PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
Students are introduced to the scientific study of human behavior. Special attention is given to the biological, psychological, and social processes underlying human behavior within the framework of modern psychological research.
Offered fall and spring.
3 credits
PSY 121 Psychology as a Social Science
An introduction to psychology as a social science through the perspectives of major theories that have shaped psychology's subject matter. These theoretical frames of reference come from contemporary learning, cognitive, developmental; social, psychoanalytic, humanistic and existential theories. They are intended to provide the student with a rich background of ideas and information on which they may build upon in future courses. In addition, this course will also serve as a beginning apprenticeship designed to shape and nurture scientific curiosity and research acumen. Students will be required to design and carry out mini-research projects approved by their instructor.
Offered in the fall for Psychology Majors only.
3 Credits
PSY 122 Psychology as a Natural Science
An introduction to psychology as a natural science with emphasis on subject areas of psychology which overlap with those in the biology, physiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, brain function, sensation, perception and states of consciousness. In addition, this course will also serve as a beginning apprenticeship designed to shape and nurture scientific curiosity and research acumen. Students will be required to design and carry out mini-research projects approved by their instructor.Click here for Syllabus
Offered in the spring for Psychology Majors only.
3 Credits
H-PSY 300A Special Topics in Honors Psychology: Psychology of Creativity and Discovery
This course examines the process of creativity and discovery in the fields of science, art, literature and music from the perspective of the psychologist. Readings from the empirical research literature as well as biographical and autobiographical materials will be studied.
Offered fall, alternate years.
3 credits
H-PSY 300B Special Topics in Honors Psychology: Psychology of Popular Music
This course explores contemporary music using the basic concepts and orientations of psychology.
Offered spring, alternate years.
3 credits
PSY 303 Personality Theories
The major theorists who have sought to answer the controversial questions concerning human personality are encountered in a comprehensive manner. Students are encouraged to develop the ability to critique these theorists through guided exercises in self-analysis. Some theoretical approaches studied include: psychoanalytic, behavioral, humanistic, and cognitive.
Offered fall, alternate years.
3 credits
PSY/SOC 305 Social Psychology
Students examine: the impact of society and culture on the individual's emotions, thought processes, motives, and behavior. Research findings are presented in relationship to major theoretical approaches, including social exchange, Freudian, symbolic interactionism, and cognitive theories.
Offered each fall.
3 credits
PSY/SOC 306 Group Structures and Processes
This course provides experiences in small group interaction with an emphasis on developing skills in group participation, leadership, problem solving, and decision-making. Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of group processes through journal writings and group exercises.
Offered each fall and spring.
3 credits
PSY 309 Abnormal Psychology
Course reviews abnormal behavior patterns including anxiety reactions, psychoses, personality disorders, organic syndromes, and drug abuse. Emphasis is on contemporary points of view as they relate to etiology, dynamics, and treatment.
Offered each spring.
3 credits
PSY 312 Developmental Psychopathology
This course offers a developmental approach to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of psychopathology. Students study disorders from infancy to adolescence in relation to developmental theory. Factors and controversial issues explored include, but are not limited to: genetic, neurobiological, intellectual, cultural, psychoanalytic, and behavioral.
PSY 320 is strongly recommended.
Offered fall, alternate years.
3 credits
PSY 313 Tests and Measurement in Psychology and Education
Students study and administer the major psychological tests in common use today: intelligence, achievement, psychomotor, and personality. Students select one test and perform a critical analysis of its psychometric properties, its strengths and weaknesses, and its uses in contemporary society.
Offered alternate years.
3 credits
PSY/COM 315 Television and Human Behavior
Students examine the pervasive influence of TV on our daffy thinking and behavior. Within a framework of developmental and experimental psychology, emphasis is placed on viewing children through TV, the politics of persuasion, the psychology of advertising, psychological analysis of student viewing, and the social psychology of television.
Offered spring, alternate years.
3 credits
PSY 316 Health Psychology
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of health psychology and will explore the social, psychological and behavioral consequences on health and well-being.
- Prerequisite: PSY 101
- Offered fall
- 3 credits
PSY 320 Developmental Psychology I
Students examine the development of the human being through conception, birth, infancy, early childhood, elementary school age, and early adolescence. Major theories of human development are explored. Topics for discussion include critical and controversial issues.
Offered fall and spring.
3 credits
PSY 321 Developmental Psychology II
Students explore the development of the human being through late adolescence, adulthood, middle age, old age, and death. Theorists who have addressed these lesser studied years are discussed, as well as both the critical and controversial issues in the field.
PSY 320 is recommended, but may be waived upon consultation with the professor.
Offered alternate years.
3 credits
PSY 330 Educational Psychology
This course attempts to apply research from developmental psychology, learning, motivation, personality, and assessment to children and teachers in traditional educational settings.
Prerequisite. PSY 320.
Offered fall and spring.
3 credits
PSY/SOC 341-342 Research Methods I and II
Students are introduced to research procedures in the behavioral and social sciences. Topics discussed in the first semester include using reference sources, reading and writing research reports, internal and external validity of research designs, reliability, and validity of measurement. Second semester topics include univariate and multivariate statistical analyses as they relate to the preparation and interpretation of quantitative research data and preparing completed research reports for journal presentation. Heavy emphasis is given to related computer applications in both semesters.
Prerequisites: Psychology or Sociology introductory and upper division courses, PSY/SOC 360 or its equivalent.
Offered sequentially in fall, spring.
6 credits
PSY/SOC 360 Statistics for the Social Sciences
This is a computer-intensive course that instructs students in the use of descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in the social and be-havioral sciences. Topics include measures of central tendency vari-ability graphing techniques, probabil-ity hypotheses testing, t-tests, analysis of variance, regression, cor-relation, and selected non-parametric techniques. Students are required to create a portfolio of statistical analy-ses to demonstrate their competence in the use of a variety of descriptive and inferential techniques using the SPSS software package for Windows. This course is required for psychology and sociology majors who have priority in registering.
Prerequisite: Completion of math competency.
Offered fall and spring.
4 credits
PSY 400 Senior Seminar
Seminar reviews significant developments in psychology to put the historical roots of contemporary problems in human behavior in proper perspective.
Prerequisite: Psychology majors only or permission of the instructor.
Offered fall, alternate years.
3 credits
PSY 401-402 Laboratory Experiences in Psychology
This course sequence attempts to provide students with basic research experiences in the areas of physiological psychology, perception, memory, and learning, as well as with extensive experiences with microcomputers for research simulations and advanced data processing.
Prerequisite: Psychology majors only or departmental approval. Fee.
Offered fall and spring.
6 credits
PSY 490 Field Experience
Through departmental consultation, students select field sites for firsthand experience in areas of interest. Students are required to keep a written record of activities and experiences and meet bi-weekly with their department liaison. Field experiences require one full day per week participation with a minimum of 12 days per semester.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Pass/fail only.
Variable credit; 6 credits maximum.
PSY 499 Independent Study
This course offers independent but directed course of study dealing with topics not usually found in the curriculum. Students may select projects of interest involving library or empirical research under supervision of a department faculty liaison. Projects typically require an comprehensive report written in APA style.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor, department chairperson, and academic dean. Fee.
Offered fall and spring.
Variable credit; 3 credits maximum.