Psychology

An introduction to the scientific study of behavioral and mental processes. Topics include the neurobiological basis of behavior; perception; development; learning; memory and thinking; motivation; personality; normal and abnormal behavior; psychotherapy; and social factors in behavior.

This course focuses on the diversity of the population of the United States with an emphasis on North Carolina. Students are introduced to the concepts of prejudice, discrimination, oppression and social and economic injustice and to the processes by which these are imposed upon some populations based on age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender, sex, and/or sexual orientation. Methods to combat prejudice, discrimination, and oppression and to restore social justice will be considered.

Formerly titled Abnormal Psychology, this course is a study of the major forms of behavioral pathology and current therapies. Topics covered include anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, affective disorders, schizophrenic disorders, and chronic brain syndromes.

Trauma & Crisis Intervention will provide foundational understanding of the impact of psychological trauma including the neurophysiological alterations associated with trauma with a special attention and focus on Trauma Informed Care (TIC). The ABC Model of Crisis Intervention will serve as the framework for introducing foundational knowledge & skills required to intervene with individuals who are experiencing psychological crises.

This course introduces students to Substance Use Disorders and Addiction treatments by examining co-occurring psychiatric disorders as the norm with substance use disorders and addictions. With DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, the 2014 ACA code of ethics, and 2016 CACREP standards integrated throughout the course, students will gain a foundation of understanding and explore treatment options in the field. Students will conceptualize treatment of substance use disorders, build knowledge of common clinical work integrated in addictions counseling, and ascertain ethical and advocacy related challenges encountered by social work professionals.

This course will provide an overview of the field of Forensic Psychology, which investigates the intersection of psychology with the law and criminal-legal systems. Topics will include: hindsight bias, discrimination and discriminatory intent, witness memory and testimony, police psychology, false confessions, jury psychology, competency to stand trial, forensic assessment, correctional psychology, and mass incarceration, among others. This course targets students with background and interests in psychology, social work, and criminal justice fields.