MWCC College Catalog 2008-2009 — Psychology
PSY101 PSYCHOLOGY OF SELF
3 credits
By applying behavior principles to everyday human activities, students achieve
insight into the way individuals operate in their environment. By exploring
psychological theory as it relates to self-assessment and personal growth,
the student gains extensive understanding of his or her values, interests,
behaviors, motivations, abilities, personality, and communication skills.
Students will also investigate various career/interest assessments, which
will help in making career and life decisions. The classroom is used as a
laboratory, with workshops, discussion groups, and simulations of various
social relationships and interactions to enhance the student’s self-understanding.
Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100 or placement. Fall and spring.
PSY105 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
3 credits
Students are introduced to the basic concepts and methods of psychology. Course
content surveys scientific methods, the brain and nervous system, sensation
and perception, consciousness, learning and memory, personality, psychological
disorders, and treatment. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100 or placement. Fall
and spring.
PSY108 CHILD DEVELOPMENT
3 credits
This course focuses on the development of the young child from the time of conception through prenatal development, infancy, early childhood, and the school years up to adolescence. Emphasis is placed on studying the “whole child” by addressing physical/motor, psychosocial, sociocultural, cognitive, and language aspects of development. Current theories of child development based on research will be presented as well as strategies for incorporating theory into practice. Students will develop an understanding of how to facilitate the development of the child. This meets Department of Early Care and Education Category A. A passing grade is C or better. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement; PSY105 (with exception of Early Childhood Education Certificate students). Fall and spring.
PSY110 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
3 credits
This course focuses on lifespan development through an examination of the biological,
cognitive, and social domains and their interdependency. Students will study
developmental changes from conception to late adulthood and will gain an
understanding of how current research theories of human development translate
into practice. Prerequisite: PSY105. Fall and spring.
PSY112 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
3 credits
This course introduces students to developmental disabilities, including mental
retardation, autism, syndromes (e.g., Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome),
health impairments, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders.
This course is intended to increase students’ awareness of challenges
presented to individuals with disabilities in everyday situations. Topics
included are the social role of the disabled person and his/her family, adaptation,
stress, treatment, advocacy, and the unique issues faced by individuals who
are mainstreamed into the community. Students will explore their own beliefs
and biases regarding people with disabilities and their role as agents of
change in society. Prerequisite: PSY105.
PSY143 GROUP DYNAMICS
3 credits
Students will examine the science of group dynamics, including the basic concepts
and major theorists. Course content includes group development and socialization,
structure, conformity, influence, power and leadership, decision-making,
teamwork and productivity as well as communication, conflict, and collective
behavior. Students learn about group interaction through readings, lecture,
and as members of a functioning group practicing skills and theory. Prerequisites:
ENG100, RDG100 or placement.
PSY240 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
3 credits
Students study the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prognoses of behaviors
categorized as “abnormal.” Topics include historical perspectives
on abnormal behavior, the emotional, social, psychotic, and organic disorders,
and treatment. Abnormal behavioral patterns are discussed in theory and illustrated
by case example. Prerequisite: PSY105. Fall and spring.
PSY244 CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
3 credits
Students will be introduced to the origins, symptomology, and how diagnosis
is made in the various categories of children with special needs. They will
become familiar with educational adaptations, intervention strategies, special
education laws, and the involvement of the family of children with special
needs. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100 or placement. Fall and spring.
PSY246 PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LAW
3 credits
This course examines the role of the forensic psychologist in the criminal
justice system as well as the personality traits, thoughts, and action patterns
of the criminal mind. Using research in the field of forensic psychology
and case histories, students will gain an understanding of the characteristics
commonly identified in individuals who engage in a criminal lifestyle. They
will also be able to identify common patterns of behavior that allow one
to develop a profile of individuals who have committed certain types of crime
(rapists, murderers, mass killers, etc.). Other areas of discussion include
eyewitness testimony, jury selection, competency to stand trial, and battered
wife syndrome. Prerequisite: PSY105.
PSY280 PSYCHOLOGY OF DEATH AND DYING
3 credits
Students examine the experience of dying from psychological, sociological,
and historical perspectives. Topics include the issues of loss and the grieving
process; the research of Elizabeth Kübler-Ross; terminal illness and
the hospice concept; the funeral process and bereavement; life after life
experiences, and the philosophical meaning of life and death. Prerequisites:
ENG100, RDG100 or placement.
PSY290 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING
3 credits
Students will examine older adults from a developmental and interdisciplinary
perspective. Such a view allows students to understand the psychology of
aging through an analysis of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural contexts.
Detailed attention will be given to the areas of cognition, emotional adjustment,
intelligence, creativity, wisdom, motivation, perception, psychopathology,
learning, and memory. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100 or placement. Spring.