PY 101 Introduction to Psychology
A survey of the general field of psychology including the fundamental areas of learning, sensation perception, cognition, behavior, motivation, personality, adjustment and the biological basis of behavior. Fulfills Human Development requirement (Old Core) and LAI for Social and Behavioral Science (New Core). 3 credits
PY 102 Freshman Year Experience – Social Sciences
The main goal of this course is to orient the student to the academic community in general and to Carlow University in particular. The student is introduced to the history and the mission of the university, then to all its services and departments. Simultaneously, the student explores his/her career goals and learning objectives. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis. Also listed as CM 102, POL 102, SO 102, SW 102. Fulfills Freshman Year Experience Requirements and one service learning requirement. 1 credit
PY 203 Personality Theory
Analyses of personality theories with emphasis on understanding and improving behavior are presented. Various ways to cope with and learn from stress and how to foster growth are also explored. 3 credits
PY 205 Child Psychology
An examination of the basic principles and theories of development from conception to middle childhood. Emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. Fulfills LAI requirement for Social and Behavioral Science. 3 credits
PY 208 Adolescent and Adult Development
An overview of the various problems and possibilities that emerge through adolescence and adulthood are pursued. Main objectives include acquiring a working knowledge of the research and theories of adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and the elder years. Topics such as life cycle transitions in sensation, cognition, memory, intimacy, marital states, sexuality, spirituality, mental health, and death and dying are explored. Emphasis is placed on how to cope and grow from adolescence through adulthood. 3 credits
PY 209 Abnormal Psychology
An overview of psychological disorders. Diagnosis, etiology, and modern treatments are explored. A bio-psycho-social perspective is emphasized with special attention given to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: 4th edition. 3 credits
PY 218 Forensic Treatment and Correction
An exploration of interdisciplinary practices within the correctional environment that present serious challenges to health care professionals who work in the correctional system. This course emphasizes a team approach in providing treatment to forensic consumers as well as the general population of a correctional environment. Also listed as SO/SW 218. 3 credits
PY 240 Psychology of Black Americans
An examination of the lifestyle, language, behavior, value systems and other characteristics within the black population that constitute cultural differences. The Black family will be analyzed as a force within American cultural history. Fulfills Cross-Cultural core requirement. 3 credits
PY 265 Psychology of Women
An overview of theories and current research on the psychological nature of women, specifically related to the adult life cycle of women from adolescence through maturity. Adult female life will be examined with particular emphasis on critical periods of development as these developments affect the emotional life of the modern woman. Also listed as WS 265. Fulfills the LAI requirement for Women’s Studies. 3 credits
PY 270 Cultural Awareness and Human Services
The goal of this course is to help students develop an understanding of a practical social service process stage approach to ethnic and cultural groups. Given our culturally diverse society, intervention practice approaches have universal application to service specific populations. Drawing on cultures as holistic designs for living, insights and strategies for addressing human needs and concerns from a culturally sensitive perspective will be covered. Also listed as SO/SW 270. Prerequisite: SW 104 or permission of instructor. Fulfills Cross-Cultural requirement (Old Core). 3 credits
PY 278 Racism, Diversity, and Humanity
An examination of race, ethnicity, gender, class, and sexual orientation as concepts that often divide us from one another and yield tension, pain, injustice, intolerance, confl ict, violence, or indifference. Also listed as COM/POL/SO/SN 278. Fulfills Global requirement. 3 credits
PY 301 Elementary Statistics
An introduction to the calculation and interpretation of statistics for the behavioral sciences including measures of central tendency, variability, percentiles, correlation and such inferential techniques as the t-test, chi-square, and analysis of variance. 4 credits
PY 303 Introduction to Counseling
An introduction to the basic principles of and various approaches toward counseling are discussed. Emphasis on supervised role playing and on how to begin to become therapeutically effective. Prerequisite for all other counseling courses — PY 380, PY 403, PY 420, PY 414. 3 credits
PY 306 Research Methods
An examination of the scientific method as it is used in psychology research. The course explores the various aspects of the research process (e.g., experimental design, analysis, scientific report writing) and how to critically evaluate research. PY 306 prepares the student to become a knowledgeable consumer of psychological research with the ultimate goal of conducting research in advanced courses. (PY 301 is a pre- or corequisite.) 3 credits
PY 308 Psychology of the Exceptional Child
A survey of the psychological development of youngsters with physical, social, mental, and emotional deviations. Emphasis on procedures for social, educational, and psychological adjustment. Prerequisite: PY 205. 3 credits
PY 320 Qualitative Research Methods
An introduction to the application of qualitative research methods commonly used in psychology and related fields. Students will explore the nature of qualitative research, qualitative research designs, methods for collecting qualitative data, analysis of qualitative results, and the presentation of those findings. Students are expected to apply these skills in class as they conduct studies that illustrate qualitative research methods. A primary focus of the course is that students plan and complete research projects using a qualitative methodology appropriate to address a selected research question. 3 credits
PY 325 Experimental Psychology
An examination of present and historical techniques of experimentation in sensation, perception, learning, and higher functions. Individual discovery of methods. Prerequisite: PY 301. Offered in the spring. 3 credits
PY 340 Social Psychology
An exploration of the behavior of the individual in the context of multiple social influences and groups (family, school, neighborhood, and society at large). Topics include: social perception and cognition; attitude and attitude change; attraction, affiliation and love; prosocial and antisocial behavior; violence and aggression; prejudice and discrimination; stereotyping, sex roles, and public opinion. 3 credits
PY 352 Forensic Psychology
An introduction to the science or act of attempting to determine criminal culpability based on an individual’s current level of psychological functioning at the time of an offense. It also focuses an individual’s psychological functioning relative to criminal acts with which the offender has been charged. 3 credits
PY 380 Family Counseling
An overview of the fundamental concepts of general systems theory from which family therapy has developed. Although principles from other major theories are discussed, the primary theoretical approach taught is communications. The emphasis is on looking at dysfunctional aspects of family systems and observing rigid, repetitive sequences of behavior, the crossing of hierarchical levels of organization, the lack of clear individual and familyboundaries and pathological verbal and nonverbal communication patterns. Family dynamics and stages of family development are discussed as these relate to and influence the individual development of each family member. Prerequisite: PY 303. 3 credits
PY 403 Counseling and Therapy for the Aged, Sick, and Dying
An examination of the contemporary problems of the elderly with special emphasis on crises of illness and bereavement. Prerequisite: PY 303. 3 credits
PY 414 Counseling and Therapy for Alcohol and Drug Addiction
An overview of holistic and interdisciplinary approach is taken toward understanding and treating addictions and ways to foster healthy recovery. Emphases are on diagnostic procedures, etiological understandings, clinical syndromes and the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual effects on the individuals, family, and society. Pretreatment, treatment and posttreatment approaches are also explored. Prerequisite: PY 303. 3 credits
PY 430 Crisis Intervention
An introduction to the various types of crisis situations practitioners may encounter. In addition, the course will offer various techniques and provide presentations on a variety of components needed to assist the student in understanding the concepts of crisis intervention and debriefings. Crisis events can occur in a variety of ways and as practitioners. How we deal with these events can be the difference between healing and hindrance. Emphasis will be upon a general understanding of the implications of techniques to modify, manage, and cope with crisis situations. Also listed as SW 430. 3 credits
PY 450 Field Placement
An opportunity for students to apply basic psychological principles to field work with physically, mentally, and socially disabled children and adults in local rehabilitation, social service, and educational facilities. Credit varies
PY 488 Domestic Violence Seminar
An overview of the knowledge and skills needed to understand abuse in relationships. Students will study the dynamics of domestic violence, counseling techniques, legal ramifications, and referral sources. Competencies developed in this course can be usefully applied when assisting battered women and their children. 3 credits |
