Psychology Courses

PSY101 Psychology for All

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Psychology evolved out of both philosophy and biology. Discussions of these two subjects date as far back as the early Greek thinkers including Aristotle and Socrates. The word psychology is derived from the Greek word psyche, meaning ‘soul’ or ‘mind.’ Psychology is both an applied and academic field that studies the human mind and behavior. Research In psychology seeks to understand and explain thought, emotion and behavior. Applications of psychology include mental health treatment, performance enhancement, self-help, and many other areas affecting health and daily life.

PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides students with a general overview of the subject matter of psychology, which is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The course aims to give students a better understanding of why people act, think, and feel the way they do. Among others, it covers topics on learning, personality, emotions, psychological disorders, social interactions, and the biological bases of behavior. Knowledge will be drawn from the major approaches of psychology, namely psychoanalytic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, social and biological. 

PSY202 Child Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The course explores theories and research findings, on prenatal development, physical growth, emotional, social, and intellectual development, and cultural influences in children prior to adolescence. 

PSY205 Ethics in Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

PSY206 Educational Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

PSY234 Development across the Life Span

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an exploration of human development from conception to late adulthood, with a focus on the dynamic interplay of biological, cognitive, emotional, and social processes across the lifespan. Topics are discussed based on empirical research in psychology, aiming to examine patterns of continuity and change across major developmental stages—infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age—within diverse cultural and contextual frameworks. Students are encouraged to review key milestones in development focusing on developmental issues and their applications in psychological practice, research, and real-world settings.

Prerequisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

Co-requisite: ENG101 Academic English I

PSY302 Health Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to introduce the basic concepts of Health Psychology. Students will be introduced to different medical disorders and diseases and their impact on the psychological health and functioning of individuals with these disorders. Students will study physical limitations and adaptations. Psychological treatments of persons with disorders and physical limitations will be introduced. Topics covered will include depression and illness, traumatic injuries, neuromuscular diseases, cancer, and chronic pain. Also covered will be the use of psychological techniques to improve behaviors for wellness including smoking cessation, proper nutrition, and exercise. Evidence-based approaches including CBT, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback will be discussed in the context of improving health outcomes and quality of life.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY303 Introduction to Neuroscience

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This introductory neuroscience course will explore how the brain develops, communicates, adapts, and supports cognition, emotion, and behavior throughout the human lifespan. Topics include neural communication, the foundations of the nervous system and the impact of nature/nurture influences on brain development. Emphasis is placed on the integration of neuroscience with core areas of psychology, and the role of research in advancing brain-based knowledge and applications.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY304 Psychology of Youth

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on the physical, cognitive and emotional changes experienced by young people and how these changes are affected by family, peers, dating, and the media. It also considers the challenges faced by adolescence, with a focus on drugs and deviance. Through the review of current research findings, students will be engaged to get a deeper understanding of the factors that support healthy development and those that place youth at risk.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology and PSY234 Development across the Life Span
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY311 Exceptional Child

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an introduction to child and adolescent psychopathology, including an overview of the main psychological disorders as per the DSM. Emphasis is put on symptoms and etiology of disorders, as well as an overview of psychological interventions for each. Through case studies, students will also be introduced to current evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies used in clinical and educational settings. Emphasis is placed on integrating theoretical understanding with case examples and contemporary research.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY313 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course examines the various dimensions and determinants of health and wellbeing. An emphasis is placed on happiness as well as the social and mental health aspects of wellbeing. An interdisciplinary approach is used to address present and future challenges to physical and mental wellbeing of individuals, and students will have opportunities to develop skills and resources for wellbeing. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based strategies for enhancing happiness and wellbeing, as well as preventing mental health challenges in diverse populations. Through case studies and applied activities, students will develop critical thinking and practical skills to assess wellbeing needs and promote holistic health in everyday contexts.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY314 Mindfulness

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the field of Mindfulness therapy. History, different mindfulness-based programs, application and research will be discussed. The core of the course will be experiential where students will have both conceptual understanding and experiential learning, with regular in-class mindfulness exercises designed to cultivate awareness, emotional regulation, and self-reflection. The course encourages critical engagement with the applications and limitations of mindfulness practices across clinical, educational, and everyday settings.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY315 Positive Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces an emerging shift in the field of psychology to include a focus on strengths and resiliency, in addition to the more traditional focus on pathology. Students will examine key concepts such as happiness, life satisfaction, optimism, meaning, character strengths, gratitude, creativity, and resilience, building on empirical research and theoretical foundations. The course also explores practical applications in clinical, educational, organizational, and everyday contexts, through reflection, discussion, and experiential activities, critically engaging with the science of well-being and considering how its principles can be used to enhance individual and collective psychological health.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY316 Social Development and Parenting

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will delve into the basic constructs of social-emotional development, the child’s ability to interact with others and working through emotions. Topics will also include temperament, attachment, peer relationships, as well as the development of empathy and morality. This course will also explore the role of parents and culture within the socialization process, through the use of empirical research, and real-world applications to understand how socialization processes impact developmental outcomes across diverse family and cultural contexts.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY317 Advanced Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Building on foundational knowledge of neuroscience and psychology, this advanced course will guide students to examine topics such as perception, attention, learning and memory, decision-making, emotion, social cognition, and executive functions from a neurobiological perspective. The course will cover current research methodologies in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, including brain imaging and electrophysiological techniques using real-life lab manipulations. Students will critically engage with primary literature and consider the ethical and applied implications of advances in brain science.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY318 Computational Neurosciences

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to the field of computational neuroscience, which uses mathematical models and computer simulations to understand the brain’s structure, function, and information processing. Topics include neural coding, synaptic plasticity, sensory processing, learning algorithms, and network dynamics. Students will explore how computational approaches help explain cognitive and behavioral functions such as perception, decision-making, and memory. Assessments are based on hands-on applications of the theories covered.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY319 Neurolinguistics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Drawing from psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience, students will investigate the cognitive and biological foundations of language processing, including phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. The course covers brain regions involved in language, methods used in neurolinguistic research, and language disorders, such as aphasia and developmental language impairments. Students will also explore how brain-language relationships are studied and how findings inform theories of language and cognition.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY320 Theories of Personality

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course offers a comprehensive coverage of the early theories of personality, examining the interplay of forces that shape the individual’s personality throughout the course of life. Students will critically engage with foundational theories, including psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and trait-based approaches. Through analysis of case examples and scholarly critique, students will evaluate the strengths and limitations of each perspective and consider their application in research and practice.

Prerequisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY322 Mind and Behavior

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the problems, theories and research on the human mind and other cognitive systems. The following topics will be covered: perception, memory, attention reasoning, problem solving, language comprehension and production and cultural cognition. Through the examination of key theories, experimental findings, and lab visits including real-life applications, students will gain a foundational understanding of how the mind works and how it drives human behavior.

Prerequisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY323 Social Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on how individual motives, cognitions, and attitudes are affected by groups, organizations and institutes. These influences will be explored in domains such as interpersonal attraction, prejudice, conformity, attitudes, aggression, and motivation. Students will be guided towards integrating classic and contemporary research, to critically evaluate the relevance of social psychological theories to real-world issues, including discrimination, conflict, and cooperation in diverse social settings.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY324 Theories of Learning

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an analysis of the factors in learning, through a survey of the major theories of learning. Special emphasis is placed on the learning principles and their implications in the teaching process. Discussions will be centered around the application of learning principles in educational, clinical, and everyday contexts, with a focus on how these theories inform teaching strategies, behavior management, and motivation. Students will be required to evaluate how learning occurs across diverse settings and populations.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY326 Psychological Assessment

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This is an introductory course on psychological assessment. It is designed to familiarize the student with the domains of functioning typically assessed by psychologists, including developmental, neuropsychological, psychoeducational and psychiatric assessments, across the lifespan (children, adolescents, adults and elderly). Students will learn to administer tests, basic psychological tests, interpret assessment data, and write psychological reports with recommendation.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY327 Contemporary Theories of Personality

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers contemporary theories of personality, building on earlier pioneering theories. It will provide students with recent refinements of earlier theories and their current applications in the fields of research, clinical assessments, and other subfields of psychology. Topics include trait theory advancements (e.g., the Five-Factor Model), personality neuroscience, social-cognitive approaches, as well as recent trends in psychoanalysis such as mentalizing and cultural dimensions of personality. The course encourages critical analysis of theoretical models and their relevance to understanding individual differences in diverse contexts including accounting for technological factors in providing a holistic view of personality.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY328 Introduction to Psychometrics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an introduction to the principles and methods of psychological measurement. Students will explore key concepts such as reliability, validity, standardization, item analysis, and test construction. Discussion will emphasize ethical considerations, cultural fairness, and appropriate use of psychometric tools in research and applied settings.

PSY329 Human Sexuality

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides a comprehensive overview of human sexuality from a psychological, biological, and sociocultural perspective. Students will explored issues related to sexual health and dysfunction, including assessment and treatment of male and female sexual disorders. Additional topics include the impact of aging, illness, trauma, domestic violence, and sexual abuse on sexual functioning and well-being. This course also emphasizes promoting sexual health, respect for diversity, and evidence-based understanding of sexual behavior and relationships.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY335 Organizational Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Industrial psychology is the study of techniques and theories related to understanding, predicting, and managing human behavior within organizations in order to increase organizational effectiveness and individual well-being. Topics include selection, training, appraisal, job attitudes, work motivation, leadership, job design, organizational culture, and work environment. Students will also be introduced to recent trends and research in organizational psychology such as remote work and organizational change, encouraging them to critically analyze the evolving nature of work in modern organizations.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

PSY362 Research Methods 1

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Students will develop skills on literature search, critical review of empirical articles, hypothesis formulation, and APA writing, among others. Students will acquire skills in quantitative research and qualitative methods of data collection. The course will also cover main research designs in psychology (e.g., correlational and experimental), and issues on ethics, sampling, and reliability and validity of psychological studies. Students will design and implement a small-scale research study and will be introduced to different ways to analyze data using the SPSS statistical package and report results. The course combines both lectures and lab-based sessions.

Prerequisite: PSY201, STA302

Co-requisite: ENG202

PSY363 Research Methods 2

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to statistical analysis covering both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics covers ways of representing data graphically, measures of central tendency and dispersion, the normal distribution and other types of standard scores as well as an introduction to probability and sampling. The course deals with inferential tests involving one, two or more means, proportions, and correlations. It also considers the basic analysis of variance models (ANOVA), linear regression models and non-parametric tests, such as chi-square. In addition, students will learn to use a statistical software package (SPSS) to enter data and conduct a range of statistical analyses.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology PSY362 Research Methods 1

PSY405 Introduction to Psychoanalysis

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course aims at providing an introduction to basic psychoanalytic theories, starting with Freud’s concepts and moving towards more contemporary psychoanalytic thinking. Topics covered include Freud’s models of the mind, the internal world, mechanisms of defense, symbolizations and dreams and the therapeutic setting. In addition, other psychoanalytic traditions, including the theories of Anna Freud, Klein, Lacan, Winnicott, Bowlby and Sandler, will be presented and discussed.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology, Senior Standing

PSY406 Psycho-oncology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Psycho-oncology focuses on the central concepts related to caring for cancer patients and their families at all stages of their illness (diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, end-of-life, death and bereavement). Students will explore the psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of cancer with exposure to theories and models commonly used in psycho-oncology. Psychosocial assessment and interventions in cancer will be covered to assist patients (adults, children and teenagers), family and couples in the cancer journey, critically assessing a patient-centered approach to patient care.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY407 Introduction to CBT

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course teaches theory, principles, and core skills of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). As a course with both didactic and practicum elements, it will review the theory and research on emotion, psychotherapy change processes, and foster the use of deliberate practice to enable students to acquire the key CBT skills.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology, Senior Standing

PSY408 Introduction to Projective Testing

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course aims at introducing students to the importance of projective testing, discussing its uses as part of clinical assessments. Students will be trained on the administration, scoring, and interpretations of the main projective tests, such as the Rorschach and TAT among others, with a focus on cultural adaptations of these tests.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology, Senior Standing

PSY411 The Psychology of Attachment

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course aims at providing an overview of the basics of Bowlby’s attachment theory as well as the relationship between mentalizing capacities and attachment classification. Topics covered include the basic concepts of attachment theory, measures of attachment, development of attachment across the lifespan, and an overview of some attachment disorders. In addition, the concept of mentalizing will be presented and discussed with a focus on the relationship between parental sensitivity, attachment, and healthy functioning, with a focus on the importance of adapting the theories to the culture and community.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology, Senior Standing

PSY413 Cultural Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The course will give students an introduction to the scientific, theoretical and applied basis of cultural psychology. Students will develop an understanding of universal and culturally shaped psychological processes and how they shape morality, religious thought, emotions, psychological health, conformity and other psychological processes. Through case studies and interviews with scholars, students will be encouraged to critically examine cultural assumptions within psychological science and their implications for research and practice.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY415 Political Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course aims to introduce students to the subfield of political psychology, exploring how psychology influences institutions/politics and vice versa. Topics will include the role of persuasion, bias, collective action, and political engagement among others as a way to understand voting decision and political dis/continuity. Through theoretical frameworks and empirical research, students will explore the psychological underpinnings of political engagement, polarization, conflict, and social movements in diverse sociopolitical contexts.

PSY417 Forensic Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will explore the interface of psychology and the law. It introduces students to how psychological theories, practice, and recent research are applied to the investigative techniques used in profiling. Specific topics covered include police psychology, eyewitness and expert testimony, jury selection, psychopathy, profiling, insanity defense, and custody evaluations. Students will also discuss ethical considerations and the challenges of applying psychological principles in legal settings in the Lebanon.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY425 Adult Psychopathology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

In this course, students will examine the field of psychopathology, surveying the major psychological disorders and their classification, with a focus on recognizing symptoms of each. Students will also be introduced to evidence-based treatment approaches and ethical considerations in diagnosis and intervention. Critical thinking and application of theory to case examples are central to the learning experience.

Pre-requisite PSY201 Introduction to Psychology and ENG202 Advanced Academic English

PSY427 Psychology and Trauma

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course aims at introducing students to theories explaining the effects of trauma, as well as factors facilitating resilience and post-traumatic growth, to understand individual and collective responses to traumatic experiences. Topics will include exploring wars, natural disasters, uncertainty, as well as various types of abuse and their impact on individual and cultural development. This course also presents culturally informed perspectives on trauma across the lifespan, and the role of psychological interventions in promoting recovery and adaptation.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology

PSY429 Advanced Statistics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will provide undergraduate students with an introduction to advanced statistics. Topics will include: Multiple regression, mediation analysis, moderation analysis, assessing the validity and reliability of scales, psychometric testing, and Non parametric testing, along with practical applications.

PSY446 Psychology of Eating

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will focus on the biopsychosocial model of eating behaviors, with an emphasis on cultural specificities. Topics covered will include: the relationship between food and identity, body image, emotional eating, eating disorders, and the impact of social and cultural norms on dietary choices. Through this course, students will also cover the intertwin between psychological constructs and the development of healthy eating habits, food marketing, and nutrition-related decision-making. 

PSY466 Counseling Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an overview of the major theoretical approaches to psychotherapy. Students will explore key techniques associated with major counseling theories, including psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and integrative models. A focus will be placed on the ethical and culturally sensitive approach to therapy, and its application to diverse client populations. Through case studies, students will critically evaluate each approach’s strengths, limitations, and cultural relevance.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology, PSY425 Adult Psychopathology and ENG202 Advanced Academic English

PSY492 Practicum

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The Academic Internship course provides students with a unique opportunity for learning about particular fields of Psychology through a combination of direct hands-on experience, formal study, collaborative learning with peers and the mentoring of junior students. The course is comprised of two main components: fieldwork at an internship site. For this component of the course some students may choose to get involved in collaborations with academic faculty or organizations in the U.S. via LAU’s New York office facilities. The second component is academic work in an internship seminar where the following topics are taken up: Ethical Issues in Professional Life, Social Justice, Legal Issues, Exploration of our skills, personality types and career aspirations, Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication. Each student is expected to spend 200 hours per semester.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology, PSY362 Research Methods 1, PSY363 Research Methods 2

PSY498 Topics in Psychology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course deals with an area of psychology, or a topic that is not usually dealt in other psychology courses. Topics will vary depending on contemporary issues in the field of psychology and students’ needs as agreed upon by the faculty of the program. 

Prerequisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology and ENG202 Advanced Academic English

PSY499P Capstone project

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The capstone course is designed to give senior students a culminating experience where they can focus on a project within the field of psychology. It involves an independent empirical study on a topic chosen by the student.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology, PSY362 Research Methods 1, PSY363 Research Methods 2, ENG202 Advanced Academic English, and senior standing

PSY499PH Capstone Project

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The capstone course is designed to give senior students a culminating experience where they can focus on a project within the field of psychology. It involves an independent empirical study on a topic chosen by the student.

Pre-requisite: PSY201 Introduction to Psychology, PSY362 Research Methods 1, PSY363 Research Methods 2, ENG202 Advanced Academic English, and senior standing

PSY499R Undergraduate Research

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This is the undergraduate research course involving an independent empirical study on a topic chosen by the student. This course is an independent scholarly work aimed at publication.

Prerequisites: PSY361 Research Methods, ENG202 Advanced Academic English, senior standing, GPA > 3.5, PSY 361 grade > B+.