NC State Courses (PSY)

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Stress has been called the disease of modern civilization. We will examine causes of stress, the effects of stress, and learn techniques and approaches for more effective management of stress.

This course is a course on improving self-esteem, enhancing communication skills, and becoming more aware of human behavior. The course offers learners the chance to gain an appreciation of individual differences, learn about the influence of significant life events and situations, and develop coping skills for everyday problems.

This course is an introductory level course and is a study of the basic principles of psychology. Among the topics surveyed are an overview of the field, perception, consciousness, learning, personality, psychological disorders, and memory. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on developing an understanding of psychology as the science of human thought and behavior and to critically evaluate “common sense” knowledge about how people function.

This is the second of a two-quarter sequence in which students will continue to explore human behavior and mental processes. Topics this quarter will inc lude biological aspects of behavior, thought and language, mental abilities, emotion and motivation, human development, stress, personality, psychological therapies, and social cognition. Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on developing and understanding of psychology as the science of human thought and behavior and to critically evaluate “common sense” knowledge about how people function.

This course is an introductory course to familiarize learners with some major questions, themes, and issues in the study of women. This course will focus on the institutions, social practices, and historical perspectives that have shaped and continue to shape women's lives as well as how women have resisted and continue to resist these very institutions, pract ices and representations. Topics discussed will include sexuality, gender development, sexism, women's multiple roles and relationships and violence against women.

Concluding the span-of-life approach to human development, this course examines the developmental tasks and behavioral characteristics of late adolescence through senescence. As in PSY 132 and PSY 133, the five areas of development are considered for each of the remaining stages. A brief treatment of dying and death is also included. Interviews will be required as a part of the learning experience.

A study of America's elderly as they progress through late adulthood, age 60 to death. Focus will be on their physiological, psychological, and sexual changes, as well as the psychosocial conflicts endemic to this age group. An interview with an older American will be required as part of the learning experience.

This course will focus on why and how people experience death and grief. We will investigate the ideas of Kubler-Ross and expand our exploration to include the Eastern spir itual and Christian perspectives. In addition, we will consider a variety of causes of grief (death, divorce, birth of a handicapped child, lifethreatening illnesses, etc.) and how people react to such grief. Finally, we will examine a variety of approaches utilized in resolving grief.

This course presents an overview of the total life span of human growth and development from concept ion through old age. It begins with a study of the major theories of human development and includes an examination of the dynamics of human growth in four areas: physical, intellectual, personality, and social. The developmental tasks and behavioral characteristics of eight stages of human growth are examined, ending with a brief treatment of death and dying.

Study of the biological, social, affective and cognitive aspects of the development of children from conception to adolescence. The implications of this development for present and future behaviors are presented. The research, principles, concepts and theories of child psychology are emphasized.

This course will examine the definition, classification, origin, and treatment of abnormal behavior. Categories of disorders discussed will include personality, anxiety, mood, somatoform, dissociative, sexual, psychotic, developmental-related and addictive disorder. Research methodology abnormal psychology, historical perspective, the assessment process, ethical issues and use of the DSM will also be emphasized.

Human Sexuality is a survey course of the current thinking in the field of human sexual behavior and includes an examination of the development of contemporary attitudes about, as well as the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of human sexuality. Topics are addressed from various perspectives (cognitive-behavioral, social, cultural and biological) and include homosexuality, pornography, sexually transmitted disease, early sexual learning, adult sexual lifestyles, sexual dysfunction and disorders, and treatment.

A particular topic or combination of topics in psychology will be covered when there is sufficient student interest. Students will be expected to contribute to discussions on the basis of readings in the area(s) of psychology selected. This course may be repeated.