PY 111 Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to the major areas, theories, concepts, and methods of contemporary psychology. Topics may include ways of perceiving, learning, and thinking about the world; emotions; motivation; the relationship between brain events and inner experience; child development and adult personality; self-concept; attitudes toward others and behavior in social situations; stress, coping, and the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Special attention will be paid to the application of scientific methods to the study of human cognition and behavior. General Education Choice for Part B. Offered every semester. 3 credits

PY 211 Abnormal Psychology

Psychological functioning is said to be abnormal when it is atypical and causes distress to the individual or to other members of that person's community. Viewed through a medical lens, these behaviors are regarded as signs of psychopathology (mental illness). This course provides a thorough grounding in the psychiatric diagnostic classification system, covering most of the major categories of mental disorder: anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and more. Theories explaining the various forms of mental disorder, research findings on their social, psychological, and biological correlates, and treatment options are also considered. P: PY111. Offered annually. 3 credits

PY 218 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (same as SO 218)

Addresses basic concepts and methods of statistical data analysis as applied in psychology and other social/behavioral sciences, including organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data. The course will provide students with a foundation in descriptive and inferential statistics, touching on frequency distributions, probability sampling, and hypothesis testing. Analyses conducted by hand and using SPSS. P: Fulfillment of the Level A math requirement. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits

PY 280 Practicum*

A three-credit field-based experiential practicum involving approximately 8-10 hours per week on site. Sites may include schools, clinics, community agencies, corporations, or laboratories depending on the student's interest and area of concentration. Offered every semester. P: Senior status or second semester Junior status and permission of Department Chair. 3 credits

PY 312 Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy involves the treatment of mental illness and/or the facilitation of people's coping with life problems using psychological (as opposed to biomedical) methods. Evidence indicates that a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches can be effective, depending in part on the nature of the presenting problems. This course surveys the principal schools of thought in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, and cognitive therapies. Offered annually. P: PY 111, PY 211. 3 credits

PY 321 Personality

Personality involves the study of the consistent patterning underlying the day-to-day variability in human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Influential personality theories will be critically evaluated and applied, testing their abilities to cast light on individual differences in self-concept and relational style. General Education Choice for Part C and Writing requirement. Offered annually. P: PY 111. 3 credits

PY 325W Experimental Methods and Research Design

An introduction to experimental methods and research design in psychological research. Includes hands-on experience with design, implementation of data collection, data coding and analysis, and the interpretation and communication of results. Students will learn and use APA style format in a research paper describing their research findings. P: PY 111, PY 218, and junior or senior status. Fulfills major Writing requirement. Offered annually. 3 credits

PY 340 Psychological Assessment

Psychological assessment involves the systematic appraisal of cognitive abilities, personality traits, social attitudes, interests, values, and other characteristics. Methods include interviews, self-report measures, projective techniques, and performance appraisals. This course covers the basic principles of test construction and validation used by psychologists and educational measurement specialists. It also covers the administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected psychological tests along with a critical evaluation of their qualities. P: PY 218 and open only to psychology majors with Senior status. Offered annually. 3 credits

PY 371 Introduction to Art Therapy (offered in evening only)

The role of art therapy in the psychotherapeutic process as a diagnostic, developmental, and remedial tool, including the theoretical bases of this modality. Offered annually in the evening. P: PY 111, and either PY 211 or PY 321. 3 credits

PY 372 Theory and Practice of Art Therapy (offered in evening only)

Continued study of various psychological theories, concepts, and methods of psychotherapeutic art. Focus on actual case materials and workshop experiences. P: PY 111, PY 211, PY 371, and either PY 312 or PY 321. Offered annually in the evening. 3 credits

PY 330 Child Development

An examination of the major theories, issues, and research regarding the developing child from conception to puberty, with emphasis on emotional, cognitive, and social development. Current issues, such as the effects of drugs on the fetus, child abuse, and day care centers will be discussed. Offered annually. P: PY 111. 3 credits

PY 341 Adolescent Psychology

This course examines the development of the individual during the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, including physical changes, personality development, and the influence of family, school, and culture on adolescents. Offered annually. P: PY 111. General Education Choice for Part C. 3 credits

PY 350 Adulthood and Aging

An overview of adulthood, maturity, and old age from both physical and psychological perspectives. Personal adjustment and psychological changes over the chronology of adult experience will be emphasized. Topics will include family, career, personality continuity and change, sexuality, and the processes of aging, death, and bereavement. P: PY 111. Offered annually in the evening. 3 credits

AR 111 Drawing I

An introduction to observational drawing. Development of a personal vision and an individual style through an exploration of the expressive means of drawing: form, line, texture, composition. Various tools and techniques. General Education Choice for Part A. Offered yearly. 3 credits

AR 231 Ceramics

Study of the formal elements of shape, volume, color, and texture as they relate to clay and glazes; important historical and contemporary examples; techniques in handling clay, especially hand-building. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits

AR 311 Painting I*

An introduction to various techniques and approaches to painting with acrylic and/or oils. Regular critiques, gallery visits. P: AR 111, AR 213 or permission of Department Chair. Generally offered yearly. 3 credits

*Note: AR 213 (Color) is a pre-requisite for AR 311 (Painting)

Studio art electives (minimum of 3 credits)

Note: Admission to graduate art therapy programs requires a minimum of 18 credits in studio art. Students are strongly encouraged to take at least two additional studio art courses beyond those required for the major.