2005 - 2006 Psychology Courses

PSYC	105	Introduction to Psychology, LE	(4)
Introductory course to acquaint students with the scientific study of mind and behavior. A broad survey of historical developments and current dimensions of the field.

PSYC	200/300	Special Topics in Psychology	(1-4)
A special topics course highlighting specific areas or themes in psychology. Recent topics have included Family Violence, Parenting, American Families and Divorce, Seminar in Child Development, Behavioral Pharmacology, Topics on Aging, Childhood Psychopathology, the Physiological Basis of Mental Illness, Psychology and Literature, and Death and Dying. Prerequisites may vary with course content.

PSYC	301	Child Development	(3)
Physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development of the individual from birth through 12 years of age. Course includes discussion of current research in child development. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 302.

PSYC	302	Child Development Field Experience	(1)
This course integrates field experiences in community agencies which provide services to children with materials presented in PSYC 301. Twenty-five hours of service learning are required in addition to weekly seminars. If this class is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 301. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 301.

PSYC	303	Life Span Developmental Psychology	(3)
The psychological study of human development from conception to death. Current theories, research, and social issues relevant to development are addressed.

PSYC	304	Life Span Development Field Experience	(1)
This course integrates field experiences in community agencies with materials presented PSYC 303. Twenty-five hours of service learning are required in addition to weekly seminars. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. For psychology majors, this course must be taken concurrently with PSYC 303. Applies to the Developmental area of concentration.

PSYC	305	Adolescent Development	(3)
Physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development of the individual from puberty to adulthood. Common adolescent problems are considered from research and clinical perspectives. Required for secondary education majors. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 306.

PSYC	306	Adolescent Development Field Experience	(1)
This course integrates field experiences in community agencies that provide services to adolescents with materials presented in PSYC 305. Twenty-five hours of service learning is required in addition to weekly seminars. If this class is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 305. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 305.

PSYC	307	Child Abuse and Neglect	(2)
This course covers the etiology, incidence, effects, treatment, and prevention of child abuse and neglect. Drawing from current research, theory, practice and available community resources, students will learn about the legal, sociological, and psychological perspectives of child maltreatment.

PSYC	308	Childhood Psychopathology	(4)
This course examines the common psychological problems and disorders that occur in childhood and adolescence. Theoretical models, research findings, and typical treatment approaches for these problems will be presented. Opportunities for student involvement with local child advocacy groups and treatment agencies serving diverse child population are an integral part of this course.

PSYC	310	Tests and Measurements	(3)
Focuses on concepts of measurement and the development of psychological tests and other forms of assessment. Students are introduced to intellectual, career interest, achievement, and personality tests. Prerequisites: PSYC 105; MATH 150. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 311.

PSYC	311	Tests and Measurements Lab	(1)
This lab is an optional accompaniment to PSYC 310. Students learn to define a test, select a scaling method, construct test items, administer a test and revise test items. If this class is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 310. Prerequisites: PSYC 105; MATH 150. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 310.

PSYC	316	Social Psychology	(4)
An investigation of how people interact with and think about others. Areas of focus include research methodology, person perception, attitudes, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, aggression, and group behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 105.

PSYC	330	Interpersonal Communication Skills	(3)
An experiential group learning situation leading to increased understanding of interpersonal communication skills such as self-disclosure, listening, conflict resolution, and assertiveness. The interactive focus allows students to understand the effects and meaning of their interpersonal styles. Prerequisite: PSYC 105.

PSYC	335	Psychology of Women	(4)
An overview of major theories of women's development, applications of feminist theory, gender-related research and women's health issues across the life span. Psychological issues important to women during childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age are discussed, such as gender role acquisition, pay inequities in the work force, adjustment to menopause and violence against women. Focus is given to research on women in relation to diverse socioeconomic classes, ethnic backgrounds and cultures. Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or SOC 105.

PSYC	352	Personality Theories	(4)
Exploration of the biological, psychological, cultural, and social factors affecting personality acquisition, including a survey of the major competing views of personality (Freud, Jung, Rogers, Skinner, et al.). Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or consent of instructor.

PSYC	354	Experimental Psychology	(3)
A course emphasizing the exploration of behavior problems using the scientific methods. Content includes issues in sensation, psychophysics, perception and learning (animal and human). Prerequisites: PSYC 105; MATH 150. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 355.

PSYC	355	Experimental Psychology Lab	(1)
A supplement to PSYC 354. Requires laboratory experiments in humans and in animals (via virtual experiences) to enhance the content of PSYC 354. If this course is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 354. Prerequisites: PSYC 105; MATH 150. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 354.

PSYC	360	Behavioral Pharmacology	(3)
This course will give an overview of drugs with actions on the Central Nervous System. This will include drugs used in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders as well as abused substances. Mechanism of action will be emphasized.

PSYC	362	Abnormal Psychology	(4)
Eclectic introduction to abnormal human behavior; source materials from psychology, sociology, and biology. Prerequisite: PSYC 105.

PSYC	363	Exploring Addictions	(3)
This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the many issues related to the process of addiction. The course will focus on etiological, assessment, treatment, and legal issues with regard to drug use. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about community resources and fellowship meetings.

PSYC	390	Quantitative Research Methods	(4)
A survey of the scientific methods of data collection as a means of approaching problems in anthropology, political science, psychology, and sociology, Laboratory exercises illustrating the various methods are required. For psychology majors, this course must be completed by the end of the junior year or graduation will be delayed. Prerequisites: MATH 150. Same as SOC 390.

PSYC	399	Careers in Psychology	(2)
This course is intended to help the psychology student begin to build the foundation for planning a career with a psychology degree. The course will explore different career paths and attempt to answer the question, "What do I do with a psychology degree?" Options related to finding a job and beginning a career in psychology will be discussed. We will also focus on graduate school and study in psychology and other related fields. It is recommended that this course be taken during the junior year.

PSYC	401	Directed Studies	(1-4)
A tutorial-based course used only for student-initiated proposals for intensive individual study of topics not otherwise offered in the Psychology Program. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and school dean.

PSYC	405	Methods of Counseling	(4)
Applications of counseling approaches are explored. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of the variables that contribute to effective or ineffective counseling. Opportunity is provided to practice and refine counseling skills. Course is well suited for students interested in pursuing a counseling related profession. Prerequisites: PSYC 105, 352, 362, junior or senior status, or consent of instructor.

PSYC	406	Physiological Psychology	(3)
An introductory course in the psychobiology of behavior. Behavioral and mental processes are viewed from a biological perspective with particular emphasis on the role of neurochemical and endocrine factors on central nervous system function. Topics covered include basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and development, sensation, motor function, sleep, memory, learning, and psychophysiology. Prerequisite: PSYC 105; BIOL 104 is highly recommended. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 407.

PSYC	407	Physiological Psychology Lab	(1)
A supplement to PSYC 406. Emphasizes clinical correlates to alterations in brain function, but also provides experiences in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Service learning in agencies devoted to stroke, epilepsy, AIDS, Alzheimer's, and other neurological diseases may be required. If this course is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 406. Prerequisite: PSYC 105; BIOL 104 is highly recommended. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 406.

PSYC	408	Cognitive Neuroscience	(3)
Cognitive neuroscience, as a field, seeks to discover how the brain enables the mind and embraces methods and knowledge from such fields as physiological psychology, neuropsychology, neuroscience and cognitive psychology, along with multiple techniques of neuroimaging, to attempt an understanding of human brain processes. Brain activity involved in such higher level processes as language, memory, and executive functions is explored via a review of current literature. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. PSYC 406 is highly recommended.

PSYC	415	History and Systems of Psychology	(4)
The influence of great individuals and societal change on the evolution of psychology. A survey of how psychology grew from its ancient roots into a modern science. Especially useful for seniors or students considering graduate training. Prerequisites: PSYC 105, junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor. This course is recommended to students who may pursue graduate studies in psychology.

PSYC	433	Organizational Psychology	(4)
The study of macro-organization theory or structure of organizations, their components, dynamics, and behavioral aspects with respect to their environment. How organizations deal with and initiate change. Prerequisite: MGMT 305, or consent of instructor. Same as MGMT 433.

PSYC	440	Internship	(1-8)
Offers students the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge with practical experience. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing (for transfer students, at least 15 hours completed at Westminster), minimum 2.5 GPA, completion of the Career Resource Center Internship Workshop, and consent of program director and Career Center Internship Coordinator.

PSYC	470	Senior Project I, II	(2-2)
The senior project is a year-long seminar for senior-level psychology majors to share their research, practical, and/or theoretical knowledge of a concentrated topic in psychology. Each student works with a faculty member to develop and implement his or her project. The seminar portion of the course is a forum for the presentation and discussion of these efforts. At the end of the course, each student is required to present, orally and in writing, a formal, integrative paper on his or her chosen topic. Prerequisites: PSYC 390; senior standing; a declared major in psychology, and consent of instructor.