Course DescriptionsPSYCHOLOGY
PSYC-101 General Psychology
3 Credits (Social and Behavioral Sciences Core)
Through this introduction to the field of psychology, the student will be able to describe how psychologists do their research and gain an appreciation of how psychologists view people through studying the views of Freud, Skinner, and Maslow. The student will be able to summarize, interpret and evaluate psychological information, especially as it appears in films and non‑technical articles. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to describe psychological concepts and facts on the major topics of psychology. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (3 hours weekly)
PSYC-102 Advanced General Psychology
3 Credits
After studying the topics of abnormal psychology, learning, psychological research methods, intelligence, social psychology, and aggression, the student will be able to objectively describe behavior, distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior, apply basic learning concepts and principles, critically evaluate secondary psychological sources, write a psychological research paper, identify important issues and problems concerning research, describe research on a variety of psychological topics and critique an article on a current social issue. This course is designed primarily for persons who are interested in taking additional psychology courses or wish an introduction to scientific psychology. Students may proceed through this course at their own pace. Prerequisite: PSYC-101. (3 hours weekly)
PSYC-202 Social Psychology
3 Credits
In addition to understanding and applying major concepts, facts, principles, and theories of social psychology, the student will be able to interpret, analyze and critically evaluate social psychological materials. The student will be able to explain the important research on these topics: T-groups, conformity, obedience, attraction, attitude change, cognitive dissonance, prejudice, and aggression. Students will study several social psychological topics of their own choosing. Prerequisite: PSYC-101. (3 hours weekly)
PSYC-203 Abnormal Psychology
3 Credits
Through this introduction to the field of abnormal psychology, the student will be able to describe both historical and current issues involved with defining and recognizing mental illness, to describe the causes of mental illness, to compare and contrast the major treatments of mental illness, and to describe some of the ways to prevent mental illness. In addition, the student will learn to be more critical of abnormal psychology information as found in the mass media. Prerequisite: PSYC-101. (3 hours weekly)
PSYC-204 Adolescent Psychology
3 Credits
This course is a description of adolescent development based on research and theory interrelating physical, psychological, intellectual and social changes during the teen years and the systems dealing with those changes. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Adolescent Development requirement for an initial certificate in Secondary Education. This course also meets the MSDE Human Growth and Development requirement for an initial certificate in Generic Special Education Elementary/Middle and Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult. Prerequisite: PSYC-101. (3 hours weekly)
PSYC-205 Women and Psychology
3 Credits
This course will examine the history of women in psychology. Additionally, women’s lives and experiences will be explored from a lifespan developmental perspective which includes psychological, social, and biological influences. Students will examine current research on a variety of topics and critically evaluate the literature. Prerequisite: PSYC-101. (3 hours weekly) NOTE: Also listed as WMST-205.