38 courses with the subject PC, 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.
PC 201Introduction to Psychology3
An introduction to the basic concepts, theories, research methods and findings within various specialty areas in psychology, including biological psychology, perception, learning, memory, intelligence, mood, personality, social influences and psychological disorders. Required prior to almost all upper-level psychology courses and required for majors and minors. Offered every semester.
This course provides students with (a) an understanding of the Catholic-Christian perspective of the human person and human behavior, b) an understanding of the secular psychological view of human behavior, and (c) an analysis of the areas of agreement and disagreement between these two perspectives. Key concepts, theories, and topics from the field of traditional secular psychology will be explored, such as: history of the field of psychology, basic research methods, learning, memory, social psychology, biopsychology, neuropsychology, abnormal psychology, sensation and perception, intelligence, personality, and psychotherapy. These concepts will be viewed in isolation and through the lens of Catholic anthropology. From the Catholic perspective, emphasis will be placed on Scripture and Tradition, with a focus on St. Thomas Aquinas’ ontological structure of man. The goal of this course is to provide students with a basic, multidimensional understanding of the human person in preparation for eventual work in religious life, ministry, and/or personal human formation. (This course satisfies the social sciences core requirement.)
An introduction to the research and communication skills necessary for the science and practice of psychology. Students will learn how to read and review primary research literature, carry out literature searches, identify the credentials required for entry into several occupations related to psychology, and write and present reports in APA format. Recommended prior to all upper-level psychology courses and required prior to PC307W for Applied Psychology majors and for ADP sections of PC307W. Offered every fall.
This course covers psychological concepts relevant to everyday life and human relationships. It explores psychological theory, research and practice of effective coping skills and stress management. It focuses on the initiation, development, maintenance, and deterioration of relationships. Verbal and nonverbal messages, listening, problem-solving models, leadership styles, and conflict resolution skills are explored to increase interpersonal competence as a helper in personal and professional settings.
An introduction to the theological and philosophical foundations of psychology. This course will investigate the origins of psychology as a discipline through the lens of philosophers, as well as modern psychological theorists, and Catholic / Christian writers, with the goal of integrating Christian thought into the understanding of psychological principles and practice. Required for B.A. and for B.S. in Psychology.
This course is designed to establish competency in the fundamental statistical methods used in social science research and assessment, including descriptive statistics (e.g., frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, variability, and standardized scores) and inferential statistics (t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation and regression, and chi-square). Students will learn to use and interpret basic statistical techniques. The practical orientation of this course is reflected in the use of computers to manipulate data and the employment of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Lectures/computer laboratory, three hours. Required for B.A. and for B.S. in Psychology. One semester.
An examination of theories and findings regarding the psychological aspects of development from conception through adulthood, including cognitive, social, moral, physical, and personality development. Special attention is given to how heredity and environment work together to influence development (i.e., nature and nurture, not nature versus nurture). Offered every year.
Study of application of psychological knowledge and methods, to the promotion of human welfare in one particular area. Format may vary. Offered periodically.
An examination of the basic concepts, theories, research methods, and findings of biological psychology. Topics include: brain anatomy, nervous system development and the neural basis of visual perception, wakefulness and arousal, emotion, hunger, sexual development, memory, language, and disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Course content will be heavily influenced by student interests, and recent research in the field. Required for B.S. major. Offered every year.
Theories and empirical findings regarding a variety of mental processes (perception, attention, memory, concept acquisition, language comprehension and production, problem-solving, and decision making) are examined and considered in the context of real-world problems. Offered every year.
An introduction to the process of conducting psychological research. Lectures will focus on problems in measurement and operationalization, types of research methodologies,ethical standards for psychological research, and the strengths and limitations of using a scientific approach in psychology. Laboratory work will involve instruction and practice in designing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting on empirical studies of psychological phenomena. Computer competencies in word processing, statistical analysis software, e-mail and presentation software are developed. In addition to required textbooks, students will need to purchase the SPSS Grad Pack Standard software package for their personal computer to use in this class. Required for B.A. and for B.S. in Psychology. Must be taken in sequence before PC 410W/411W/412W Writing intensive. Offered every spring.
A critical analysis of legal and ethical issues in psychology, grounded in ancient and modern philosophical and theological teachings, including St. Thomas Aquinas’ philosophical understanding of natural law, political law, common good, ethics, conscience, morality, values and professional standards, through the use of readings, classroom discussions, lectures and vignettes. An overview of the American Psychological Association’s Ethics Code, including the following areas: preamble; general principles; resolving ethical issues; competence; human relations; privacy and confidentiality; advertising and public statements; record keeping and fees; education and training; research and publication; assessment; therapy.
A critical examination of the process of defining, classifying, and treating abnormal behavior in children and adults. Required for major. Offered every year.
A critical analysis of the psychological impact of technology on the Judeo-Christian meta-model of the human person. A review of the Catholic Church’s teaching on the appropriate and proper use of technology will be covered. This course will examine the biological, social, developmental, and mental health impacts of technology usage. An analysis of the empirical psychological research of the following topics include: the advent of the internet, smartphones and screens; the e-world; the impact of technology on the human brain; video-game addiction and aggression; the impact of social media on self-esteem; mental health disorders and technology use; mass media effects; school violence in connection with technology use; screen use and its affect on exercise and sleep; the impact of technology use on dating and marriage; pornography addiction, and the impact of technology use on academic performance. Students in the course will conduct a self-assessment of their own technology usage to gain a better understanding of the impact technology has on their sleep and exercise patterns, social interactions, and academic performance
This course introduces the scientific study of individual and group behavior within the social context of the workplace. Topics include employee selection and recruitment, job evaluation, motivation, employee training and development, job satisfaction, employee communication and leadership. Format may vary. Offered periodically.
An introduction to the relationship of psychology to sport, including topics such as mind-body connection, motivation, arousal, and anxiety control, group dynamics, application of leadership principles and techniques, exercise adherence, and the psychology of coaching. Format may vary. Offered periodically.
This introductory course is designed to explore the nature of addiction from a multi-theoretical framework, including the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence addictive behavior. The class will explore teh addictive process in the brain through research and experiential exercises. Students will gain an understanding of the DSM categories of addiction (including substances and process addictions). The class will also investigate various treatment modalities, including the 12-step process. Student participation is essential.
This course starts with the experience of U.S. mothers from a nationally representative study, and examines the attachment to their children that most mothers experience beginning in pregnancy. Due to mistimed pregnancy, lack of resources or fetal health problems, some women desire counseling, support, and resources during pregnancy. When abortion is chosen, many women and men later desire ministry to help with emotional and spiritual recovery. This course prepares pastoral ministers, social workers in Christian settings, and others to minister sensitively during pregnancy or after an abortion or pregnancy loss, in the context of Evangelium Vitae and within the guidances of the USCCB's project Rachel Manual. Psychological and biological research will be used as a starting point as we examine the theology of motherhood and fatherhood, an integrated approach suggested in Mulieris Dignitatem. Recognizing that God himself is uniquely present in the creation of new life in his image, Evangelium Vitae reminds those in challenging pregnancies to "not be afraid" and that "with God nothing is impossible" while for those who have participated in abortion, the "Father of mercies is ready to give..forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation."
An examination of psychological theories and research pertaining to group behavior and to the effects of social environments on individual behavior. Particular emphasis will be given to differences between collectivist and individualistic cultures and to how social and cultural differences create difficulties in communication, understanding, and psychological research. Specific topics considered include attribution, social motivation, interpersonal relationships, and prejudice. Offered every year. Cf.
An introduction to the basic concepts, terms, theories, and methods appropriate to the study of human sexuality. This course highlights both individual and socio-cultural differences in human sexuality. Topics include anatomy, sexual function, sexual attitudes, sexual behaviors, sexual disorders, gender identity, love, and attraction, as well as prostitution, pornography, and sexual coercion. This course has a strong focus on the use of classic and contemporary research findings to analyze controversial issues. Offered periodically.
This course examines many facets of trauma, including the prevalence, impact, assessment, and treatment of trauma. Attention will also be paid to the unique legal and ethical issues commonly faced by counselors working with trauma victims. Offered periodically.
Introduction to child maltreatment and family violence through a Catholic/Christian psychological understanding of the human person; developmental considerations, victimization, assessment, preventions, interventions, safety plans, legal and ethical issues, roles of helping professionals, research findings and community resources; including a survey of the subject of child maltreatment: definition of terms, child neglect, child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, child psychological maltreatment, history of child abuse/neglect, treatment, resources, reporting issues and legal/ethical issues.
Psychological and biological approaches to violent individuals; analysis of and research support for understanding the etiology of violence drawn from natural, medical and behavioral sciences and a Catholic-Christian understanding of the human person; including a survey of: gun violence, media violence, criminal violence, media violence, abortion, euthanasia, death penalty, stranger violence, gang violence, school violence, workplace violence, and family and relationship violence including spousal abuse/intimate partner violence, and victimization / treatment.
A survey of the many connections between psychology and the U.S. legal system. Class topics include competence to stand trial, the insanity plea, assessing for future dangerousness, violent offenders, improving the reliability of adult and child eyewitness procedures; interrogation and confession practices, factors that affect jury decision making; the death penalty, the sexual victimization of women and children, race and the law, and juvenile justice. Offered periodically.
Consideration of the history and theoretical systems of psychology with particular emphasis on 1) the emergence and early days of psychology as an academic discipline, 2) the relationship between psychology and other academic disciplines, and 3) the historical and theoretical context of major works within psychology. Required for major. Offered every year.
This is course is designed to introduce the theory, research, and practice of conducting psychological interviews. Students will also examine principles of case management including case assessment and activities that bring services together within a planned framework of action for achieving treatment goals. Client education and preventive action, outreach referral services, crisis intervention, consultation, record keeping, and discharge planning are addressed.
Discussion and application of theoretical models, issues, and techniques in the field of counseling. Introduction to professional ethics and to professional skills such as documentation. Extensive use of cases and of classroom exercises designed to help students develop and apply general counseling skills as well as practice specific therapeutic approaches. Offered periodically.
A study of the basic concepts and methods involved in psychological measurement and evaluation. Topics will include procedures for developing, validating, scoring, and interpreting instruments used in educational, clinical, and organizational settings, including surveys, interest inventories, and aptitude, achievement, personality, and intelligence tests. Required for major. Offered every year.
The senior thesis is a formal research exercise in which a student implements an empirical psychological investigation, analyzes and interprets data pertaining to the problem, prepares a formal paper documenting the project, and presents the work to a faculty committee. Computer competencies in word processing, statistical analysis software, e-mail, and presentation software are also developed. B.A. and B.S. in Psychology majors may take PC410W in lieu of PC 412W. Writing-intensive. Offered every fall.
Students will participate in a supervised experience dealing with the applications of psychological principles in a mental health or human services setting. A minimum of 120 hours of supervised work must be completed at the placement site. Students’ work will be evaluated by both the faculty supervisor and the site supervisor. Requires a formal paper and oral presentation to a faculty committee documenting the practicum experience and relationships among this experience, assigned readings, and prior course work. Computer competencies in word processing, e-mail, and presentation software are also developed. Psychology majors may apply in the spring to take PC 411W in lieu of PC 412W. Students concentrating in Applied Psychology must take PC 411W or PC 453. Writing intensive. Offered every year, usually in fall.
As one of the capstone options required of applied psychology and psychology majors, Senior Seminar provides a comprehensive review of major subject areas and themes in the field of psychology. The course provides an opportunity to integrate, synthesize, and apply theories and research findings from the breadth of the psychology curriculum. Substantial oral component. Comprehensive exam. Writing intensive. Offered every fall.
One credit awarded per 40 hours of work in an approved setting. Major paper required. May require participation in seminar. Strongly recommended. Offered as needed.
One credit awarded per 40 hours of work in an approved setting. Major paper required. May require participation in seminar. Strongly recommended. Offered as needed.
One credit awarded per 40 hours of work in an approved setting. Major paper required. May require participation in seminar. Strongly recommended. Offered as needed.
Individual readings on a topic in psychology selected in consultation with and under the guidance of a department faculty member. Credits variable. Offered as needed.
Reading of psychology literature and conducting of empirical research on a topic of interest to the student under the direction of a faculty member. Credits variable. Offered as needed.
