Department of Psychology
PSY 105 General Psychology 3 Cr
An introduction to the principles of behavior through an analysis of the explanatory concepts, research methodologies, and contemporary issues in psychology. This is a survey course and is team-taught, thus exposing students to all areas of expertise within the Department. Each semester.
PSY 200 Emotional Intelligence and Personal/Professional Success 1 Cr
Emotional intelligence refers to the dimension of intelligence that is responsible for our ability to manage ourselves and our relationships with others. Research suggests that the skills involved with high emotional intelligence are primary for career success, and it separates performers from those who do not succeed. This course introduces students to theories of emotional intelligence, exposes them to research supporting the concept, and gives them tools to assess and develop their own emotional intelligence. Spring semester.
PSY 203 Developmental Psychology 3 Cr
An examination of the human life cycle with a focus on the behavioral processes and major influences unique to each stage of development. Prerequisite: PSY 105. Each semester.
PSY/SO 216 Social Psychology 3 Cr
An introduction to and an analysis of social interaction, including the social aspects of personality, social attitudes, group behavior, and the influences of social institutions on individual behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or SO 101. Fall semester. Fulfills National Diversity requirement.
PSY 222 History and Systems in Psychology 3 Cr
A study of the major influences of philosophy and physiology on the development of modern psychology. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an education in the roots of psychology and an appreciation for the contributions of the great schools of thought. Prerequisite: PSY 105. Spring semester.
PSY 227 Child Psychology 3 Cr
A developmental approach to the cognitive, physical, and psycho-social aspects of school-aged children. Each semester.
PSY 228 Adolescent Psychology 3 Cr
A developmental approach to the cognitive, physical, and psycho-social aspects of adolescence. Each semester.
PSY/ED 229 Educational Psychology 3 Cr
A study of the psychological theories and principles that affect teaching and learning in educational environments. The focus of this course is on the theories and methods associated with the process of learning as well as the application of this knowledge in a variety of classroom environments. Prerequisite: PSY 105. PSY 227, or PSY 228, or a PSY course approved by the instructor. Each semester.
PSY 304 Theories and Practice in Counseling Psychology 3 Cr
This course is designed to introduce students to the theoretical models, research findings, and practical techniques of counseling and psychotherapy. Intended for students who plan to become counselors. Prerequisite: PSY 105 and junior status. Spring semester.
PSY 305 Junior Seminar 1 Cr
This course meets once per week to discuss issues of importance to those pursuing a career in psychology or related discipline. Topics will include career exploration, preparations for the GRE, APA writing style, graduate studies and schools, thesis projects, internships, and more. Psychology students are required to attend and participate. Fall semester.
PSY 306 Abnormal Psychology 3 Cr
An empirically oriented analysis of contemporary as well as historical approaches to defining, explaining, and changing maladaptive human behavior. This course focuses on those behavior patterns that impede people from leading happy, meaningful, and productive lives. Prerequisite: PSY 105. Fall semester.
PSY 307 Learning 3 Cr
The course thoroughly covers principles and theories involved in the complex learning process. Practical information for improving both teaching and learning also are covered. The course exposes students to both behaviorists and cognitive theorists. All students conduct learning experiments during class and provide interpretation of results. Fall semester.
PSY 308 Health Psychology 3 Cr
This course will provide an overview of the emerging field of health psychology and its contributions to our health care systems. Biopsychological approaches to health also will be examined. Course content will emphasize human behaviors that contribute to illness and those that facilitate health and well-being. Excellent elective course for those majoring in nursing or studies in pre-medicine. Fall semester.
PSY 309 Research Methods 4 Cr
This course provides skill training in descriptive, experimental and quasi-experimental research methodologies. Descriptive methodologies and data analyses include distributions, normative data analysis and correlations. Experimental and quasi-experimental methodologies include data analyses involving t-tests, one-way analysis of variance and two-way analysis of variance for factorial designs. Emphasis is placed on being able to determine the correct methodology and data analysis for a given research question. In addition to developing critical analytical skills students are required to complete a research project and submit it written in APA style. Prerequisites: Junior status, psychology major and MA 207. Fulfills Writing Intensive requirement. Fall semester.
PSY 311 Theories of Personality 3 Cr
This course explores the major theories of personality in terms of philosophy, science, and application. Students will become acquainted with a wide variety of theoretical approaches from the well known to the less well known. Prerequisite: PSY 105. Spring semester.
PSY 314 Cognitive Psychology 3 Cr
This new course offering provides an introduction to the study of mental processes and discusses how the cognitive perspective has shaped modern psychology. Both behavioral and neuropsychological approaches to theory will be explored. The course includes such topics as the history of cognition, an introduction to cognitive neuroscience, attention, perception, language processing, memory, decision making, and consciousness. Students will review and replicate classical and contemporary cognitive psychology experiments. Students will also augment their critical thinking skills through the critique of experimental methodology and the application of scientific reasoning to common cognitive problems. Prerequisite: PSY 105. Offered spring semester annually.
PSY 320 Clinical Issues with Children and Adolescents 3 Cr
This course is designed to expose students to the fundamental issues encountered in the treatment of behavior problems and mental illness in children and adolescents. The course will emphasize methods for facilitating healthy change and will include relevant theory and research in the field. Lecture will cover topics ranging from child protective services interface to the use of psychotropic medications. Spring semester. Prerequisites: PSY 203, PSY 227, or PSY 228.
PSY 414 Physiological Psychology 4 Cr
This course is the first half of a year-long course in biopsychology. The course is concerned with the history of the field; structure and function of neurons, neural communication, neuroanatomy; and research methods. A laboratory section includes films, computer simulations, and sheep brain dissection. Prerequisite: Senior status; psychology major or consent of instructor. Fall semester.
PSY 416 Brain and Behavior 4 Cr
Building on information learned in PSY 414, students study the physiological basis of reproductive, emotional, stress, communicative, and ingestive behavior. Students also examine the biological aspects of mental disorders, such as anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, and addiction. This course is excellent preparation for graduate studies in psychology, medicine, or allied health fields. The laboratory section includes short projects in stress, films, field trips, and computer-guided learning tasks. Prerequisite: PSY 414. Spring semester.
PSY 417-418 Psychology Practicum 1-3 Cr
PSY 425 Psychology Internship
A program that provides upper-division psychology students with professionally supervised practical experience in the application of psychological principles and techniques in the areas of counseling, teaching, research, and community health. Prerequisites: Junior or senior status and consent of the Psychology Department. Both semesters.
PSY 486 Independent Research or Teaching in Psychology 1-3 Cr
Individualized instruction course through which a student engages in either research on a topic chosen in conjunction with a psychology department faculty member or teaching/tutoring general psychology students under the supervision of the psychology department. Weekly conferences with supervising faculty are required. Credits are variable for the research option. Tutoring/Teaching students will register for 1 credit. Research option offered both semesters. Teaching option offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: PSY 307.