May 18, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2016-2017 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology Department Courses


Psychology

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Courses

Psychology

  • HD 224 - Family Development

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: PSYC 110 )

    This course will explore the reciprocal interactions among children and parents as related to the development of all individuals in the family.  Topics covered include the roles of family members, parenthood and marriage, parenting at specific developmental stages, families with single parents, families with exceptional children, and child abuse.    Not regularly scheduled.

  • HD 325 - Abnormal Child Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 , PSYC 225 )

    This course will consider atypical social, emotional, and mental development during childhood and adolescence.  Topics include mental retardation, intellectual giftedness, learning disabilities, psychopathology of childhood and adolescence, and conduct disorders.  (Credit cannot be earned for both PSYC 325  and HD 325.) Scheduled every other year.

  • HD 334 - Couple and Family Therapy

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 , PSYC 225 )

    An introduction to the theory, research, and practice of couples-counseling and family therapy.  Topics include family dysfunctions, assessment methods, treatment approaches, innovative techniques, and research findings.  Not regularly scheduled.  (Credit cannot be earned for both PSYC 334  and HD 334.)

  • PSYC 105 - (E) Brain and Human Nature

    3 cr.
    An examination of the human mind, brain and why we are the way we are. Topics include the mind-body problem, the nature of consciousness, the evolution of behavior, addictions (e.g., love), eating disorders, depression, and aggression. (Credit cannot be earned for this course and PSYC 231  or NEUR 231 ; not open to Psychology majors or minors.)
  • PSYC 106 - (E) Drugs and Behavior

    3 cr.
    This course will examine interactions between drugs and behavior. Behavioral topics will include: tolerance, addiction, learning, aggression, sexual behavior, eating, anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. Drug/drug categories will include: alcohol, cannabis, opiates, antidepressants and anti-anxiety. (Credit cannot be earned for PSYC 106 and PSYC 339  or NEUR 339 ; not open to Psychology majors or minors.)
  • PSYC 110 - (S) Fundamentals of Psychology

    3 cr.
    An introduction to the scientific study of behavior through a survey of psychology’s principal methods, content areas and applications. Course requirements include participation in psychological research studies and preparation of short article reviews.
  • PSYC 110L - Demonstrations for Fundamentals of Psychology

    0.5 cr.
    This lab is offered only in the fall semester and is restricted to and required only for students who enter the University as freshman Psychology majors and who are enrolled in the Psychology majors’ fall section of PSYC 110 . It is team taught by the psychology faculty and will entail exercises, simulations and applications.  Graded pass/fail.
  • PSYC 210 - (Q) Statistics in the Behavioral Sciences

    3 cr.
    Basic statistics in the behavioral sciences, including organization and display of data; measures of central tendency; variability; correlation and regression; one- and two-sample t-tests; confidence intervals, one-way and two-way analysis of variance, chi-square; and consideration of effect size, power, and null hypothesis testing including types of errors. May include an introduction to computerized statistical-analysis package/s.
  • PSYC 220 - (S) Social Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    Social determinants of behavior from a psychological perspective. Topics include liking, love, conformity, persuasion, attitude change, and person perception.

  • PSYC 221 - (S) Childhood

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    Survey of psychological research dealing with the development and behavior of children. The physical, cognitive and social aspects of child development are considered.

  • PSYC 222 - (S) Adulthood and Aging

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    Survey of psychological research dealing with the age-graded aspects of behavior in adulthood. Course will consider the physical, cognitive and social aspects of the aging process from late adolescence to death. Topics include occupation selection, marriage, parenthood, middle age, retirement and dying.

  • PSYC 223 - Adolescence

    3 cr.


    (Formerly PSYC 284)  (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    This course provides a survey of psychological research dealing with adolescence and considers the physical, cognitive, and social aspects of adolescence. Topics include adolescent egocentrism, importance of peers, family and school, as well as problem behaviors/emotional problems. Fall, odd years.

  • PSYC 224 - (S) Personality and Individual Differences

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    A survey of scientific theory and research on human variation in personality and other behavioral domains.

  • PSYC 225 - (S) Abnormal Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    A comprehensive survey of mental and behavioral disorders from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. The course will consider diagnosis and labeling, overview of specific disorders, and various treatment approaches.

  • PSYC 228 - Health Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: PSYC 110 )

    An overview of health psychology and its professional activities. Topics include methods of health promotion and disease prevention, theories of health behavior change, a biopsychosocial approach to treating chronic illnesses, stress/coping processes, pain management, social factors that affect health and illness, and the role of psychologists in integrated healthcare.

  • PSYC 230 - Sensation and Perception

    3-4 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    Concerns the study of sensory mechanisms and perceptual phenomena. Optional lab entails supervised individual experimentation.   Lecture, 3 credits; optional 1-credit laboratory, PSYC 230L. Lab fee; Lab offered periodically.

  • PSYC 231 - (E) Behavioral Neuroscience

    3-4.5 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit or BIOL 141 -BIOL 142 )

    Introduction to the field of neuroscience, examining the cellular bases of behavior, effects of drugs and behavior, brain/body correlates of motivation and emotion, and neural changes accompanying pathology.  Three hours lecture and optional 1.5-credit laboratory, PSYC 231L.  Lab fee; Lab offered fall only.  (Credit cannot be earned for both NEUR 231  and PSYC 231.)

  • PSYC 232 - Psychology of Language

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    An introduction to the scientific study of the psychological processes underlying the ability to produce and understand language.  Topics will include how humans learn language, how humans comprehend language, how humans speak, bilingualism, the relationship between language and thought, and language in non-human species.

  • PSYC 233 - Evolutionary Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    An introduction to the field of evolutionary psychology: the scientific study of human nature dedicated to discovering and understanding the mental adaptations that evolved to solve ancestral survival and reproductive problems. Topics discussed include eating, habitat selection, marriage, casual sex, parenting, kinship, cooperation, aggression, warfare, and conflict between the sexes.

  • PSYC 234 - (S) Cognitive Psychology

    3-4 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    Considers a number of approaches to the study of human cognitive processes with an emphasis on the information processing model. Topics include pattern recognition, attention, memory, imagery, concepts and categories, and problem solving.  Lecture, 3 credits; optional 1-credit laboratory, PSYC 234L. (Lab fee; Lab offered periodically.)Lecture, 3 credits; optional 1-credit laboratory, PSYC 234L. (Lab fee; Lab offered periodically.)

  • PSYC 235 - Conditioning and Learning

    3-4 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    Concerns the experimental study of both classical and instrumental conditioning. Optional lab involves supervised animal and human experimentation.  Lecture, 3 credits; optional 1-credit laboratory, PSYC 235L. (Lab fee; Lab offered periodically in spring semesters.)

  • PSYC 236 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    The psychological study of people at work. Topics include personnel selection and training, motivation, leadership, the physical work environment, and computer applications.  Spring, odd years.

  • PSYC 237 - (D,S) Psychology of Women

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    Examines the biological, sociological and cultural influences on the psychology of women. Topics include gender socialization, sex roles, and the impact of gender on personality, communication, achievement, and mental health. Offered periodically.

  • PSYC 238 - Exercise and Sport Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    The course covers cognitive-behavioral principles of motivation, goal setting, reinforcement, emotional regulation, attention control, imagery, and positive thinking and the psychological benefits of exercise and exercise adherence. Areas of application in sport include preparation for competition, group and team dynamics, leadership, aggression in sport, and character development and sportsmanship.

  • PSYC 239 - Environmental and Conservation Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 110 , AP or Transfer Credit)

    Provides an overview of psychological theories and methods used to study the human-nature relationship and the specific approaches used to address modern environmental problems. This is a service learning course. Students will spend a minimum of 25 hours applying course concepts/tools to assist local environmental agencies.  Spring, even years.

  • PSYC 310 - Multivariate Statistics

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisite: a grade of B or higher in PSYC 210  or equivalent course)

    Introduction to commonly used multivariate statistical methods including partial correlation, multiple regression, and factor analysis. Emphasis on analysis of actual data sets with SPSS, comparing alternative solution methods and their interpretation.  Not regularly scheduled.

  • PSYC 325 - Abnormal Child Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 , PSYC 225 )

    This course considers atypical social, emotional, and mental development during childhood and adolescence.  Topics include mental retardation, intellectual giftedness, learning disabilities, psychopathology of childhood and adolescence, and conduct disorders.  Offered in Spring, odd years.  (Credit cannot by earned for HD 325  and PSYC 325.)

  • PSYC 330 - Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 ; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 210 )

    A survey of scientific methods and research designs in the behavioral sciences. Topics include single subject, survey, correlational and experimental research, and computerized data analyses.  Psychology majors should take PSYC 330 and PSYC 330L  concurrently. Lecture offered only in spring.

  • PSYC 330L - (W) Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences Laboratory

    1.5 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 ; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 210 . Psychology majors only.)

    The course is designed to give students experience with a variety of research methods utilized by psychologists and covered in PSYC 330  Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences.  Students will plan projects, gather and enter data, conduct analyses with computerized statistical-analysis packages, write papers in APA format, and develop posters for presentation of research proposals.   Lab fee:  Spring Only:  Specific sections of PSYC 330L and PSYC 330  are linked and taught by the same professor.

  • PSYC 334 - Couple and Family Therapy

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 , PSYC 225 )

    An introduction to the theory, research, and practice of couples-counseling and family therapy.  Topics include family dysfunctions, assessment methods, treatment approaches, innovative techniques, and research findings.  Not regularly scheduled.  (Credit cannot not be earned for both HD 334  and PSYC 334.)

  • PSYC 335 - (W) Psychological Testing

    3-4 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 ; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 210 )

    Provides a thorough grounding in principles of testing and a review of the major types of assessment, including intellectual, personality and interest. Lecture, 3 credits; optional 1-credit laboratory, PSYC 335L. Lab fee; Lab offered fall only.

  • PSYC 339 - Psychopharmacology

    3 cr.


    (Formerly PSYC 384)   (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 ; grade of C or higher in PSYC 231 )

    This course surveys the field of psychopharmacology with particular attention being paid to functional neuoranatomy, the important role of behavioral science, and the neuropharmacology of normal/ abnormal behaviors.  Numerous research strategies are examined, including dose response functions, therapeutic indices, routes of administration, and pharmacological/behavioral models of clinical conditions.  Offered even years.  (Credit cannot be earned for both NEUR 339  and PSYC 339.)

  • PSYC 350 - Cognitive Neuroscience

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: Grade of C or higher in PSYC 210 ; PSYC 231/NEUR 231 , or PSYC 234 )

    This course explores the neural underpinnings of human cognition by introducing research on the relationship between mind and brain.  The course introduces and expands on neuroanatomy, research methods used to make inferences about brain bases of cognition (e.g., imaging, electronencephalography, lesion studies), and computational approaches to cognitive neuroscience.  Discussions and activities focus on the brain bases of cognitive operations in perception, attention, memory, language, executive control, social cognition, reasoning, and decision making.

    (Credits cannot be earned for PSYC 350 and NEUR 350 .)

  • PSYC 360 - (W) Clinical Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 ; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 225 )

    An overview of contemporary clinical psychology focusing on its practices, contributions and directions.  Topics include clinical research, psychological assessment, psychotherapy systems, community applications, and emerging specialties, such as health and forensic psychology. Fall only.

  • PSYC 361 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy

    3 cr.


    (Formerly PSYC 384)   (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 ; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 225 )

    Reviews and examines treatments derived from the theories of psychologist Albert Ellis and psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck. Ellis’ approach is rational emotive behavior therapy, and Beck has used the term cognitive therapy, or the more general “cognitive behavior therapy.”  This course provides an overview of theory, empirical support and future directions. Not regularly scheduled.

  • PSYC 362 - Child Clinical Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 , PSYC 221 , PSYC 225 )

    This course is a survey of approaches to psychotherapy with preschool through early adolescent children with common emotional, behavioral and developmental problems.  Theory, assessment, formulation and therapeutic techniques are addressed, and evidence-based approaches are highlighted. Offered even years.

  • PSYC 363 - Behavior Modification

    3 cr.


    (Formerly PSYC 284)   (Prerequisites: PSYC 110  and PSYC 235 )

    Examines applications of social-learning principles in clinical, educational, and other applied settings. Topics include behavioral assessment, operant principles, self-management, response maintenance and ethical-legal issues raised by behavior modification. Students may be required to complete a self-management project during the course.  Not regularly scheduled.

  • PSYC 364 - (D) Psychology of Diversity

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: PSYC 110 , and one of the following: PSYC 220 , PSYC 221 , PSYC 222 , PSYC 223 , PSYC 224 , PSYC 225 , PSYC 233 , PSYC 236 , or PSYC 237 , or SOC 220  or SOC 224 .

    Examines how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behavior are intertwined with their diverse cultural environments.  Includes the psychological processes that lead to social injustices, the effects of discrimination on individual well-being, and strategies for reducing prejudice and promoting diversity.  Emphasis will be on race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status but other dimensions of diversity (e.g., age, weight) will also be considered. Offered alternate years.

  • PSYC 390 - Career Development in Psychology

    1 cr.


    (Prerequisites: junior standing; Psychology major) 

    This seminar entails studying, discussing, and applying information on academic planning, career development, and graduate school.  Fall only.

  • PSYC 480 - Field Experience in Clinical Settings

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: Psychology major; junior or senior standing with priority given to seniors; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 225  and PSYC 360 ; permission of instructor. Prerequisite or co-requisite: PSYC 335 )

    This course entails supervised field experience in a mental-health or social-service facility in the community.  Students are required to spend 8 hours a week at their placement site and 1.5 hours a week in a seminar throughout the semester.  The professor provides classroom instruction, and the on-site supervisor provides clinical supervision. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

  • PSYC 481 - Field Experience in Applied Psychology

    3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: Psychology major; junior or senior standing with priority given to seniors; a grade of B or higher in the psychology course that the faculty mentor deems most relevant to the field experience; permission of instructor.)

    This course involves 100 hours of field experience in non-clinical settings that apply psychology, including cognitive, developmental, environmental, gerontological, language, quantitative, organizational, personal, and social psychology.  Student will meet 6 times in a group seminar and an additional 5 times individually with a faculty mentor.   Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.  Spring semester only.

  • PSYC 490 - History and Literature of Psychology I

    1.5 cr.


    (Prerequisites: senior standing; Psychology major or minor) 

    This lecture and discussion course will examine the history of modern psychology from pre-Socratic philosophers to contemporary perspectives.  Emphasis will be placed on the influential works of various schools of thought that have shaped the emergence of psychology. Fall only.

  • PSYC 491 - (W) History and Literature of Psychology II

    1.5 cr.


    (Prerequisite: senior standing; a grade of C or higher in PSYC 490 )

    This seminar, designed for students with a major or minor in Psychology, will entail critical reading, analysis, and discussion of selections from the seminal literature in psychology, including selected works of William James, Sigmund Freud, and B.F. Skinner.  Individual professors will choose additional readings on the basis of their interests and student preferences. Spring only.

  • PSYC 492 - Advanced Topics Seminar

    1-2 cr.
    Seminar course featuring selected advanced topics in psychology.  Restricted to junior and senior majors by permission of the instructor.  The specific topic, scheduling format and course prerequisites will vary by instructor.  The topics, with specific prerequisites, will be listed each semester and can be obtained for the academic year from the department chairperson. Not regularly scheduled.
  • PSYC 493 - Undergraduate Research

    1-3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; a grade of B or higher in PSYC 330  lecture and the Psychology course most relevant to research topics; permission of instructor)

    Individual study and research on a specific topic under the supervision of a faculty member.  May be taken for 1 to 3 credits per course.  Students are expected to spend a minimum of 3 to 4 hours a week per credit on research activities throughout the semester.

  • PSYC 494 - Undergraduate Research

    1-3 cr.


    (Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; a grade of B or higher in PSYC 330  lecture and the Psychology course most relevant to research topics; permission of instructor)

    Individual study and research on a specific topic under the supervision of a faculty member.  May be taken for 1 to 3 credits per course.  Students are expected to spend a minimum of 3 to 4 hours a week per credit on research activities throughout the semester.