Psychology
Courses in psychology (designated PSYC) may be applied as appropriate (according to individual program requirements) toward
- the general education requirement in the behavioral and social sciences;
- a major in psychology or social science;
- a minor in psychology or women's studies; and
- electives.
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
A survey of the basic principles, research concepts, and problems in psychological science. The biological, cognitive, and social perspectives of human thought and behavior are addressed. The goal is to apply major concepts and use the scientific method to enhance the understanding of individual, community, and organizational life experiences. Topics include neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning and conditioning, memory, motivation, language and intelligence, personality and social behavior, and psychopathology and therapy. Applications of psychology are also presented. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 101 or PSYC 100.
PSYC 101 Psychology of Adjustment (3)
(Formerly PSYC 235.) A survey of psychological principles and their applications to areas such as stress coping strategies, social influence, interpersonal communication, relationships, careers and work, and physical health. The objective is to apply knowledge of the scientific approach and psychological principles to issues of adjustment in everyday life. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC 101 or PSYC 235.
PSYC 300 Research Methods in Psychology (3)
(Formerly PSYC 305.) Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and STAT 225 (or PSYC 200). A survey of research methods focusing on the fundamentals of research design and behavior. Topics include scientific writing using APA style, evaluation of research literature, and ethical issues in research. Practice is provided in asking research questions, formulating research hypotheses, designing and conducting a simulated research study, and presenting results. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC 300 or PSYC 305.
PSYC 301 Biological Basis of Behavior (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300. An introduction to the anatomical structures and physiological processes that determine behavior. The objective is to use scientifically valid resources to effectively communicate about the biological basis of behavior. Topics include the acquisition and processing of sensory information, the neural control of movement, and the biological bases of complex behaviors (such as sleep, learning, memory, sex, and language), as well as the basic functioning of the nervous system.
PSYC 306F Psychology of Happiness
An introduction to the theories, concepts, and research related to the psychology of happiness, as well as implications for psychotherapy. The objective is to identify biological, cultural, and social theories in the study of happiness. Topics include neurobiological and cultural determinants of well-being, fulfillment in work and relationships, sources of unhappiness, and psychological approaches to increasing contentment and satisfaction.
PSYC 307D Improving Memory and Thinking (1)
An introduction to the theories and methods of improving memory and thinking. The goal is to apply psychological research models to explain the memory process. Topics include the memory functions of encoding, storage, retrieval, and loss, as well as strategies for improving memory.
PSYC 308H Psychology of Motivating People at Work (1)
An examination of successful strategies for motivating people in work settings. The goal is to apply knowledge of the evolutionary, learning, social, and cognitive theories of motivation in the workplace. Topics include managerial and personal motivational strategies in organizations.
PSYC 309H Psychological Consequences of War and Violent Conflict (1)
A study of the effects of war on various vulnerable groups of people. The objective is to understand the research and theories related to the psychological consequences of war and violent conflict. Topics include theoretical bases and issues of the development, expression, treatment, and rehabilitation of associated disorders.
PSYC 309K Managing Interpersonal Stress and Conflict (1)
An exploration of the nature and causes of stress and techniques for its management. The aim is to identify a variety of techniques to mitigate stress. Topics include psychological processes that cause interpersonal conflict and those that can bring about its reduction, as well as interpersonal and group factors, such as cooperation and negotiation.
PSYC 309W Professional Psychology (1)
An overview of the profession of psychology. Career goals and aspirations are addressed. Topics include professional opportunities such as teaching, research, therapy, and organizational consulting.
PSYC 310 Sensation and Perception (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300 and 301. A survey of theories and historical and contemporary research in how the auditory, visual, gustatory, olfactory, kinesthetic, and tactile senses acquire information and how psychological, anatomical, physiological, and environmental factors help us perceive the world. The objective is to apply an understanding of complex neural and behavioral processes to evaluate research and analyze variations within and between species.
PSYC 321 Social Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300. An examination of the influence of social factors on individual and interpersonal behaviors. The objective is to analyze the underlying causes of individual and group behavior and the ways in which group attitudes and behaviors are related. Topics include conformity, attitudinal change, personal perception, and group behavior. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 221, BEHS 421, BEHS 450, PSYC 221, PSYC 321.
PSYC 332 Psychology of Human Sexuality (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An examination of human sexuality and sexual behavior. The objective is to apply knowledge of the physiology and psychology of human sexuality. Topics include sexual anatomy, intimate relationships, sexual health, and sexual identity across the lifespan. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 363, HLTH 377, or PSYC 332.
PSYC 334 Psychology of Interpersonal Relationships (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A study of interpersonal dynamics and how relationship skills can result in healthy or unhealthy behaviors, from the beginning to the end of a relationship. The goal is to apply knowledge of interpersonal dynamics to evaluate behaviors. Discussion covers effective communication and conflict resolution skills as well as ways that advances in technology have altered societal understandings of interpersonal dynamics.
PSYC 335 Theories of Personality (3)
(Formerly PSYC 435.) Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A study of major theories and perspectives on personality, including trait, psychodynamic, behavioristic, and humanistic theories. Methods of personality research and relevant findings are also introduced and applied to real world settings. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC 335 or PSYC 435.
PSYC 338 Psychology of Gender (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A survey of the biological, lifespan development, socialization, personality attributes, mental health factors, and special considerations associated with gender. The aim is to apply knowledge of cultural and historical influences relating to gender. Topics include conceptions of gender, gender roles, and gender similarities and differences.
PSYC 341 Memory and Cognition (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300. An introduction to basic models; methods of research; and findings in the fields of memory, problem solving, and language. The objective is to apply knowledge of cognitive processes to a variety of situations including organizational and educational settings. Both applications and theory are explored.
PSYC 351 Lifespan Development (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300. An integrated study of the biological, socioemotional, and cognitive development of humans from conception through death. The aim is to apply knowledge of lifespan development to interpersonal, community, and organizational relationships. Emphasis is on the interaction of nature and nurture on one's physiology, capability, and potential at each progressive stage of development.
PSYC 352 Child and Adolescent Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300. An examination of research and theory focusing on psychological development, from conception through adolescence. The objective is to apply knowledge of child and adolescent development through critical and creative analysis of cases and situations. Topics include physiological, conceptual, and behavioral changes and the social and biological context in which individuals develop.
PSYC 353 Abnormal Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300. An examination of mental disorders across the lifespan. The goal is to evaluate emerging issues in abnormal psychology. Topics include the identification and diagnosis of specific disorders and the evolution of treatment protocols. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC 331, PSYC 353, or PSYC 431.
PSYC 357 Adulthood and Aging (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300. An overview of the development of physiological, intellectual, and interpersonal social functioning from early adulthood through the end of life. The objective is to apply knowledge of adult development critically and creatively to explain particular cases. Topics include theory and research in adult development.
PSYC 370 Foundations of Forensics Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: PSYC 300 and PSYC 321. A survey of the major concepts and historical development of forensic psychology. The goal is to apply knowledge of forensic psychology to gain an integrated understanding of the factors relating to various offending groups. Topics include the relationship of behavioral sciences to the law and the impact of sociocultural and environmental factors on offender behavior. Various offender groups are examined in detail.
PSYC 386 Psychology of Stress (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An examination of the forces that define and determine the stress response. The aim is to apply stress management techniques to remediate the negative impact of stress. Stress is studied as the product of the interactions among one's social structure, occupational status, and psychological and physiological levels of well-being. The psychological perspective is examined in relation to the stresses produced in a variety of contexts, such as families and work organizations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 463, HLTH 285, or PSYC 386.
PSYC 432 Introduction to Counseling Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300 and PSYC 335. A survey and critical analysis of research and intervention strategies developed and used by counseling psychologists. The goal is to evaluate current trends in content and methodology. Topics include counseling protocols in various applied settings.
PSYC 436 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: PSYC 300 and PSYC 353. A survey of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies employed by clinical psychologists. The objective is to evaluate current trends in content and methodology. Topics include the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. Emphasis is on the scientist-practitioner model and the critical analysis of theories and empirical research.
Last updated: 5 July 2011