COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PSYCHOLOGY

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Psychology as a biological, behavioral, and social science. Topics include: critical and scientific analysis of human behavior, fundamentals of psychological research, biological bases of behavior, states of consciousness, learning, thought, memory and intelligence, social behavior and personality, mental health and adjustment, diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior. 3 credits.

PSY 102 Social Psychology Social influences on values, attitudes, and behavior. Determinants of social perceptions and cognitions. Bases for friendship, love, prejudice, and anti-social behavior. Group dynamics involved in conformity, conflict and cooperation. Prerequisite or co-requisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 201 Developmental Psychology Stages of life: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Mental, emotional, and personality changes during development, and the psychological hurdles overcome. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 205 Psychology of Motivation Motivation for human behavior from the basic psychological drives to higher drives such as achievement, self-fulfillment and altruism. Emphasis on contemporary research as well as classical theories. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits

PSY 210 Theories of Learning Models of animal and human learning including classical and operant conditioning, as well as contemporary theories drawn from information processing and cognitive science. Applications to education, social and clinical psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 216 Adolescent Development This course examines the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of adolescents. Topics include genetic, cultural, and social factors that enhance or inhibit development. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits

PSY 221 Industrial Psychology Psychological techniques for selecting and training employees, enhancing morale of workers and improving their relationship with management. Psychology of marketing and advertising. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 231 Psychological Testing Theoretical and statistical foundations of psychological testing. Measurement of intelligence, aptitudes, academic skills, personality, and behavior. Includes formal and informal tests and rating scales Prerequisite: PSY 101 MAT 261. 3 credits.

PSY 301 Experimental Psychology Methodological and experimental approaches to human behavior focusing on sensation, perception, learning, and memory. Experiments conducted in class, results analyzed, and scientific reports written. Students also design and write a proposal for an experimental project. Prerequisite: PSY 101 and MAT 261. 3 credits.

PSY 310 Personality Description and assessment of personality. Classical approaches of psychoanalysis tract theory, humanism, behaviorism and cognitive theorists as well as contemporary research and practical applications. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 311 Psycholinguistics Psychology of language and the higher mental processes. Modern conceptions of syntactic, semantic, and lexical structure of language. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 312 Cognition and Memory Overview of approaches to thinking, reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. Memory theories and process and neurological underpinnings. Interplay of memory and cognition. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 325 Drugs and Behavior Behavioral effects of biochemical mechanisms of psychoactive drugs, including prescription, recreational, and illegal drugs. Topics include psychopharmacological treatment of abnormal behaviors and moods, addiction and tolerance, and the treatment of addictions. Prerequisite: PSY 101 and PSY 351. 3 credits.

PSY 335 Abnormal Psychology Description and diagnosis of abnormal behavior. Causes, symptoms and treatments of mental illness. Basic principles of psychotherapy. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 345 Psychology of Health and Illness This course will examine psychological influences on how people stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond when they are ill. Topics include the mind-body relationship, stress and stress management, chronic pain, headaches, biofeedback, the patient in various treatment settings. The course also examines changes in lifestyle and psychological issues faced by individuals dealing with stroke, arthritis, diabetes, hear disease, cancer and AIDS. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 351 Biological Psychology The biological bases of behavior and methods of study. Topics include: anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and sense organs, drugs and behavior, sleep and dreaming, eating and drinking, memory and language, brain disorders and abnormal behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 101. 3 credits.

PSY 401 Psychology of the Exceptional Child Special problems of children who differ markedly from the average: mentally retarded, brain damaged, psychologically disturbed, sociopathic, physically handicapped, culturally deprived, and gifted children. Genetics, neuropsychological, and sociological aspects as well as causes, assessment, and remediation. Prerequisite: PSY 101 and PSY 335. 3 credits.

PSY 420 Eating Disorders The etiology, description, and treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder associated with obesity. Relation between eating disorders and other psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSY 335. 3 credits.

PSY 481-482 Independent Study Directed study in a standard course not offered or independent research study of a new topic. Prerequisite: Junior or higher status with appropriate Psychology GPA and departmental permission. 3 credits.

PSY 485 Internship in Psychology Opportunity to work as an intern in an approved organization such as a clinic, school or hospital. The customary requirement is to work 1 day per week, keep a log of daily activity, read relevant texts and journal articles, and write a brief paper linking observations to the literature. Coordinated by a site supervisor and Touro faculty member. Prerequisite: Senior status and departmental permission. 3 credits.

PSY 493 Advanced Topics in Psychology This "capstone" course will serve as the final bookend to the undergraduate major in Psychology. Students will review major research studies conducted by important figures in the history of the field, such as Milgram, Bandura, and Zimbardo. Students will also produce their own original research proposal. Prerequisite: Senior status and Psychology Major. 3 credits.

PSY 494 Senior Honors Project in Psychology Independent research study including protocol, study implementations, statistical analysis, and report submission, supervised by a Touro faculty member. Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 493, senior status with outstanding academic achievment and motivation, and departmental permission. 3 credits.

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