Psychology Department

Psychology Course Descriptions

INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY 4 hrs.

A survey of contemporary methods and approaches to the science of behavior, which may include such topics as methodology, physiology, developmental and social psychology, sensation, perception, learning, intelligence, personality, and mental illness and treatment. With discussion/laboratory section.

STATISTICS & RESEARCH METHODS 5 hrs.

This course provides broad, integrated exposure to psychological research methods, experimental design, and modern statistical methods of data analysis. The course will prepare students to comprehend, and evaluate critically scientific literature, and provide a knowledge base for designing and reporting psychological research. Prereq.: PSY 1

BIOPSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

An overview of the interaction between animal and human behavior and biological systems. Topics include nervous and hormonal systems, sensation and perception, movement, ingestive behaviors and mental disorders. Students also are exposed to the relevant research methods used to understand the relationship between behavior and biology. Prereq.: PSY 1.

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

A survey of contemporary social psychology, demonstrating through research findings the impact of people and situations on human behavior. Topics include person perception, attraction and prejudice, compliance and persuasion, aggression and helping, and group dynamics. Prereq.: PSY 1.

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

An overview and analysis of mental, social and emotional development during childhood and adolescence. The course focuses on interplay of genetic factors, maturational status, and experience in determining the course of behavioral development. Prereq.: PSY 1.

PRINCIPLES OF BEHAVIOR 3 hrs.

The principles of behavior derived from both laboratory and applied research settings are presented in a manner that prepares the student for, and is prerequisite to, entry into more advanced courses of varied contents. The course aids the student in analyzing and understanding the behavior of himself or herself and others. Prereq.: PSY 1.

CURRENT PERSPECTIVES ON ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR 3 hrs.

This course exposes students to some general clinical perspectives about human behavior and psychological problems. Several major theoretical approaches to personality, abnormal behavior, assessment and treatment are discussed in the context of psychological disorders such as substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, schizophrenia and trauma reactions. Prereq.: PSY1.

SPORT PSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

Examination of the role of psychology in the analysis and motivation of competitive athletics and physical fitness activities. Prereq.: PSY 1.

HUMAN SEXUALITY 3 hrs.

A survey of contemporary knowledge of human sexuality, focusing on the biological, psychological and social determinants of sexual behavior, including sexual responses, relationships, variations, diseases and dysfunctions. Prereq.: PSY 1.

ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

A survey of factors that affect human behavior in organizations. Topics include job satisfaction, motivation, leadership, organizational climate and culture, communication, job design and human factors. Prereq.: PSY 1.

PROJECT 1-3 hrs.

A supervised library, field or laboratory project involving psychological variables, designed and executed by the student. Course credit varies with the extensiveness of the project. Prereq.: PSY 1.

SPECIAL TOPICS 1-3 hrs.

A variable topics course designed to introduce students to selected topics of contemporary significance in scientific psychology. Contact the Psychology Department or adviser for details on topics for a particular semester. Course credit varies with extensiveness of the topic. Prereq.: PSY 1.

111

ADVANCED STATISTICS 4 hrs.

The course focuses on statistical decision theory as a conceptual foundation for analysis of variance designs and models in psychological and biomedical research. Topics include completely randomized, randomized blocks, and mixed designs, derivation of expected mean squares, simple main effects analysis, multiple comparison procedures, and trend analysis. The lab focuses on the methods for data analysis, including the use of microcomputer programs. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7, 11 and consent of instructor.

120

CONDITIONING AND LEARNING 1 hr.

Laboratory experiments illustrating the basic principles of conditioning and learning. Students enrolling in PSY 120 also must enroll in PSY 121 the same semester. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7, 11and 60.

121

CONDITIONING AND LEARNING: EXPERIMENTS 3 hrs.

An analysis of animal and human learning. Classical and operant conditioning, schedules of primary and secondary reinforcement, stimulus control and aversive control. Psychology majors must enroll in PSY 120 the same semester. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7, 11 and 60.

*122

SENSATION AND PERCEPTION 3 hrs.

The senses of vision, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting are discussed in the context of neurophysiological and cognitive mechanisms, accounting for how and why we perceive or misperceive our environments. Topics include psychophysics, signal detection, illusion and the perception of color, depth, movement, form, speech and pain. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7, and 11.

123

PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 4 hrs.

A study of anatomical, physiological and biochemical correlates of behavior. With laboratory. Three hours of graduate credit. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7, 11 and six hours of psychology.

*124

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

A thorough examination of the relationship between psychological factors and health. Topics include psychological contributions to and consequences of illness, behavioral medicine, and health promotion/disease prevention. Prereq.: PSY 1 and 7.

125

COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 4 hrs.

An overview of sensation, perception, thinking, memory and language. Emphasis on modern laboratory methods involving computer-controlled measurements of reaction time and brain-wave responses. With laboratory. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7 and 11.

*130

EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 4 hrs.

A thorough examination of theories and research findings in social cognition. Topics include person perception, impression formation, stereotyping, prejudice, emotion and the self. Includes a laboratory. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7, 11 and 30.

132

THEORIES OF PERSONALITY 3 hrs.

Contrasts the traditional theories of human motivation and individual differences from Freud to the present, with an emphasis on a comparative analysis of the different theories. Recent developments also are discussed. Prereq.: PSY 1 and 7.

*133

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 3 hrs.

The assessment of personality, aptitude and intellectual functioning through tests, interviews, rating scales and other commonly used assessment instruments. Reliability, validity and ethical issues are addressed. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7 and 11.

137

PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN 3 hrs.

Studies traditional and contemporary theories and research on the psychology of sex and gender. Explores the relationship of theories and research to social and relational behavior and to educational, economic, institutional and therapeutic assumptions and practices. Prereq.: PSY 1 and 7.

144

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

Focuses on current research in human and animal development. Topics include developmental theory and methods, attachment formation, and cognitive, social and moral development through the lifespan. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7 and 11.

*147

ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING 3 hrs.

Covers personality and cognitive development during adulthood. Both theoretical and empirical perspectives on adult life change are considered, and particular attention is given to factors that alter the aging process. Prereq.: PSY 1 and 11 or equivalent.

*150

CONDITIONING AND LEARNING: THEORIES 3 hrs.

A comparative study of learning theories. Prereq.: PSY 120 and 121 or graduate standing.

*151

HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

Reviews critically the succession of developments eventuating in the contemporary structure of scientific theory. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7, 11 and nine hours of upper division psychology.

*161

COMPLEX HUMAN BEHAVIOR 3 hrs.

A consideration of human functioning from the perspective of contemporary behaviorism. The course discusses various theoretical writings of B.F. Skinner and the methods of behavior modification and behavior therapy now applied to the management of human behavior. Prereq.: PSY 60 or consent of the instructor.

*162

APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS 4 hrs.

Students learn the principles and methods of applied behavior analysis and demonstrate their mastery through individual or team participation in the conduct of applied behavior analysis research projects. This includes literature review, behavioral goal setting, baseline behavioral recording, implementing behavior change strategies and project evaluation. Prereq.: PSY 60 and upper-division status (PSY 161 is recommended). Enrollment also is possible with consent of the instructor.

*175

PSYCHOPATHOLOGY 3 hrs.

A descriptive survey of major classifications of behavior disorders, emphasizing principles of diagnosis, theories of etiology, and therapeutic approaches. Prereq.: PSY 1, 7 and 11.

*177

THEORIES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY 3 hrs.

Examines different theories of psychotherapy, general issues involved in counseling, and special issues and populations. Readings and discussions center on theory, research and practice from a number of theoretical perspectives. Prereq.: PSY 1 and junior standing.

*182

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT 3 hrs.

Performance management is the application of the principles and techniques of behavior modification to the performance of individuals in organizations. On-the-job training, productivity and retention are emphasized. Students acquire practical knowledge of these principles through readings, class discussions and the completion of a project. Prereq.: PSY 1.

*183

INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

The application of psychological principles to the development of personnel procedures. Topics include job analysis, job evaluation, recruitment, selection and promotion, training and development, and performance appraisal. Prereq.: PSY 1 and statistics (PSY 11 or comparable course).

192

INTERNSHIP 1-3 hrs.

190-191

INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 hrs.

Directed independent study. Prereq.: Nine hours of psychology and written consent of instructor.

*195-*197

TOPICAL SEMINAR 1-3, 1-3 hrs.

Consideration of contemporary problems in psychology.