32 courses with the subject PSY, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PSY 151General Psychology
In this overview course, students will learn the principles and applications of psychology for practical purposes and across disciplines. The practical applications of psychological research to issues and problems facing the world will be addressed. Students will learn and be actively engaged in how psychological findings can be used in a large variety of contexts. This course is a core requirement for all psychology majors. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
The course reviews human development from pregnancy and prenatal development through old age with a unique balance and depth of coverage across all age groups. We will examine the physical and intellectual changes humans undergo from conception through death. With an emphasis on modern cultural and societal issues ranging from homophobia to family violence, this course builds on the basic themes of life-span development. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Why do they do it? The psychology of individuals who engage in extreme political violence such as terrorist acts has become the subject of intense controversy in step with the rise of “homegrown” terrorism. Are terrorists insane or suicidal? Are they merely angry and alienated? Or are they motivated by perverse altruism? How is terrorism really different from mass shootings? These are just some of the questions that we will focus on in this class. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Why is coaching one of the most rewarding professions? Are you driven to help others perform at their best? What is the “magic” to motivation and confidence? Is there a coach that you admire? Empowering your athletes for peak performance is key to coaching. Exploring effective coaching behaviors and techniques are only the starting point to developing a personal coaching style. Observation, application, and practice in all forms will be at the core of this course. 3 Hours 1 Semester
Humor is serious business. Sure, there's simple comedy, like a pie in the face or a Tyler Perry movie, but a lot of humor displays real intellect, and despite much reflection and experimentation—both in labs and on stages—no one has yet discovered a unified theory of hilarity. This course examines the mechanisms and models of humor, interpersonal humor, and the linkages of humor to personality, the practical use of humor in multiple settings, the biological and psychological connections humor has to one’s health and well-being, and how-to bring humor to everyday life. Disclaimer: In this course you will be viewing and reading material that contains profane language and, in some cases, sexual content, racist stereotypes, and references to drug abuse/use. Should there be things you feel uncomfortable with reading or viewing - then this course may not be suitable for you. 3 Hours, 1 Semester Return to Table of Contents Nichols College 2026-2027 Catalog 154
Why do I wake up happy one day and sad the next? Why is it I cannot describe why I am feeling a certain way? This course introduces students to a range of issues related to our study of emotions. We will review theories, functions, mechanisms, and meanings of emotions – in other words the “what” and the “why” of feeling states. Students will then examine the nature and implications of emotions such as happiness and sadness, joy, and pain, hope and fear, as well as shame, guilt and remorse, through the readings of memoirs and articles, listening to podcasts, viewing films, and class discussions. Finally, we consider how people regulate moods and deal with overwhelming emotions. After completing the course, students will be able to describe why people feel the way they do when dealing with various aspects of life. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
What is happiness? We know it when we feel it, and certainly, when we do not. We want it for ourselves and for those we care about. Happiness can be our ultimate goal in life that motivates everything we do and gives life meaning. Yet despite our familiarity with the concept, happiness is misunderstood. This course applies scientific methods, models, and evidence to investigate happiness. The class is not meant as a recipe for happiness, but as an analytical study of how scholars struggle to define and study it. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
The Psychology of Sleep and Dreaming explores the mysterious and uncharted world of sleep and dreams. Our journey will make you question your beliefs about the role of sleep in your life while discovering the importance of sleep for improving your physical and mental health. Our exploration examines normal sleep behavior, the neuroscience of sleep, dreaming and consciousness, circadian and biological rhythms, and the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, insomnia, and hypersomnia. Not only will you learn about sleep in general, but you will also gain insight into your own sleeping patterns using dream analysis software. Through lectures, podcasts, exercises and film discussion, students will learn about the importance of sleep for mental and physical wellbeing and how to best establish a healthy sleep routine. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Most courses on addiction focus on demographics, epistemology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment. This course will examine these matters, but also the life and experiences of addiction through the lens of those that have experienced addiction, firsthand. Through autobiographies (books & film) and use of a phenomenological methodology of inquiry, students will explore the behaviors and consequences of drug and alcohol addiction, hoarding, gambling, and sex addiction. Disclaimer: In this course you will be viewing and reading material that contains profane language and, in some cases, sexual content, racist stereotypes, and references to drug abuse/use. Should there be things you feel uncomfortable with reading or viewing - then this course may not be suitable for you. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
PSY 228Experiential Psychology: The Leadership Challenge
Why wait to learn leadership in the workplace? Research in leadership indicates that anyone can be a leader, regardless of age or experience. This course challenges students to examine their own leadership potential through an on-campus experiential internship. Throughout the semester students will apply Kouzes and Posner’s five practices of exemplary leadership (Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart) to enhance their own leadership experience. Students will also engage in activities, both in and outside of the classroom, that challenge them to ultimately discover the psychology behind leadership by practicing it. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Health Psychology is a dynamic, team-taught hybrid course that looks at how your mind, body, and social world work together to shape your health and everyday well-being. Instead of just focusing on illness, this course explores how stress, emotion, relationships, baits, and lifestyle choices influence how you feel and function. You’ll learn about topics like stress and coping, the mind-body connection, sleep, health behaviors, social support, chronic illness, and how technology is changing healthcare. Through engaging case studies, discussions, and hands-on activities, you’ll connect scientific research to real-life situations, including your own experiences. The course is designed to be practical and relatable, giving you tools you can actually use, such as strategies for managing stress, improving sleep, building resilience, and making healthier decisions. By the end of the course, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how psychology influences health and feel more confident in taking charge of your own physical and mental well-being. 3 Hours, 1 Semester Return to Table of Contents Nichols College 2026-2027 Catalog 155
PSY 242Profiles of Serial Killers & Mass Murderers
This course explores, from psychological and sociological perspectives, the characteristics of men and women who commit multiple murders. Through the in-depth examination of known serial killers, students will learn what is serial killing; how a serial killer is different from a mass murderer; what factors explain serial killing; how prevalent it is; and what are the recent trends in understanding their behavior. Disclaimer: In this course you will be viewing and reading material that contains profane language and, in some cases, sexual content, racist stereotypes, and references to drug abuse/use. Should there be things you feel uncomfortable with reading or viewing - then this course may not be suitable for you. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course examines in depth a major issue, problem, or theme in psychology. It includes a specialized research paper or project, involves discussion and oral and written reports, and may include guest speakers and field trips. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Study of the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development of the adolescent. The focus is on contemporary concerns of youth. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course examines major theories, research, and applications in personality psychology. Students will explore classic and contemporary perspectives, including psychoanalytic, trait, biological, humanistic, social-cognitive, and cultural approaches. Emphasis is placed on evaluating empirical research and applying personality theory to real-world contexts. (Previously PSY 308 Psychology of
This course will provide a basic introduction to the biological processes underlying human behavior. A basic principle of this course is that everything the “mind” does will eventually be explained in terms of the interplay among various brain components. In the context of the brain-behavior interaction, we will study the biological mechanisms that are the most relevant to essential issues in psychology. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Forensic psychology offers fascinating insights into the origins and motives of criminal behaviors and the practical applications of psychological principles. Perhaps you want to be a forensic psychologist, or maybe you are just curious about how people behave in criminal and legal settings, and why they behave in these ways. Either way this course is designed to meet your need for information. It provides a comprehensive overview of forensic psychology, bridges the gap between research and application, and explores the ‘mystique’ that surrounds the topics of the field. Through a focus on global research, examples, and real-life cases studies, you will learn about fascinating topics such as the reliability of eyewitness testimony, indicators of deception and methods of lie detection, the willingness of innocent people to confess to crimes, and our ability to profile and capture offenders. Disclaimer: In this course you will be viewing and reading material that contains profane language and, in some cases, sexual content, racist stereotypes, and references to drug abuse/use. Should there be things you feel uncomfortable with reading or viewing - then this course may not be suitable for you. 3 Hours, 1 Semester Return to Table of Contents Nichols College 2026-2027 Catalog 156
This class will explore and discuss different portrayals and corresponding intellectual and emotional narratives of human suffering or psychopathology using the medium of film. The primary goals of the course are to refine student's critical thinking skills applicable to the study of abnormal behavior, raise awareness of the social stigma associated with mental illness, and to understand these issues in a broad cultural context. Disclaimer: In this course you will be viewing and reading material that contains profane language and, in some cases, sexual content, racist stereotypes, and references to drug abuse/use. Should there be things you feel uncomfortable with reading or viewing - then this course may not be suitable for you. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Many psychological disorders are common during childhood affecting children, their families, and society. Using a case study format, this course explores abnormal psychology as it relates to children. We will examine the causes, maintenance, and treatment of children’s behavioral, social-emotional, and cognitive disorders from a developmental perspective. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
It’s amazing how we often judge a dog’s intelligence only on its obedience, while overlooking its remarkable ability to perceive time through scent. This course invites you to explore the field of animal psychology and challenge human-centric views. By combining the groundbreaking cognitive research of Frans de Waal with the intriguing sensory biology discussed by Ed Yong, we will embark on an enlightening journey that expands our understanding of intelligence beyond conventional definitions. Prepare to explore the rich sensory worlds of various species! You won’t just be learning fascinating concepts; you can design your own experiments, deepen your scientific understanding, and truly experience the world from the unique perspectives of a star-nosed mole or a bat. This is your chance to explore, discover, and redefine what intelligence really means in the animal kingdom. Join us on this exciting expeditions, let’s uncover the mysteries together! 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course examines the formation of groups, group processes, followership, and leadership processes within groups and group behaviors. Emphasis is placed on the experience of applying group theory. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Ever wonder why some athletes “choke” under pressure while others thrive? Or why starting a workout routine is easier than sticking to one? The Mental Edge dives into the “inner game” of human movement. This course explores how the mind influences physical performance and, conversely, how exercise affects mental health. From the locker room to the corporate boardroom, you will learn the secrets of elite motivation, the science of “flow” states, and how to build unshakeable confidence. Whether you’re an aspiring coach, a future sports agent, or someone looking to master your own habits, this course provides the psychological toolkit to win from the neck up. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
A study of the psychological process of adapting to, coping with, and managing the problems, challenges, and demands of everyday life. This course is about adjusting to challenges as one gets on with the business of living: building relationships, becoming educated, establishing careers, and getting older. Topics include coping with stress, the self, forming impressions of others, prejudice, conformity, interpersonal communication, relationships, gender, sexuality, and career issues. 3 Hours, 1 Semester Return to Table of Contents Nichols College 2026-2027 Catalog 157
Dive into the fascinating world of human memory and discover why it’s essential to your everyday life. This course offers an engaging look at how memory works beyond simply recording our experiences. Using the latest findings in neuroscience and relatable real-life examples, we’ll explore memory as a dynamic, adaptive system shaped by factors such as attention, emotions, creativity, and social interactions, elements that every college student encounters daily. Get ready to unravel how your brain decides what to remember and what to forget, allowing you to mentally navigate through time, relearn past experiences, and even leverage forgetting to enhance your life. We’ll discuss cool topics like how memory and imagination intertwine, the significant effect of emotions and familiarity on your recollections, and how often you can learn without even being aware of it. Plus, you’ll find out why making mistakes can actually boost your learning more than just nailing it every time! We’ll also tackle how your memories can shift with each recall, the impact of peer influence on your thoughts, and how sharing experiences can strengthen friendships and shape cultures. By the end of this course, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your own memory processes, along with practical insights to enhance your learning strategies, improve your decision-making, and truly grasp what it means to remember what matters most in your life. (Previously PSY 374 Cognition, Learning and Memory) 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course's purpose is to develop knowledge of when to apply the correct statistical techniques. Emphasis is placed on the “real world” applications of statistical methods through projects. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, multivariate, parametric, and nonparametric techniques. This course makes extensive use of statistical analysis software. This course is a core requirement for all psychology majors, is the prerequisite for Applied Research Methods II, and is offered in the fall semester. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course introduces the principles, techniques, and ethical considerations of psychological measurement. Topics include test reliability and validity, test construction, intelligence and personality assessment, and interpretation of standardized instruments. Students will gain hands-on experience evaluating test data and developing critical perspectives on the use and misuse of psychological testing in various applied contexts. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course examines the factors impacting human relationships. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal attraction, attitude formation, social perception and cognition, altruism, aggression, small group behavior, and social identity and influence. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
The major forms of abnormal behavior are described. They are discussed in light of an integrative bio-social model. Disorders include anxiety disorders, personality disorders, sexual deviance, and dysfunction, dissociate and somatoform disorders, mood disorders, childhood disorders, substance use disorders, schizophrenia, and cognitive disorders. Treatment approaches are discussed as well. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Students engage in individually supervised work-study arrangements and learn to apply psychological theory and principles in a work environment (e.g., day care center or mental health clinic). Students must work at least 10 hours per week on the job, meet periodically with a supervising faculty member, research literature related to the field of the internship, and prepare a substantive report on their internship experiences and the studies involved. department chair. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Students will integrate the knowledge they have accumulated in their first three years as psychology majors through the development and investigation of their own applied psychology hypotheses. In collaboration with the instructor and classmates, students will proceed through the stages of research from hypothesis development to literature review, to proposing their research methods, to data collection, with their semester-long project culminating in a written APA (American Psychological Association) format research paper and presentation of findings via a faculty-judged poster session. This course is offered in the spring semester and is a core requirement for all psychology majors and satisfies that program writing intensive and information literacy and experiential learning requirements. 3 Hours, 1 Semester Return to Table of Contents Nichols College 2026-2027 Catalog 158
