101 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY I: THE SURVEY (3 credits)
Prerequisite: None
A general introduction to the field of psychology with its problems, methods, basic principles and points of view. Meets Tier II requirement for Social Sciences.
102 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY II: THE ANALYSIS (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC 101
A continuation of 101 with an emphasis on science and the scientific method as it pertains to selected psychological topics and issues. Meets Tier II requirement for Social Sciences.
104 PSYCHOLOGY OF ADJUSTMENT (3 credits)
Prerequisite: None
A detailed study of principles underlying a mentally healthy life style and its relationship to a meaningful life existence. Special attention is given to methods of preventing personal maladjustments and remedial treatment for adjustment disorders.
209 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC 101
The investigation of the cognitive, motivational and socialization changes that occur in the individual. Emphasis is placed on the genetic and environmental origins of behavior impacting development from birth to adolescence as well as the manifestations of these dynamic processes across the life span.
210 RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC 102 (or permission of the instructor)
This course provides an introduction to psychological research techniques and methodology. Basic principles and procedures in the design, analysis, and write-up of research are provided. Students learn to select appropriate research topics, plan data collection and analysis, examine potential threats to internal and external validity, and ways to statistically analyze the data. In addition to lectures and readings, students will actively participate in the design of a semester-long
project making sure it conforms to ethical standards in the field. The student will then write a research proposal using the most current APA style.
218 PSYCHOLOGY OF ADOLESCENCE (3 credits)
Prerequisite: None
This course explores the nature of adolescent behavior. The physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of adolescents are examined in the contexts of peers, family, schools, work, and culture/society, using the theoretical perspectives in psychology. Special consideration is given to the development of stable identity that will allow the adolescent to function effectively in adulthood. Meets Tier II requirement for Social Sciences.
240 SENSATION AND PERCEPTION (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC 102
An introductory study into how the sense modalities (sensation) provide the necessary information for the mind to analyze and interpret this information (perception) to create a “mental world”. Laboratory experiences will emphasize vision and audition.
241 CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC 101
This course offers a broad introduction to the research and theoretical foundations of cross-cultural psychology. The impact of culture on processes mediating psychosocial development, behavior patterns, and interpersonal relations will be stressed. Meets International Perspectives Requirement. Meets Tier requirement for International Perspectives.
299 SPECIAL TOPICS (1 credit)
Prerequisite: None
A course for students with a particular interest in the "special topic" being discussed that semester. Topics selected are not typically covered in the regular scheduled psychology courses. The focus will be on reading assignments, class discussions, and the sharing of ideas rather than formal lectures.
305 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC 101
The psychological study of the individual in relation to social groups, social forces and social problems. PSYC/Sociology credit.
306 CONSUMER BEHAVIOR (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC 101
An analysis of the basic concepts and principles of consumer behavior. Emphasis will be placed on the cognitive, behavioral and social influences as they relate to consumer attitudes, perceptions and purchases.
307 PERSONALITY (3 credits)
Prerequisites: PSYC 102 or permission of instructor
A detailed investigation of the psychodynamic, behavioristic, humanistic and dispositional perspectives as related to the four basic issues of each (i.e., theory, research, assessment, and therapy).
308 CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (3 credits)
Prerequisites: PSYC 102
This course is designed to provide students with an empirical and theoretical basis for the study of behavior disorders in children from birth to 18 years of age. Students will learn to use the DSM-IV as the basis for classification/diagnosis. Research regarding etiology and treatment methods will also be a major focus.
310 ADVANCED RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Prerequisites: PSYC 102, grade of C or better in PSYC 210, MATH 208
Continues PSYC 210. This course will further a student’s knowledge and experiences in the area of empirical research psychology. In addition to critically evaluating current literature, students will be required to design, conduct, analyze, and report the results of a semester-long project. Practical and ethical considerations of actually conducting a research project will be emphasized.
320 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC 102 (PSYC 210 is highly recommended)
The psychological study of the processes humans use to transform, store, manipulate, and retrieve information. Topics include perception and attention, knowledge recognition, pattern recognition, memory, problem solving, and language processing.
324 THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING (3 credits)
Prerequisites: PSYC 102 or permission of instructor
An introduction to and evaluation of the main psychological theories of learning as they apply to both human and animal behavior. Special attention will be given to the applications of those areas of theory and research which deal with factors which are known to influence the learning process.
393/493 ELECTIVE INTERNSHIP (1-3 credits)
Prerequisites: GPA of at least 3.0; permission of dept. & acceptance of work site; Learning Contract completed and turned in to the Career Development Center before registering for the internship
Provides psychology majors experiential learning within various social service agencies and work settings related to the student's career interests under the supervision of an onsite coordinator. This offering may be repeated up to a total of 6 credit hours with permission of the student's advisor and the department chair. These credits cannot be used as substitutes for the required psychology course credits as identified in the catalog.
401 PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS (3 credits)
Prerequisites: PSYC 102, 417 and MATH 208
An introductory course in basic measurement concepts and procedures. Evaluation and use of standardized tests, including individual and group testing of achievement, intelligence, aptitude and personality. Elementary statistic concepts related to testing and measurement are covered.
Prerequisites: PSYC 102 and 307 or permission of instructor; HIST 112 recommended
Historical development of systems and theories of psychology as represented by behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, psychoanalysis, structuralism, functionalism and third force psychology. Trends in contemporary theories will be highlighted.
412 PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Prerequisites: PSYC 102, or permission of instructor; 3 hrs. of biology recommended
A study of the anatomical, physiological and biochemical aspects of learning and memory, cognitive processes, motivational systems and basic sensory and motor functions.
417 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Prerequisites: PSYC 102 or permission of instructor
A thorough study of the history, assessment, and classifications of abnormal behaviors. The DSM IV is used as the basis for the classification and diagnosis of all mental and emotional disorders.