Courses
PSYC 101 General Psychology 3.00 credits
An overview of contemporary psychology which introduces the student to the following areas: human development, sensation perception, motivation, learning, emotion, psychological measurement, personality, biological basis of behavior, experimental psychology, intelligence, abnormal behavior, and personality. Format consists of lectures and discussions. Fall and Spring; Summer on sufficient demand.
 
PSYC 190 Directed Study 1.00 - 3.00 credits
Topic to be decided by faculty.
 
PSYC 207 Research Methods in Psychology 3.00 credits
An introduction to research methods in psychology with particular focus on the experimental method. Primary emphasis is on the application of the methods learned in class to actual psychological research problems. Fall and Spring.
 
Prerequisite: (MATH 121 Minimum Grade: D or BUSN 230 Minimum Grade: D or NURS 320 Minimum Grade: D) and PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent: PSYC 207L
PSYC 207L Research Methods in Psyc Lab 1.00 credit
To be taken concurrently with PSYC 207, the lab will provide the student with practical, hands-on experience in conducting and writing-up research projects in psychology. Students are guided through all of the phases of designing and conducting a research project. Fall and Spring.
 
Concurrent: PSYC 207
PSYC 290 Directed Study 1.00 - 3.00 credits
Topic to be decided by faculty.
 
PSYC 300 Educational Psychology 3.00 credits
Designed to guide students in the application of psychological theory and research to work in the classroom, this course will include topics such as learning, aspects of human development that influence learning, and how to structure the classroom environment to maximize learning. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 302 Statistics in Psychology 3.00 credits
This course will cover the basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics and will emphasize their application to the gathering and anaylysis of data as related to research questions in psychology. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: MATH 121 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 321 Child Psychology 3.00 credits
The essentials of child psychology, representing various schools of thought based upon research on the development of children from conception to preadolescence. May include a service-learning component. Fall and/or Spring.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D) or EDSE 320 Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 322 Adolescent Psychology 3.00 credits
A survey of psychological research and major theories regarding the life-span between puberty and the attainment of maturity. May include a service-learning component. Fall and/or Spring.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D) or EDSE 320 Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 323 Development in Diverse Env 3.00 credits
Course will explore child development across various contexts with particular emphasis on broadening students' perspectives beyond normative development in white, middle class environments. Contexts explored will include poverty and homelessness, racial discrimination, diverse family contexts (e.g., divorce, parents who are homosexual), foster care and adoption, violent/war stricken environments, and cross-cultural child-rearing practices. May include a service-learning component. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D) or EDSE 417 Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 324 Child Psycology in Zambia 3.00 credits
Students will work with children at the education center at Chimfunshi Wildlife Sanctuary in Zambia, Africa. They will be responsible for organizing educational activities for local and visiting school children. Summer.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 330 Social Psychology 3.00 credits
An analysis of psycho-social endowment. The impact of individuals, groups, and social structure on the development of personality and interpersonal relations. Fall and Spring; Summer on sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D) or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 333 Environmental Psychology 3.00 credits
An exploration of the interaction between human behavior and the physical environment. Emphasis on perception, preference, and coping with less preferred environments. Spring.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 334 Human Flourishing 3.00 credits
Human Flourishing will explore what is constructive, beautiful and healthy about human beings and their social interactions. This course will provide familiarity with the Positive Psychology movement and what it brings to the social psychology table that helps us understand and improve ourselves and the communities in which we reside (e.g., our relationships, workplaces). Some of the section topics will include: healthy relationships and their benefits, happiness as both a cause and an effect of positive outcomes, distinguishing positive emotions (e.g., awe, elevation, gratitude) and their outcomes, and the importance of personal well-being for the workplace and our economy. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 335 Cognition 3.00 credits
An exploration of the psychological research that seeks to understand differences and similarities in human behavior when compared across cultures and groups. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D) or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 350 Tutoring And Proctoring 1.00 - 3.00 credits
Advanced psychology students participate in the tutoring and proctoring of students who can benefit from special assistance in a particular area of psychology, especially in research methods. It is assumed that tutors and proctors have an especially good command of the subject matter. Fall and Spring.
 
PSYC 355 Cross-cultural Psychology 3.00 credits
An exploration of the psychological research which seeks to understand differences and similarities in human behavior when compared across cultures and groups. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 356 Comparative Psyc in Zambia 3.00 credits
Students will engage in observational research of chimpanzees at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Sanctuary, in Zambia, Africa. They will learn skills of field and observational research; participate in guided observations' and develop their own mini-project for which they will prepare ahead of time. Summer.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 357 Pre-emersion for Study Abroad 1.00 credit
This class is mandatory for all student taking either/both upper-division psychology courses as part of the summer study abroad program. It will be designed to and discussion in comparative and child psychology, completion of activity palns, and preliminary research for course project.
 
PSYC 372 Physiological Psychology 3.00 credits
The purpose of this course is to study and discuss how anatomy, chemistry, and physiology affect behavior, how biological processes impact everyday behavior, and how abnormalities in our biology can produce various conditions and disorders. Fall on sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D and MATH 121 Minimum Grade: D and (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D)
PSYC 380 Personality 3.00 credits
A survey and critique of major theories of personality. Fall and Spring.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 390 Directed Study 1.00 - 3.00 credits
Topic to be decided by faculty.
 
PSYC 407 Adv Research Methods 3.00 credits
The purpose of this course is twofold. The first goal is to provide students with a greater understanding or research design and data analysis in psychology. The second objective is to assist students in the design and execution of a research study, the results of which will be presented to a psychology department gathering at the end of the semester. This course reviews the structure and logic of experiment procedures, basic issues in conducting research, and fundamentals of data analysis.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D and MATH 121 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 407L Adv Research Methods Lab 1.00 credit
See course description for PSYC 407.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: B+
Concurrent: PSYC 407
PSYC 411 Psychological Assessment 3.00 credits
Emphasis on the theoretical aspects of psychological testing for administration, construction, and evaluation. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 413 Psyc of Error and Illusion 3.00 credits
This class will examine both perceptual and cognitive errors, and their relation to technology, everyday life, and decision-making. Studying various perceptual illusions will lead to a greater understanding of how the senses work. For example, topics such as color television, stage magic, and 3-D glasses will heighten our understanding of the visual system; other illusions will likewise demonstrate the workings of other senses. In addition we examine common errors in decision making that have profound effects on individuals and society. Summer, on sufficient demand.
 
PSYC 414 Psychology of Consciousness 3.00 credits
This class will examine the relationship between mind and brain based upon current philosophical and empirical perspectives.
 
PSYC 422 History & Systems of Psych 3.00 credits
The various systematic approaches to the understanding of psychological phenomena are surveyed in historical context; such schools as structuralism, functionalism, psychoanalysis humanistic psychology, and varieties of behaviorism and cognitivism, will be considered. Fall.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 423 Family Systems: Theory & Prac 3.00 credits
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of family systems. We will compare and contrast various models of family systems including transgenerational, structural, strategic, and experiential approaches. This course is especially recommended for students considering a career in a clinical contest as a therapist. We will apply family systems theories to clinical case studies and examine how family therapists try to bring about change. Students will have an opportunity to integrate these concepts as they begin to clarify and develop their own therapeutic framework. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 424 Community Psych-Primary Prevnt 3.00 credits
Combines an emphasis on exploring alternative methods of providing mental health services in the community and the identification of conditions of risk to psychological adjustment and the prevention or lessening of risk factors. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D) or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 426 Psychopathology 3.00 credits
Survey of major emotional and behavior disorders; discussion of causation, symptomology, and treatment. Fall and Spring.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D) or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 433 Learning 3.00 credits
Advanced survey of concepts and methods relevant to the scientific analysis of learning. Fall.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 435 Sensation & Perception 3.00 credits
Examines the transduction of sensory information, its processing by the human nervous system, and how these processes result in perceptual experience. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D) or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 441 Behavior Management 3.00 credits
A critical review of learning procedures used to effect behavioral change in the natural environment. Includes treatment of both normal and maladaptive behaviors. Spring.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 444 Behavior Analysis 4.00 credits
The attitudes, principles, and techniques which enter into the experimental analysis of behavior. Concentrated laboratory study and the communication of experimental findings. Spring.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent: PSYC 444L
PSYC 444L Behavior Analysis Lab .00 credits
To be taken concurrently with PSYC 444. Spring.
 
Concurrent: PSYC 444
PSYC 450 Industrial-Organizational Psyc 3.00 credits
A survey of psychology applied to the work experience. Selection, evaluation, leadership, and work motivation are among the broad range of topics covered. Fall.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D and MATH 121 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 460 Health/Pediatric Psychology 3.00 credits
This course is designed to cover a survey of health/ pediatric psychology (i.e., studying the interface between psychological and physical processes), while simultaneously providing in-depth analysis of various topic areas (e.g., psychosocial aspects of oncology; pain management in infants/toddlers, etc.). Classes will follow a seminar format incorporating discussion of assigned readings, presentation of new material, and an emphasis on written expression skills. Course content will emphasize many aspects of health/pediatric psychology including basic and applied research, consultation, clinical intervention, and health promotion strategies. Participation with ongoing research projects may be included. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D or EDSE 417 Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D) and MATH 121 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 101 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 465 Forensic Psychology 3.00 credits
This course is an introductory level course to the field of forensic psychology, the branch of psychology which focuses on the application of psychological research data and principles within the legal arena. Students will be introduced to the process of applying psychological knowledge, concepts, and principles within the civil and criminal court systems. This course will include an introduction to and overview of topics such as the history of forensic psychology, an overview of the legal system, consultation to legal parties, ethical issues, eye witness testimony, assessment, evaluation of malingering, competency in criminal proceedings, civil commitment, child custody, psychologist testimony in courtroom settings, assessment of sexual offenders, assessment of violent and homicidal behavior, treatment of crime victims, police and investigative psychology, and careers within this field. A variety of formats will be used including lecture, readings, presentation by class members on selected topics, and guest speakers from within the legal arena. Disclaimer: This course by virtue of its topic will address issues related to criminal activity and the subsequent legal proceedings. Although it may seem obvious, each person should consider carefully whether the content is suitable before enrolling in the course as the lectures, readings, and other materials may at times involve topics related to violence and sometimes sexual material which may be offensive to some people. On
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D) or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 470 Group Process 3.00 credits
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of group counseling and psychotherapy. Students in this course study both historical and current literature regarding the theoretical and experiential understandings of group purpose, developmental stages, dynamics such as roles, norms, and therapeutic factors, leadership orientations and process, counseling theories, group counseling methods, and skills. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 475 Clinical/Counseling Psychology 3.00 credits
An introduction to current theory and method in clinical and counseling psychology. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 380 Minimum Grade: D and (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D or EDSE 320 Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D)
PSYC 477 Psychology of Intimacy 3.00 credits
This course will explore the nature of attachment relationships from birth through the life span with a specific focus upon issues of intimacy. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 478 Evolutionary Psychology 3.00 credits
Evolutionary psychology examines the adaptive significance of behavior as the result of universal processes that have shaped the functioning of life. Specific topics include mating strategies, sexual jealousy, cheater detection, pregnancy sickness, parental nurturance and negligence, spatial memory, landscape preferences, and aggression and violence. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 479 Seminar: Psychology of Trauma 3.00 credits
This seminar style course is an introduction to the psychological aspects of individual's exposure to traumatic experiences. This course will cover a variety of topics including historical and current literature regarding the effects, diagnosis, and treatments of trauma exposure throughout the lifespan. The course will place an emphasis on student participation in classroom discussions and presentations of course material. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 480 Neuropsychology 3.00 credits
Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between brain functioning and behavior. The course will incorporate an introduction to neuroanatomy, an overview of neuropsychological assessment, and clinical case studies. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 481 Attachment Across the Lifespan 3.00 credits
Seminar course explores the basic principles of attachment theory and an analysis of attachment relationships (e.g., parent-child, romantic partners) at various points in the lifespan. May include a service-learning component. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D or EDSE 320 Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D)
PSYC 482 Psychology of Aging 3.00 credits
This course will explore the interaction and impact of the aging process on physiological, cognitive, and psychological changes within the individual. The course will include topics such as the diversity of aging experiences, retirement, widowhood, coping with illness, family care giving, and mental health issues. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 483 Emotion 3.00 credits
On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D or EDSE 320 Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D)
PSYC 484 Abnormal Child Psychology 3.00 credits
An overview of theory, research, and practice in developmental psychopathology. The major disorders of childhood are reviewed. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 485 Ethics in Psychology 3.00 credits
Using the APA ethical guidelines for psychologists we will examine the aspirational goals, the standards themselves, the history of the current standards, and how to apply them in a variety of situations faced by psychologists.
 
PSYC 486 Seminar 3.00 credits
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 487 Seminar-Verbal Processes 3.00 credits
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D)
PSYC 488 Psychology of Transcendence 3.00 credits
Utilizing perspective gained from developmental psychology, developmental psychopathology, object relations theory, and attachment theory this course will explore both positive and defensive uses of the human quest for transcendence. Focusing on religious traditions throughout the world (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.) this course will provide familiarity with common themes of transcendent experience (salvation, enlightenment, timeless grace, etc.).
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 489 Seminar:Infant Development 3.00 credits
Seminar involves an in-depth study of the research and theory on development from conception through infancy with special attention to the real-world application of knowledge gained. May include a service-learning component. On sufficient demand.
 
Prerequisite: (PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D or SOCI 304 Minimum Grade: D or EXSC 305 Minimum Grade: D)
PSYC 490 Directed Reading In Psychology 1.00 - 3.00 credits
Directed reading of an advanced topic in the field of psychology; reports submitted, conferences attended, and examination taken at the judgment of the director.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 496 Practicum In Psychology 1.00 credit
Supervised agency experiences in one or more of the applied aspects of psychology. Only one hour may be counted toward the requirements for the major.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 426 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 475 Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 497 Group Research Topic 1.00 - 3.00 credits
Supervised research experience as a part of a research team working on a specific project under the direction and supervision of a faculty member.
 
PSYC 498 Individual Research Topics 1.00 - 3.00 credits
Supervised individual research on a topic of interest to the student and approved by and arranged with a faculty member.
 
Prerequisite: PSYC 207 Minimum Grade: D and PSYC 207L Minimum Grade: D
PSYC 499 Comprehensive .00 credits
Passing the Graduate Record Advanced Test in Psychology is required of all majors prior to receiving their degree.