2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

PSYC 1AX. Gen Elective Credit - Psyc. (3).

PSYC 1BX. Gen Elective Credit - Pysc. (3).

PSYC 1ST. Special Topics. (2).

PSYC 200. General Psychology. (4).

Covers the concepts and principles pertinent to psychological processes as social behavior, development, perception, thinking and symbolic processes, physiology, personality and psychological disorders. Introduces students to the empirical foundation of the discipline of psychology. Prerequisite to all courses in psychology except PSYC 203, Psyc 207 and Psyc 215.

PSYC 203. Understanding Emotion. (4).

This course provides an introduction to the study of emotions. Themes covered include the biological basis of emotions, individual differences in emotionality, emotions in social relationships, cultural understanding of emotions, emotions and psychopathology, and Ganzheitspsychologie. Emphasis on research methodology and ethics is also covered.

PSYC 215. The Psychology of Sex and Gender. (4).

An exploration of research and issues surrounding gender from a psychosocial perspective, with an emphasis on the interaction between biological and social theories. The implications of social roles, status, and gender-related traits on relationships and health that are central to students' daily lives are emphasized throughout. Methodological flaws the may impact the observance of sex differences are also examined.

PSYC 222. Abnormal Psychology. (4).

A survey and critique of traditional diagnostic categories of mental illness, as well as theory and research findings regarding their causes and treatment. Students will be introduced to a variety of approaches, including psychoanalytic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic and biological models. Prerequisite: PSYC 200.

PSYC 282C. ST: (core). (1-4).

Select Topic approved for core.

PSYC 4ST. Selected Topics. (4).

PSYC 304. Child and Adolescent Development. (4).

Study of theories and principles pertaining to the developmental characteristics of children and adolescents in terms of the physical, mental, emotional and social development of the individual. Meets the gender/ethnic studies requirement.

PSYC 305. Adult Development and Aging. (4).

Study of theories and principles pertaining to the developmental characteristics of adults, including the aged, in terms of the physical, mental, emotional and social development of the individual. Meets the gender/ethnic studies requirement.

PSYC 312. Research Design and Statistics I. (4).

Research Design and Statistics 1 is the first of a two-course sequence in Psychology designed to prepare undergraduate psychology majors to develop the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement and analyze psychological research. This course will introduce students to a variety of research designs and statistical analyses including descriptive statistics, correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA. (Prerequisite: MATH 115 of MATH 151 or equivalent).

PSYC 313. Research Design and Statistics II. (4).

Research Design and Statistics II is the second course in a two-course sequence designed to assist undergraduate psychology majors in developing the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement, analyze, and present psychological research. Building on the skills learned in PSYC 312; students will continue to develop knowledge about psychological research with a focus on correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental designs. Students will design and implement one or more research projects. The project will culminate in an APA-style research paper and poster presentation. This course is a writing intensive course (Prerequisite: C- or above in PSYC 312).

PSYC 315. Principles of Learning and Memory. (4).

Explorationof the adaptive processes  of learning in organisms including habituation, Classical Conditioning and instrumental conditioning. Additional emphasis on animal learning and memory processes, and animal cognition. Topics are discussed from an empirical foundation.

PSYC 321. Human Cognition. (4).

Examines perception, attention, memory, language and problem solving. In addition to studying research and theory, students experience and observe cognitive processes in computer labs and class demonstrations. Cognitive deficits and rehabilitation are discussed in each topic area.

PSYC 325. Theories of Personality. (4).

The analysis of the theories of personality in terms of structure, dynamics and development. Biological, social and cultural determination of personality are considered, as well as characteristic research and research methods.

PSYC 330. Psychological Assessment. (4).

Studies the principles and practices of group and individual testing in the fields of intelligence, aptitude, achievement, personality and vocational interest. Includes an introduction to the MMPI-2 and Wechsler tests and projective techniques.

PSYC 331. Physiological Psychology. (4).

Studies the physiological aspects of human behavior, with special emphasis on neurological structure and functions as related to sensation, psychopathology, and other psychological processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 200.

PSYC 338. Sport Psychology. (4).

This course is designed to help students both learn theory and then apply practical as well as theoretical information as it relates to the psychology of sports in its various forms. Various mental training skills that can enhance one's athletic performance will also be covered. Some of the areas related to this class that will be explored this semester include stress, motivation, goal-setting, leadership, and imagery. Personality theory, as it relates to athletic competition, as well as competition in the "real world," will also be investigated. The class periods will consist of three components: 1) lecture, 2) discussions, and 3) a period of time during which films and small group exercises will take place.

PSYC 340. History and Systems of Psychology. (4).

An overview of the historical foundations of contemporary psychology, including an examination of major systems of thought and theoretical applications of each in the areas of sensation, perception, learning, motivation, emotion, personality and social behavior.

PSYC 341. Criminal Psychology. (4).

Students examine theory, research, law and case studies to gain an understanding of the behavior of violent offenders. Research into biological, psychological and social causes is examined and evaluated. Additional topics include the role of the forensic psychologist, the science of profiling, and the definitions and use of the insanity defense. (cross-listed with Crim 341).

PSYC 342. Art and Psychology. (3).

This course is offered in the Art and Psychology departments for those students who are interested in the synergy between art and psychology. It satisfies the CORE 21 Participatory Art requirement. It is especially relevant for students with majors in art or psychology or both who are interested in an MFT/ATR (registered art therapist) graduate program. For all others, the course provides an overview of art history, design, production and aesthetics with an emphasis on psychological theories and current neuroscience research. Child development and family systems are addressed in relation to therapeutic uses of art. Visual thinking and creativity are explored and utilized in the production of self-expressive art works. Cross-listed with ART-342.

PSYC 345. Health Psychology. (4).

Examines the use of behavior therapy procedures in relation to the prevention and treatment of various disorders such as chronic pain, cancer, hypertension, alcoholism, smoking and eating disorders. The use of psychological issues and treatment procedures as they relate to etiology and maintenance of these disorders is emphasized and specialized areas such as clinical behavioral pediatrics, type A behavior and terminal illness are discussed.

PSYC 401. Social Psychology. (4).

Studies the influence of personal, group and social systems on individual attitudes and behavior. Includes socialization, social perception, attraction, aggression, prejudice, conformity, altruism and related topics, as well as the discussion of theories, methods and contemporary research.

PSYC 412. Advanced Research Design and Statistics. (4).

Advanced Research Design and Statistics is a required course for undergraduate psychology majors seeking a bachelor of science degree in psychology. This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to build on their knowledge of correlational and experimental research methodologies and basic approaches to statistical analyses. Taught as a seminar course, students will be required to design and implement an original research project which utilizes a mixed methodological approach. In addition, students will be introduced to the theoretical underpinnings of advanced statistical analyses (Prerequisite: PSYC 313).

PSYC 416. Human Behavior:principles & Application. (4).

Covers the principles and procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis, Classical Conditioning, and Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory as they apply to multiple areas of human behavior. In addition to trying out various behavioral interventions and measures on themselves, students read and discuss current literature in behavior analysis related to the etiology and treatment of behavior disorders, health practices, anxiety disorders, childhood disorders and interpersonal relationships.

PSYC 417. Cultural Psychology. (4).

This course provides a systematic overview of knowledge about cultural organization of human psychological functions, and how psychology as a research discipline can study these functions. Strong theoretical and methodological orientation is included. Prerequisite: PSYC 200.

PSYC 421. Human Cognition. (4).

This course examines cognitive processes in humans. Emphasis is placed on research about perception, attention, memory, language, problem solving, and the means by which this research can be applied to our daily lives. .In addition to studying research and theory, students experience and observe cognitive processes in computer labs and class demonstrations. Cognitive deficits are discussed in many topic areas.

PSYC 422. Child Psychopathology. (4).

This course is designed to give students an introduction to abnormal child psychology. We will study the major disorders typically diagnosed in childhood, including the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria, the current information on the etiology of the disorders, as well as the current research on the most effective assessment and treatment for these disorders.

PSYC 430. Applied Psychology Practicum. (4).

This course involves the application of psychological principles to personal and social problems of everyday life. Topics include positive psychology, problem solving, stress, career development and intimate relationships. Theory is integrated with practical application. Students conduct and present an individual self- change project and complete some hours of community service. Junior or Senior Standing only.

PSYC 435. Counseling and Psychotherapy. (4).

An introduction to the theories, problems and techniques of counseling and therapy. Prerequisites: PSYC 222 and Psyc 325. Junior or Senior Standing Only.

PSYC 450. Sensation and Perception. (4).

Introduction to the basic sensory and perceptual processes of humans with an emphasis on vision and audition.

PSYC 451. Forensic Investigations. (4).

Forensic investigations will familiarize students with the process of criminal and forensic investigations as they relate to the criminal justice process. Students will learn the various applications in criminal investigations which include forensics, interview/interrogation, search and seizure, use of DNA, policies and procedures. We will study the legal aspects of investigations and rules regulating the documentation, collection and analysis of evidence. We will explore the various investigative techniques used to detect, prevent, and study crime and behavior. This is a lecture-based and discussion course, so we will rely upon both audible and visual learning theories. The text will be used during lecture hours, but the reading assignments occur outside of class hours. Supplemental materials will be distributed in class and/or posted upon the class website. There will also be several experiential learning activities outside of the classroom. These will be announced in advance. Cross-listed with CRIM 451. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or PSYC 200 and junior or senior standing.

PSYC 452. Forensic and Legal Psychology. (4).

This course will examine the interaction of various specialty areas in psychology (including social, cognitive, clinical, and developmental psychology) with the law. It will explore the scientific knowledge that psychologists bring to every aspect of the legal system, from lie detection to the prison system. We will discuss how psychologists can serve as advisors, evaluators, and reformers for the legal system. Pre-requisite: PSYC-200.

PSYC 482. Selected Topic. (4).

PSYC 482C. ST: (core). (1-4).

Select Topic approved fill core requirement.

PSYC 485. Clinical & Social Psychology South Afric. (4).

This course introduces you to South African society and culture through the lenses of social and clinical psychology. South Africa has a unique history and society that presents distinct social, developmental, and clinical experiences that its population shares. Students will learn about the history and society of South Africa in order to better understand its culture and the psychology of its population. In addition, students will study how clinical psychology is practiced in this country in order to address its members mental health needs. This course will focus specifically on the social and relational elements of this country and its mental health practices. Through this process, students will develop cross-cultural competencies and they learn about and experience the unique elements of South African culture and psychology, as well as the universal human foundations that are shared in U.S. society.

PSYC 490. Independent Study. (1-4).

PSYC 492. Internship. (1-4).

(graded P/NC only).

PSYC 494. Clinical Practicum. (4).

This course has two components- a weekly seminar and six hours per week in a field setting working with a client who is mentally ill, intellectually disabled, behaviorally disordered, or individuals with ASD. Under the supervision of the instructor and the clinical staff at their placement, students develop, implement and evaluate a behaviorally based clinical intervention for their client. While the instructor can assist students in finding a placement, students are ultimately responsible for securing one. Prerequisite: PSYC 222 and PSYC 416 or PSY 315; enrollment by permission of the instructor. Junior or Senior Standing Only.Also, PSYC-494 serves as a Capstone for both the BA and the BS in Psychology.

PSYC 495. Research Practicum. (4).

This course offers students the opportunity to design, carry out, and present out their own research study. Students will gain a working knowledge of all aspects of research, which include planning and design of studies, project coordination, administration of measures, data management, and both written and oral presentation of their findings. Prerequisite: PSYC-313 with a minimum grade of B or higher. Junior or Senior Standing Only. By Permission Only.

PSYC 496. Directed Research. (1-3).

By Permission Only.

PSYC 497. Departmental Honors. (4).

By Permission Only.