PSYC 101G. Introduction to Psychology
4 sem hrs
An examination of the scientific study of psychology.
Lectures emphasize current concepts in the biological roots of behavior,
learning and memory, perception, social behavior, psychopathology, and applied
psychology. Laboratories stress the application of quantitative interpretations
of data and the scientific method to the study of human behavior. Not open to
students who have completed PSYC 102. Offered every semester.
PSYC 102G. Principles of Psychology as Applied to Learning.
4 sem hrs
The study, investigation and application of the principles of
psychology as they relate to learning. Topics include biological roots of
behavior, learning and memory, human development, social behavior, and abnormal
behavior. Labs involve applying the scientific method to the study of human
behavior and learning. Throughout the course, special emphasis is placed on
effective learning in college, including study skills. Open to first and second
year students. Not open to students who have completed PSYC 101. Offered every
semester.
PSYC 201. Research Methods I: Design and Analysis
4 sem hrs
An introduction to the scientific method as applied in the
social and behavioral sciences.
Topics include: descriptive and inferential statistics, the design and analysis
of experiments, and the drawing of logical conclusions from behavioral data.
Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 102. Offered in the fall
semester.
PSYC 202. Research Methods II: Synthesis and Communication
4 sem hrs
An introduction to the methods involved in behavioral
research. Includes the logic, preparation, and design of controlled experiments.
Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of data and the communication of
results. Experience is gained in literature search and writing reports using
appropriate style and format. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or
102, and sophomore standing. Offered in the spring semester.
PSYC 221. Lifespan Development
3 sem hrs
An exploration of physical, social, emotional and
intellectual development through the lifespan. Particular emphasis is given to
child, adolescent and late adult development. Course content includes theory,
research, and practical applications. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 102.
PSYC 233. Social Psychology
3 sem hrs
A study of how other people influence the perceptions and
behaviors of the individual. These influences are studied through all aspects of
the human experience, including attitudes and attitude change, the formation of
the self-concept, emotional experience, prejudice, group dynamics, and social
norms and values. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 102. Offered in alternate years or
more often.
PSYC 235. Theories of Counseling
3 sem hrs
A survey of major theories and practices in counseling and
psychotherapy. Topics include: cognitive, affective and behavioral models,
directive and nondirective approaches, the ethics of intervention, evaluation of
research in counseling and psychotherapy, and an introduction to counseling
skills. Prerequisite PSYC 101 or 102. Offered in alternate years.
PSYC 237. Industrial/Organizational Psychology
3 sem hrs
(Cross listed as BUSI 237) An overview of the psychology of
work and human organization. Topics include: learning, motivation, attitudes,
group dynamics, and leadership as they apply to work in organizations. Offered
in alternate years.
PSYC 239. Health Psychology
3 sem hrs
An exploration of the psychological influences on how people
stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond when they do become ill.
Topics include: the links between stress and immune system function and disease,
psychological factors that mediate reactions to stress, and behaviors that
endanger health. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 102. Offered in alternate years or
more often.
PSYC 243. Mind, Brain, and Behavior
3 sem hrs
A first exposure to the relationship between the brain and
behavior. Topics include: neuronal communication, perception, cognition,
learning and memory, and the biological basis of consciousness. This course
serves as a prerequisite to PSYC 303, PSYC 318, PSYC 320, and PSYC 327.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 102. Offered in the fall semester.
PSYC 250. Special Topics
1–3 sem hrs
A study of a subject of special interest. Topics previously
offered include: humanistic psychology, drugs and behavior, the psychology of
language, and the application of psychology to community issues. Prerequisite:
PSYC 101 or 102 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
PSYC 251. Research Practicum
1–3 sem hrs
Faculty supervised participation in a research project. The
student will work on a research project under the direction of a faculty member.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
PSYC 282G. Cultural Psychology
3 sem hrs
This course will expose students to issues of gender, race,
and enculturation as they relate to psychology. Topics include: culture’s
influence on research, health, development, social behavior, communication,
emotion, and abnormality. The focus of these topics will include global and
regional cultures. Offered each year.
PSYC 290. Cross-Cultural Psychology Practicum
2 sem hrs
A practical experience which combines the study of Psychology
and inquiry into cultural differences that impact human behavior and experience.
The course will include on-campus meetings prior to departure and site
visitations to educational institutions, businesses, governmental offices, and
other commercial institutions or cultural sites in that target country.
PSYC 302. Advanced Experimental Psychology
4 sem hrs
Students will investigate a major subject area in psychology.
Students will engage in an in-depth experience in the methodology of studying
psychology. Course topics will alternate with topics such as: social psychology,
cognitive psychology, and learning and motivation. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisites: PSYC 201 and 202. May be repeated for credit with permission of
the instructor. Offered occasionally.
PSYC 303. Drugs and Behavior
3 sem hrs
An exploration of the psychological, social, and biological
factors involved in drug use, drug abuse, and treatment and prevention of
substance use disorders. Topics include: legal drugs such as alcohol and
nicotine, and illegal drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and
marijuana. Prerequisite: PSYC 243. Offered in alternate years.
PSYC 304. Cognitive Neuroscience
3 sem hrs
Provides a deeper understanding of the neural basis of
behavior and mental activity. Topics include the cellular and molecular basis of
cognition, gross and functional anatomy of cognition, methods of cognitive
neuroscience, and processes such as selective attention, language, emotion, and
learning and memory. Prerequisite: PSYC 243. Offered in alternate years.
PSYC 315. Learning and Motivation
3 sem hrs
An exploration of the underlying principles guiding learning
and motivation. The course evaluates both the biological and social factors
affecting why we act. Topics include: classical and instrumental conditioning,
extinction, biological and social motives, and the relation between performance
and motivation. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 102. Offered in alternate years.
PSYC 318. Biopsychology
3 sem hrs
This course emphasizes understanding the function of the
brain and its relation to behavior. Topics include: the biochemistry of neural
conduction and synaptic transmission, neuropsychology, brain disorders, the
biochemistry of learning and memory, and mechanisms of action of psychoactive
drugs. Prerequisites: PSYC 243 or BIOL 150 and permission of the instructor.
Offered in the spring semester.
PSYC 325. Advanced Counseling Seminar
3 sem hrs
A seminar focusing on the analysis and application of the
major theories and practices in counseling and psychotherapy. Topics include:
empirical support for approaches, listening skills practice and ethics.
Prerequisites: PSYC 202 and 235 and permission of the instructor. Offered in
alternate years.
PSYC 327. Sensation and Perception
3 sem hrs
An examination of how sensory information is received and
translated into meaningful interpretations of the world we live in. A major
emphasis on visual perception will make it possible to discuss diverse theories
of perception and the methodologies that support them. Both human and animal
research investigations will be considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 243 or permission
of the instructor. Offered in alternate years.
PSYC 335. Abnormal Psychology
3 sem hrs
A study of the origins, symptoms, and classification of
mental illness, including the study of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and
schizophrenia. Includes comparisons among the various biological and
psychological approaches to therapy, and critical analysis of the influence of
politics and culture in diagnosis. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 102, 202, and
junior standing. Offered in the fall semester.
PSYC 340. Personality
3 sem hrs
A theory-oriented exploration of human differences and
similarities. Covers psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioristic models. Topics
include: the role of the family, cross-cultural variables, and the immediate
social-environment in shaping personality. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 102.
Offered in alternate years.
PSYC 345. Animal Behavior
3 sem hrs
(Cross-listed as BIOL 345) A study of the diverse and
fascinating range of animal behavior. How do we explain that in various animals
we can observe infanticide, competition, and polygamy, but also cooperation,
altruism, and monogamy? Using an evolutionary approach, this course will examine
both the proximate mechanisms and ultimate reasons that explain the great
variety of animal behavior as elucidated by animal behaviorists through
ingenious experimentation and patient observation. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or
BIOL 101 or 150. Offered in alternate years.
PSYC 350. Special Topics in Psychology
1–4 sem hrs
A seminar on selected topics in psychology permitting
in-depth analysis of an important psychological problem or phenomenon.
Prerequisite: PSYC 202 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for
credit.
PSYC 351. Independent Study
1–3 sem hrs
Directed individual study in an advanced area of psychology.
The student selects a topic in consultation with a member of the faculty.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor. May be repeated
for credit.
PSYC 352. Internship in Psychology
1–3 sem hrs
An experience designed to allow students in Psychology to
apply the concepts and ideas developed during study in the major to a particular
workplace or setting. Prerequisites: Junior standing and prior approval of the
department. May be repeated for credit.
PSYC 415. Readings in Psychology
2 sem hrs
An investigation of selected readings in advanced psychology
topics from a variety of psychology approaches. Course topics will alternate.
Some examples are: history and systems, psychology and health, perception,
phenomenology, and cross-cultural psychology. Prerequisites: PSYC 201, 202, and
junior standing. Offered every semester.
PSYC 420. Research Seminar
3 sem hrs
The development and completion of a major research project
during the senior year. The students will read and critique their own and other
research literature, and conduct and report their research project. The senior
comprehensive examination is administered. Prerequisites: PSYC 201, 202, senior
standing, and permission of the instructor. Offered every semester.