Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Southwest College regularly offers several Psychology courses, each with its own focus on particular topics in psychology.

Courses Offered

PSYC 2301

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY is a survey of the basic principles underlying human behavior. Emphasis is placed on major areas of study such as learning, memory, motivation, personality, stress and adjustment, child and adult development, and abnormal behavior.

PSYC 2302

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY is a study of the application of basic psychological principles to daily life and career choices. Major topics include goal setting and self awareness; interpersonal perception, communication, and relationships; conflict management; transitions and changes in adult life; the dynamics of health and stress; and group processes and leadership.

 

PSYC 2308

HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE is a study of normal physiological, intellectual, and emotional development and functioning of the child from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on normal child development, the family, parent-child interaction, and the psychological and cultural forces affecting them.

PSYC 2311

HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: ADULTHOOD AND AGING is a study of the normal physiological, intellectual, and emotional development and functioning of the human life cycle from adulthood to death. (Prerequisite: PSYC 2301, or PSYC 2308, or permission of the instructor).

PSYC 2314

HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: LIFESPAN is a developmental psychology course designed to provide an understanding of human behavior and characteristics from conception to death. Information is included on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes throughout the lifespan. (Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or permission of the instructor).

PSYC 2316

PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR is a study of normal and abnormal personality with a focus on the abnormal. The course focuses on five major theoretical approaches to understanding personality, a look at diagnostic criteria for the different disorders, and how these disorders are interpreted by the various perspectives. (Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or permission of the instructor).

PSYC 2317

STATISTICAL METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY is a practical, logical tool which allows individuals to quantify a claim or explanation. Attention is given to descriptive, correlation, and inferential statistical methodology.

PSYC 2319

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY is a study of social cognition, social behavior, interpersonal relations, and group membership. The focus is on how people interact with one another.

 

PSYC 2370

MULTI-CULTURAL ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY is a new course which explains the psychological factors involved in stereotyping and prejudice. It explores the effects of discrimination upon members of in-groups as well as out-groups. Cognition, emotions, motivation, behavior, development, and physical and mental health are studied across cultures in order to provide a deeper understanding of group differences and similarities.

PSYC 2389

ACADEMIC COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IN PSYCHOLOGY provides an opportunity to integrate classroom study with supervised practical work experience. It enables a student to learn how organizations function and how psychological principles are applied. Students learn about occupational roles in the field of psychology.