Psychology (PSY)

This introductory course examines the history, methodology, definitions, and ideas relating to such concepts as personality formation, self-concept, defense mechanisms, emotions, and conditioning. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of these concepts to the student’s understanding of self and others in everyday interactions.

Pre-requisites: (Companion Essay with a score of 08 or Write Placer Essay with a score of 07 or Write Placer Essay with a score of 08 or Move Up English 096 with a score of P or ENG 096 Summer Bridge with a score of P or TRANSFERRED ENG 101 with a score of 889 or Elig. for Eng 101 with a score of 904 or Pre-reg. Eng 101 waiver only with a score of 906 or SAT/ACT Elig for Eng 101 with a score of 993 or TRANSFERRED ENG 102 with a score of 998) or COLLEGE DEGREE with a score of 988 or SAT/ACT Elig Eng101 Mth100 with a score of 995 or Transf. Eng 101 Mth 100 with a score of 999

This course examines the structure and function of our various senses as starting points for all human knowledge. Visual perception and illusions, along with concepts related to human learning and forgetting is studies. An understanding of the nature of thinking, problem solving, and language is developed.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course explores current approaches and theories of personality development and organization. Emphasizing healthy personality development, selective theories of personality that guide research as represented by the psychoanalytic, sociocultural, trait, learning, sociobiological, and existential-humanistic paradigms will be presented and critically evaluated.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course will examine the different types of mental illness that exists within modern society. The influence of heredity and environment upon mental illness is considered and recent therapeutic methods are critically examined.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course explores the fundamental concepts of understanding interpersonal behavior in the context of small groups. Integrating group theory and research with experiential activities, students will gain a better understanding of group processes and improve their interpersonal skills as group members. This course will be of special value to students entering mental health, social work, education, business, or similarly related professions in which the knowledge of group processes would be beneficial.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course is designed to help students understand and explain social-psychological phenomena. Concepts such as conformity, fear, humor, gratitude, lying, selfishness and attitude, and impression formation are examined. Various methods are applied to enable students to understand the behavior and thoughts of individuals and groups. The course objective is to develop students’ ability to independently analyze social-psychosocial phenomena.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course examines the interrelationships between the psychological and physical development of the child from birth through adolescence. Topics include physical and emotional influences on growth, intellectual development, the significance of interpersonal relations, and cultural aspects of personality.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

The practical application of psychological principles to the educative process is explored. The theoretical ideas behind the practices are explained. Methods of student evaluation are considered. Techniques of motivating students are described and related to studies of efficient learning methods. Special problems of adjustment and their effects on school performance are discussed.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course will focus on the etiology, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood disorders. Emphasizing the developmental aspects of child psychopathology, how children’s and adolescents’ psychological disorders are distinguishable from those of adults will be examined. Particular attention will also be devoted to understanding how the mental health, education, health care, and juvenile justice systems provide services to children and adolescents with psychological disorders.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course id an overview of the major developmental stages from conception to death. Emphasis on the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional aspects of growth and development. Students taking this course will learn about important developmental psychological principles and be able to apply these principles in understanding their own respective growth and development.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course examines various theoretical perspectives on sexuality, such as its biological, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions. Topics examined include, but are not limited to, male and female sexual anatomy, physiology, and response; sexuality over the life span; variations in sexual behavior and expression; sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias, and related therapies. Emphasis is placed on the human sexual experience as a vehicle for self-awareness, self-understanding, and self-acceptance.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C or SOC 101 with a minimum grade of C or SOC 108 with a minimum grade of C

This course will present the current theories and practices used in counseling and psychotherapy. It will cover topics such as ethical issues and therapies such as psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, group, and peer self-help groups.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course provides an introduction to the individual, group, and family treatment of alcohol and drug dependency. The theoretical and historical basis and the implications of a variety of treatment methods are considered including 12-step self-help programs, therapeutic communities, detoxification, rehabilitation, outpatient care, half-way houses, methadone, and employee and student assistance. Treatment planning by objectives and stages is stressed. Special topics of concern such as engagement, mandated treatment, enabling, and the treatment relationship are surveyed. This course is approved for 42 educational hours toward New Jersey’s Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification or recertification.

Pre-requisites: PSY 101 with a minimum grade of C