Positive psychology focuses on aspects of life that include well-being and pro-social behavior. Topics in this course will include subjective well-being, mindfulness, character strengths, achievement, flow, resilience, optimism, and supportive relationships. Emphasis will be on both scientific findings and the application of those findings in ones personal life. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to engage in activities that are supported by research to improve subjective well-being. Prerequisite: PSYC 171

Health psychology is an exciting interdisciplinary field of study that explores the complex bi-directional relationship between psychological and physical health. This course examines the interactions between chronic medical conditions and psychological factors, such as stress, psychological states, and personality. Students will also learn about strategies for coping with stress and improving health and well-being, as well as the benefits of stress. Prerequisite: 171.

Considering the increasing diversity of the United States and a more interconnected world, this course has two aims. First, this course provides students with an understanding of why fostering belonging is necessary to create healthy and thriving diverse communities. Second, this course provides students with an understanding of how to create communities of belonging. Through a multidisciplinary lens, we will explore and discuss when, why, and how race was invented. Through the lens of psychology, we will explore how the invention of race and doing race lead to othering and maintain "us" versus "them" perspectives and structures in society. We will also use psychological concepts and theories to explore and discuss ideas for moving beyond racism, race, and othering to create communities of belonging. SJE

Social psychology is a scientific area in the discipline of psychology that seeks an understanding of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. This course will focus on gaining an understanding of social psychological explanations for social influence and to improve understanding of common research methodologies utilized in social psychological research. Topics of study may include social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, errors of everyday human judgment, social influence, obedience and conformity, romantic attraction, morality and pro-social behavior, aggression, intergroup relations and prejudice, and group processes. Prerequisite: 171. SS

The essence of this course is communication micro-skills, such as: attending, questioning, reflecting content and feelings, confronting, self-disclosing, interpreting, information giving, and enlisting cooperation and action. It is taught through a counseling psychology lens and provides opportunity to develop and practice skills. In addition, the techniques transcend disciplines and are valuable for a variety of interpersonal relationships. OC

Courses on topics of interest to psychology students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisites as determined by the instructor. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

Non-classroom experiences in the field of psychology. Placements are off-campus, and may be full- or part-time, and with or without pay. Credit for experiences must be sought prior to occurance, and learning contracts must be submitted before the end of the first week of the semester. See the experiential learning: internship section of this catalog for more details. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. Graded CR/NC.

Independent reading and/or research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. An independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of psychological, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders with onset typically occurring in childhood and adolescence. Emphasis is placed on the diagnostic criteria, classification systems, and symptomatology as delineated in the DSM. The curriculum addresses potential causes and risk factors, evidence-based interventions, and preventive strategies, integrating multiple theoretical orientations and empirical findings. Special focus is given to the application of diagnostic and treatment principles within professional practice settings. Prerequisite: 171. SS

Applies psychological science to the assessment, intervention, and consultation needs of older adults and their families, addressing normative and pathological aging processes within a biopsychosocial framework. This course examines theoretical models of adult development and aging, DSM relevant disorders, and core competencies in assessment, evidence-based treatment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Topics include cognitive decline, mood and anxiety disorders, health-related stressors, decisional capacity, and health promotion. Prerequisite: 171.