Psychology
Bachelor’s Degree Program for Tennessee Residents

In this course students will be introduced to the career paths available to an individual with a degree in psychology. Students will learn the skills crucial for professional life after graduation and they will develop a plan to cultivate and market these skills.

This course examines the development that occurs between conception and the prepubescent period. Biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors that influence development will be considered.

This course examines various theories of personality. Theories covered will include psychoanalytic, cognitive, developmental, biological and humanistic. Students will consider the research and application of the selected theories.

This course examines the factors that promote health behaviors as well as the barriers that prevent individuals from engaging in these behaviors.  Emphasis will be placed on application of materials.

This course examines how psychological theory can be utilized to enhance well-being. Research on topics such as grit, mindfulness, flow, affective forecasting and positive relationships will be considered.

This course examines how the individual behaves in a social environment. Topics such as groups, stereotypes, attitudes and social influence will be considered.

In this course students will be introduced to statistical analyses including measures of central tendency, t-tests, ANOVAs, correlations, regressions and nonparametric tests. Practical application will be emphasized.

This course examines gender as a psychological construct. The biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors that influence gender development will be considered. Implications of gender roles will be discussed.

This course examines the research and theory related to cognitive processes. Topics discussed will include sensation and perception, memory, language and learning.

This course examines the major categories of psychological disorders. Emphasis will be placed on symptomatology, etiology and diagnosis.

This course examines how psychological constructs influence close relationships. Topics discussed will include attachment theory, communication styles, attraction and love. Emphasis will be placed on intimate relationships.

This course examines test construction and use. Topics discussed will include reliability, validity, ethics and bias.

Students will be introduced to the field of forensic psychology. Topics discussed will include expert testimony, evaluation and punishment of criminals as well as the role of mental health. Students will also examine landmark cases in the field of forensic psychology.

This course introduces the principles and practices of effective written communication. Topics include writing for various audiences and purposes, using the writing process to develop and maintain unity and coherence, and incorporating research into written work. Critical thinking in the writing and reading processes will also be covered and may include addressing assumptions underlying an argument, using sound logic in support of claims, including evidence relevant to the purpose and position of the document, refuting counterarguments, analyzing information, and synthesizing information from multiple sources.

This course introduces students to the process of conducting research, integrating research into written work, and understanding information literacy as a sociocultural phenomenon.  The research process involves assessing the rhetorical situation, engaging in preliminary research, developing research questions, taking stock of current knowledge, identifying gaps in current knowledge, using appropriate search tools and strategies, critically reading and evaluating information, and refining search strategies as necessary.  Integrating sources into written work involves understanding why, when, and how to use and document sources.  Microsoft Word will be used to format documents according to APA standards. Understanding information literacy as a sociocultural phenomenon involves identifying barriers to entering scholarly conversations and examining the way various cultures view information as a commodity, means of education, means to influence, and a means of negotiating and understanding the world. 

The course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to develop speaking and presentation skills in a variety of situations. Topics include the elements and structure of various speech types, techniques for strong delivery, the importance of audience awareness, incorporation of research-based evidence as support for a thesis, and effective use of presentation aids.  Students will practice listening skills by reviewing speeches. 

This course requires students to analyze discourse communities, execute a well-designed academic research project, apply reading strategies to academic texts, and use texts as models for writing.  Analyzing discourse communities involves identifying how communication conventions change in different contexts.  Designing and executing an academic research project involves formulating research questions, conducting primary and/or secondary research, synthesizing ideas from multiple sources, discussing findings, and presenting the results in APA format.  Applying reading strategies to academic texts involves using a process for reading, identifying text features, evaluating sources, and organizing reading notes.  Using texts as models for writing involves analyzing and imitating the scope, structure, methods, use of evidence, and tone common to academic writing.

This course will explore the construction, evolution, and application of categories and stereotypes related to the concept of the "other."  Students will study discrimination, or "othering," and how it operates in our contemporary culture among members of marginalized groups, including the categories of ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and inclusivity.  In addition, students will explore cultural diversity in a global context. In order to understand what it means to be human, students will analyze relevant historical and contemporary cultural texts through the lens of the Humanities to examine the importance of embracing cultural difference.  Cultural texts may include: works of literature, drama, and poetry; music; theatre; film; advertisement; visual art; architecture; and more.

This course allows students to explore the ways in which history, visual art, religion, literature, ideas, and music have shaped and continue to shape human experience.  Students will engage with a variety of humanities texts and engage in reflective writing which analyzes their own experience within a sociocultural context.  Students may also study the development of ideas related to philosophy and critical thinking about the individual and society.

This course builds on Introduction to Humanities and continues exploring how visual art, philosophy, music, religion, literature, and modern popular culture influence the formation of the individual and the cultural beliefs and social values evident in the world around us.  Students will use analysis skills to examine artifacts of popular culture from multiple perspectives, including examples from among these possible areas of analysis: social media and cyber-culture, popular music, contemporary literature, film, television, magazines, videos, advertising, and graphic novels.

This course covers topics of algebra including linear functions, equations, inequalities, systems of equations in two variables, polynomial functions, quadratic equations, and rational and radical equations.

This course presents the study of basic statistical theory and concepts. Topics include statistical probabilities, measures of central tendency, measures of variation, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation.

This course will introduce a psychological analysis of human behavior. Students will learn to apply a variety of theoretical perspectives in interpreting human behavior. Topics may include: psychological research methods; stages of human development; learning theories; personality; and abnormal psychology.

This course will examine the influence of technological development on American society. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing political, ethical, religious, social, and intellectual implications of technology. Topics may include technologies related to: energy; environmental degradation; human population growth, warfare and law enforcement; personal privacy; artificial intelligence; medicine and bio-genetic engineering.

Environmental literacy is the study of how individuals and society act successfully in daily life to relate to each other and to natural systems, and how they might do so sustainably.    This course will examine how scientific principles are applied to environmental issues. 

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success.  Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.