Academic Course Descriptions
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References to the timing of course offerings which follow
apply only to day courses. Evening and summer school course offerings
are scheduled according to need. Christian Brothers University reserves
the right to cancel classes at any time due to insufficient enrollment.
PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
PSYC 105. GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the discipline of psychology as a science of behavior.
Areas of study include biological aspects of psychology, learning, sensation,
perception, personality, abnormal behavior, psychological testing and
research, social and developmental psychology. Psychology majors must
earn a letter grade of “C” or better in this course. One
semester; three credits
PSYC 218. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
An examination of developmental trends, principles, and processes through
the lifespan. This course investigates human development at all stages
and ages with attention to biological, social, and cognitive development.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three credits
PSYC 219. PERSONALITY
A survey of major personality theories in terms of conceptions, applications,
and research. Emphasis is placed on the psychodynamic, dispositional,
and humanistic approaches. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three
credits
PSYC 225. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Views the study of human and animal behavior within the context of biological
principles. Areas covered include brain-behavior relationships, sensory
processes, and biological bases for emotional behavior, sexual behavior,
and psychological disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three
credits
PSYC 226. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE CINEMA
This course will focus on the psychology of movies with an emphasis
on the psychology of movie viewers. The course will consider movie viewing
as a collective experience, the use of psychological techniques in movie-making,
and the influential role of movies in society. The class will do an
in-depth analysis of several movies that deal with psychological concepts.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three credits.
PSYC 227. SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
Examines psychological theories and research related to sport and exercise
behavior. The course is designed to introduce students to the field
of sport and exercise psychology and to provide an overview of basic
research and practical implementations in this applied specialization
of psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three credits
PSYC 228. HONORS: REALITY, FANTASY, AND MEDIA
This course investigates the media construction of reality by examining
media representations such as mental illness, women, the elderly, fandom.
Students examine how reality is created from a cognitive psychological
and social-cognitive approach, constructive memory, inference-making,
advertising, priming, perspective. Prerequisite: Membership in the Honors
Program or special permission of the instructor. (Same as SOC 228) One
semester; three credits
PSYC 230. PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (Formerly PSYC
220)
A survey of various types of mental disorders including their causes,
symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Emphasis is placed on anxiety, sexual,
dissociative, personality, cognitive and mood disorders, and schizophrenia.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three credits
PSYC 240. ANIMAL COGNITION
A study of the mental processes of animals with a comparative emphasis
on human-animal cognitive processes viewed within an evolutionary context.
Topics include language learning and communication, concept formation,
problem solving, intelligence, emotion, and construction of artifacts.
Similarities in animal-human developmental processes will be examined
as well as current research on animal cognition. Prequisite: PSYC 105.
One semester; three credits
PSYC 245. CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
(Same as CJ 245 and SOC 245) One semester; three credits
PSYC 250. SERIAL KILLERS
(Same as CJ 250 and SOC 250) One semester; three credits
PSYC 270. DYNAMICS OF GENDER
This class will critically examine how norms, beliefs, ideologies, language,
culture and institutions influence gender behavior, traditional conceptions
of masculinity and femininity, and socialization for masculine and feminine
roles. (Same as SOC 270) Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or SOC 101. One semester;
three credits
PSYC 275. GRADUATE SCHOOL AND PROFESSIONAL CAREERS
IN PSYCHOLOGY
A survey of various professional careers in psychology and a through
examination of the graduate school application and admissions process.
Careers examined may include but are not limited to clinical/counseling,
forensic, consumer, sports, educational, industrial/ organizational,
and academics. This course is intended primarily for those students
who plan to pursue a graduate education in psychology. Prerequisite:
Sophomore standing. One semester; three credits
PSYC 280-287. SELECTED TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Directed work on a special topic or project in psychology. One semester;
one to three credits
PSYC 290-299. HONORS SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in psychology open to members of the Honors Program or
by permission of instructor. One semester; one to four credits
PSYC 300. DYNAMICS OF DEPRESSION
Understanding depression involves learning how it can affect daily experiences
and the very course of people’s lives. This course will investigate
biological factors and predispositions, the relationship of depression
to other disorders, mechanisms of antidepressant drugs, and coping and
treatment strategies. One semester; three credits
PSYC 301. ENGINEERING PSYCHOLOGY
Engineering psychology, also called human factors, ergonomics or usability
engineering, deals with the importance of designing for human use. Equipment
that is not ergonomically sound will be operated a little more slowly
and be a little more prone to error. There are certain basic limitations
to human performance. Our goal in this class is to provide a solid foundation
in the principles of human performance and a broad overview of the field
of human factors. This class provides the student with an understanding
of the variables that influence human performance and the ways in which
the human factors expert draws on this knowledge. The organization of
the class is based on viewing the human as an information-processing
system. The information-processing approach provides a common referent
for studying both humans and machines. Human factors research and design
decisions must be based on a thorough understanding of basic principles
of human performance. The theoretical analysis of human performance
requires frequent contact with real-world situations in which people
actually perform. This course provides an integrated approach to the
study of human factors, embedding the principles of human factors within
a foundation based on contemporary views of human performance. Topics
include the following: perception, cognition, movement, and environment.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three credits
PSYC 310. DEATH AND DYING
A course considering relevant topics relating to death and the dying
process from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Course content includes
the meaning of death, the dying process in historical context and in
contemporary culture, bereavement, grief, and mourning, approaches to
terminal care, death and childhood, violent death, suicide, death industries,
the right to die, and surviving death. (Same as SOC 310) One semester;
three credits
PSYC 315. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
This course focuses on the application of psychology to the school setting.
It is intended to assist students in mastering an organized sampling
of scientific knowledge about human development, learning, motivation,
individual differences, and evaluation. One semester; three credits
PSYC 320. HONORS SEMINAR DEATH AND DYING
This seminar focuses on critically examing and understanding death,
the dying process, grief, the ethics of life/death, and a variety of
related issues. It integrates a number of multidisciplinary perspectives
and resources, emphasizes the exercise of critical thinking and implements
the philosophy of writing as an integral means of learning. Prerequisite:
Membership in the Honors Program or special permission of the instructor.
(Same as SOC 320) One semester; three credits
PSYC 325. TOPICS IN AGING
This course focuses on the following issues in aging: the impact of
aging on the individual, the family, and society; the quality of later
life; societal attitudes toward old age; problems and potentials of
aging; retirement; living environments in later life; societal policies,
programs and services for older Americans. The diversity in the aging
process due to differences in gender, race, and social class is emphasized.
(Same as SOC 325) Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or SOC 101. One semester; three
credits
PSYC 340. FUNDAMENTALS OF COUNSELING
This course presents counseling in a broad manner covering
its history, theories, processes, issues, specialties, and trends. In
addition, this course concentrates on the importance of the personhood
of counselors and of the multicultural, ethical, and legal environments
in which counselors operate. Prerequisites: PSYC 219, 230. One semester;
three credits
PSYC 345. HUMAN SEXUALITY
A survey study of topics in human sexuality. Topics included are basic
reproductive anatomy, hormonal influences on behaviors, attraction,
relationships, sexual variations, birth control, and sexually transmitted
diseases. Self-assessment surveys on sexual attitudes are discussed
in class. (Same as SOC 345) Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three
credits
PSYC 351. ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY (Formerly
PSYC 350)
This course is an exploration of theory and research relevant to the
physical, psychological, and social transitions associated with early,
middle, and late adolescence. Developmental issues examined include
the formulation of identity establishing autonomy, moral development,
social interaction, and the transformations associated with puberty,
as well as the identification and understanding of problems and psychopathology
in adolescence. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three credits
PSYC 352. INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
This course examines the contributions of psychology to effective human
resources development and management. The course content is designed
for Psychology and Business majors and focuses on the practical applications
of psychology in the business world. Topics include the psychology of
organizations, motivations and supervision, employee selection and development,
legal considerations, evaluation, and organizational development. Prerequisite:
PSYC 105. (Same as MGMT 352) One semester; three credits
PSYC 353. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
A study of the social-psychological aspects of human interactions. Areas
of study include: affiliation, social perception, attribution processes,
interpersonal attraction, aggression, attitude formation, attitude change,
conformity, compliance, cooperation, competition, group structure, and
group dynamics. (Same as SOC 353) Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or SOC 101.
One semester; three credits
PSYC 360, 361. STATISTICAL AND RESEARCH METHODS
IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (Formerly PSYC 356)
An introduction to the fundamentals of research methods and statistical
analysis in the behavorial sciences. Students will learn and apply basics
of research methodology and basic statistical techniques. Students will
learn how to write a research manuscript and will conduct a research
project. Psychology majors must complete each course with a grade of
“C” or better. Prerequisite: ITM 153. PSYC 360 is a prerequisite
or corequisite for PSYC 361. One semester; two credits each
PSYC 362, 363. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY
(Formerly PSYC 358)
An introduction to basic experimental research design and related statistical
analyses. Students will be required to design and conduct an experimental
research project which will be presented to other students and faculty.
Prerequisites: PSYC 360, 361. PSYC 362 is a prerequisite or a corequisite
for PSYC 363. One semester; two credits each
PSYC 365. DEVIANT BEHAVIOR
(Same as CJ 365 and SOC 365) One semester; three credits
PSYC 370. APPLICATIONS OF MEMORY
(Same as CJ 370 and SOC 370) One semester; three credits
PSYC 380-387. SELECTED TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Directed work on a special topic or project in psychology. One semester;
one to three credits
PSYC 390. HISTORY OF WOMEN IN PSYCHOLOGY
This course examines the history of women psychologists from the field’s
inception in the 19th century to the present. Contributions of women
to the field of psychology will be discussed as well as the cultural,
educational and economic barriers faced throughout the field’s
history. One semester; three credits
PSYC 393. HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY
This course deals with the history of ideas that laid the foundation
for the present science of psychology. Emphasis is placed on the origins
of modern and contemporary psychology within the context of nineteenth
and twentieth century thought. The philosophical origins of the study
of psychology are also explored. Prerequisite: 15 completed hours of
psychology. One semester; three credits
PSYC 416. PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING
An in-depth examination of concepts, theoretical issues, and research
findings involving the psychology of learning. Areas of study include
classical and instrumental conditioning, principles of reinforcement
and punishment, and other factors affecting learning. Prerequisite:
PSYC 105. One semester; three credits
PSYC 440. COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
This course is designed to investigate the nature of the thinking mind.
Cognitive psychology involves understanding how we gain information
of the world, how it is transformed into knowledge, stored in memory,
and accessed when needed. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. One semester; three
credits
PSYC 450, 451. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN BEHAVIORAL
SCIENCES
These courses are a two semester sequence intended for advanced (junior
level status or higher) students who wish additional experience in research
design and statistical analysis. In PSYC 450 the student will investigate
in depth a specialized topic in psychology or sociology resulting in
a proposal that will include a literature review, hypotheses and proposed
research design. In PSYC 451 the student will further investigate the
topic by engaging in empirical research that is then analyzed, interpreted,
and presented in a manuscript. These courses are recommended for students
intending to continue their education in a graduate program. Prerequisites:
PSYC 362, 363 and Permission from the chair of behavioral sciences.
Two semesters; two credits each
PSYC 455. CORRECTIONAL COUNSELING
(Same as CJ 455) One semester; three credits
PSYC 460. PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY
The practicum offered for majors with senior status includes several
options. The first is a formal internship consisting of 100 hours of
professional in-field experience. It is a well-structured program in
which students will be required to meet a number of objectives related
to their goals, their developing competence, and their interests in
psychology and related fields. A 2.5 GPA is required to pursue this
option. The second option involves a research assistantship in which
seniors will assist practicing graduate-level and professional-level
researchers in conducting their projects. Sound performance in the statistics
and research courses is a prerequisite for this option. A third option
involves the opportunity to be a teaching assistant to a full-time faculty
member. This option may be particularly valuable to students seeking
careers in academic fields. The guidelines and requirements for this
option have been developed and will be made available to interested
students upon request. A final option is an individually-designed project
suited to the needs, interests, and academic strengths of the student.
The project will be conducted under the direction of a full-time faculty
member. Guidelines for the formal proposals are available. Plans for
any of these options should be developed and approved the semester before
the course is taken. Prerequisite: Senior standing. One semester; three
credits
PSYC 480-487. ADVANCED TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Directed work on a special topic or project in psychology. One semester;
one to three credits
PSYC 497. PSYCHOLOGY COMPREHENSIVES
Seniors will be required to take a comprehensive examination on selected
areas of psychology. Offered in the Spring semester. Pass/Fail Grading.
One semester; zero credit
PSYC 499. ADVANCED INTERNSHIP
This course is intended for students who have completed the requirements
for PSYC 460 at an exemplary level and either (a) wish to pursue further
opportunities or directed field research at their original field placement
or (b) wish to pursue an additional field placement consistent with
the goals of the internship program and the developing interests of
the students. Permission of the Internship Director is required. One
semester; three credits
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