The focus of this course is on the societal definitions and impact of abnormal and deviant behavior, and what is considered psychopathology. It examines both how mental illness is recognized and regarded, and how its treatment may vary, in different societies and cultures. It deals with major disorders and personality syndromes considered to be abnormal or deviant and examines the various etiologic factors known or believed to play a role in each of the disorders, considering them from varying perspectives, such as psychoanalytic, cognitive behavioral, biological, and humanistic.

This capstone course in applied psychology requires students to integrate the knowledge and skills gained from other courses in the program and to demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge to new subject matter and practical situations. Students will complete an independent project that requires conducting scholarly research on a chosen topic, critically evaluating the relevant literature, and synthesizing peer-reviewed sources into a scientific paper that conforms to APA formatting standards. Students will become familiar with the APA ethical standards regarding human research, and students choosing to conduct an empirical study collecting data from human participants will be required to undergo a review and approval process by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. NOTE: Students who were admitted to the college before Fall 2019 and have remained active in their original catalog year are not required to take IDIS 601.

Psychology as a behavioral science; its theoretical and applied aspects. Includes research methods, behavioral neuroscience, sensation and perception, cognition, learning, development, personality, psychopathology, and social psychology. To experience actively the nature of psychological research students have an opportunity to participate in a variety of studies as part of a laboratory experience.

The study of how humans (and some other animals) sense and perceive their environment. Topics include seeing (vision), hearing (audition), tasting (gustation), smelling (olfaction), feeling (somatosensation), and the variety of state-of-the-art methods used by psychologists to study these senses. Illusions and other sensory and perceptual phenomena are treated.