Southern New Hampshire University petition as its focus, the course also establishes the relationship between athletic competition and the pursuit of excellence in any human endeavor. This course also has a significant research component designed to help students develop a sound understanding of the research methodology that supports theories of athletic competition. Prerequisite: PSY 108.
PSY 312 Psychology of Childhood and Adolescent Adjustment (3 credits) This course focuses on typical life experience conflicts and transitions students face in our complex society. An in-depth analysis of the specific adjustment issues that school-age children encounter is emphasized through research and case studies. Prerequisites: PSY 108 and PSY 211.
PSY 230 Psychology of Individual Differences and Special Needs (3 credits) This course provides knowledge and understanding of exceptional children and adolescents. The approach is theoretical and practical. Prerequisite: PSY 108.
PSY 314 Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence (3 credits) This course focuses specifically on an introduction to the classification of disorders of childhood and adolescence and the treatment approaches that currently are available. Knowledge students obtained in PSY 215 is essential for understanding the etiology and manifestation of these disorders, as well as the impact on the individual, family and society. Current field research and case studies will be used. Prerequisites: PSY 108 and PSY 211.
PSY 257 Social Psychology (3 credits) Social psychology is an interesting, dynamic study of how people’s thoughts, feelings and actions are affected by others. Issues discussed include prejudice, conformity, interpersonal attraction and violence. The scientific methods of studying such phenomena are emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 108. PSY 291 Experiential Learning (3 credits) This course offers the student a choice between a community focus (PSY 291a) and a research focus (PSY 291b). The community focus is not an internship, but rather an opportunity to actively participate in a community-based human service organization over the course of a semester. The research focus involves the student with the ongoing research of an approved faculty member. This course includes didactic instruction and group discussion. Prerequisite; PSY 108. Application for placement in either focus must be completed before the end of the previous semester. Application forms may be obtained from the SLA office. For undergraduate day school students only. PSY 305 Cognitive Psychology (3 credits) Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes; we explore research and theory relating to memory, thinking, problemsolving, and language. Applied topics will include learning skills to help improve memory, accommodating memory/language disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dyslexia, and understanding how brain scanning techniques can be used to understand memory. Prerequisite: PSY 108. PSY 310 Criminal Psychology (3 credits) This course will provide students with insights about crime from a psychological perspective. The course will focus on how a criminal offender is influenced by multiple systems within the psychosocial environment and examine and evaluate the role of psychological factors in understanding the motives behind antisocial acts. Throughout the course, students will acquire knowledge and practice in the application of psychological methods to understanding criminal behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 108 and PSY 205. PSY 311 Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits) This course is an in-depth study of childhood and adolescent developmental issues. The solid understanding of concepts and theories acquired in PSY 211 will be developed and applied. Field research, case studies and observations will be required. Prerequisites: PSY 108 and PSY 211. 156
PSY 315 Counseling Process and Techniques (3 credits) This course examines the history and philosophy of specific helping professions in the fields of psychology, sociology and human services. Several broad theoretical perspectives will be studied and applied in role-play situations. Prerequisites: PSY 108 and PSY 216. PSY 316 Psychology of Adult Adjustment (3 credits) The adjustments that most adults must make based on normative age-graded influences and social clock are studied throughout the adult life span. A biopsychological perspective is maintained. Topics include: physical health and well being; love and relationships; parenting; career development; human sexuality; role in society; retirement; adjusting to anticipated and unanticipated loss; and death. Prerequisite: PSY 211. PSY 318 Introduction to Forensic Counseling (3 credits) This course provides an introduction to the role of the forensic counselor with an overview of the application of forensic counseling relevant to arrested and convicted individuals. The following topics are covered: history of forensic counseling, philosophical basis including differences from traditional counseling, offender typology, legal issues and ethics, forensic counseling modalities and process, effectiveness of forensic counseling, careers in forensic counseling, and future implications and trends. Prerequisite: PSY 315. PSY 325 Advanced Research Methods (3 credits) Students in this course will build on the knowledge of research methods they attained in PSY 224. Students will gain fluency in a variety of methods including surveys, naturalistic observation, correlational techniques and experimentation. This course is designed to crystallize the students’ interests by allowing them to focus their intellectual energy on one topic. A major course objective is for students to hone the specific research questions that interest them and to design and conduct independent research in the area. Completion of this course is required for students to graduate with a specific concentration in psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 224.