Psychology (PSYC)                                           

PSYC100     INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE

3 sh

A comprehensive overview of what psychological science has discovered about human behavior and mental processes over the last century.   Students will be introduced to many areas of academic and applied psychology as well as persistent themes that characterize the field (e.g., nature vs. nurture).  The practical applications of psychological knowledge will be emphasized.  Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the psychological phenomena that occur in their daily lives.  In addition, a habit of thinking clearly about the relationship between knowledge claims and evidence will be fostered.  Fulfills General Education Requirements.

 

 

PSYC102     CHILD DEVELOPMENT

3 sh

An introduction to the major developmental processes that occur in childhood between conception and the onset of adolescence, including both normal and problematic aspects of development.  Fulfills psychology general education requirement but recommend non-education majors take PSYC100 to meet the general education requirement.

 

 

PSYC103     ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT

3 sh

The course examines the processes, products, and effects of changes experienced by adolescents as they develop from late childhood into early adulthood.  The major topics will include: foundations, principles, and methods of research; theoretical positions and perspectives; biological processes and physical development; cognitive development and social cognition; information processing and intelligence; family processes and relationships with parents; sibs, peers, friends, and group relationships; schools and culture; the sense of self and identity; sex roles and sexuality; moral development, values and religion; achievement, careers, and work; and the problems and disturbances related to underachievement, drug and alcohol abuse, delinquency, pregnancy and parenthood, loneliness, eating disorders, depression, suicide, and psychopathology.  Non-Education majors should take PSYC100 to satisfy their general education requirement. Fulfills General Education Requirements.

 

 

PSYC111     PSYCHOLOGY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

3 sh

An in-depth examination of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social processes and products of development that typically occur from conception through middle childhood, including both normal and problematic aspects of development.

   

PSYC159     SPECIAL TOPICS:  FIRST YEAR STUDENT SEMINAR

1 sh

The first year seminar is designed to introduce the student to the culture and mission of the university within the context of an academic discipline of choice.  The course will explore the purpose of one's college education and provide the student an opportunity to become engaged with the academic field of interest.  The student will be introduced to basic college learning and study skills in the context of the content area.  Through ample class discussion of common readings, the student will engage in active learning.  Common co-curricular activities and the incorporation of a peer mentor component will facilitate the first year student's connection with fellow students and faculty in the university community.  Restricted to first semester, first year students.

 

 

PSYC201     EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

An introduction to the aspects of psychology related to the learning process and to the school as a social system.  Among the topics considered are learning theories and their applications, the identification and evaluation of abilities and achievements, the effects of social deprivation on intellectual development, characteristics of students and teachers, styles of teacher leadership, and instructional technology.  Prerequisite:  PSYC102 or 103 or permission of the instructor.

 

 

PSYC202     RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

An introduction to psychological methodology and theory through the use of exercises, small experiments, in-class discussion, and lecture.  Experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental methodological techniques of social science research are explored.  Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of C minus in PSYC100.

 

 

PSYC204 __ WRITING FOR PSYCHOLOGY 

3 sh

This course focuses on writing papers for psychology courses or professional journal articles.  Students will develop information-seeking strategies, identify types of sources needed, and develop search strategies for locating psychology and related reference material utilizing traditional and electronic resources.  Students will learn to summarize material and incorporate it into well written experimental and non-experimental papers that conform to APA style.   Emphasis will also be given to basic writing elements, such as grammar, organization, and logical writing.  Prerequisites:  ENGL100 and PSYC100.  (Fulfills writing emphasis and information literacy)
   

PSYC205     APPLIED PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS

3 sh

Teaches students how to utilize statistics in specific psychological settings in order to answer important theoretical and practical questions.  Examples from inferential (parametric and nonparametric) statistics and correlational statistics will be presented and applied to real research problems.  Difficult decisions such as what statistics to use, how to determine necessary sample size, and how to insure both random samples and representative treatments will be discussed.  Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of C minus in PSYC100, PSYC202, and MATH107, or permission of the instructor.

 

 

PSYC209     PSYCHOLOGY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD  (changed to PSYC111, spring 2006)

3 sh

The course covers social, personal, and emotional development in depth from birth through late childhood. Emphasis is on parent-child relations, socialization, disciplinary approaches and outcomes, and moral and prosocial development.  Prerequisite:  PSYC102.

   

PSYC212     FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

An introduction to the field of psychology and the law, also known as Forensic Psychology or Legal Psychology.  Students will be introduced to the many ways that psychology influences the legal system.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100.

 

 

PSYC215     BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR

3 sh

Introduces students to the relationship between the activity of the brain and an organism's thoughts, experiences, and actions.  Provides the necessary background in neuroanatomy, the mechanics of synapses, sensory neurophysiology, and other basic building blocks of the nervous system.  Subsequently, the students will be shown the behavioral connection by stressing more applied topics like the biological bases of mental illness, language, sleep, and sexual behavior.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100.

 

 

PSYC235     INTERPERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS

3 sh

An introduction to the fundamental interpersonal skills of empathy, assertion, and negotiation and integrates these skills into the leadership skills of planning, organizing, leading, communicating, controlling, and assessing.  Students read articles both on basic communication skills and the skills of leadership such as decision-making, team building, conflict management, and personal influence.  They accomplish projects, which assess and develop their skills in each of these areas.  Students receive feedback from their peers and the instructor on interpersonal and leadership skills.  Prerequisite:  3 sh of psychology.

 

 

PSYC240     LIFE-SPAN DEVELOPMENT

3 sh

This second level psychology course, a requirement for students in the nursing program, introduces the student to summary overviews of the major physical, intellectual, personality, and social developments unique to each stage of life from conception to death in old age.  Patterns and rates of these age-related changes will be examined within a life-span perspective.  The salient contributions of physical maturation and health, qualitative cognitive changes, and family and societal influences to the processes of individual development over the normal life span will be analyzed.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100.

 

 

PSYC250     SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

An introduction to the study of individual behavior in social situations.  Course focuses on human interaction or how individuals affect and are affected by others.  Topics such as interpersonal perception, attitudes, prejudice, aggression, altruism, attraction, group behavior, and social exchange are explored and discussed.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100 or permission of the instructor.

 

 

PSYC300     PRIMATOLOGY

3 sh

Provides an opportunity for students to study the primate order that consists of some 230 different living species that are divided into 13 families.  Old world and new world monkeys are studied as well as prosimians and the greater and lesser apes.  Their evolution, taxonomy, morphology, habitats, social organizations, behavior and cognition are described.  Endangered species are identified and strategies to promote their survival are discussed.   Prerequisite:  BIOL101 or BIOL106 and at least on eof the following:  PSYC100 or PSYC102 or SOCI101 or ANTH101.

   

PSYC305     THEORIES OF LEARNING

3 sh

A survey approach to the topic of learning with emphasis placed upon the major theoretical orientations of the 20th century and how they have influenced education, psychotherapy and technology.  Primary emphasis will be placed throughout the course on the influence of early behavioristic theories and cognitive theories upon approaches to education and therapy, and how later theorists have attempted to clarify, extend and eliminate contradictions in earlier theoretical formulations.  Emphasis will also be placed upon the recent advent of mathematical and machine models of learning and how they have challenged traditional explanations.  Finally, there will be an emphasis upon the use of learning theory in the design of psychoeducational techniques and technology.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100.

 

 

PSYC306     HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

Orients the student to the historical antecedents of contemporary psychology.  Attention will be given to contemporary trends in the U.S. and other countries.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100.

 

 

PSYC307     ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

The nature and extent of mental illness and its historical antecedents with special attention to relevant topics in community psychology.  Examination of various approaches to mental abnormalities and an introduction to important research areas.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100 and three additional semester hours in Psychology.

 

 

PSYC308     PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY

3 sh

The course provides the student with an in-depth study of the scientific study of personality.  The theoretical models and research methods from a variety of points-of-view will be studied.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100 and three additional sh in Psychology; PSYC307 strongly recommended.

 

 

PSYC310     COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

The data and theories in perception and human information processing will be covered.  An emphasis will be placed on attention, memory and visual as well as auditory processing.  Prerequisite: BIOL101 or 106, PSYC100 and 202; or permission of instructor.

 

 

PSYC313     INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

A comprehensive study of the application of the methods, facts, and principles of the science of human behavior to people at work.  Students will study the designing  of organizations, which effectively integrate new technologies toward profitable and socially satisfactory ends.  Prerequisite: PSYC100 or HONR180

 

 

PSYC315     HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

Health Psychology is a survey course in the psychology of health and wellness.  Findings using the bio-psycho-social model of health and disease are discussed.  The course covers such topics as the definitions of disease and wellness, pain management, addictions, behavioral aspects of heart disease and cancer, psychoneuroimmunology, personality and wellness, and the psychology of healing.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100 and any one from the following – PSYC215, 410, or HLTH130, or permission of the instructor.

 

 

PSYC317 __ SECONDARY EDUCATION 2:  EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

A study of knowledge about the learner, the learning process, and instructional planning, execution and assessment methodologies.

   

PSYC322     DRUGS AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR

3 sh

Provides information about the physiological and psychological effects of prescription, over the counter, and illegal drugs.  Theories of addiction and methods of rehabilitation will be covered and the government agencies and laws, which regulate the manufacture and distribution of drugs, will also be considered. An emphasis will be placed on the narcotics, alcohol, stimulants, depressants and hallucinogenics.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100 and one of the following - BIOL101, 106, or HLTH251.

 

 

PSYC328     SOCIAL SCIENCE SEMINAR:  ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY LEADERSHIP

3 sh

A survey course in leadership studies that can be taken by any student for seminar credit but is a required course for Leadership minor students.  Is is also designed to accommodate graduate students who have more extensive requirements to fulfill.  Students investigate a range of issues in modern leadership through lecture, discussion, speakers, and student paper presentations.  These areas of study include:  personal heroes and leaders, real community leaders, servant leadership, effective leadership, national leadership, charismatic leadership, transformational and transactional leadership, leadership anthropology, and gender and ethnic issues in leadership.  Students write essays that are incorporated into an electronic portfolio.

   
PSYC359     SPECIAL TOPICS:  CHILD PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (spring 2007)

3 sh

Designed to present information about the most commonly diagnosed psychological disorders in childhood.  Attention will be paid to the assessment of children, the criteria used to diagnose psychological disorders in childhood, and the treatments identified as most effective with each of the major childhood disorders.  This course is open to students who have successfully completed PSYC307 or with permission of instructor.

   

PSYC369     PSYCHOLOGY PRE-PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP

3-12 sh

The psychology internship is designed to give students on-hands experience in the field of psychology.  Students can be placed in a variety of community settings, such as schools, mental health agencies, correctional facilities, group homes, hospitals, or other settings where psychology is practiced.  The precise activities involved in the internship will vary according to the nature of the setting selected.  However, all students must keep a log of their activities and write a final paper.

 

 

PSYC400 __ ADVANCED TOPICS SEMINAR

3 sh

This course explores in depth important contemporary topics in psychology (e.g., hypnosis and recovered memories; evolutionary psychology; animal communication and language) in a seminar environment.  Active student involvement in literature reviews, presentations, and critical thinking about research design, theory, and data are emphasized.  The instructor teaching the course determines three general topical areas to be covered.  Prerequisites:  18 sh of psychology including PSYC100 and PSYC202, or permission of the instructor. (Fulfills information literacy)

   

PSYC409     APPLYING RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

Provides students with a practical experience in conducting  psychological research.  Students engage in the following activities:  literature search, data collection and analysis, and manuscript preparation.  Students complete at least one class research project and one small group or individually designed research project.  Students write research reports in APA format, as well as create and present a poster of their final project.    Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of C minus in PSYC202, PSYC205, and MATH107.

 

 

PSYC410     PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

3 sh

The physiological mechanisms responsible for sensory and motor processing and the control of motivation, learning, memory, and autonomic processes. An emphasis will be placed on the role of the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the endocrine system in the regulation of these processes.  Elementary neuroanatomy will be studied from a functional point of view with the assistance of preserved materials, and a brief introduction to pharmacology will be included.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100 plus BIOL101 or 106, or permission of the instructor.

 

 

PSYC412     Human Neuropsychology

3 sh

An introduction to the field of Neuropsychology.  The instructor will cover basic brain anatomy relevant to higher mental functions and will describe the methods used in Clinical Neuropsychological assessment.  The course will cover language dysfunctions affecting speaking, comprehending, reading, and writing.  It will also cover descriptions and assessment of computation, movement, and recognition deficits.  Neglect, callosal, frontal lobe, amnestic, epileptic, emotional, and dementia syndromes will conclude the topics for the course.  Students will learn through reading and discussing case histories of patients who have suffered brain damage.  The students will be expected to design treatment and management plans for some of these patients. Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of C in PSYC215 or PSYC410, and PSYC307.

 

 

PSYC421     PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

3 sh

This course will introduce students to theory and application of assessment for the purposes of clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.  Students will be exposed to assessments that are commonly used to evaluate intellectual functioning, interests, and normal and abnormal personality characteristics.  This course does not train students to administer psychological assessments.  Prerequisite: PSYC202, 307, and 308.

 

 

PSYC425     PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN

3 sh

Examines the psychology of women in the following areas:  The status of women from a historical and current perspective; developmental issues; achievement motivation; female sexuality; and psychological disorders prevalent in women.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100 and three additional sh in psychology.

 

 

PSYC440     ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING

3 sh

Focuses on normal human development over the full span of the adult years, examining both stability and change in the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social dimensions of adult life.  The major challenges, tasks, hazards, crises, achievements, and satisfactions typically experienced at each stage or era will be explored and discussed.  Prerequisite:  9 sh of Psychology and including PSYC100 and either 102, 103, or 240, or permission of the instructor.

 

 

PSYC450     PSYCHOTHERAPIES

3 sh

Psychotherapies will examine several major psychotherapeutic processes, including psychoanalysis, client centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, Existential therapy, behavior modification, and biofeedback as used in psychotherapy.    Class meetings will be devoted primarily to the demonstration of psychotherapeutic processes and students will be expected to participate in the demonstrations.    This course is not designed to develop competence as a psychotherapist.  The student will develop a sufficient understanding of psychotherapeutic  processes to enable him/her to enter into post bachelor's training programs.  Prerequisite:  PSYC100, 307 and 308.

   

PSYC459     SPECIAL TOPICS:  FAMILY THERAPY

        3 sh
This course introduces students to the practice of family therapy.  Students will be encouraged to expand their understandings of psychopathology and psychotherapy to include the popular systems theory and its focus on the functional role of psychological symptoms in families.  Family assessment and a variety of family therapy approaches will be presented and discussed.  In addition, several types of families (i.e., single-parent, remarried, dual-career) will be discussed, in terms of the common problems they face and the therapy approaches that have been found to be most effective.  Prerequisite:  PSYC307, PSYC308 or permission of instructor.
   

PSYC470     COUNSELING SKILLS

3 sh

Designed for advanced psychology majors and other students who are interested in human service careers.  The focus is on the development of counseling relationship, specific skills that foster change and growth in others, and ethical considerations in helping.  Prerequisite:  PSYC307, 308 and 450, and six additional hours in psychology, or permission of the instructor.

Updated 2/2004