NC State Courses (PSY)

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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.

An introductory level course and is a study of the basic principles of psychology. Among the topics surveyed is 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. TAG course.

The second of a two-quarter sequence in which students will continue to explore human behavior and mental processes. Topics this quarter will include 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. TAG course.

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, practices and representations. Topics discussed will include sexuality, gender development, sexism, women's multiple roles and relationships and violence against women.

Focuses 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 spiritual and Christian perspectives. In addition, we will consider a variety of causes of grief (death, divorce, birth of a handicapped child, life-threatening illnesses, etc). and how people react to such grief.

Presents an overview of the total life span of human growth and development from conception 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. TAG course.

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.

Examines 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. TAG course.

A survey course of the current thinking in the field of human sexual behavior and includes an examination of the development of contemporary attitudes, as well as the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects o f 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.