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Psychology
PY211 Developmental Psychology 3 credits
This course explores the study of growth and development across the life span. Students are introduced
to the reciprocal nature of biological, cognitive, social and cultural factors on the developing person.
This is a research-based introduction to understanding the expression of development in everyday life
as it extends to family, friendship, youth ministry, school, neighborhood, sports, health care, and social
services. Prerequisite: PY111.
PY220 Abnormal Psychology 4 credits
This course investigates the dynamics of abnormal behavior. Disorders manifested in childhood and
adolescence, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, somatoform disorders, mood
disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, sexual disorder, and dependence, violence and abuse, and
personality disorders are studied. Etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, research, prevention and therapy
are considered. The interactions among biological, psychological, social and cultural factors are
emphasized. Prerequisite: PY111.
PY270 Multicultural Psychology: Understanding our Diverse Communities 3 credits
This course examines culture’s influence on human behavior with particular emphasis on multiculturism in
a global Lasallian context. Primary significance is on bridging core values of Lasallian heritages and mission
with traditional and contemporary theories in cross-cultural psychology. Particular attention is devoted
to discovering how the contributions of Saint John Baptist de La Salle can be utilized to enhance our
understanding of teaching and learning and the ways that culture impacts the dynamic interplay among
family, friendship, emotions, language, education, spirituality and personality. Prerequisites: Psychology
majors: PY111; non-declared and/or non-psychology majors: an introductory course in Human Systems.
PY290 Experimental Psychology and Statistics 3 credits
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills associated
with research, including: reading research, collecting data, interpreting data analysis, and reporting
results. Emphasis is placed on experimental design (e.g., comparisons among experimental and nonexperimental
approaches, threats to internal and external validity), interpretation of statistics (e.g.,
descriptive statistics, correlation, one and two-way ANOVA), reporting results, and research ethics.
Prerequisites: PY111 and either ST132 or ST232.
PY291-297 Special Topics in Psychology
1 credit
These courses are designed to provide an opportunity to survey and discuss current trends and meet
special need of students. Often the course includes both a theoretical and experimental emphasis.
Topics vary from year to year depending on student and faculty interest. Perquisites vary; consent of
instructor is required.
PY298 Field Exploration 1-3 credits
Students participate in a professional experience related to their particular interests under faculty
supervision. This hands on experience should average ten hours or more per week, dependent upon the
number of credits. Graded P/NC. Prerequisites: PY111 and consent of the instructor and chair.
PY299 Collaborative Research I 1 credit
In this course, students join a research team to explore an on-going research question. Each student is
involved in literature review, hypothesis generation, research design, data collection, data analysis, and
interpretation. Students join the team at whatever stage the project is at. Each student experiences all
stages of the research process, but at times these are not in the order described above, and may not
include each step of the research in any given semester. Graded pass/no credit. Prerequisites: PY111 and
consent of the instructor.
PY300-302 Collaborative Research II-IV
1 credit
In this course, students continue with a research team to explore an on-going research question. Each
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