Course Descriptions

Psychology Prefix: PSY

281 Introduction to Psychology (3)

Survey of general principles underlying human behavior, including the study of the nervous system, perception, learning, emotion, personality and mental disorders. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

284 Psychology and Professional Development (1)

Must be taken in the semester immediately following PSY 281 or in the first semester after transferring. Enables students to understand their interests, their skills, their major and their career goals and to design an academic plan that will facilitate their ability to meet these goals successfully. They will also be introduced to psychological research, APA style, critical thinking in psychology, psychological testing, interviewing techniques, and scientific presentation formats. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Fall, Spring)

300 Special Topics (3)

Content to be determined by the Department as requested by faculty and/or students to fulfill specified needs or interests. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Occasional offering)

306 Psychology of Women (3)

Study of the various issues affecting the changing role of women in today's society; consideration given to psychological and social factors as they relate to contemporary feminine behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Spring)

316 Cognitive Psychology (3)

Current research and theory which addresses the issue of how people think. Includes information processing, memory, attention, language comprehension, reasoning, and problem solving. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Occasional offering)

318 Psychology of Learning (3)

Study of the basic principles related to human and animal learning with special emphasis on the theoretical approaches utilized to explain various learning phenomena. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Occasional offering)

320 Tests and Measurements (3)

Introduction to testing, including discussion of validity, reliability and overview of testing instruments in clinical, educational, and industrial settings. Prerequisites: MAT 152 and PSY 281. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

323 History and Systems (3)

Consideration of the major historical schools of psychological thought and their relationship to the present-day discipline of psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Fall)

325 Theories of Personality (3)

Survey of theoretical approaches to the study of personality, from Freudian theory to contemporary theories. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

370 Social Psychology (3)

Cognitive processes, roles, communication and persuasion, aggression and interaction of individuals within small and large groups are studied from a psychological perspective. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Spring)

382 Developmental Psychology (3)

Analysis of human development from conception through old age, with emphasis on theory and research as they relate to changes in physiological, cognitive, and affective processes throughout the lifespan. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

413 Abnormal Psychology (3)

Theories of abnormal behavior, pathological syndromes, methods of treatment, and prevention. Includes legal, ethical, and professional issues in clinical psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 281, PSY 325. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

417 Psychology of Aging (3)

Analysis of the factors characterizing normal aging: biological and perceptual changes, social processes, sexuality, cognition, personality. Disorders associated with aging are also covered. Prerequisites: PSY 281, PSY 382. (Occasional offering)

423 Industrial Psychology (3)

Application of psychological principles and procedures in business and industry settings; consideration given to topics such as selection, placement, employee motivation, morale and leadership. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Fall)

426 Health Psychology (3)

Study of the application of principles of psychology to health enhancement, illness prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, and psychosocial rehabilitation. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Occasional offering)

428 Human Sexuality (3)

A survey of issues and scientific findings with regard to physiological, developmental and emotional aspects of sexuality, as well as theory and practice related to treatment of sexual dysfunction. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Occasional offering)

445 Community Psychology (3)

Covers the basic theories and concepts that define this field. Community psychology seeks ways to eliminate distress and promote well-being in people and their communities. It emphasizes prevention of psychological problems, empowerment of persons and communities with few resources, the impact of stress and social support on people, and the importance and value of human diversity. Students will be introduced to the methods of research that guide community psychologists including traditional research methods, qualitative research methods, consulting, program evaluation, and participatory action research. Prerequisite: Either PSY 335 or PSY 370.

449 Adolescent Psychology (3)

Consideration of the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional processes occurring during the adolescent years. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Occasional offering)

452 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)

Comprehensive study of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the behavior disorders common to the child and adolescent. Prerequisites: PSY 281, PSY 382. (Occasional offering)

459 Independent Study (1-3)

Opportunity for independent research on a topic of special interest to the student. Dean and Department Chair approval required.

490 Physiological Psychology (3)

Study of basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, including the neurological bases of emotion, psychopathology, sleep, memory and learning. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

494 Substance Abuse (3)

Consideration of habituating and addicting drugs, including alcohol, and their effects upon individuals and society. Prerequisite: PSY 281. (Occasional offering)

295, 395, 495 Research (3) (3) (3)

Investigation of an original research problem of special interest to the student; independent execution of chosen experimental work or library research. Under direction of a selected staff member, MARC scholars follow a special research program. (Fall, Spring)

497 Senior Seminar (3)

Integrative experience for senior psychology majors, with focus on critical analysis of a current topic in psychology. Includes paper preparation and individual and group presentations. Prerequisite: Graduation status. (Spring)

498 Seminar (3)

Advanced topics. Discussion on selected topics under direction of instructor.