Course Descriptions

PSYC 101   GENERAL INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY

 

This course presents a general survey of psychology including development of the individual, learning, thinking, motivation, emotion, and perception. Some study is also given to the understanding and measurement of individual differences, group processes, and the biology of behavior.


INST 151   PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY

 

This course provides an overview of the philosophy, practices, and perspectives used in working with people and families with mental illness.  The course will introduce and familiarize students with proven recovery and rehabilitation methods that allow individuals to reintegrate into society.


INST 152   HELPING RELATIONSHIPS

 

The course will introduce and familiarize students with skills and theories necessary for creating an effective partnership between service provider and service recipient.  Students will learn techniques for service planning, advocating, empowering, and community reintegration.


PSYC 271    ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

This course entails a detailed survey of the various types of abnormal behavior, including behavior resulting from anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse, sexual disorders, personality disorders, childhood and aging disorders,and schizophrenia.  The different models of abnormal behavior, its causes, treatment, and prevention, as well as,ethics and the law are discussed.

 


PSYC 272   SPECIAL POPULATIONS

This course provides an overview of special populations with mental illness, including the homeless, transitional age youth, the elderly, veterans, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals, individuals with physical disabilities, individuals with substance abuse, and different racial and ethnic groups.  Emphasis is placed on the issues that are specific to special populations with mental illness, including living skills, education, self-development, empowerment, leadership, transitional support, and recovery efficacy.


PSYC 273   PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION WORKER FIELD EXPERIENCE

Field experience/career internship provides the opportunity for students to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to related experiences on the job/training site.  The field experience includes the practice of working with a Rehabilitation Team under the direct supervision of a professional Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist.  Emphasis will be placed on helping relationships, including helping with personal/family issues, employment, finances, housing, socio-cultural integration, community involvement, living with mental illness, cultural/ethnic issues,and any other special population issues. While interacting with clients, students will engage in the four components of rehabilitation: hope, empowerment, self-responsibility, and obtaining a meaningful role in life.  The students will develop a professional attitude in all phases of psychosocial rehabilitation, including the legal and ethical aspects of rehabilitation.  Weekly seminars are held to evaluate and review clinical applications.