Course Descriptions
Psychology ● Sociology ● History ● Geography ● Anthropology ● Political Science
Psychology
PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
Survey of the art and science of human behavior. Topics include
research methods and statistics, biological bases of behavior,
history of psychology, perception, learning and cognitive
processes, motivation, assessment, personality, social psychology,
and application of psychological principles to everyday life.
PSY 180 - Special Topics (1-3 credits)
Topics which meet the special interests and needs of students.
PSY 202 - Theories of Personality (3 credits)
Major theories of personality: psychoanalytic, behavioristic,
humanistic, and transpersonal psychology. Major controversies
between different theoretical positions: contributions/limitations
of each. Experiential component is used to help students relate
theories and concepts to their own personality development, life
experiences. Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 204 - Social Psychology (3 credits)
The scientific study of interpersonal behavior, including verbal
and nonverbal communication, aggression and altruism,
interpersonal attractions and group dynamics, brainwashing and
prejudice, gender roles, and political psychology.
PSY 205 - Wholistic Wellness (3 credits)
Conceptual and experiential exploration of physical,
metal/emotional, spiritual aspects of the whole person. Emphasis
on personal responsibility for successful and healthy living.
PSY 206 - Seminar in Group Process and Interpersonal Skills (3
credits)
Intellectual and experiential study of group dynamics and
interpersonal skills with a problem-solving focus.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 211 - Introduction to Parenting (1 credit)
Principles and theories of child-rearing practices; varieties of
parenting styles and their effects. Interdependence of
child-parent interactions; influence of parent-child relationship
across the lifespan.
PSY 212 - Parent Education (2 credits)
Continuation of PSY 211, including the effects of parenting on
personality development and gender role socialization. Adapting
parental attitudes and techniques to fit the needs of the next
generation. Prerequisite: PSY 101, PSY 211
PSY 213 - Stress Management (3 credits)
Systematic exploration of the origins and management of
stress, including its healthful functions. Recognition of signs of
distress in various disguise, and mastery of relaxation
techniques. Interaction between stress and personality variables,
and effects of attitudes on stress responses. Application of
principles of stress management to job, family life, and social
contexts. Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 214 - Health Psychology (3 credits)
A systematic exploration of the interface between psychology,
medicine, and stress management. Knowledge and techniques from
each area will be applied towards understanding the prevention,
early diagnosis, and effective treatment of stress-related
disorders such as chronic pain and heart disease.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 220 - Research Methods and Statistics I (3 credits)
The scientific method as applied to psychology and the social
sciences, including the goals and limitations of objectivity,
advantages and disadvantages of various research methodologies,
and evaluation of research outcomes. Includes design of simple
research projects and statistical decision making. Prerequisite:
PSY 101, PSY 220
PSY 221 - Research Methods and Statistics II (3 credits)
Advanced methods in research including factorial and repeated
measures designs. Inferential statistics including repeated
measures Analysis of Variance, multiple regression, and factor
analysis. Major emphasis is placed on program evaluation and other
applied research. Prerequisite: PSY 101, PSY 220
PSY 274 - Life-Span Development (3 credits)
Basic development theories, concepts and principles of human
growth and development as applied throughout the entire life span;
physical, intellectual emotional, social, and spiritual
development; needs of the individual; research procedures for
developmental research. Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 290 - Independent Study (1-4 credits)
Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 300 - Psychology of Gender (3 credits)
What it means to be a woman or a man in a changing society;
how people experience gender role stereotyping and its
consequences; support systems and strategies for growth. Special
issues include: achievement, mental health, and gender equity.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 301 - Psychology of Abnormal Behavior (3 credits)
History of mental illness and its treatment; concepts of
normality and deviance; assessment of symptoms of mental disorders
and underlying physiological and environmental causes; the
subjective phenomenology of emotional distress and its role in
human growth and development. Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 302 - Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)
Historical and contemporary research in the study of human
cognition, including the processes of attention, perception,
thinking, memory, and learning. The traditional, experimental
approach to cognitive psychology will be supplemented by a
broader, more inclusive and integrative perspective emphasizing
clinical and philosophical applications. Prerequisite: PSY
101
PSY 303 - Biopsychology (3 credits)
Biological correlation of psychology processes, including
brain anatomy and physiology, and hormonal influences. Special
topics involving body-mind interaction will be explored such as
temperament, circadian rhythms, sleep and dreaming, eating
behavior, and psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 370 - Adult Development and Aging (3 credits)
Physical, social, and cognitive changes with age, from early
adulthood until death. Emphasizes interaction of the family and
cultural settings with the individual to produce change over time.
Issues include long term health care, intergenerational conflict
over resources, marriage through the lifespan, and mid-life
crisis. Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 375 - Child Growth and Development (3 credits)
Development of the child from infancy to adolescence;
obstacles to healthy development; intervention strategies and
resources. Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 376 - Adolescent Psychology (3 credits)
Nature of adolescence; intellectual, physical, social,
emotional and moral development; obstacles to healthy development;
intervention strategies and resources. Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 380 - Special Topics (1-3 credits)
Topics which meet the special interest and needs of students.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 400 - Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 credits)
Overview of the theories, techniques and research applications
of various schools of counseling and psychotherapy. Traditional
approaches complemented with new assessment procedures, and
practical applications of counseling principles to contemporary
life. Prerequisite: PSY 101, PSY 301
PSY 401 - Theory & Practice of Family Therapy (3 credits)
Historical evolution of family therapy; comparison of family
system theories with individual theories of therapy, examination
of the underlying assumptions, theories, and techniques of the
various schools within the field of family therapy. Prerequisite:
PSY 101, PSY 400
PSY 443 - Curriculum and Methods Psychology (6-12 credits)
Principles of curriculum development; instructional
methodology, instructional resources, middle and high school
levels. Same as HIS 443. Prerequisite: Senior standing
PSY 450 - Field Practicum (2 credits)
Practical, applied experience in a field setting related to
student’s career goals in psychology. An opportunity to apple
academic knowledge in an institutional setting with guidance and
problem solving resources available. Instructor approval needed.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 453 - Student Teaching Psychology 6 – 9 (2-12 credits)
Teaching experience in an approved meddle school. Same as HIS
453
PSY 454 - Student Teaching Psychology 9 – 12 (2-12 credits)
Teaching experience in an approved high school. Same as HIS
454
PSY 459 - Internship (3-12 credits)
Applied on-the-job experience in an approved,
psychology-related organization. Prerequisite: PSY 101 and
Junior standing
PSY 480 - Special Topics (1-3 credits)
Topics which meet the special interest and needs of students.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
PSY 490 - Independent Study (1-4 credits)
Prerequisite: PSY 101
Sociology
SOC 101 - Introductory Sociology (3 credits)
Culture, social structure, group organization and
disorganization. The social process and deviance. Inequities of
class, race, gender and religion, political and economic power.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 201 - Social Welfare Policy and Services (3 credits)
Study of the philosophical, social, economic, and political
determinants of social welfare policies and institutions in the
United States, including historical background and contemporary
fields of service. The general method of social work is introduced
an human diversity is emphasized. Particular attention is paid to
the development of the profession and its relationship to larger
social, economic, and political issues. Prerequisite: PSY
101 or SOC 101
SOC 210 - Introduction to Family Studies (3 credits)
Historical and cross-cultural perspectives of the structure,
roles, and definitions of the family. Family stress, coping, and
adaptation. The continuum between healthy and dysfunctional
families. Changing patterns of roles and relationships within the
family, and the interface of the family with other social
institutions. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 250 - Community Action Practicum (1 credit)
Designed as a companion course to SOC 289. The student will
work a minimum of 30 hours in a community field setting of his/her
choosing which will provide a service learning experience An
on-site supervisor must available for guidance. Requires
concurrent or prior registration in SOC 289. May be repeated for
credit. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 289 - Community Action Seminar (2 credits)
Intellectual and experimental study of local as well as
larger-scale community problems and solutions with an emphasis on
effective information-seeking, teamwork, and individual and small
group process skills appropriate to community-based action
research. Requires concurrent registration in SOC 289.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 300 - Family Law and Social Policy (3 credits)
Analysis of American laws directly affecting the welfare of
family with emphasis on legal institutions and processes; logical
social rights and responsibilities of family members; historical
overview of social policy formation, current problems, policy
issues, and proposals in social welfare programs. Prerequisite:
PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 301 - Social Work Methods I (3 credits)
The first course in the social work methods sequence
introduces the students to beginning utilization of the generalist
method in social work practice, including its contexts, processes
and stages. Using approaches practiced by generalist social
workers (including the ecological systems approach), application
of the generalist methods with individuals, couples, and families
in modifying environments, improving relationships, and enhancing
individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral
functioning are explored. Based upon an ecological framework,
attention is also paid to providing culturally appropriate social
work practices. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 302 - Social Work Methods II (3 credits)
The second course in the social work methods sequence
continues to introduce the students to beginning utilization of
generalist methods in social work practice, with a particular
emphasis on interventions for groups, communities and
organizations. Based upon an ecological framework, attention
continues to be paid to providing culturally appropriate social
work practices. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 304 - Conflict Resolution (3 credits)
A comparative and experiential study of innovative practical
techniques for identifying, managing, and resolving conflicts on
levels from interpersonal to international. Prerequisite:
PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 372 - Leadership-Work and Service (3 credits)
An examination of the nature of leadership as conventionally
defined, and defined in a way that embraces services to goals
beyond profit and self-satisfaction. How leadership, especially
“servant leadership” which involves work towards social justice
and equality of opportunity for all people, can emerge from all
aspects of out lives. Includes experiential exercises emphasizing
critical thinking and self-analysis. Prerequisite: PSY 101
or SOC 101
SOC 373 - Cultural Diversity in the U.S.A. (3 credits)
An examination of the historical and contemporary perspectives
of cultural diversity in the U.S., covering a study of cultural
similarities and differences and their impact on economic,
political, and social issues. Same as HIS 373. Prerequisite:
PSY 101 or SOC 101
Anthropology
ANT 101 - Anthropology (3 credits)
Overview of the discipline of anthropology; examination of
human biological and cultural variability and the development of
human social institutions.
Geography
GEO 101 - Regional Geography (3 credits)
Regional analysis of the world from special, physical and
cultural perspectives.
GEO 370 - Conservation Biology (3 credits)
An examination of the diversity of the world’s biota together
with discussion of major issues affecting the conservation of
biological diversity. Content integrated with Biology. Same as BIO
370. Interactive lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: General
Biology
GEO 480 - Special Topics (1-3 credits)
Field of interest related to geography.
History
HIS 201 - World Civilization I (3 credits)
Exploration of major themes and developments in shaping global
history from the Renaissance to contemporary times.
HIS 202 - World Civilization II (3 credits)
Exploration of major themes and developments in shaping global
history from the Renaissance to contemporary times.
HIS 203 - United States History I (3 credits)
United States history from colonial times to the end of the
Civil War. Special emphasis is given to the great public issues:
constitution making, slavery, the Civil War, economic regulation
and foreign policy. This course is designed to integrate with
World History.
HIS 204 - United States History II (3 credits)
Emphasis on key political, social, diplomatic and cultural
themes as the United States emerged as a diverse industrial world
power in the years since the Civil War.
HIS 205 - Modern Historical Movements (3 credits)
This course traces important ideas, trends and developments in
global cultures from the dawn of the modern era (1450) to the
present. Philosophical, intellectual and religious questions are
addressed through a chronological approach to the analysis of the
origins, development and contemporary influence of the movements
of highest priority.
HIS 273 - World Religions (3 credits)
Eastern and Western: The historical development and the basic
creed, code and cult of the major eastern and western religions.
This course is designed to provide an understanding of cultural
diversity and a global perspective.
HIS 301 - Latin American Civilization (3 credits)
Historical perspective of Latin American countries.
HIS 302 - History of American Film (3 credits)
This course considers a key aspect of United States cultural
history: the emergence and development of film as a mode of
cultural and artistic expression, and the impact of film on
American society.
HIS 313 - Spanish Civilization (3 credits)
A study of the history, culture, art and literature of Spain.
HIS 370 - Religion in American (3 credits)
Religious experiences in the United States: history, creed,
code, and worship of different religions in America from Colonial
times to the present: insights into today’s religious culture in
the United States. (Same as RLS 370)
HIS 372 - United States Labor History (3 credits)
Inquiry, analysis, and research relating to working people in
the United States; the origins of the American labor movement;
organized labor; unorganized workers; contemporary issues
involving American’s workers.
HIS 373 - Cultural Diversity in the U.S.A. (3 credits)
An examination of the historical and contemporary perspectives
of cultural diversity in the U.S., covering a study of cultural
similarities and differences and their impact on economic,
political and social issues. Same as SOC 373.
HIS 400 - Historiography (3 credits)
Overview of key philosophical, theoretical, and methodological
aspects of historical study. Includes attention to research
techniques and skills, role of bias in interpretation, specific
historical models, and schools of thought. Prerequisite: Junior
HIS 443 - Curriculum and Methods History and Social Science 6 –
12 (2 credits)
Principles of curriculum development; instructional
methodology, instructional resources, middle and high school
levels. Same as PSY 443. Prerequisite: Senior standing
HIS 453 - Student Teaching History and Social Science 6 - 9
(2-12 credits)
Teaching experience in an approved middle level school. Same
as PSY 453
HIS 454 - Student Teaching History and Social Science 9 – 12
(2-12 credits)
Teaching experience in an approved high school. Same as PSY
454
HIS 459 - Career Intern Experience (3-12 credits)
Practical work in related fields directed by faculty and
appropriate field supervisor.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
HIS 480 - Special Topics (1-3 credits)
Fields of interest in history.
HIS 490 - Directed Readings (3 credits)
Independent readings and research in an area of special
interest not covered by other courses.
Political Science
PLS 102 - United States Government: National, State and
Local (3 credits)
Basic governmental theory and structure in operation on the
national, states and local levels.
PLS 201 - Wisconsin: Heritage and Government (3 credits)
An overview of Wisconsin geography, history and contemporary
governmental structure and operation. Includes focus on basic
principles of geography and political science.
PLS 480 - Special Topics (1-3 credits)
Fields of interest in political science.
For more information on the Social Sciences & History Department and its programs please contact Valerie Grissom at (920) 686-6220 or vgrissom@silver.sl.edu
