Course Descriptions

Please refer to the current Academic Bulletin for the most updated list of course descriptions for this major.

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course is an introduction to the scientific discipline of psychology. Several
areas of the field will be covered, including physiological psychology, cognition,
development, social psychology, abnormal psychology and therapy. Offered every
semester.

PSY 201 Human Development
3 Semester Credit Hours

A study of the physical, cognitive and psychological changes that take place throughout
the life cycle – from conception to death. Developmental theory will be applied to
parenting, education, marriage, career planning and other practical matters. Offered
every semester.

PSY 301 Personality Theories
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course examines several major personality theories as well as how certain
theories have led to the development of specific personality assessments.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 201. Offered every Fall.

PSY 303 Social Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

Social psychology is the scientific study of the way people think about, feel about
and act toward others. This course emphasizes the role of situations (as opposed to
personalities) in producing aggression, helpfulness, attraction, conformity and other
social phenomena. Prerequisites: PSY 101 or PSY 201. Offered every Spring.

PSY 304 Psychological Testing
3 Semester Credit Hours

An overview of the major tests: intelligence, achievement, personality, etc.
Students will learn psychometric theory (criteria used to judge tests) and will
discuss relevant issues in assessment. Prerequisites: PSY 101 and IDS 202. Offered on
an irregular basis.

PSY 305 Physiological Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course provides an overview of the cells of the nervous system, how these
cells are organized in the nervous system, and how they process and transmit
information. Specific topics include brain development, brain damage, and the
physiological bases of reproductive behavior, movement, learning, memory,
psychological disorders, and degenerative diseases. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or
BIO 113/114. Offered every Fall.

PSY 306 Abnormal Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

An analysis of the causes, symptoms and treatment of psychopathology-including
schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and personality disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 101
or PSY 301. Offered every Spring.

PSY 307 Learning Theories
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course investigates the mechanisms of major types of learning: classical
conditioning, operant conditioning and social learning theory. Material will emphasize
the role of animal research in this area and include applications to human learning
and problems. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 201. Offered every Spring.

PSY 309 Counseling Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

An introduction to counseling with a study of the major theoretical approaches to
psychotherapy. Students will also develop basic counseling skills and will analyze
counseling research. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 301. Offered on an irregular basis.

PSY 310 Sensation and Perception
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course provides an introduction to the basic principles underlying sensory and
perceptual processes, with special emphasis on vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell.
Prerequisite: PSY 101. Offered every Spring.

PSY 311 Animal Behavior
3 Semester Credit Hours

An in-depth look at the biological and psychological mechanisms that explain why
and how animals behave as they do. Course will focus on many important topics in the
field, including foraging, predator avoidance/defense, mating, habitat selection,
learning, social behavior, cultural transmission, and communication. Cross-listed
ZOO 311. Prerequisites: PSY 101 or BIO 123/124. Offered Fall of even-numbered years.

PSY 312 Industrial-Organizational Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course will apply psychological theory and research to the workplace. Among
other topics, course content includes the attitudes and behaviors of employees
and employers, motivation, leadership, organizational structure and culture, and
employee selection. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 301. Offered on an irregular basis.

PSY 313 Cognitive Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes. Specific topics that are
included in this course are memory, attention processes, problem solving, language,
and creativity. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 201. Offered every Fall.

PSY 314 An Aging Society
3 Semester Credit Hours

This interdisciplinary course explores the physiological, psychological, and
sociological aspects of aging. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 201. Offered on an
irregular basis.

PSY 317 Psychology of Leadership
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of leadership. They
will learn the psychological dynamics of leadership – why some individuals lead, how
they lead, and why people follow them. Offered on an irregular basis.

PSY 318 History and Systems in Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course explores the historical development of psychology, including the
influences of ancient philosophical viewpoints. The course emphasizes the events
beginning in the 18th century to the present and how they have impacted modern
psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 301. Offered on an irregular basis.

PSY 319 Motivation and Emotion
3 Semester Credit Hours

An introduction to the basic principles underlying motivation and emotion, with
special emphasis on the behaviors that enable us to meet our bodies’ needs (eating,
drinking, sleeping, reproductive behavior) or to avoid potentially harmful situations
(fear, anxiety, stress, aggression). Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 301. Offered on an
irregular basis.

PSY 320 Drug Use and Abuse
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course surveys the pharmacological, behavioral and psychological effects of
some of the most commonly used and abused drugs in modern society. Societal, clinical,
and health effects of drug use and abuse are also addressed. Cross- listed with PEH 320.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or BIO 223. Offered Fall of even-numbered years.

PSY 321 Forensic Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course will examine one of psychology’s newer specialty areas: forensic
psychology. The course will provide an overview of the many interactions between
psychology and the law. Students will learn about forensic psychology as a career
path and about psychological assessment as it is applied in the legal system. The
course will also focus on forensic evaluations re: civil commitments, competency to
stand trial, and criminal responsibility (insanity defense) as well as psychological
and psychiatric testimony and the limitations of psychological expertise in the legal
system. Cross-listed with CJC 325. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 301. Offered on an
irregular basis.

PSY 322 Health Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course focuses on psychological influences on human health. Cognitive, behavioral,
social and cultural influences are explored, along with the role of the nervous system
and endocrine system in health. The course will also address how psychologists trained
in health psychology work to improve patient health by changing unhealthy thoughts and
habits. The topics covered will include stress, pain, drug use, exercise, nutrition and
doctor-patient interactions. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or BIO 223. Offered Spring of
even-numbered years.

PSY 325 Adolescent Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

A study of the biological, cognitive, social, emotional and psychological changes
that accompany development during the adolescent period. Adolescence will be viewed
in the contexts of families, schools, peers and culture. There will also be a focus
on contemporary adolescent issues, including health and psychopathology.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 201. Offered every Spring.

PSY 330 Practicum in Psychology
2-3 Semester Credit Hours

Field work in a community agency or other organization under the supervision of
professionals. Regular meetings, projects and reports may be required as specified
by instructor. This course may be repeated, but no more than 6 hours of credit earned
in PSY 330 may be applied toward major requirements or minimum degree requirements.
Prerequisite: Junior status and consent of the instructor, 3.0 cumulative GPA and
3.0 GPA in the major.

PSY 350 Topics in Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

Various topics in psychology will be taught on a rotating basis, in response to
student/faculty needs and interests. Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of the
instructor. This course may be repeated with different topics, but no more than
6 hours of credit earned in PSY 350 may be applied toward major requirements or
minimum degree requirements.

PSY 390 Psychology Directed Student Research
1-3 Semester Hours

An opportunity for psychology students to carry out hands-on research under the
direction of a psychology faculty member. Students must complete a program statement
of intention prior to registration. Prerequisite: 3.0 cumulative GPA, Instructor
approval and Psychology Program Director approval.

PSY 403 Senior Seminar
3 Semester Credit Hours

A capstone course that incorporates in-depth analyses of selected topics and current
issues in psychology and encourages students to synthesize information learned in
previous psychology courses. Students will prepare and present a report as a requirement
for this course. Prerequisite: Senior psychology majors or consent of the instructor.
Offered every Fall.

PSY 430 Independent Study in Psychology
1-3 Semester Credit Hours

An individual exploration of a specific topic in psychology that will culminate
in a major paper. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification and consent of the
instructor, 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 GPA in the major.

PSY 450 Advanced Research in Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

Students will devise, conduct and report advanced psychological research.
Prerequisites: IDS 202, IDS 203, majors only. Offered on an irregular basis.

PSY 460 Advanced Child Psychology
3 Semester Credit Hours

An in-depth topical examination of how children develop, physically, cognitively,
and psychosocially. Attention is focused on factors in personality, emotional, and
intellectual development. Current research in child psychology will be reviewed with
an emphasis on applications of child psychological research to parenting and education.
This class will address many controversial issues in infancy and childhood.
Prerequisite: PSY 201 or consent of instructor. Offered on an irregular basis.