Psychology

An examination of the ways in which non-Western people and cultures view psychology.  The course will introduce students to the field of cross-cultural psychology, and will examine the impact of culture on human behaviors, thoughts and emotions.  Finally, the course will examine cultural views on physical and mental health, psychological disorders and treatments.

Principles and theories of the development of the child from birth through adolescence. Intellectual, psychosocial and physical development will be studied with an emphasis on the role of family and care-giving adults in the optimal growth and development of the child. In addition to the lecture, students must be available for a three-hour-per-week practicum with a children’s group. (Placements usually occur during the day; early childhood employees may use their workplace as the placement.) Meets General Education requirement for Social Science.

Survey of the major categories and types of exceptionality (e.g. mental retardation, learning disabilities, giftedness). Topics include characteristics, causes, identification/assessment, educational remediation approaches and transition to adulthood.

Examines the social environment and its relationship to students and their behavior. Topics include social roles, group process and aggression.

In-depth study of select personality theories and the dynamics of adjustment mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on motivation and stress in personal development; disturbances in behavior and their resolution; social forces in personal development; and fostering mental health.

Particular behavioral traits are evaluated positively and negatively with respect to the individual and social functioning. Study of methods, concepts, principles and findings of deviant behaviors and experiences.

Topical examination of the psychological factors that influence life from young adulthood through old age. Special emphasis is placed on the psychobiological factors of the aging process.

An examination of the ways in which psychologists think about and study the construct of gender. Topics discussed will include development and change of gender across the lifespan, the idea of gender over time within the field of psychology, and psychological perspectives on gender seen through the lens of society, culture, history and biology.