Psychology (PSYC)

A broad survey of the major topics in psychology including, but not limited to, research methodology, biological and social factors influencing behavior, development, learning, memory, personality, and abnormal.

This course examines human development across the lifespan from conception to death with an emphasis on normal patterns of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. Structured field experiences promote student competency in observation, interpretation, and understanding of behavior.

An introduction to application of psychological principles to daily life and work. The relationship between humans and their various environments, interpersonal communications, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making and other topics are covered.

A comprehensive study of the major theories of personality and their possible therapeutic applications. The theories of Adler, Erikson, Freud, Jung, Maslow, Rogers, Skinner and others are covered.

This is a critical review of psychological theory and research for understanding cognitive and psychological behavior of males and females. Topics covered include androgyny, sex role development, self-image and life crises of men and women.

This course centers on the techniques and principles of behavior change based on learning theory. To demonstrate the ability to apply behavior change principles students are required to design and conduct a self-behavior-change project. The laboratory requirement involves the use of computer programs to practice the application of behavior change principles.

An interdisciplinary survey of research, last rites and customs from various cultures concerning end-of-life issues. Topics covered include but are not limited to: the dying patient, medical directives, hospice, euthanasia, grief, widowhood, life after death and spirituality. Experiential learning techniques (labs, field projects, etc.) will be used along with the lecture. Emphasis will be placed on social issues, practical problems and personal and professional strategies for dealing with these issues.

This course is an introduction to behavior and mental disorders. The emphasis of the course is on the emotional and behavioral characteristics of the major categories of abnormal behavior with some attention to current treatment methods.

This course is designed to provide psychology majors with valuable information and skills relevant to selecting and pursuing a career ib psychology or related fields. In doing so, the course has three major components. First, students develop an understanding of psychology as an undergraduate major both in general and specific to GHC, focusing on strategies and resources to support success. Second, students learn about best practices in preparing for post-graduation careers and/or garduate school. Third, students learn about career opportunities in psychology and related fields, as well as, some of the skills that are essential in pursuing these goals.

In this course, we examine human behavior and the ways it shapes our experiences with diversity in an array of contexts and settings. In doing so, we focus on some psychological reactions to diversity and the behaviors, emotions, and perceptions they initiate. Lastly, we explore evidence to push us towards strategies for reducing resistance that occurs when one’s experience with diversity increases (James, Dovidio, and Vietze, 2014). Experiential activities and real-world projects to help develop and practice new skills.

The goal of this course is to focus on psychological theory and research in order to better understand the nature of prejudice and discrimination. The course will explore cases of discrimination based on gender, race/ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation and physical ability, their causes and ways to decrease bias thoughts and behaviors.

The dynamics of normal and maladaptive adjustment, including the study of appropriate and inappropriate reactions to frustration and stress; resolution of conflicts, fears and anxiety; building emotional stability and preventing mental illness.

This course is designed as an introduction to methods and statistics used in psychological research, emphasizing non-experimental methodologies including observation, correlational research, surveys, archival research, and quasi-experimental and ex post facto designs. Topics will include an introduction to the scientific method, an overview of experimental design, and statistics, statistical inference, scientific writing, and ethical issues in non-experimental research.

This course will provide a broad perspective of the field of forensic psychology. Forensic psychologists apply the methods and theories of psychology to the legal system. This course will cover the role that psychology has played in the legal system from issues of morality, and theories of crime, to eyewitness testimony, the evaluation of criminal suspects, and jury selection. Through lecture and class discussion you should gain an appreciation for the breadth of this field. With the interview, you will also be given the opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest.

An overview of theories of human behavior with an introduction to ego psychology, behaviorism, and life-stage development theories.  An introduction to ecological systems theory and the ecological perspective in the health sciences with orientation to micro, mezzo, and macro levels of understanding individuals and families. 

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the history, development, and approaches of Community Psychology. It will focus on the relationship between the individual and the community to solve social problems. This course studies the issues and challenges associated with the development and assessment of innovative mental health intervention in community settings.

Examines the relationship between psychology and law, focusing on the roles of psychologists in legal settings. Focuses on the applicability of various psychological theories to criminal justice processes. Topics include competence evaluations, rehabilitation potential, accuracy of eyewitness testimony, the psychology of jury selection, bystander apathy, the insanity defense, and the effectiveness of the polygraph, among others.