Department of Psychology
Dr. Kaye Sly
Interim Department Chair
kaye.f.sly@jsums.edu
601-979-4005
Faculty of the Department
P. Banks, D. Bishop McLin; K. Sly; Assistant Professors: J. Broussard, D. Groat, K. Hudson, C. Moreland, J. Schweitzer, B. Williams.
Introduction/Mission
The mission of the Undergraduate Major in the Psychology Department is to expose students to the breadth and depths of the various fields of psychology. Students are encouraged and taught to think critically about psychological issues and to understand the value of empirical investigation. The department seeks to foster each student’s appreciation for the field of psychology and its applications to individual and social problems. The department is dedicated to high standards of original inquiry and personal growth. Students are taught that sound research and scholarship serve to expand knowledge and improve the quality of peoples’ lives. Our program provides students with the education needed to enter a variety of careers or to pursue graduate work in psychology or related fields.
Objectives
The objectives of the Department of Psychology are for:
- students to develop an understanding of the field of psychology and its scientific nature by studying its history, methodology, and contents;
- students to acquire the capacity to critically evaluate new developments within the field;
- students to be qualified to enter the job market and/or to successfully pursue graduate study.
- departmental faculty to function as effective teachers by providing carefully prepared lectures, assignments, and examinations;
- departmental faculty to serve as effective role models by maintaining high standards of professional and personal conduct;
- departmental faculty to contribute to the advancement of knowledge by conducting meaningful research and publishing the results;
- departmental faculty to be actively engaged in service to the University and the community.
Admission Criteria
There are no additional admission criteria for first-time freshmen, but to transfer to Psychology from another major or university, the student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Other Requirements/Offerings
- Earn a 2.5 GPA in Psychology courses to qualify for graduation
- Pass the Departmental Exam
- Earn at least a “C” in PSY 111 INTRODUCTN TO PSYCHOLOGY prior to enrolling in PSY 112 INTRODUCTN TO PSYCHOLOGY
- Earn at least a “C” in PSY 112 INTRODUCTN TO PSYCHOLOGY prior to enrolling in any 200 level and above Psychology courses.
Course Descriptions
Fundamental topics and methodology in the scientific study of behavior.
A continuation of PSY 111.
A broad survey of the traditional topics in psychology. (Not for psychology majors.)
Collection and organization of data; central tendency, variability and correlation; elementary probability theory; basic inferential procedures, including large and small sample tests of differences between two groups and an introduction to the analysis of variance.
Analysis of variance; non-parametric techniques, selected advanced topics.
Genetic background, prenatal development, infancy and childhood, early experience and personality development; adolescence and adulthood; conflicts, roles and adjustment mechanisms.
Historical overview of abnormal psychology; criteria of abnormal behavior; symptomatology and dynamics of psychological disorders; therapeutic considerations.
The systematic study of the development and behavior of the human from conception to puberty. (Not for psychology majors.)
Influence on development and behavior of the human from puberty to adulthood. (Not for psychology majors.)
Application of psychological principles of student learning and achievement, teaching methods, and performance assessment.
Biological, learning, social and psychometric-trait approaches with emphasis on methodology and the relation of research findings to theoretical perspectives.
Socioemotional adjustment and personality; interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships; normal personality development and mechanisms of adjustment.
A detailed examination of social behavior from various theoretical viewpoints, with an emphasis on possible causes of and solutions to contemporary social problems.
Physiological mechanisms mediating behavior. The neural and endocrine systems in man and other animals are emphasized.
An in-depth analysis of principles and procedures use in modifying and controlling behavior.
Classical and instrumental conditioning: aversive control; discrimination and attention; cognitive processes; selected behavioral and neurophysiological models; recent theoretical developments.
An overview of experimental psychology emphasizing experimental design, methodology and the use of statistical software for data analysis. Lecture and laboratory.
Contemporary topics in psychology.
The goal of this course is to introduce students the psychological and physiological human response to disasters. Using clinical research and case histories, students will examine normal and abnormal psychological reactions, the recovery process and principles of mental health care for victims of mass disasters. Differences between natural and man-made disasters are examined and factors that mitigate post-traumatic effects are reviewed. The class will also address the psychological factors-cognitive biases, heuristics, risk perception, social influences, and past experiences-that together help explain why people tend to underprepare for potential natural and man-made disasters.