Psychology

Morton's Psychology courses allow students to study human and animal behavior and explore human emotions and motives.

Specific courses examine the psychological development of individuals in childhood and adolescence and in a social context. Abnormal Psychology explores various psychological disorders and methods designed to improve mental health.

Courses

Students study psychology as a science, personality, heredity, environment, intelligence and sensory and perception abilities to gain a better understanding of the person. Lecture three hours per week. Course applies to the IAI General Education Core Curriculum Social/Behavioral Science package. Prerequisite: College level reading and writing skills are highly recommended.

Students learn how individuals think about, are influenced by and relate to others in their social environment. Topics include the links among attitudes, judgments and behavior; influence, persuasion and conformity; attraction, altruism and aggression. Lecture three hours per week. Course applies to the IAI General Education Core Curriculum Social/Behavioral Science package. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or PSY 101, or permission of instructor.

This course explores symptoms and causes of various psychological disorders. Objectives include defining normality, understanding the influence environment, genetics and personality characteristics have on human behavior, analyzing the major personality theories, learning about anxiety disorders, personality disorders, sexual disorders, addiction, major mental disorders and looking at therapeutic methods designed to improve mental health. This course applies to one or more IAI majors. See an Academic Advisor for details. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of instructor.

This course examines the current knowledge of the physical, psychological and social development of children from prenatal to early adolescence. It investigates innate and environmental influences and compares the latest major theories with students' observations and experiences with children. Lecture three hours per week. This course applies to the IAI General Education Core Curriculum Social/Behavioral Science package. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of instructor.

Adolescent psychology examines the physical, intellectual, emotional and social developmental patterns observed from puberty to adulthood. Various psychological theories concerning adolescence and research will be reviewed. Course topics include self-identity, family roles and interactions, social relationships, values, gender and intelligence. This course applies to the IAI General Education Core Curriculum Social/Behavioral Science package. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

Students explore the emotional, social, cognitive, neurobiological and physical milestones of childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. This course emphasizes human developmental stages, developmental research methods and patterns of adjustment to differing lifetime demands. Theories and principles of human development are examined in light of contemporary research. This course applies to the IAI General Education Core Curriculum Social/Behavioral Science package. Prerequisite: PSY 101.