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Welcome to Psychology!

The American Psychological Association defines psychology as the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental healthcare services, "the understanding of behavior" is the enterprise of psychologists.

 The department also offers a wide range of psychology courses that fulfill requirements for many academic majors on campus.

Psychology Course Descriptions

PSY 1100 – GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Introduction to psychology as a science. Topics covered in this survey course include: historical background, fields and divisions, scientific methods, biological underpinnings of thought and behavior, learning and memory.

Flexible Core: Scientific World (Group E)

PSY 2400 – PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN YOUNG CHILDREN (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Psychological disorders in young children and the practices required to deal with them in educational settings. The problems and needs of children with behavioral, emotional, intellectual, developmental and sensory disabilities are studied. The causes, diagnostic, therapeutic and educational interventions with teaching methods are reviewed for each category based upon principles learned in introductory and developmental psychology courses. New York State mandated two -hour session on recognizing and reporting child abuse is included. Prerequisite: PSY 3000 or PSY 3200

PSY 2800 – CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGICAL VIEWPOINTS (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Trends in contemporary psychological theories, including the shift from psychology as a natural science to a human science. The roles of evolutionary psychology, cognitive constructivism, and feminist theories and their historical and cultural contexts as they affect human consciousness.

Prerequisite: PSY1100

PSY 3000 – CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Human growth and development from conception through adolescence, including physical, cognitive and psycho-social domains. The effects on development of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and disability will be examined.

Not open to students who have completed PSY 3200.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100

Flexible Core: Individual and Society (Group D)

PSY 3200 – HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Human development from infancy through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Intellectual growth, personal and social adjustment, the relationship between physical and mental development, and typical problems in various stages of the life-cycle. 
Not open to students who have completed PSY 3000.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100

Flexible Core: Individual and Society (Group D)

PSY 3300 – SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Social psychology is the study of the effect of others (real, imagined, and perceived) on individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Topics will include the science of social psychology, social cognition, self and identity, social perception, attitudes, persuasion, social influence, group dynamics, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, aggression, prosocial behaviors, attraction and close relationships, and applications of social psychology to health, law, and business. All learning outcomes for a traditional social psychology course will be satisfied.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100

Flexible Core: Individual and Society (Group D)

PSY 3400 – PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

An examination of the phenomenon of personality including psychodynamic, social-cognitive, and contemporary neurobiological perspectives. Topics include personality development, typology, pathology, growth, and the construction of meaning.
Prerequisite: PSY 1100

PSY 3500 – EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Current scientific theory and research relating to formal learning environments including: process of human learning, concept-formation, language affecting acquisition and retention, new approaches to motivate and direct learning, new methods of organizing and transmitting information and knowledge.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100

PSY 3600 – ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Concepts of normality and abnormality, and significant theoretical contributions to personality disorganization. Historical factors and current trends in the field of Mental Health and causes of behavioral disorders are discussed in terms of the impact of social, cultural, genetic and other factors. Survey of treatment methods included.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100

Flexible Core: Individual and Society (Group D)

PSY 3700 – PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Study of psychological factors specifically related to women and men, including traditional and current models of femininity and masculinity in social, occupational, and sex roles. There will be a focus on current and historical controversial issues in men's and women's lives, with discussion about the nature and development of gender roles, relationships and sexuality, and stereotypes about gender and behavior specifically. Male and female student experiences will be used to address the ways in which gender is constructed in our society. Students will be encouraged to engage in self -reflection and critical thinking to help support, or refute, theories presented.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100

Flexible Core: Individual and Society (Group D)

PSY 4100 – Psychology of Immigration (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

This course examines the psychological impact of immigration, how immigrants navigate in American society, and how they contribute to America’s diversity. This course will provide students a brief overview of our postcolonial history, cultural genocide in residential schools, the problem with the Model Minority Myth, developmental problems in satellite babies, stigma of mental illness among immigrant communities, the role of culture and food, living as migrant workers, the meaning of citizenship, feeling safe in an age of xenophobia, and the importance of immigrants supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Students who take this class will have a better understanding of the role of immigration, lived experiences of immigrants, civic engagement, and cultural competence.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100

Flexible Core: US Experience in its Diversity (Group B)

PSY 4200 - Psychology and Political Activism (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

In recent years, multiple crises (political, economic, health, climate) have led to mass protests and social movements. This activism has won reforms and shifted public consciousness. To understand these processes, this course examines the connection between psychology and political activism. We will learn developmental and social psychological theories about the connection between mind and society. We apply these theories to psychological experiences of oppression, alienation, and solidarity. We will explore how movements transform attitudes of participants, supporters, and even opponents. We connect psychology to struggles for racial, educational, gender/sexuality, and disability justice, and workers’ power. We will engage our campus, communities, and NYC through an activist psychological lens.

Prerequisite: PSY 1100

Flexible Core: Individual and Society (Group D)

PSY 81XX – INDEPENDENT STUDY (1 -3 crs. 1-3 hrs.)

Independent study of psychology is developed individually between student and faculty member and must be approved by the Department.

PSY 82XX – (1 -3 crs. 1-3 hrs.)

This course is of a topical and pilot nature and is designed to meet the immediate needs and interests of various student populations. It is offered for a maximum of two semesters