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Psychology Courses
211. Basic Psychology. 4 cr. hrs.
An introduction to the major areas of the field; psychology is viewed as a biosocial science of behavior, and emphasis is placed on the scientific basis of our current understanding of behavior. This class is a prerequisite to all other courses in the department.
214. Personal Adjustment. 2 cr. hrs.
The intent of the course is to gain a greater understanding of challenges and threats to our effective functioning. The course explores options to manage and respond to these challenges without losing a sense of self-worth and personal control. (Meets seven weeks.)
303. Abnormal Psychology. 4 cr. hrs.
A descriptive and explanatory study of the major behavior and personality disorders of both childhood and adulthood, including psychogenic, psychosomatic, and organic problems. Consideration is given to DSM diagnostic categories and therapeutic procedures. Fall semester.
304. Social Psychology. 4 cr. hrs.
A study of the influence of other people and of society collectively on selected aspects of an individual’s behavior, thinking and personality; with special attention to the dynamics of group behavior and social thought. Spring semester.
306. Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence. 2 or 4 cr. hrs.
Childhood and adolescence are studied to understand how and why people change over time. The childhood section of the class typically spans from conception to age 12. The second half of the semester is devoted to the study of adolescence. A broad-based approach is taken in order to understand development. Issues include the biological, social and behavioral influences on development. Either childhood or adolescence may be studied for one-half the semester for two hours credit. (A student may not earn credit for both 306 and 307.)
307. Life Span Developmental Psychology. 4 cr. hrs.
A broad-based approach is taken in order to understand human development across the life span, from conception to death. Issues studied include biological, social, and behavioral influences on development. A scientific approach is used in examining key past forces that shape the individual. (A student may not earn credit for both 306 and 307.).
308-309. Independent Studies. (Junior and below.) 1-4 cr. hrs.
312. Physiological Psychology. 4 cr. hrs.
A study of the biological foundations of behavior: the neural and glandular structures and functions, the sensory and motor equipment, and their significance for a psychological understanding of behavior. Psychopharmacology is discussed as it relates to drug effects on the neuron. In the laboratory, emphasis is placed upon brain anatomy and the autonomic nervous system in their relationship to behavior. Research and laboratory techniques are introduced. Offered fall semester, even numbered years.
317. Personality. 4 cr. hrs.
The course investigates major contemporary theories of personality and its formation.
Different viewpoints about the nature and functioning of personality are compared and evaluated. The concept of personality is related to such major issues of human nature as determinism vs. free will, rationality, hedonism and unconscious mechanisms. Spring semester.
318. Tests and Measurements. 4 cr. hrs.
A survey of the major principles, concepts and instruments employed in psychological assessment, diagnosis and counseling, with special attention to reliability, validity, and construction of tests, and interpretation of results. Offered based upon student demand and faculty availability.
319. Introduction to the Principles of Behavior Modification. 2 cr. hrs.
An introduction to theory, research and practice in behavior modification. It is intended that this course will function not only to familiarize the student with the field, but that it will assist in further reading and research. While the emphasis is “academic,” the clinical and applied considerations will be an integral part of the course. Offered based upon student demand and faculty availability.
320. Experimental Psychology I. 4 cr. hrs.
An introduction to the experimental methods, statistical analysis and procedures used in psychological research. Students participate in experiments, collecting data, analyzing data through statistics and writing results in APA style. Lecture and laboratory. Required of majors. Normally taken fall semester of junior year.
321. Experimental Psychology II. 4 cr. hrs.
In-depth treatment of hypothesis testing, research design, data analysis, and sampling. Emphasis on application of scientific reasoning. Students conduct an empirical study from design through data collection, analysis, and reporting. Required of majors. Normally taken spring semester of junior year. Special prerequisite: PSY 320.
322. History and Systems. 4 cr. hrs.
The rise and growth of modern psychology in its contemporary expressions. Attention is given to origins, major developments, and ongoing trends in psychological thought. Required of majors. Normally taken fall semester senior year. Special prerequisites: PSY 320 and 321, PSY 317.
400. Clinical Psychology. 4 cr. hrs.
Exploration of clinical psychology as a profession with inquiry into professional relationships and organizations. Emphasis is also placed upon clinical diagnosis and treatment of behavioral disorders. Spring semester. Special prerequisite: PSY 211, PSY 303, and two other PSY courses OR permission of instructor.
408-409. Independent Projects for Seniors. 1-4 cr. hrs.
411. Contemporary Issues in Psychology. 2 or 4 cr. hrs.
This course is designed as a seminar approach for current topics of importance to psychologists. The content of the course is determined by student interests and areas of expertise of the faculty. Typically, students prepare cases or papers, and review current readings and books relevant to the course. Two credit hour classes run half the semester, four credit hour courses last the entire semester. Offerings are based on student demand and faculty availability.
421. Seminar. 1-4 cr. hrs.
Topics to be announced, prior to registration, in special interest areas not justifying a regularly scheduled course. Enrollment by permission of department only.
422. Senior Seminar. 4 cr. hrs.
This class is designed to be an integrative experience for the entire curriculum. Topics which are examined enable the student to see connecting links among the various areas of psychological study. The course also uses an interdisciplinary approach to reveal the relationship of psychology to other academic disciplines. Required of all majors. Taken spring semester of senior year. Special prerequisites: PSY 320 and 321, PSY 317, PSY 322.
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