PSY 100
General Psychology
This course introduces students to the broad discipline of psychology, focusing on theories and research explaining behavior. Major areas include, but are not limited to biopsychology, motivation, sensation, perception, learning, cognition, development, stress and health, personality and psychopathology. May be used by non-concentrators to fulfill the general studies social science requirement
200-Level Courses: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor is required to enter all 200-level courses (except for PSY 290).
PSY 200
Research Design and Analysis I (W)
This course covers the basic principles of research design and analysis in psychology, including the formulation, testing and evaluation of empirical questions. Students learn methodological and statistical techniques utilized in the research process. Specifically, the course focuses on experimental designs and statistical techniques including descriptive statistics and preliminary inferential techniques (i.e., probability theory, z-tests and t-tests). The final product of the class for each student is an independent research proposal. Computers are used extensively; students learn to use word processing for APA writing and a statistical software package (SPSS). Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory.
(Fulfills general studies quantitative reasoning requirement)
PSY 201
Research Design and Analysis II (W)
This course is a continuation of PSY 200. Advanced statistical techniques, including factorial analysis of variance and nonparametric statistics (i.e., correlation, regression, chi-square) are covered. Nonexperimental designs such as surveys, observational research, case studies and program evaluation are covered. Each student is responsible for conducting the research proposed in PSY 200, including data collection, analysis, oral presentation and a written empirical report. Computers continue to be used, such that students enhance their APA writing, statistical analysis and PowerPoint presentation skills. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: PSY 200
(Fulfills general studies quantitative reasoning requirement)
PSY 205
Biological Foundations of Behavior
A study of the evolutionary basis of human and animal behavior. The biological foundations of emotions, motivation, sleep and dreaming and memory are examined. The nature-nurture issue is discussed as well as the extent to which mind and emotions create stress, sickness and health. This course does not count as a required course for the psychobiology concentration. Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory.
PSY 206
Social Psychology
The psychological study of human social interaction. Special consideration is given to the following topics: models of individual-society relationships; social cognition and attribution processes; social influence processes; prosocial and altruistic behavior; and antisocial behavior (models of human violence and social-cultural determinants of prejudice).
PSY 230
Human Development
A normative, eclectic approach to the study of the individual from conception to senescence. A review of physical, sensorimotor, cognitive, emotional, personality, moral and social development through the life span.
PSY 240
Child Development
This course describes and examines the interrelationships among the physical, cognitive, social and emotional dimensions of human development from conception through adolescence.
PSY 250
Theories of Personality (W)
A review of the theoretical orientation to the study of personality as viewed by Freud, Jung, Adler, Horney, Fromm, Sullivan, Murray, Lewin, Allport, Maslow, Rogers and the existential psychologists.
PSY 271
Organizational Psychology
Focus in this course is on the study of the principles of human behavior in organizational settings. Emphasis is on the practical applications of topics such as: training, group/team dynamics, leadership, decision making, communications, organization cultures and structures from a human resource professional perspective.
PSY 290
Human Behavior and Diversity Issues
This course examines the variety of ways in which one can construe issues of diversity. An introduction to issues including racial identity and affirmative action is provided. Students are exposed to models of understanding diversity from psychological, political, economic and industrial perspective. The contents of this course compel students to conduct a personal examination of their own belief systems as they critically explore the dynamics of race, ethnicity, culture and gender in American society. Students are challenged to broaden their perceptions of differences and increase their cultural knowledge and sensitivity. (Fulfills general studies social science requirement)
PSY 291
Cross-cultural Psychology
In this reading and writing intensive course, focus is on the critical and comparative study of cultural effects on human cognition and behavior. Psychological diversity, cross-cultural interactions as a function of globalization, and the establishment of psychological universals will be explored. The utility of western psychology concepts, theories, and assessment instruments to explain human behavior and thought in different cultures and indigenous psychologies will be critized constructively. Prerequisite: PSY100
300-Level Courses
Prerequisite: PSY 200; or permission of the instructor
PSY 305
Behavioral Neuroscience
This course focuses on the biological mechanisms which mediate behavior. Students will become familiar with the anatomy of the nervous system as well as the different research methodologies employed. The relationship between nervous system and topics such as motivation, learning, sensation, psychopharmacology and abnormal behavior are examined. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory.
PSY 306
Advanced Topics in Psychology
This course offers special topics of current interest in psychology. The topic and course description are available in the department at least one month before registration. The student is to select this course only if there is a sincere interest in pursuing the topic at an advanced level. There are lectures and exams, but a major component is a term paper or similar scholarly project based on current literature. This course is an excellent basis for senior internships, independent research or departmental honors. This course may be taken more than once if the topics are different. It counts towards the psychology concentration, but permission of the department is needed for the specific topic to count in psychobiology or any co-concentration. The title of the topic will appear on the transcript.
Prerequisite: Individual topics will have different prerequisites
PSY 319
Evolutionary Psychology
This course examines the hypothesis that the behavior, physiology, and psychology of modern human beings have been shaped by our ancestral past. The goal of the course is to review different human traits as evolved adaptations. An emphasis is placed on human mating strategies and sex differences. This course explores specific topics relating to mate choice, biological differences between the sexes, attraction, human reproduction, breeding patterns across species, jealousy and infidelity, physical markers of fitness, selection, inclusive fitness, and social order and interaction.
PSY 340
Cognitive Psychology (W)
Major emphasis is on developing an integrated theoretical and applied understanding of human biopsychosocial processes involved in acquiring, storing and using knowledge. Specific attention is focused on the cognitive processes of perception, memory, language and thinking. Information processing and connectionist models are compared. Written laboratory reports and a comprehensive cognitive model are required. Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory.
Prerequisite: PSY 200 and 205 or 305, or by permission
PSY 345
Language Development
This course introduces students to the area of language development. Focus is on the structure of language and linguistic theories in order to understand the task the child faces when acquiring language. Competing hypotheses about how children become fluent speakers of their language is examined. Additional topics to be considered include abnormal language development, bilingualism, animal communication and deafness.
Prerequisite: PSY 230 or 240
PSY 350
Animals in Their Environment
An evolutionary approach to the study of human and animal behavior with emphasis on its genetic determinants, ecological significance and adaptive function. The methods, research and theories of comparative and developmental psychologists, ethologists, and sociobiologists are discussed in relation to reproductive strategies, social behavior, aggression and cognition. Includes in-depth discussion of the evolution of behavior as determined by selection pressures in the organism's environment, the role of genetics and the environment in the development of behavior, and the pros and cons of ethological method of studying behavior in a natural environment versus a laboratory setting. Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory.
Prerequisite: PSY 205 or 305
PSY 355
Motivation and Learning
This course introduces students to the study of motivational theories and to basic and applied learning principles. Learning perspectives emphasized include classical and operant conditioning, observational learning and Gestalt paradigms. Specific applications of motivation and learning theories and principles in education, business, therapy and everyday life are explored. Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory.
PSY 365
Ecological Psychology
The objectives of this course are: to understand the psychological origin and scope of current environmental problems and how they relate to our values, attitudes and behaviors; to study human experiences and behavior in its environmental, political and spiritual context; to question the human institutions and values that lead to environmental problems; and to explore the role of humans within the larger ecosystem.
PSY 390
Adult Psychopathology and Behavior Disorders
This course focuses on a biopsychosocial approach to the classification, etiology and treatment of abnormal behavior patterns in adults. In addition, research and treatment strategies are explored within the context of clinical, counseling, school and forensic psychology settings. Emphasis is on adult psychopathology including anxiety disorders, affective disorders, schizophrenic disorders, personality disorders and substance abuse disorders.
Prerequisites: PSY 201, 230 or 240
PSY 391
Child Psychopathology and Behavior Disorders
This course focuses on a biopsychosocial approach to the classification, etiology and treatment of abnormal behavior patterns in infants, children and adolescents. In addition, research and treatment strategies are explored within the context of clinical, counseling, school and forensic settings. The examples of exceptionalities emphasized include anxiety disorders, affective disorders, attention disorders, communication disorders, mental retardation, autism, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorders, conduct disorders and eating disorders. Behavior disorders affecting both individual development and relationships in the child's home, school, and other social settings are examined critically.
Prerequisites: PSY 201, 230 or 240
PSY 394
Introduction to Counseling
This course introduces students to the process of counseling and psychotherapy. Clinical methods are explored through theory and application. Students actively learn various counseling techniques using the mediums of role-playing, peer critiques, videotaping and discussions. Ethical considerations are emphasized. The primary goals of this course are to provide the student with a deeper understanding of the work of clinical and counseling psychologists and to facilitate the acquisition of practical skills that can be used in the helping professions. Prerequisites: PSY 230 or 240 and PSY 390 or 391
PSY 395
Psychological Assessment
This course introduces students to the methods of assessment/testing which psychologists use for children, adolescents and adults. This course explores issues of test construction, administration and neuropsychological tests. Issues of validity, reliability, cultural relevance and ethics are examined. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: PSY 230 or 240, 390 or 391
PSY 400
Independent Research in Psychology/Psychobiology
Students design and conduct a research project. Prior to beginning this course, students must have a research proposal approved by the Psychology Department faculty. The proposal must be based on a thorough literature review, use APA style, meet all APA ethical guidelines and be a realistic test of a major hypothesis. Data collection and analysis will be under faculty supervision. Results will be presented to a forum of psychology students and faculty. Selected papers will be submitted for presentation at professional meetings or for publication.
Prerequisites: PSY 201 and permission of instructor
PSY 401A
Field Work in Psychology/Clinical and Counseling Interests
A practicum where students spend 10 or more hours per week doing an internship in a hospital, school or social service agency. Students meet two class hours each week with an adviser to discuss assigned readings, problems/questions and applications involving the internship placement. A major paper on a topic related to the particular placement is also required. Admission in this course is by permission of the instructor, and is open to juniors and seniors. Contact Professor Brenda Ingram-Wallace for details.
Prerequisites: PSY 230 or 240; 390 or 391 and permission of the instructor; 394 and 395 preferred
PSY 401B
Field Work in Psychology/Business and Human Resources Interests
In this practicum students spend 10 or more hours per week doing an internship at business or human resources sites. A major paper on a topic related to the particular placement is also required. This course is open to juniors or seniors.
Prerequisites: PSY 270, 271 or by permission of the internship coordinator
PSY 405
Psychobiology: Seminar on Selected Topics (W)
Individual seminars focus on psychobiological and/or sociobiological approaches to understanding human and/or animal behavior. Evolutionary, ecological and physiological analyses of social behavior and applications to human evolution, mental states and health are considered. Examples of these seminars include health psychology, consciousness, neuropsychology, ecopsychology, sociobiology of animal behavior and primatology.
PSY 406
Psychology: Seminar on Selected Topics (W)
These seminars focus on contemporary issues and perspectives in psychology. Examples of topics include: human sexuality and the psychology of gender; close relationships; violence, identity and morality; theories of personality; and current topics.
PSY 407
Applied Psychology: Seminar on Selected Topics (W)
In these seminars, the applications of psychological principles and theories in business-industry, private-clinical practice, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and schools are explored. Examples of these seminars include: clinical psychology, minority mental health issues, psychology of the African-American experience, human resource issues in business and industry, and special topics in child psychopathology.
Special Courses
Independent Study: May be taken at 200-, 300- or 400-level.
Internship: May be taken at 200-, 300- or 400- level.
Permission of the department is required for any of the above.
