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 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 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 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 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 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 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)