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Psychology Courses
Below is a list of Psychology courses offered by Stevenson University. To earn a degree in Psychology, students must also complete coursework in other areas. To view a complete listing of all course requirements for the Psychology degree, please see the University catalog.
PSY 101
Introduction to Psychology
Introduces the vast array of psychological
theories and research that underlie the scientific
study of behavior and mental processes. Focuses on
the major concepts, theoretical perspectives,
historical and current findings that relate to the
field of psychology. Topics include the biological
basis of human behavior, learning theory, memory,
personality, child development, intelligence, and
psychological disorders. Students will explore
career options in psychology as well as what it
means to think like a psychologist, and to be a
psychologist. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 108
Human Growth and Development
A lifespan perspective (prenatal period through death) on the growth and development of humans. Focuses on stability and change in humans' development with respect to the biological, cognitive, and socioemotional dimensions. Major theoretical approaches to develop are covered that address both innate and environmental influences. A broad range of topics are covered that are relevant to the varying age groups and dimensions of development. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 200
Professional Development in Psychology
Focuses on the academic skills needed both in
upper-division psychology courses and in
professional work. It also helps majors learn
about career options in psychology and helps them
begin planning their careers. It has three
elements: (1) information literacy (teaching
students to find information in psychology and
related fields), (2) APA style (teaching students
to write in accordance with the guidelines set
forth by the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association), and (3) career
development (helping students to clarify their
career goals in psychology and to plan how to
reach these goals). Prerequisites: PSY 101 and
second year status or permission of instructor.
Fall semester. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 206
Child Development
Focuses on theories and research and their
application to human development from conception
to age twelve. Concentrated attention is given to
the physical, cognitive, and social/personality
areas of growth. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 208
Human Sexuality
Addresses a variety of psychological issues on the topic of human sexuality. Focuses on the psychological, biological, social, cultural, and ethical forces that impact one's sexuality. Topics may include the status of sex research, love, attraction and intimacy, variations in sexual practice, and the legal aspects of sexuality. The focus will be on critical thinking and analysis of the information presented. A seminar format will be used, and students will be expected to prepare for and contribute to discussions. The course will contain open discussion of sexuality and sexually explicit film and readings. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 215
Psychopathology
Examines abnormal behavior and its assessment,
diagnosis, possible causes, and treatment. Focuses
on the major mental disorders diagnosed in adults.
These disorders include anxiety disorders, such as
panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder;
mood disorders, such as major depression and
bipolar disorder; and psychotic disorders, such as
schizophrenia; personality disorders; and eating
disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Three credits.
(21 Nov 2006)
PSY 230
Counseling Skills
Teaches the skills that are essential for those
who wish to help others better manage their
problems and develop their unused opportunities.
These skills are sequenced in a three stage
helping model. In addition, this course addresses
the theory and research that supports the use of
these skills. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Fall
semester. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 251
Topics in Psychology
Studies selected issues in psychology in depth,
stressing relevant methodologies and theories.
Rotates topics, such as Drugs and Behavior, Health
Psychology, and Forensic Psychology. Prerequisite:
PSY 101. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 270
Research Methods and Data Analysis I
Introduces students to the basic principles of research in Psychology and the conduct and analysis of descriptive and correlational research. Focuses on the scietific method, the role of systematic observation, the selection of appropriate research designs, ethical considerations in research, descriptive and correlational research methods, the use of descriptive statistical procedures to analyze and interpret research results, and how to report results in APA style. Students use SPSS to conduct descriptive data analyses. Prerequisites: PSY 101, PSY 200 and MATH 140. (03 Oct 2007)
PSY 303
Social Psychology
Investigates how people's thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors are affected by the real or imagined
presence of others. Topics include the study of
attitudes and beliefs, aggression and altruism,
conformity, gender roles, self-perception and
deception, and the application of social
psychology in such settings as the courtroom and
therapist's office. Major theoretical viewpoints
and the importance of scientific methodology are
stressed. Prerequisites: PSY 108 or PSY 215 and
PSY 270 or permission of instructor. Fall
semester. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 309
Field Placement
This course is a field experience designed to meet
specific academic and professional objectives for
which students receive credit (1-3). This
field-based course provides students with the
opportunity to develop professional experience and
to apply the knowledge, theories and concepts
learned in academic classes to performance in a
professional work setting. The nature of the field
experience, whether it focuses on research or is
carried out in a clinical setting, will result
from an assessment of students' educational and
career goals. This experience provides students
with the opportunity to develop their skills as
independent scholars and researchers. Permission
of the field placement coordinator is required.
PSY 315
Child Psychopathology
Examines abnormal behavior in children and adolescents. Focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, possible causes, and treatments of mental disorders that may appear in childhood or adolescence. These disorders include conduct disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, mental retardation, developmental disorders, and learning disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 200, PSY 215, or permission of instructor. Offered on a variable schedule. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 325
Theories of Personality
Examines the major personality theories and the research associated with them. Focuses on factors that distinguish individuals from one another and on conditions that contribute to these distinctions. Emphasizes research and theory and also addresses practical implications. Prerequisites: PSY 108 or PSY 215 and PSY 270 or permission of instructor. Spring semester. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 330
Educational Psychology
Studies current theory and practice in the
teaching/learning process from the perspective of
child development. Includes the dynamics of
learning, environmental and cultural influences in
the classroom, learning theory, cognitive
mechanisms, classroom dynamics, measurement, and
evaluation. Prerequisite: PSY 206 or PSY 108.
Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 343
Research Methods/Data Analysis II
Focuses on the conduct and analysis of
experimental research. Introduces students to
basic experimental research designs and the use of
descriptive and inferential statistical procedures
to analyze and interpret experimental results.
Students use SPSS to conduce descriptive and
inferential data analyses.
Prerequisite: PSY 270. (03 Oct 2007)
PSY 350
Topics in Psychology
Studies selected issues in psychology in depth,
stressing relevant methodologies and theories.
Rotating topics such as Death and Dying, Human
Sexuality, and others. Prerequisite: PSY 101.
Three hours a week. Three credits.
PSY 365
Learning Theories
Examines behavioral approaches to how people change due to their experiences. The course focuses on the fundamentals of the classical and operant conditioning models of learning. It also examines applications of these models to humans and animals. Prerequisites: PSY 101, PSY 200 or permission of the instructor, and third-year status. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 370
Biological Psychology
Examines the biological bases of behavior with
emphasis on how the brain creates the
mind/consciousness. Includes a study of brain
development, vision, sleep and dreaming, emotions,
motivation, the biological basis of learning and
memory, and coverage of debates about animal
research and stem cell research. Prerequisites:
PSY 101, PSY 200, BIO 113, and BIO 130; third year
status or permission of instructor. Fall semester.
Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 380
Psychological Tests & Measurements
Examines psychological testing and assessment. Focuses on major types of psychological tests, the psychometric principles underlying testing, and the ethical use of tests in both educational and clinical settings. Prerequisite: PSY 343. Spring semester. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 390
Advanced Research Methods
3 credits
Provides students an opportunity to develop and
conduct a scientific research project with a
College faculty member as mentor. The project must
apply psychological research methods and data
analysis to a selected scientific problem. Under
the direction of the faculty mentor, students,
individually or in small groups, perform original
research. Emphasis is on honing oral and written
communication skills and applied research skills
in the context of scientific inquiry. Requirements
include preparing a research project proposal,
delivering oral presentations, writing a
scientific research paper, and creating and
presenting a formal research poster.
Prerequisites: PSY270 and PSY343, at least
junior status, permission of faculty member
supervising students and permission of department
chair
PSY 410
Counseling Theories
Examines the major counseling theories and
psychotherapeutic systems. It presents each
system's history, relationships with other
systems, theory of personality, goals, process of
psychotherapy, applications, and empirical status.
Prerequisites: PSY 215, PSY 230, PSY 325, and PSY
365. Fall semester. Three credits. Restricted to
Psychology majors. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 420
History & Systems of Psychology
Examines the philosophical and scientific foundations of psychology as it has emerged as a field of inquiry, an academic discipline, and a profession. Prerequisites: PSY 380, PSY 410, and Senior Psychology major status. Spring semester. Three credits. (21 Nov 2006)
PSY 450
Field Placement
By invitation of the Psychology Department.
Variable 1 to 3 credits. (21 Nov 2006)
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