Psychology/Forensic Psychology (BA)

This course provides students an introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes Students prepare for more advanced concepts in upper level Psychology courses by learning the basics of how to evaluate research and exploring various areas of specialization within the discipline Offered every semester

How do psychologists organize summarize and interpret information Students in this course study applications of statistical methods in psychological research and practice The emphasis of the course is on the conceptual understanding of statistics so that students can read and conduct psychological research those skills will be applied to students original projects in Research Methods II Methodology Design Computation of tests will be conducted on the computer Students will build upon statistical knowledge and develop an in depth conceptual and practical understanding of hypothesis testing tests of significance standardization correlation and analysis of variance in a wide variety of psychological uses Students will learn the theory of statistical decisions practical application of statistical software and how to analyze journal articles This course typically should be completed during the first semester of the sophomore year

Students in this course will develop an understanding a variety of research methods including experimental survey correlation and case history techniques They will become aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each method and understand when each method is best used Offered every year Writing intensive course

This capstone course integrates previous classroom and practical experience with a focus on current issues in psychology This course likely will include cross cultural aspects of psychology ethics recent career trends in psychology and other topics dictated by current events in psychology Coverage may change over time but the basic focus on integrating the past and anticipating the future for psychology seniors will be the major concern Offered every year Writing Intensive Course

The purpose of this course is to engage students in meaningful exploration of theories basic concepts and research methodologies in psychological development Students will gain an understanding of patterns of human development from conception through death including the biological cognitive and social emotional development and the interplay between these areas This course will also explore the roles of environmental and genetic factors culture and history continuity and change in development Offered every semester

This course offers students an opportunity to better understand human behavior It also studies the similarities and differences between normal and abnormal reactions to environmental stimuli Offered every year

Personality is studied using theories applications and individual and group patterns of behavior formation Offered every year

Social psychology is an interesting dynamic study of how people s thoughts feelings and actions are affected by others Issues discussed include prejudice conformity interpersonal attraction and violence The scientific methods of studying such phenomena are emphasized Offered as needed

This course explores how the brain influences our behaviors thoughts and feelings Topics include evolution genetics anatomy and function of the nervous system psychopharmacology brain dysfunction neuropsychological testing sleep and circadian rhythms neuroplasticity emotions and mental illness

Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes we explore research and theory relating to memory thinking problem solving and language Applied topics will include learning skills to help improve memory accommodating memory language disorders such as Alzheimer s disease and dyslexia and understanding how brain scanning techniques can be used to understand memory

Students will learn how psychology as a science and a practice applies to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system Emphasis will be placed on witness testimony and the social psychology of the courtroom Topics will include recovered memories adolescent violence and murder strategies for interviewing witnesses expert testimony and factors influencing the credibility of witnesses victims and offenders

This course will provide the student with insights about crime from a psychological perspective Specifically the course will focus on how a criminal offender is influenced by multiple systems within the psychosocial environment This course examines and evaluates the role of psychological factors in understanding the motives behind antisocial acts Throughout the course students will acquire knowledge and practice in the application of psychological methods to understanding criminal behavior

Social psychology is an interesting dynamic study of how people s thoughts feelings and actions are affected by others Issues discussed include prejudice conformity interpersonal attraction and violence The scientific methods of studying such phenomena are emphasized Offered as needed

This course examines the history and philosophy of specific helping professions in the fields of psychology sociology and human services Several broad theoretical perspectives will be studied and applied in role play situations Offered as needed

The course examines the nature causes and consequences of crime and violence to a society Applying a legal and sociological perspective the course examines 1 the structure of the law and the criminal justice system 2 the nature and causation of criminal behavior and 3 the various types of crime and criminality