Riverland Community College

This course introduces the student to general topics in psychology and is designed to provide an overview of the field of psychology and human behavior. Topics include psychology as a behavioral science, the scientific method, biological foundations of behavior, sensation, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, thinking, language, intelligence, motivation, emotion, lifespan development, social psychology, stress and coping, and a brief overview of psychological disorders and therapies.

• MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 7A/HD);

• (4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces basic statistical terminology as well as the principles of statistical measurement associated with behavioral science research methods. Emphases will be placed on appropriate application and interpretation of statistical measures such as: measures of central tendency and variability, probability and distributions, correlation and regression, hypothesis testing, t-tests, analysis of variance, and chi-square tests. Students will also use the statistical software SPSS or another statistical package to independently analyze laboratory data from course assignments. Prerequisites: PSYC 1105 General Psychology with a grade of ‘C’ or higher and MATH 2021 Fundamentals of Statistics with a grade of ‘C’ or higher. College-level reading skills are critical. (MnTC Goal 5/SS and Goal 2/CT; 4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

This course explores human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course is an overview of abnormal behavior and mental illness. The format of the course follows the psychiatric diagnostic scheme of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, (current edition) and includes a discussion of symptoms as well as the possible causes of and treatments for various personality and psychological disorders. Legal and social issues concerning abnormal behavior and psychopathology are also presented.

• MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 7A/HD);

• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course provides an in-depth and comprehensive discussion of how the social environment influences and is influenced by the individual.  Topics include (but are not limited to): conforming behavior, attitudes, persuasion, self-perception, aggression, prejudice, pro-social behavior and interpersonal attraction.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is an introductory college writing course designed to help students develop effective writing skills for college level work.  Students learn to generate ideas and organize them into unified, coherent essays.  Methods of instruction vary, but most sections combine individual conferences and peer review with regular class meetings.  Prerequisites:  A grade of C or higher in ENGL 0960 or appropriate placement score.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of public communication including individual and group presentations.  This course emphasizes audience analysis, organization, content development including topic selection and speaking ethics.  Students will prepare and deliver a variety of both individual and group presentations and demonstrate an ability to apply research from diverse sources.  Students should expect to reduce speech apprehension and develop self-confidence in their ability to communicate in public.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course is an introduction of basic statistical methods including sampling, analyzing a research study, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing of means and proportions, Chi-square, analysis of variance, correlation, and regression. The use of statistical software is included in this course. College-level reading ability in English is strongly recommended. Prerequisite: Math 0660 or appropriate placement in course based on Multiple Measures for Course Placement – Math Decision Band Chart. MnTC (Goals 4/MA and 2/CT); (4 Cr - 4 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces proven strategies and applications to help students achieve greater success in college and in life.  Topics include, but are not limited to, time management, goal setting, learning strategies, critical thinking, communication skills, diversity awareness, health and wellness, college and community resources, and financial planning.  This course introduces students to making choices that promote responsibility, motivation, interdependence, and self-awareness.  Recommended:  Score of 52 or above on test Accuplacer Reading Comprehension.
(1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 lab)

This course provides an overview of the physical and psychological effect of stressors on the individual; the connection between stress, health and disease; and several methods of decreasing the negative effect of stress on the individual’s health.  Each student will be encouraged to identify and explore potential areas of stress in the student’s own life.  In addition, each student will have the opportunity to explore and practice several stress reduction methods that may be adopted into the student’s lifestyle.

(1 Cr - 1 lect, 0 lab)

This course is designed to be an in-depth analysis of psychological phenomenon or issues of current importance to society.  Examples of topics that may be discussed include (but are not limited to):  internet behavior and relationships, sexual deviance, interrogation, terrorism, gender differences, personality and personality disorders, addiction, childhood developmental and psychological disorder, religion and psychopharmacology.  Specific topics for each semester will be chose based on current events and expressed faculty/student interest.  Selected topics may be taken for credit in either PSYC or HSER (see course schedule for sections that have this option available).  Note:  This course may be taken more than once with different topics.

(1-3 Cr – 1-3 lect, 0 lab)

This introductory course explores the various ways in which psychological principles, theories and research are being applied to the legal system.  Students will discuss the application of psychology to forensic populations and situations, including (but not limited to) criminal behavior, crime victims, false confession, interrogation, jury behavior, and eyewitness testimony.

(2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course provides students with an opportunity to experience community engagement work under the supervision of experienced workers.  Students perform 30 hours of field experience as well as attend meetings with the instructor to prepare for and process these experiences.  Students learn to apply psychological concepts and theories in the context of community service projects.  Students will be better prepared for future community service opportunities and gain a lifelong appreciation for civic engagement.  The type of field experience may be arranged by the student but must be approved within the first five days of the semester by the instructor.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 1105 or PSYC 1240 or PSYC 2260.

(1 Cr – 0 lect, 1 lab)

This course provides students with an opportunity to experience community engagement work under the supervision of experienced workers.  Students perform 60 hours of field experience as well as attend meetings with the instructor to prepare for and process these experiences.  Students learn to apply psychological concepts and theories in the context of community service projects.  Students will be better prepared for future community service opportunities and gain a lifelong appreciation for civic engagement.  The type of field experience may be arranged by the student but must be approved within the first five days of the semester by the instructor. Prerequisite:  PSYC 1105 or PSYC 1240 or PSYC 2260.

(2 Cr – 0 lect, 2 lab)

This course provides students with an opportunity to experience community engagement work under the supervision of experienced workers.  Students perform 90 hours of field experience as well as attend meetings with the instructor to prepare for and process these experiences.  Students learn to apply psychological concepts and theories in the context of community service projects.  Students will be better prepared for future community service opportunities and gain a lifelong appreciation for civic engagement.  The type of field experience may be arranged by the student but must be approved within the first five days of the semester by the instructor.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 1105 or PSYC 1240 or PSYC 2260.

(3 Cr – 0 lect, 3 lab)