PSY 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences
This course examines the social sciences in their historical context, and their relationship to the individual and the group. It provides a fundamental understanding of the dynamics of individual and group behavior as well as a sense of how economic, political, and social systems function. (Also listed as ECO 100, POL 100, and SOC 100.) (3)
PSY 101 General Psychology
A course designed to help students develop an insight into their own psychological processes and those of others. Provides an introduction to the content and scope of psychology as a behavioral science; study of such topics as development, adjustment, learning, intelligence, motivation, emotion, and personality. (3)
PSY 200 Careers in Psychology
Provides students with an introduction to and an overview of the Psychology major at Marymount. Information about the Psychology undergraduate curriculum at Marymount will be included, as well as information about future career options with a B.A. in Psychology, graduate training in psychology, and personal career interests. The course will provide the student with an introduction to APA format and style, finding articles in the field, and creating documents needed to secure employment or gain admission into a graduate program. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (1)
PSY 201 Statistics for the Social Sciences
An introduction to psychological research methodology with particular emphasis on descriptive and inferential statistical procedures used in the analysis of behavioral data (measures of central tendency, variability, chi-square, correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, etc.). Prerequisites: placement in an MA course numbered above 121 or a grade of C- or better in MA 121, and a grade of C- or better in PSY 101. (3)
PSY 202 Research Methods for the Social Sciences
Laboratory-based course emphasizing the design, construction, implementation, analysis, dissemination, and critique of various types of psychological studies (observation, correlation, experimentation, etc.). Prerequisites: PSY 101 and a grade of C- or better in PSY 201. (3)
PSY 210 Human Growth and Development
The study of human growth and development from birth to death. This course explores the role of heredity and environment in producing changes in physical, intellectual, and social behavior throughout the life span. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (3)
PSY 220 Social Psychology
Designed to provide students an understanding of how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behavior are influenced by the presence of others. Social perception, social cognition, attitude formation and change, aggression, prosocial behavior, interpersonal attraction, and social influence will be reviewed. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (3)
PSY 225 Health Psychology
Examines the relationship among health knowledge; beliefs; attitudes, behaviors, and health maintenance; illness prevention; and the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (Also listed as HPR 225.) (3)
PSY 230 Abnormal Psychology
A survey of major psychological disorders with emphasis on methods of diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (3)
PSY 240 Personality Theories
Analysis of representative theoretical contributions to the understanding of personality. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (3)
PSY 250 Biological Bases of Behavior
Familiarizes the student with the basic principles of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology within the context of behavioral processes. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (3)
PSY 260 Introduction to Learning and Cognition
A survey of principles of human learning and cognitive psychology. This course examines how information is acquired and used, with special emphasis on the nature of memory, thinking, judgment, and problem solving. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (3)
PSY 300 Research and Writing for the Social Sciences
Psychology is a social science with very precise methods of reporting and reviewing. The study of psychology is primarily communicated through writing. In both the popular press and the academic world the ability to communicate clearly and effectively is paramount to exchanging ideas in this field. This course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the important skills of reading, writing, and understanding written communications in psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 201. (3)
PSY 310 Psychoeducational Assessment and Diagnostic Practices
Designed to provide educators with an understanding of a variety of psychological and educational assessment tools currently utilized by the public schools in order to determine special education eligibility. Students will be able to analyze and synthesize test results in order to produce written reports that can be utilized in the special education placement process. Students will also learn how assessment results can be utilized in individual program development and course placement. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (3)
PSY 311 Early Childhood Development
Students in this course will explore the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial theories of child development from birth to age 8. Particular emphasis is placed on contemporary topics in early childhood development and an appreciation of cultural perspectives. Students will be prepared to apply theoretical knowledge to early educational child-care settings and parenting practice. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 210. (3)
PSY 312 Adolescent Psychology
Study of social, emotional, and physical problems confronting the adolescent with stress on developmental factors affecting growth and social adjustment. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 210. (3)
PSY 313 Adulthood and Aging
Examines developmental milestones from young adulthood throughout middle and advanced age. Explores the impacts on well-being of such events as choosing a mate, starting a family, and making career choices across the adult life span. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 210. (3)
PSY 321 Psychology of Gender
The study of the research and issues that pertain to the social origins and consequences of gender typing. Topics include differences and similarities in ability, personality, biology, and gender roles. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 200-level course. Strongly Recommended: PSY 201 and PSY 202. (3)
PSY 322 Group Dynamics
Examines the social and psychological principles and research relevant to the individual in groups. Prerequisite: PSY 200-level course. Strongly Recommended: PSY 201 and PSY 202. (3)
PSY 323 Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Industrial/organizational psychology deals with the workplace, focusing on both the workers and the organizations that employ them. Industrial/organizational practitioners are concerned with training employees, improving working conditions, and developing criteria for selecting employees. This course provides an overview of the various roles and functions of an industrial/organizational psychologist. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 200-level course. (3)
PSY 324 Psychology and the Media
Examines the psychological impact of electronic media, including new technologies. A wide range of topics will be explored highlighting research and theory concerning the psychological and social processes involved in media use and effects on children, adolescents, adults, and family life. Offered fall semester, alternating years, only. Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 101, PSY 210, and PSY 220. Strongly Recommended: PSY 201 and PSY 202. (3)
PSY 325 Cultural Psychology
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the general theories and methods related to culture and diversity. The course will explore psychological and political underpinnings of culture and diversity, emphasizing social psychological approaches. The course will examine the cultural sources of diversity in thinking, motivation, self, ethnic identity, development, stereotyping, and prejudice. Applications to real-world phenomena such as business, education, and health will be discussed. Offered spring semester, alternating years, only. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent. (3)
PSY 326 Forensic Psychology
Provides students with an introduction to and overview of the field of forensic psychology. In its broadest sense, forensic psychology entails the interface between psychology and the justice system, including legal proceedings, law enforcement agencies, and correctional institutions. Attention will be given to the ways in which psychologists have or can influence this system in terms of such issues as assessment of competency and insanity, legal decision making, jury composition and related issues, police selection, eyewitness testimony, criminal behavior, correctional psychology, and juvenile and family legal matters. Offered fall semester, alternating years, only. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Strongly Recommended: PSY 200-level course. (3)
PSY 330 Counseling Theories and Process
Study of major approaches to interventions with individuals, groups and families, including analysis of strategies useful to particular counseling problems. Prerequisite: PSY 200-level course. Strongly Recommended: PSY 201 and PSY 202. (3)
PSY 331 Human Service Agencies
A study of social service agencies — their structure, services, and personnel requirements. Includes on-site visits to agencies in the Washington area. Prerequisite: PSY 200-level course. (3)
PSY 332 Psychology of Addictions
A summary of current research pertaining to different types of addiction, including physical, social, and psychological causes of addiction, assessment and classification of disorders, treatment options, and community resources for dealing with addictions. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 200-level course. Strongly Recommended: PSY 201 and PSY 202. (3)
PSY 333 Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology
Students in this course will learn to distinguish normal versus disturbed developmental processes in children and adolescents as well as how to recognize and deal with a variety of problems. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 210. (3)
PSY 341 Psychology of Individuals with Exceptionalities
Explores the theories and issues related to teaching students with exceptional educational needs. A variety of disabling conditions that impact school performance will be surveyed and discussed. Offered spring semester only. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisite: PSY 200-level course. (3)
PSY 361 Sports Psychology
Introduces students to the depth and breadth of sports psychology, including its history, definition, ties with other disciplines, modern applications, and research techniques. Special attention is paid to the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of pure and applied sports psychology research. Offered in spring semester, alternating years, only. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or equivalent, or HPR 201. (Also listed as HPR 361.) (3)
PSY 370 Tests and Measurements
Survey of standards for development of reliable and valid test instruments, types of instruments, and applications of test results. Prerequisite: PSY 201. (3)
PSY 400 Internship and Applied Research
Senior students participate in a supervised field experience in cooperating public and private agencies in the Washington area. Students design an applied research project based on their internship experience. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and senior status. (6)
PSY 406 Stress Management
A holistic approach to understanding stress. Analysis of causative psychosocial stressors and intervening physiological mechanisms. Emphasis on prevention and control of stress through such techniques as meditation, exercise, biofeedback, nutrition, and neuromuscular relaxation. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 200-level course. (Also listed as HPR 406.) (3)
PSY 433 Research
A student in this course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: PSY 202, application, and approval of department chair. (1-6)
PSY 451 Project
An original research program is planned and executed under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and approval of instructor. (1-9)
PSY 496 Special Topics in Psychology
Topics of special interest to advanced undergraduates in Psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 200-level course. (3)
PSY 497 Senior Seminar
This capstone course in Psychology is designed for students nearing the end of their undergraduate program. It is designed to help students integrate their knowledge and apply the skills they have acquired in the program to think critically about important issues in psychology and society. It is also designed to help students use their undergraduate training and experiences to help them understand personal issues and formulate career goals and directions. Prerequisites: PSY 201, PSY 202, PSY 300, and senior status. (3)