Psychology (PSY)

Students who enroll in psychology courses must have placed in ENGL 101 and are encouraged to either have completed ENGL 101 or be enrolled in that course when scheduling a psychology course.

Note: Courses taught at a distance (Distance Learning [DL]) may have a higher lab fee than traditionally taught courses.

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
This introductory course provides an overview of the origins, growth, content and applications of psychology, including the application of the scientific method to the following topics: research methodology; beginning statistics; theories of physical, cognitive, moral and emotional development; sensation; perception; learning; motivation; intelligence; memory; personality; coping processes; abnormality; adjustment; and the individual in small groups and a pluralistic society. In addition to traditional classes, students have the option of taking a Web-based version or a video-based version (telecourse) of the course. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Students who take the video-based version (telecourse) may view the one-half hour video segments of the course on the Educable channel, at the College library, or rent copies of the videotapes. Course content in distance learning (DL) courses is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00 Telecourse lab fee: $25.00

PSY 135 Psychology of Adjustment (A, W, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course examines psychological factors that influence individual growth, development and behavior. Current theoretical approaches to understanding and achieving self-awareness, application of conditioning and motivation techniques to behavior modification, group dynamics, methods of self-help, and methods of improving interpersonal communications and relationships are investigated.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 200 Educational Psychology (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
This course offers students interested in becoming teachers an opportunity to consider practical, education-related applications of basic introductory psychology concepts. Teaching and learning topics include effective teaching skills; classroom management; the cognitive, social, and emotional development of learners; learner diversity; teacher- and student-centered instructional approaches; assessment of student learning; learning theories; creating optimal learning environments; student motivation; and the technology revolution in education. Methods may include interactive small group work, team presentations, educator communication skill building exercises, and computer lab experiences, including beginning training to use educational databases and Microsoft PowerPoint software. A distance-learning (DL) version of Educational Psychology is available. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100 and placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 201 Field Based Experience in Educational Psychology (On Demand)

1 to 3 credits
PSY 201 is an independent study course that offers teaching aides and other employed, screened, and insured individuals who work in the schools an opportunity to reflect in writing and discussion on the learning and teaching theories and practices studied in Educational Psychology 200. Twelve hours of observation/work in the schools are required each week for 10 weeks for each hour of credit earned. Only students who have successfully completed Educational Psychology 200 or who are currently enrolled in PSY 200 may take PSY 201. Each student meets face-to-face with his or her course instructor a minimum of four times per quarter.
Lecture: 0 hours – Lab: 0 hours – Field Experience: 12 hours per credit hour
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100 and placement into ENGL 101
Corequisite: PSY 200
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 220 Psychology of Personality  (On Demand)           
5 credits
Psychology of Personality is an exploration of major personality theories (trait, biological, psychodynamic, humanistic, socio-cultural, behavioristic, social learning, and cognitive) and current research on related psychological processes. It will include examination of the structure, dynamics, development, and assessment of personality using research and clinical evidence. Lecture: 5 hours – Lab 0 hours
Prerequisites: PSY 100  
Lab fee: $7.00

PSY 230 Abnormal Psychology (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
Abnormal Psychology presents the basic concepts of abnormalities as defined by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The course focuses on classification schemes of diagnoses and looks at descriptive terms and symptoms. Research, major perspectives and myths in the field of mental health are examined. A distance-learning (DL) version of Abnormal Psychology is available. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100 and placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 240 Human Growth and Development through the Life Span (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

4 credits
This course surveys developmental change from conception to death. The following stages of human growth and development are covered: conception and prenatal growth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, old age, and death. This course focuses on physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. A distance-learning (DL) version of Human Growth and Development through the Life Span is available. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail account, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100 and placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 245 Children with Exceptionalities (A, SP)

5 credits
This course is an introductory course that offers teachers, teaching assistants and students interested in becoming teachers an opportunity to study both the characteristics of children with special needs and the educational practices and programs that work to meet these learners’ needs in inclusive settings. Course topics include causes, prevalence and assessment of specific exceptionalities; historic and current theories, issues, trends, legal rights and responsibilities in special education; student placement and service options; teaching strategies, modifications and accommodations; classroom organization and management; and professional and home-school collaboration for lifelong learning.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100 and placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 251 Adolescent Psychology (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
This course examines human development from puberty to young adulthood from a variety of perspectives. The course emphasizes the physical, cognitive, moral, identity and career development of adolescents in contemporary society. Although the emphasis is on major theories of development and the normal development sequence, problems arising at this stage, and means of dealing with these problems, will be addressed. Topics to be covered include education, academic performance and cognitive development; variations in physical and sexual maturation; social, emotional and moral development; parent-child relationships; identity and self-image; work and leisure behavior; and transition to adulthood and independence. A distance-learning (DL) version of Adolescent Psychology is available. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail account, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100 and placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 261 Introduction to Child Development (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
This course examines the nature, nurture and development of children from conception through middle childhood. The traditional child development approach is used with emphasis upon physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development. Observation of children is an integral part of the course. A distance-learning (DL) version of Introduction to Child Development is available. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100 and placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 267 Social Psychology (A, W, SP, SU)

5 credits
This course provides an overview of the origins, growth, content and interaction of individuals in social settings, including the application of the scientific method and cultural influence to the following topics: attitudes and attitude change, attribution, social identity (self and gender), social perception (understanding others), social cognition (thinking about others and their social environment), prejudice and discrimination, nonverbal communication, obedience to authority, conformity, aggression, prosocial behavior, interpersonal attraction and behavior in groups.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in PSY 100 and placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 290 Capstone Experience in Psychology (On Demand)

3 credits
This course is for students completing the two-year Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree who have a special interest in continuing a baccalaureate degree program in psychology. The course presents a basic introduction to psychology research that students apply in researching a social science topic of interest. Course requirements include the assembly of a portfolio that covers student’s academic career at Columbus State Community College and participation in summative testing of academic skills. Open only to Associate of Arts or Associate of Science students preparing to graduate within two academic quarters.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite: Completion of Associate of Arts or Associate of Science core requirements, at least 75 hours toward the degree, and five credit hours in psychology
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 293 Independent Study in Psychology (On Demand)

1 - 5 credits
PSY 293 is an individual, student-structured course that examines a selected topic in psychology through intensive reading or research. The independent study elective permits a student to pursue his/her interests within the context of a faculty-guided program.
Lecture: 1 to 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and the chairperson and one course in psychology
Lab fee: $5.00

PSY 299 Special Topics in Psychology (On Demand)

1 - 5 credits
PSY 299 allows students to examine, in detail, selected topics of interest in psychology.
Lecture: 1 to 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Varies
Lab fee: $5.00