cognition and intelligence, motivation and emotions, social relations, personality, and psychopathology. Prerequisite: None, GS-IIIF

PSY 12 - Child/Human Development (3)
Introduction to human development from conception to death. Covers major theories of psychological growth, interactions between heredity and environment, and the physical, cognitive, and social domains of development in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Focuses on concepts and issues important in prenatal development, cognitive and social factors in childhood and adolescence, effective parenting, and personal growth through the lifespan. Prerequisite: PSY 1 (waived for Liberal Studies majors) GS-IIIF

PSY 14 - Adult Development (1)
A survey of the major psychological theories and milestones related to adult development. Includes discussion, reading and appropriate observation of the developmental stages of adolescence, young adulthood, middle age and the process of advancing age. In combination with a previously completed course in child development, this course meets the life span human development requirement of the MSMC Department of Nursing. Prerequisite: PSY 12.

PSY 35 - Language and Concept Development of the Young Child (3)
Detailed study of language and concept development of the child from birth through eight years. Primary factors in cognitive development are stressed, including the basic elements of Piaget's developmental theory. The acquisition and development of language and its role in cognitive development are discussed. Methods and materials that enhance language and cognitive growth are presented, studied, and developed. Students observe and participate in a preschool setting. Prerequisite: PSY 12.

PSY 40 - Basic Statistical Methods (3)
Focus on applied descriptive and inferential statistical techniques as used in behavioral science research. Topics covered include properties of distributions, measures of central tendency, elementary probability theory, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, analysis of variance, and nonparametric tests of significance. Prerequisites: PSY 1 and satisfactory score on the Mathematics Placement Examination or completion of MTH 2X. GS-II

PSY 52 - Biological Psychology (3)
Critical survey of the structure and function of the nervous system. Topics include the neural control of sensory systems, hormonal systems, motor systems, learning, memory, emotions, and sleep. Particular emphasis is placed on recent advances in our knowledge of brain structure, neurotransmitter systems, neural development and plasticity, neuropharmacology, neuropathology, and psychopathology. Prerequisites: BIO 5, PSY 1. GS-IIIF

PSY 52L - Biological Psychology Lab (1)
Required concurrent laboratory supplement to PSY 52. The laboratory provides the background in neuroanatomy necessary to understand basic principles of neural function. Emphasis is placed on learning to recognize gross and microscopic structures of the brain within a functional perspective. Activities includes dissection of the sheep brain, basic principles of light microscopy, and microscopic comparison of similar gross anatomic structures in the brains of amphibians, rodents, carnivores, and primates. Prerequisites: BIO 5, PSY 1.

PSY 106 - Basic Research Methods (3)
Introduction to the scientific method and its use in answering questions about psychological phenomena. Covers each of the major steps in the research process, including formulation of hypotheses, choice of appropriate research designs, empirical testing of hypotheses with proper controls and regard for ethical issues, systematic analysis of data, and reporting of results in a scientific format. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 106L. Prerequisite: PSY 40. GS-II

PSY 106L - Basic Research Methods Lab (1)
Required laboratory supplement to PSY 106, which must be taken concurrently. The laboratory sessions provide structured practice in conducting psychological research. Working with a partner, each student performs several simple studies on topics in different areas of psychology assigned by the instructor. The final laboratory report should demonstrate competence in formulating and testing hypotheses, as well as in reporting the results and their interpretation in the format specified by the American Psychological Association. Prerequisite: PSY 40.

*PSY 110 - Gender Issues in Psychology (3)
Exploration of the psychological theories and research findings related to gender issues. Topics to be covered include gender role development, gender differences in personality, coping, and moral reasoning, and the analysis of social issues of gender and sexuality in the realms of society, politics, ethics, and culture. Prerequisite: PSY 1.

PSY 113 - Learning in Children and Adolescents Across Cultures (3)
Systematic comparison of learning as it occurs in children and adolescents across cultures. Examines how developmental, biological and cultural factors influence the ability and motivation to learn, and how these factors explain the content and organization of school curricula. Emphasizes the strong interaction between cognitive performance and the total sociocultural environment in which the child and adolescent lives. Prerequisite: PSY 12 GS-VI

*PSY 114 - Psychological Aspects of Children with Chronic Impairments (3)
This course examines the psychological consequences of chronic disabilities and diseases for affected individuals and their families. Topics include AIDS, Cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, mental disorders, visual and other sensory impairments. Prerequisite: PSY 1.

*PSY 116 - Introduction to Children with Visual Handicaps (3)
A comprehensive and critical investigation into the impact of visual handicapping conditions on the psychological, physical, motor, intellectual, social, emotional and educational growth of the young child.           Prerequisite: PSY 1.

*PSY 118 - Intervention of Children with Multiple Impairments (3)
This course examines the influence of visual impairments upon the handicaps and disabilities that often identify children as needing special education programming interventions. It surveys the strategies and interventions for effective psycho-social, behavioral, developmental, and instructional integration of ''exceptional'' children into the mainstream of education. Prerequisite: PSY 1.

PSY 125 - Introduction to Counseling (3)
Survey of the major methods of psychological counseling with emphasis on the underlying theoretical framework. Included will be consideration of both traditional and contemporary individual and group methods. Demonstrations and limited practical experiences will focus on paraprofessional applications. Prerequisite: PSY 132.

*PSY 126 - Brief Therapies (2)
Course provides an overview of various models of brief therapies, including cognitive-behavioral, brief dynamic, and single session. The special tasks, goals, and clinical guidelines with each phase of treatment will be described. Prerequisites: PSY 1.

*PSY 128 - Adulthood and Aging (3)
Exploration of psychological factors of the process of aging. Focus will be on attitudes, values, motivations, and behavior as they are influenced by environmental and biological changes associated with aging. This course is conducted as a seminar and includes a fieldwork component; visiting and evaluating various care facilities for the senior population. Prerequisite: PSY 12.

*PSY 129 - Motivation (3)
Comparison of the range, strengths and limitations of the prominent theories explaining high and low motivation. Explores common motivation problems and their effect on the individual and society. Motivation treatments are applied to a variety of contexts, including education, work, love and others. A critical analysis of the current applied motivation literature is emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 145.

PSY 132 - Personality Theory (3)
Comprehensive study of the structure and dynamics of personality according to contemporary research. Prerequisite: PSY 12.

PSY 134 - Learning and Memory Processes (3)
Explores the major forms of learning and memory processes common to human and non-human animals. Focuses on the most basic learning processes, particularly classical and instrumental conditioning, but also covers spatial and observational learning. Examines the essential features of memory processes as explained by information processing models. Particular attention is paid to applications of learning and memory theories in solving practical problems in normal and clinical situations. Prerequisite: PSY 1.

PSY 138 - Managing Non-Profit Organizations (3)
Will introduce non-business majors to managerial theories to lead non-profit organizations. The learning experiences include review of literature, class presentations and active sponsorship of service organizations. A  service learning project integrates theory with practice, requiring team cooperation, planning and accountability. (Also BUS 139, GER 138, EDU 138c and SOC 138.)

*PSY 139 - Child Abuse and Family Violence (3)
A theoretical exploration of the causes, nature, and physical, social and psychological impact of the various forms of family violence as well as the methods used by counseling professionals for intervention, remediation, and prevention. Prerequisite: PSY 12

PSY 144 - Psychology of Prejudice (3)
Exploration of psychological factors involved in the development and maintenance of racism, sexism, ageism, and other manifestations of prejudice. Focuses on research of both individual and group behavior and includes consideration of techniques for combating prejudice in individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Prerequisite: PSY 1. Recommended: PSY 145. GS-VI

PSY 145 - Social Psychology (3)
Surveys the pervasive and invisible social forces acting upon individuals. Explores the cultural and familial interaction facilitating the socialization of people. Provides a critical analysis of the known social influences promoting or hindering individual development. Prerequisite: PSY 1.

PSY 146 - Multicultural Issues in Psychology (3)
Cross-cultural examination of basic human behavior.  Explores the evolution of behaviors such as communication, learning language, and effect from a multi-cultural and cross-cultural historical context.  Concludes with cross-cultural assessment of psychiatric illnesses and treatment,  Prerequisite: PSY 145

*PSY 148 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)
Introduction to the psychological relationship between individuals and their work places, particularly business settings. Focuses on the psychology of work and practical techniques in personnel selection, placement training, job appraisal, productivity enhancement, and assessment of consumer behavior.   Prerequisite: PSY 145.

PSY 151 - Divorce and Remarriage (3)
Examination of the short and long term consequences of divorce on family members, focusing on exacerbating factors. Emphasis is on the role of psychologists and mediators in minimizing these effects.              Prerequisites: PSY 12.

PSY 155 - Psychological Assessment (3)
Introduction to the field of psychological testing, including an examination of history, theory, and construction of tests as well as a survey of principal individual and group tests of intelligence, personality, interest, and ability currently used in clinical and research settings. Special attention will be placed on the development of skills for evaluating the reliability, validity, and ethics of psychological tests and their applications. Prerequisite: PSY 40.

PSY 160 - Cognition and Perception (3)
Surveys our current understanding of how the human mind acquires information about the environment and how it manipulates that information in both verbal and non-verbal form. Specifically examines the cognitive processes involved in selective attention, perception, memory storage and retrieval, representation of knowledge, language comprehension and production, thought, and decision making. Stress is placed on understanding the relevance of cognitive research to practical problems in normal and clinical situations. Prerequisites: PSY 106 & 106L, PSY 134.

PSY 165 - Behavioral Psychopharmacology (3)
Introduction to drug influences on mental processes and behavior. Covers the relevant mechanisms of drug action, basic methodological problems in behavioral pharmacology, and current views on the genesis and remediation of drug addiction. Special attention is given to the use of drugs in treating disturbances in mental health. Prerequisites: PSY 52 & 52L

*PSY 167 - Special Topics in Psychology (3)
Seminar on any one of many topics in the field of psychology. Format varies with topic and instructor(s). Prerequisites: PSY 1 and consent of instructor.

PSY 168 - Abnormal Psychology (3)
Explores mental health concepts, principles of psychopathology, and related treatment techniques. Surveys the various forms of abnormal behavior, covering their features, potential causes, and most effective treatments.
Entails analysis of case studies using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM IV). Prerequisite: PSY 1.

*PSY 172 - Developmental Psychopathology (3)
Examination of childhood psychological disorders, including disturbances in sleep, eating, toileting, speech, mood, and cognitive functions, drug use, conduct disorders, autism, and pervasive developmental disorders. Addresses issues in diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisites: PSY 12, PSY 168.

PSY 175 - Human Sexuality (3)   
Survey of topics central to the study of sexuality. This course provides a strong foundation in physiology, sexual arousal and dysfunction, history of sexuality, and gender issues. Current topics such as sexually transmitted diseases, prostitution and rape are explored. The course provides a perspective of human sexuality from historical, biological, psychological, cultural and sociological points of view.

*PSY 182 - History and Systems of Psychology (3)
Critical examination of the scientific origins of contemporary psychology. Emphasizes historical/conceptual development of ideas leading to modern schools of psychology. Original papers by Epicurus, Kant, Descartes, Molyneux, Flourens, Thorndike, and others will be read. Prerequisites: PSY 52 & 52L, PSY 134, PSY 168, and consent of instructor.

*PSY 184 - Object Relations: Theory and Practice (1)
An overview of psychological development as seen through the human need for connectedness to others. From an infant's first experiences with others through adulthood, the class will explore the development of the separate and unique individual, with special focus on clinical application of theoretical concepts. Readings include Winnicott, Bowlby, Klein, and Mahler. Also includes a historical review and comparative analysis of family systems and object relations family therapy. Explores the application of object relations theories to marital and family therapy. Prerequisites: PSY 125, PSY 168

PSY 185 - Psychology and Law (3)
Overview of the intersection of the disciplines of Psychology and Law. Introduces the philosophical foundations of both fields, the legal system of the United States, clinical issues in the law (e.g., psychological assessment, determination of competency, involuntary commitment, family law, and criminal behavior), and psychological research on the legal system (e.g., juror decision making and jury dynamics, judicial bias, eye-witness testimony, and police procedure). Prerequisites: PSY 1.

PSY 186 - Violence Against Women (3)
Survey of research literature pertaining to sexual assault, partner violence, and sexual harassment. Students will examine psychological theories concerning causes and prevention of violence against women, as well as the experiences of women as victims of these forms of violence.

PSY 187 - Careers in Psychology (3)
Explores options available to students interested in careers in psychology.  Job options available at different degree levels (e.g., B.A., Masters, Ph.D.) are highlighted, as appropriate preparation plans for particular careers are developed by students.  Panel discussions by professionals in the field of psychology allow students to gain knowledge about the diversity of available career paths.  Fieldwork options will be explored.

*PSY 188 - Crisis Intervention (3)
Survey of crisis intervention theories, assessment, treatment and research. Includes legal and ethical issues, suicide, degrees of danger, victims of abuse, grief reactions and the family in crisis. Clinical case presentation will be used for illustration. Prerequisite: PSY 125.

PSY 192 - Clinical Practicum (3)
Applied work enhancing a student's ability to use the principles of psychology in real life settings. Field work options include areas of school psychology, gerontology, mental retardation, emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, or probation work. Course includes weekly seminar oriented towards integrating experiences with theory. Prerequisites: PSY 125, PSY 168.

PSY 193 - Research Practicum (1-3)
Applied work enhancing student understanding of the methodology and tools of psychological research.  While receiving training and supervision, the student assists a MSMC psychology faculty member in the development and/or implementation of a psychological research project.  Students will participate in two or more activities involved in executing major steps in the research process (3.g., developing the proposal, collecting and analyzing data, presenting and publishing results).  Course includes faculty/student meetings oriented theoretical reviews and discussions.  Concludes with a library research paper which addresses a project related question.  Prerequisites: PSY 40, PSY 106, PSY 106L and consent of instructor.  May be repeated for a total of 6 units.

PSY 194 - Advanced Research (1-3)
Seminar providing direction and supervision for students undertaking original psychological research.  Guidance is given in each step of the research process: in developing a question, selecting a research design, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting the results in publishable from.  The final product should be suitable for presentation at student sections of professional regional association meetings.  Prerequisites: PSY40, PSY 106 & 106L and consent of instructor.  May be repeated for a total of 6 units..

PSY 196H - Senior Honors Thesis (3)
Advanced study on a special topic chosen by the student. Prerequisites: PSY 40, PSY 106 & 106L, and Honors Student status.

PSY 199 - Independent Study (1-3)
Independent exploration of a topic in psychology supervised by department faculty member. Prerequisites: PSY 1 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.

*Course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students must obtain instructor's consent before taking this course. See appropriate listing of course description for prerequisites.