Undergraduate Catalog: Psychology Courses (PSY)

PSY 211 General Psychology (3)
Offers broad-based investigation of the nature of behavior, stressing general scientific principles, the complexity of human motivation, and the potential of psychology for the student's self realization. (Prerequisite for all other courses.)

PSY 251 Developmental Psychology (3)
Presents an overview of human development throughout the life span, including all aspects of personality. Emphasizes interaction of societal expectations with processes of growth and development. Carefully examines major theoretical viewpoints. Prerequisite: PSY 211.

PSY 252 Psychology of Adolescence (3)
Explores the psychological characteristics of contemporary adolescents, including cognitive development, peer relations, sexuality, and identity issues. Prerequisite: PSY 251.

PSY 253 Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (3)
Investigates goals, expectations, and processes related to transitions in adult life, including work, marriage, parenting, and other personal relationships. Examines the aging process and the needs of the elderly in society.

PSY 270 Psychological Application of Statistics (3)
The use of descriptive and inferential statistics in solving actual behavioral research problems. Emphasizes conceptual understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics such as correlation, Z-scores, t-test, and analysis of variance.

PSY 310 Research Apprenticeship (3)
Involves student collaboration with faculty in research. Student involvement would include all phases of the research process from literature review to data collection, analysis, and possible presentation or publication of results. Faculty mentors and students are paired, based on availability and shared interests.

PSY 312 Fundamentals of Neuroscience (3)
Examines basic concepts in neuroscience including: neurons, glial cells, the action potential, and mechanisms of neurotransmitter action. Neuroanatomy will be examined and specific functions of brain regions will be explored in terms of learning and memory, language, behavioral neuroendocrinology, and neurological and psychiatric disorders. Methods used by neuroscientists and neurologists will be discussed throughout the course (cross-listed with Biology 305).

PSY 314 Physiological Psychology (3)
Survey of the anatomical, physiological, and chemical correlates of behavior. Emphasis on psychopharmacology, sensation, motivation, emotion, learning, and memory. Integrates experimental and clinical research methodologies.

PSY 315 Contemporary Approaches to Learning (3)
Presents a survey and critical examination of prominent contemporary theoretical approaches to learning. Emphasizes issues, research support, and applicability of selected theories to human situations.

PSY 316 Principles and Practices in Behavioral Modification (3)
Investigates the current theory, range of support for modern behavioral and cognitive-behavioral intervention approaches. Ethical issues in the practice of behavior modification.

PSY 317 Psychology of Assessment (3)
Examines the theory and principles of psychological assessment. Major approaches to be covered include: self-report, objective assessment, computerized assessment, projective methods, and behavioral observations.

PSY 318 Industrial Psychology (3)
Presents an introduction to industrial psychology. Focuses on the application of psychological concepts and methods to personnel selection and training, employee motivation and productivity, human engineering, and work effectiveness.

PSY 319 Health Psychology (3)
An introduction to the links between physical health, psychological factors, and emotional well being. Considers theory and research related to optimizing physical and psychological functioning along with risk factors related to illness and psychological dysfunction. Provides an overview of professional issues in this emerging area of psychology.

PSY 321 Industrial-Organizational Seminar in Special Topics (3)
These seminars are designed to provide the I/O major an in-depth study and practice of theories and systems implemented by I/O psychologists within organizational settings. Different seminar topics include Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction, Training and Development, Employee Selection, Organizational Career Development, and Survey Design and Needs Analysis.

PSY 325 Sensation and Perception (3)
The study of human sensory and perceptual processes and phenomena, as well as the scientific methods used to discover this information. Includes study of the visual auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, and proprioceptive senses. Prerequisite: PSY 211.

PSY 330 Computer Applications in Psychology and the Health Sciences (3)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the role of computers in contemporary psychology and the health sciences. Examines applications of computers in research, online data acquisition and computerized assessment, statistics, clinical information management, and education training. Consideration of personal computer, mini-and mainframe, and network computer applications (e.g., Internet). Emphasis on the integration of information across statistical database, word processing, desktop presentation/publication, and multimedia formats.

PSY 335 Teaching Apprenticeship (3)
Provides students with didactic and experiential opportunities related to the process of teaching in general and psychology in particular. Student participation will include tutorial work, literature reviews related to teaching, course syllabus construction, course preparation and delivery activities, and processes related to student evaluation. Faculty mentors and students will be matched based on faculty availability and student career objectives. Limited to senior Psychology majors.

PSY 350 Industrial-Organizational I (I/O) Apprenticeship (3)
Provides Psychology majors in the I/O track with mentoring opportunities to participate in work and consulting activities performed by professional I/O psychologists, such as corporate training, employee selection procedures, conflict resolution activities, organizational surveys, etc.

PSY 388 Psychological Profiles in Literature (3)
Investigation of psychological characteristics and behavior patterns of major figures in world literature. Students will be expected to undertake independent research relative to specific literary characters. Prerequisite: PSY 211.

PSY 390 Psychology of Religion (3)
An overview of theoretical and empirical investigations of the study of religion in psychology. A variety of representative research methods, content areas, and religious traditions will be sampled, including objective laboratory approaches and subjective and phenomenological approaches.

PSY 399 Research Proposal (variable credit)
Directed readings course involving preparation for honors-level research in Psychology (Psychology 452 or H478). Identification of a topic of interest and preliminary review of existing literature. Development of research proposal and formulation of the design of an original study.

PSY 410 Social Psychology (3)
Deals with foundations of modern social psychology; discusses effects on social interaction by intrapersonal factors and processes, other individuals, groups, and group processes, physical environment; presents theoretical and practical perspectives.

PSY 412 Psychology of Friendship and Peer Relations (3)
Examines the meaning of friendship and the development of concepts of friendship with age. Includes adult relationships, attraction, and affiliation.

PSY 415 Cognitive Psychology (3)
Presents an overview of new areas of research in cognition, including information processing, perception, memory, imagery, and language.

PSY 416 Behavioral Medicine (3)
Examines the application of psychological intervention techniques to the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of illness. Consideration of topics including biofeedback, relaxation methods, pain management, cognitive and behavioral interventions in rehabilitation, and improving the communication between physicians and patients.

PSY 420 Drugs and Behavior (3)
An overview of the effects of psychoactive drugs on behavior. Examination of clinical applications in anxiety, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Nonclinical drug use and abuse is also analyzed.

PSY 421 Experimental Psychology I (3)
Designed to help the student understand and apply the research tools of the behavioral sciences. Emphasizes a conceptual understanding of statistics and experimental design. Involves the development of an original research proposal by each student. Prerequisite: MATH 216 or PSY 270.

PSY 422 Experimental Psychology II (3)
Applies principles of PSY 421 in a laboratory context. Coordinates lectures with experiments. Includes psychophysics, sensation, perception, learning, memory, and individual differences, as well as other research topics. Prerequisite: PSY 421.

PSY 424 Multi-Media Applications in Psychology (3)
This course combines applied research in social psychology, personality,I/O psychology, and human factors with practical training in media applications used by psychologists. Students develop proficiency in word processing programs, spreadsheet applications, presentation software, web page authoring techniques, and interactive computer media.

PSY 425 Conflict and Dispute Resolution (3)
This class explores the theories of justice, analyzes the causes and consequences of conflict, and develops skills for conflict resolution, with emphasis on cooperative communication and mediation. Students will be required to analyze conflict, negotiate settlements, and mediate agreements.

PSY 429 Psychology of the Exceptional Individual (3)
Discusses etiology,characteristics, diagnosis and prognosis of varied exceptionalities, as well as services and educational prescriptions for individuals with variations of exceptionality covering a full range of human functioning. (Recommended background for a variety of potential internship settings.)

PSY 431 Abnormal Psychology (3)
Introduces the study of maladaptive behavior from a number of theoretical perspectives - e.g., psychoanalytic, behavioral, and biological. Reviews current research concerning the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disturbing behavior. Covers major DSMIV adult diagnoses. (Recommended background for certain internship settings.)

PSY 432 Abnormal Behavior in Children and Adolescents (3)
Investigates maladaptive patterns occurring in childhood and adolescence. Integrates experimental and clinical data concerning etiology, evaluation, and treatment. (Recommended background for certain internship settings.)

PSY 433 Clinical I: Clinical Psychology (3)
Introduction to the scientific and professional aspects of clinical psychology. Examination of multiple roles of clinical psychologists and relationships with other mental health disciplines. Coverage of clinical assessment, treatment, and research, including laboratory experiences in each of these areas. Use of videotape observations, role playing, and analysis of case studies.

PSY 434 Clinical II: Strategies and Techniques (3)
Designed to develop practitioner skills through theory presentation and discussion, examination of clinical issues and experimental applications of appropriate clinical strategies and techniques. Includes role playing, modeling, and audiotape and videotape experiences.

PSY 435 Stress, Coping and the Self-concept (3)
Provides direct experience in research, assessment, and treatment issues concerning stress, coping, and the self-concept. Emphasis on in-depth consideration of cognitive and phenomenological theory and research. Students will gain experience with self-monitoring, psychophysiological measures, questionnaire, and experiential methods of assessment. Treatment focuses on cognitive, behavioral, and experiential strategies. Course format will involve lecture, discussion, laboratory, and seminar components. Prerequisite: PSY 450

PSY 436 Human Relations Training (3)
Designed to afford the student an opportunity to promote personal and interpersonal development through voluntary participation in an ongoing growth group and experiential exercises. Human relations concepts and group process issues complemented by readings, audiotapes, lectures, and group discussion.

PSY 438 Psychology of Gender (3)
Examines gender differences and similarities in socialization, abilities, psychological disorders, and roles in contemporary society. Provides analyses of the historical treatment of women in scientific psychology and potential gender biases in research. Includes films, videotapes, and guest lecturers.

PSY 439 Introduction to Sports Psychology (3)
This course will introduce students to concepts relevant to the competitive sport process. Variables which affect motivation, aggression, skill acquisition, and confidence will be explored. Particular attention will be paid to those psychological techniques applied to speed recovery from injury and interventions utilized to enhance performance.

PSY 440 Forensic Psychology (3)
Examines the nature of forensic evaluations, reports, and expert witness testimony and the professional and ethical responsibility involved. Surveys the primary areas of law including: family law, mental health law, criminal law, child abuse and juvenile law, and personal injury law. Evaluation and treatment of accused persons and working effectively with the criminal justice system.

PSY 445 History and Systems of Psychology (3)
A survey of the historical background and the development of modern psychology with an emphasis on origins and influences of theories. Special attention is given to the Schools of Psychology and their underlying philosophies of science.

PSY 450 Personality Psychology (3)
Presents analysis of major theoretical approaches: psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, biological, phenomenological/existential. Also, presents major areas of personality research - e.g., anxiety, aggression, dominance, self-esteem.

PSY 451A Clinical Internship (variable credit)
Involves experiential opportunity to integrate didactic and applied methods and to acquire and demonstrate basic skills. Provides opportunity to interact with supervisory and professional personnel and to evaluate career goals. Varied placement settings relative to personal career objectives. Permission of instructor required.

PSY 451B Industrial Organizational Internship (variable credit)
Involves experiential opportunity to integrate didactic and applied learning, acquire and demonstrate basic skills; also provides opportunity to interact with supervisory and professional personnel and to evaluate career goals. Varied placement settings relative to personal career objectives. Permission of instructor required.

PSY 452 Honors Thesis in Psychology (variable credit)
Involves opportunity for students to do independent research in psychology under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Requires execution and presentation of an empir­ical research study. Honors thesis analyzes the results of the study in relation to existing literature and examines ways in which the study enhances knowledge in this area. Prerequisite: PSY 399 recommended. Requires permission of Undergraduate Psychology Department chairperson.

PSY 455 Mediation Practicum (3)
This course is for those who want to improve their mediation skills for mediating complex cases or to become practicing mediators. In class, participants will engage in role playing that presents challenging situations in a variety of disputes such as business, consumer, intergovernmental, neighborhood, landlord/tenant, multiparty, cross cultural, divorce and family, and school-based peer mediation programs. Prerequisite: PSY 425, Conflict and Dispute Resolution, or Prior Mediation Training.

PSY H478 Honor Senior Thesis (3)
Research and/or creative scholarly activity in Psychology under faculty supervision. (Requires permission of honors director.) Prerequisite: PSY 399 recommended.

PSY 490 Senior Seminar (3)
Seminar designed to be a capstone experience in the undergraduate psychology curriculum. Purpose of the course is for students to demonstrate an integration of their learning and mastery of issues in contemporary psychology. Completion of semester-long project that involves student research on a topic of interest, analysis of an internship or service learning experience. Presentation of the results of the senior project would take place in written and oral presentation formats. To be completed in senior year.

PSY 499 Independent Study (variable credit)
For qualified upperclass students, granted permission to do intensive, independent study in an area of interest. Requires supervision by a faculty member.

Psychology Program Description