Course Listing For Psychology Courses

This course is an introduction to the scientific foundations of the study of behavior and a survey of basic topics of psychology such as sensation and perception, the brain and nervous system, learning and memory, language and thinking, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality, development, stress, and abnormal behavior. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Psychology except PY 200, PY 211, PY 222 and PY 250

This course is an introduction to the wide variety of careers available to students majoring in psychology. Topics will include, but not be limited to: writing resumes and cover letters, applying to graduate/professional programs, and issues important in deciding upon an area of specialization. Students will learn about the various careers in psychology through presentations with professionals in the field and exploring information available on Internet sites, such as that of the American Psychological Association (1 credit hr)

This course will present the principles of human growth and development from conception to death. Topics to be included in the course are methods of child study, consideration of individual differences, and analysis of patterns and sequences of development.

This course is a consideration of biological, cultural, developmental, and psychological aspects of human sexuality, emphasizing class discussion of relevant issues. Among topics covered are AIDS, romantic love, sexual practices, and sexual orientation.

This course is an introduction to and application of statistics and research designs used in experimental psychological research. Statistical software will be used to analyze psychological data collected by the students using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Specific types of statistical tests include: measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, multiple regression, z-tests, t-tests for both independent and correlated samples, analysis of variance/covariance, and various non-parametric tests. Prerequisite: MA 101 or higher

This course covers major psychodynamic, behaviorist, trait, humanist, and cognitive theories of personality. Situational and biological influences, traits and cognition, life stories, psychobiography, and other contemporary issues are discussed. Application of personality theory to the understanding of individual lives is encouraged. Prerequisite: PY 101

This course presents the major theoretical and therapeutic approaches to psychological disorder. The classification, origin, description, and treatment of the chief psychiatric problems are included. Prerequisite: PY 101

This course examines how biological, social, cultural and psychological factors influence health and illness. Representative topics include research methods in health psychology, theories of health behavior, cultural differences in understanding health, understanding and coping with stress, understanding and managing pain, terminal illness, managing health care and controversies in health psychology. Prerequisite: PY 101, SO 101, or written permission of the instructor

This course addresses the ways in which people gain knowledge about their world and about self. Topics covered include memory and forgetting, language, thought processes, and creativity. Prerequisite: PY 101

This course covers major concepts and research of cross-cultural psychology, including cross-cultural aspects of ethnocentrism, developmental processes, gender differences, emotion, language, personality, and other topics. Applications of cross-cultural knowledge to understanding one’s own culture and the effects of culture on individual lives are included. Prerequisite: PY 101

This course examines psychological principles that affect the behavior of individuals as members of groups. Representative topics include interpersonal relationships, attitudes, conformity, aggression, prejudice, social cognition and culture. Course Prerequisites SO 101 or PY 101, or permission of the instructor

This course is an examination of research design issues in psychology and related disciplines with emphasis on accurate reading of published articles. Students write a research proposal including a literature review, an operationally stated hypothesis, and data gathering procedures. Students continuing on to PY 354 Experimental Psychology may carry out their research proposal. The mastery of APA manuscript style is an important aspect of this course. Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 250 or MA 215 (PY 250 or MA 215 may be concurrent)

This course is a study and application of experimental techniques for investigating psychological issues. Students will replicate experiments or design their own investigations, write experimental reports, and use computerized statistical analysis. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250 or MA 215, PY 353.

This course emphasizes the development of theoretical approaches to learning, as well as applications of behavioral learning principles in applied contexts. The principles of classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, and social learning theory will be investigated in the course. The course will also present how learning principles are used in such areas as child management, interpersonal communication, and self-control. Prerequisite: PY 101

This course is a study of biological influences on human behavior and mental processes. Includes a survey of brain and nervous system anatomy and how researchers learn about functions of these systems in relation to behavior. Emphasis is on normal development, adaptation, and learning but a variety of syndromes and problems are also included. Study of Biology or Anatomy and Physiology are helpful but not required. Prerequisite: PY 101

This course presents the development of psychology in the history of the Western world. Among the topics it includes are the philosophical basis of modern psychology, the founders of psychology, and development of major theories and content areas. Prerequisite: PY 101

In-depth exploration of particular topics of psychological interest not treated or treated only briefly in other psychology courses. Specific titles of courses offered under this heading are listed in the course selection for the sessions in which they are offered. Pre-requisite: PY 101

This capstone course for psychology majors focuses on the discussion and analysis of significant issues, methods, and bodies of knowledge in psychology. Students will be responsible for the content and direction of the course under the guidance of the instructor. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250 or MA 215, PY 353, and six additional hours of upper-level psychology courses, or permission of instructor.

This course is an opportunity to study topics of personal or professional interest not covered, or covered in a limited way, in regular courses. Prerequisite: Psychology major and permission of instructor.

This course provides an opportunity to conduct research in an area of psychology of interest to the student. Research is based upon ideas of the student and/or the instructor. Because original research may take more than one term, the course may be repeated once for credit for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisites: Psychology major, PY 250, HS 250, or MA 240, PY 353, PY 354, and permission of instructor