Psychology Course Information

[Effective Fall 2008]

PSYC 100: Psychology Applied.  Introduction to behavior problems and the relationship of cognitive, social, ecological, and cultural factors. (3 credits)

PSYC 105: Introduction to Psychology.  Psychology as a natural science covering the goals and principles of a science of behavior. (3 credits; a grade of C or higher needed to remain in the major; students can only repeat the course 1 time)

PSYC 205: Environmental Psychology.  Man’s interference with the environment, including over-population, isolation, social institutions as environments, noise, housing, community design, behavioral effects of pollutants and behavior genetics. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits)

PSYC 208: Personality.  Review of the major historical and contemporary theoretical approaches to the study of personality, including their antecedents, underlying assumptions, research/evidential basis, influence on the field and relevance to the theory and practice of psychology. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits)

PSYC 221: Introduction to Behavioral Statistics.  Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics used in evaluation and reporting of behavioral research. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits; a grade of C or higher needed to remain in the major; students can only repeat this course 1 time)

PSYC 233: Sensation and Perception.  Basic anatomy, physiology, and role of sensory systems in perception and sensation. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits)

PSYC 240: Human Sexual Behavior.  Examines personal and sociocultural factors in sexual functioning.  Motivational, developmental, personality and clinical implications are explored. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105 (3 credits).

PSYC 276: Abnormal Psychology.  Overview of the field of abnormal behavior, including the current classification system (DSM-IV), and the phenomenology, diagnosis, etiology, and treatment of psychological disorders. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits)

PSYC 300: Psychology of Gender.  A survey of the psychological aspects of gender. Topics include similarities and differences between women and men, gender development, emotions, relationships, sexuality, education and work, health and fitness, psychological distress, and social roles. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105 or any Women’s Studies course or permission from the instructor. (3 credits)

PSYC 302: Psychology of Criminal Behavior.  The study of how individual criminal behavior is acquired, evoked, maintained and modified. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits)

PSYC 303: Learning.  Classical and instrumental conditioning, verbal learning, problem solving, habit formation and retention. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, PSYC 221, and PSYC 325/326. (3 credits)

PSYC 304: Theories of Counseling.  This course will examine the major approaches to psychotherapy through critical review of the theoretical assumptions, historical influences, process and outcome research, techniques of intervention and relevant context for the major theoretical paradigms. Professional and ethical issues, contemporary topics and issues of fundamental conceptualization skill development will be addressed. This course does not prepare students to function as counselors; rather, it is designed to provide meaningful preparation for pursuit of post-baccalaureate training. Prerequisites: PSYC 208, PSYC 276, and a grade of C or higher in PSYC 105.

PSYC 306: Introduction to Psychological Testing.  Includes the historical, theoretical and statistical foundations of testing; exposure to ability (aptitude, achievement and intelligence) and personality tests; and the settings in which psychologists administer these tests. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105 and PSYC 221. (3 credits)

PSYC 310: Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology.  The application of psychological theory, techniques, and research to business, industry, and other organizational behavior. Subjects include employee recruitment and selection, retention and promotion; job satisfaction; job evaluation/performance measures; training; motivation; stress; and human factors. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits)

PSYC 311: Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience.  How physiological processes and nervous system activity mediate all normal and abnormal behavior. In addition to basic neuroanatomy and psychopharmacology, topics covered may include sensory systems, genetics, evolution, development, motivation, motor systems, sexual behavior, states of consciousness, learning and memory, language, emotion, and neurological and psychological disorders . Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, PSYC 221, and PSYC 325/326, or permission from the instructor. (3 credits)

PSYC 315: Psychology of Lesbian and Gay Identities.  Overview of psychological perspectives and current research concerning lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, or any Women’s Studies course, or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PSYC 320: Introduction to Clinical Psychology.  Introduction to the field of clinical psychology. Includes an overview of training, similarities, and differences among various mental health service providers. Students will be introduced to interviewing skills, approaches to psychotherapy, assessment, treatment planning, and areas of specialization and application within the field. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105 and PSYCH 325/326, plus PSYC 276. (3 credits)

PSYC 321: Drugs and Behavior.  Psychoactive drugs and their action on the human nervous system; legal, and sociocultural aspects of drug abuse. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits)

PSYC 325: Introduction to Experimental Psychology.  This course will teach students how to design, conduct, and report psychological research. Topics include the nature of science, formulation of hypotheses, research methods and design, and ethical issues in using human and nonhuman subjects. Emphasis will be given to experimental design techniques, evaluation of published research in psychology, and the writing of research reports. The course will also focus on the teaching of library research skills and producing formal research reports in APA manuscript style. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105 and PSYC 221. Co-requisite: PSYC 326. (3 credits; a grade of C or higher needed to remain in the major; students can only repeat the course 1 time)

PSYC 326: Experimental Psychology Laboratory.  A laboratory experience to accompany PSYC 325 in which students will conduct a series of literature searches, design and execute laboratory experiments, perform and interpret statistical analyses of data collected, and report experimental findings in APA style. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105 and PSYC 221. Co-requisite: PSYC 325. (1 credit; a grade of C or higher needed to remain in the major; students can only repeat the course 1 time)

PSYC 334: Health Psychology.  An overview of the field and of the role of psychology in health. Topics include health-enhancing and health-compromising behaviors; the effects of stress, coping, and personality on health; psychoneuroimmunology; treatments of specific problems and disorders; and interacting with health care services. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, PSYC 221, and PSYC 325/326, or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PSYC 338: Cognitive Psychology.  A survey of theories and facts related to complex information processing and conscious experience in humans. Topics covered will include attention, memory, problem solving, symbolic processes, and human consciousness. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, PSYC 221, and PSYC 325/326. (3 credits)

PSYC 344: Developmental Psychology.  Human development from conception to senescence with emphasis on the theoretical and practical implications. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits)

PSYC 360: History of Psychology.  A review of the philosophical and natural science antecedents to the science of psychology and the development of psychological paradigms from our origins to the present, including attention to the interactive influence of world events/psychology. The historical perspective allows students to understand the relationships between different fields in psychology. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105; Jr/Sr Standing. (3 credits)

PSYC 364: Child and Adolescent Development.  Intensive study of the biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development in children and adolescents. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105 and PSYC 325/326, plus PSYC 344. (3 credits)

PSYC 365: Psychology of Aging.  Psychosocial, clinical and developmental aspects of aging, implications of optimal developmental and effective management of problems confronting the aged. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105 and PSY 325/326, plus PSYC 344.  (3 credits)

PSYC 377: Social Psychology.  The psychological implications of our social existence; a study of the social forces affecting human behavior. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105. (3 credits)

PSYC 420: Community Service Practicum.  160 hours of documented, relevant volunteer placement in an approved public, not for profit, or private agency. A formal paper related to the experience is required to assist the student with meaningful integration of the experience. Course grading: Pass/No Credit. Prerequisites: Declared major; Jr/Sr standing; minimum 2.5 QPA in major, 2.0 QPA overall; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, PSYC 221, and PSYC 326/326; at least 5 core electives, written application and departmental permission. (3 credits)

PSYC 421: Advanced Behavioral Statistics.  Intermediate forms of statistical analysis of behavioral research, their rationale, and computer applications are introduced. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in Psych 105, PSYC 221, and PSYC 325/326.  (3 credits)

PSYC 430: Research Practicum in Psychology.  Supervised research experience with psychology department faculty member. Students identify a mentor and work together with their mentor to develop and implement a research plan, and write an APA style paper reporting the results. Course grading: Pass/No Credit. Prerequisites: Declared major; Jr/Sr standing; minimum overall and Psychology QPA of 3.0; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, PSYC 221 and PSYC 325/326; at least 5 core electives; written application and departmental permission. (3 credits)

PSYC 449: Seminar in Psychology.  Advanced topics will be announced in the schedule.  Prerequisites: 9 credits of psychology or permission of the instructor.  (3 credits)

PSYC 450: Psychology Internship.  Supervised placement in selected public and private agencies at appropriate institutions. Regular meetings with the internship supervisor, along with requirements to complete an APA style paper and an oral presentation, assist the student with integrating the intensive experience in applied psychology. Course grading: Pass/No Credit. Prerequisites: Declared major; Jr/Sr standing; minimum overall and Psychology QPA of 3.0; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, PSYC 221 and PSYC 325/326; at least 5 core electives; written application and departmental permission. (6 credits)

PSYC 475: Behavior Modification.  Application of learning and other psychological principles in behavior therapy. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, plus PSYC 303, or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PSYC 478: Clinical Child Psychology.  An overview of the clinical practice with children, with a concentration on child therapies as they are part of the contemporary practice of psychology. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PSYC 480: Behavior Management.  Principles, methods and ethics of behavior management in community, industrial, and/or congregate facilities. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 105, plus PSYC 303. (3 credits)

PSYC 490: Independent Study.  Propose and complete a supervised project, either historical, theoretical, or experimental. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor, departmental chairperson, and dean of the college in which the study will be conducted. (1-3 credits)