Psychology (PSY)

PSY 1013. Introduction to Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2301)

Introduction to the study of the mind and behavior in humans and other species with attention to awareness, sensation, perception, emotion, motivation, learning, memory, problem solving, personality, mental and behavioral development, abnormal behavior, and social behavior in group settings. Psychological, social, cultural, institutional, and biological determinants of behavior are considered, together with applications of basic principles based on individuals within a variety of cultural, civic, and public policy contexts. Scientific approaches to the explanation of psychological phenomena are examined critically, with emphasis on empirical research involving the application of the scientific method and quantitative research skills and results to everyday life situations and areas of social responsibility. Communication of empirical results to an appropriate audience is required, as is participation in illustrative research. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Student must be TSI complete in Reading. (Formerly PSY 2013. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 1013 and PSY 2013.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 2073. Statistics for Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: MAT 1023, MAT 1073, or STA 1053; and one psychology course. The use of statistics in psychological research includes: elementary probability theory; descriptive statistics, including histograms, graphing, and measures of central tendency and dispersion; correlational techniques; binomial and normal distributions; and inferential statistics, including hypothesis testing, effect size estimates, and analysis of variance. (Formerly STA 2073. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 2073 and STA 2073.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 2503. Lifespan Developmental Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2314)

Prerequisite: PSY 1013. This course covers development from conception to death. The course provides an introduction to classical and contemporary theories, methods, and current research in the field of lifespan developmental science. Additionally, this course may explore both the universal aspects of maturation and development, as well as aspects of development that vary across groups and individuals. Research and theory concerning how biological, cognitive, socioemotional, cultural, and historical forces impact development at each stage of the lifespan may be covered. Counts as a lower-division Group B course. (Formerly titled “Developmental Psychology.”) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 2513. Introduction to Psychopathology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2320)

Prerequisite: PSY 1013. Topics may include the dynamics of abnormal behavior with attention to description, causes, and treatment of major psychological disorders, including neuroses, psychoses, personality disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Counts as a lower division Group B course. (Formally titled “Abnormal Psychology.”) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 2533. Social Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2319)

Prerequisite: PSY 1013. Problems, methods, major theories, and results in the study of social interaction and interpersonal influence; self-identity, attitudes, role behavior, social perception, social influence, and behavior within groups. Counts as a lower division Group B course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 2563. Cognitive Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 1013. A survey of scientific theories and research in cognitive psychology. Topics include attention, memory, and problem-solving. Counts as a lower division Group A course. (Formerly PSY 3103. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 3103 and PSY 2563.) Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 2583. Biological Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 1013. An introduction to the biological bases of behavior. Topics include evolution, genetics, research methods in behavioral neuroscience, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception, learning and memory, lifespan development, cognition, psychological disorders, and other complex behaviors. Counts as a lower division Group A course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3023. Social Psychology of Small Groups. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2533 and PSY 3413, or consent of instructor. Theory and modern research in the social psychology of small groups. Particular attention will be given to group formation, the nature of small group processes, and the influence of groups on behavior. Counts as an upper division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3053. Multicultural Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: ANT 1013, ANT 2053, or PSY 1013; and PSY 3403 or the equivalent; or consent of instructor. An examination of the role of culture in the development and validation of psychological theories. Critical discussion of the application of theories of human behavior developed in the United States and Western Europe to other cultural groups, including ethnic minority subgroups. Topics may include identity formation, cognitive and personality development, social and organizational behavior, intergroup relations, psychological assessment, and mental health. (Formerly titled "Cross-Cultural Psychology"). Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 3073. Personality and Behavior. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". Examination of the relationship of personality to behavior, behavioral tendencies, including thoughts and feelings. Topics include the theoretical foundation of personality psychology, an examination of research regarding personality’s influence on behavior, and the application of what psychologists know about personality. Counts as an upper Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3113. Motivation and Emotion. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", or the equivalent. Topics may include examination of biological, physiological, learning, psychodynamic, cognitive, and purposive factors in the motivation of human behavior. Includes an examination of the nature and roles of emotion in explaining motivational processes. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3153. Sensation and Perception. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". Survey of the processes by which the information available in the physical world is encoded and transformed to produce our perception of the world. Emphasis on the interaction between data-driven and conceptually-driven processes. Topics may include elementary sensory physiology, pattern recognition, illusions, physiological bases of perceptual dysfunction, and perceptual development. (Formerly PSY 2553. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 3153 and PSY 2553.) Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3203. Industrial and Organizational Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3413 or equivalent, one of the following: PSY 2543 (Theories of Learning), PSY 2563, or PSY 2533, or consent of instructor. Applications of psychological theory and research techniques to issues surrounding work and employment. Topics may include issues in the selection, recruitment, and evaluation of employees, employee motivation and satisfaction, working in teams and collectives, and the influence of organizations on behavior. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3303. Psychology of Gender. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of “C-“ or consent of instructor. This course examines social, psychological, and biological theories and research on sex differences and conceptions of gender. Topics often include the content and origins of gender roles, gender stereotypes, gender identity, and gender differences and similarities in behavior, psychological processes, interpersonal relationships, and health. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. (Formerly titled “Psychological Perspectives on Gender.”) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 3403. Experimental Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Two courses from the following: PSY 2503, PSY 2513, PSY 2533, PSY 2563, or PSY 2583; and PSY 2073 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or consent of the instructor. This course is designed for students to familiarize themselves with representative experimental designs employed in psychological research, develop skills in executing research, learn the techniques for collecting and analyzing data, and apply findings from programs of research. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 3413. Experimental Projects and Laboratory. (3-1) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSY 3403 (completed with a minimum grade of "C-"). Application of observational and experimental procedures to selected problems in the collection of psychological data and the evaluation of psychological theories. (Formerly titled "Experimental Psychology Laboratory.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 3513. Developmental Psychopathology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 and either PSY 2503 or PSY 2513. Clinical findings and experimental research regarding childhood behavior problems, including hyperactivity, autism, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Additional topics may include family influences on development of psychopathology and various psychotherapeutic techniques. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. (Formerly titled "Psychopathology and Childhood.") Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3523. Psychology of Adulthood and Aging. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2503 (or alternatively, PSY 2513 or PSY 2533) or consent of instructor. Descriptive and theoretical accounts of psychological developments from emerging adulthood through old age. Relevant research is reviewed in the areas of memory, intellect, mental and physical health, social development, personality, meaning, stress and coping, bereavement, and dying. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3543. Introduction to Clinical Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2513 and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-"; or consent of instructor. An introduction to the scientist-practitioner viewpoint of clinical psychology, which balances research and practice. The basic tools of psychological assessment, psycho-diagnosis, and psychotherapy are addressed. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 3553. Behavior Analysis and Learning. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 1013 or equivalent; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or equivalent. An introduction to and survey of the principles, methods, theories, and applications of the experimental analysis of behavior. Emphasis on the implications of behavior theory and the experimental analysis of behavior in contemporary society. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3563. Couple and Family Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 1013, and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". This course will focus on psychological research on relationships, processes, and factors within couples and families. Demographic status and changes in American couples and families and how these changes relate to changes in racial/ethnic changes and diversity are considered. Psychological models of couples and families will be discussed. Understanding family structure, relationship processes, and factors that are related to the health and well-being of individual couples and family members that are related to successful and healthy couples and family relationships are discussed. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 3603. Psychology of Physical Activity. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 1013, PSY 2563, or PSY 2583. This course focuses on the psychological antecedents and consequences of physical activity behavior. Emphasis will be placed on understanding concepts, principles, and theories and how these may be applied to research as well as the promotion and maintenance of physical activity across the lifespan. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3613. Psychopharmacology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2563 or PSY 2583. This course is an introduction to behavioral pharmacology. Topics will include fundamental neuroscience and pharmacology principles, and neurochemistry of neurotransmitter systems, with applications among central nervous system active medications used recreationally and/or pharmaceutically. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3623. Psychology of Adolescence. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 1013. This course will serve as a survey of the fundamental developmental changes that occur in adolescence and the transition to adulthood. Particular emphasis will be on the psychological and social changes that accompany and follow the physiological changes of puberty, the acquisition of new cognitive capacities, and the process of social redefinition. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 3703. Reason and Intuition. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". This course examines human reason and intuition from a variety of perspectives that cut across traditional areas of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental, biological, abnormal, applied). Major topics include conscious and unconscious cognition, judgment and decision-making, creativity, critical thinking and science, expertise, and moral reasoning. Some applications covered include economics, business, psychotherapy, the legal system, and thriving in the information age. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4003. History of Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or consent of instructor. The development of major theoretical positions and research strategies in psychology from the ancient Greeks to the present, with emphasis on the development of scientific psychology since the late 19th century. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4013. Social Psychology of the Self. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2533 (or alternatively, PSY 2503 or PSY 2513) and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-"; and completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSY 3413; or consent of instructor. A social psychological examination of current research on the self and identity as they occur in social interaction. Topics may include the structure of the self-concept and strategies for the preservation of self-esteem; the evaluation of the self through social comparison; the search for meaning and processes involved in understanding the self and identity; and individual differences in self-knowledge and self-presentational styles. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4103. Social Psychology of Prejudice. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2533 and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". Consideration of social, psychological, cultural, and personality factors in prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. Involves an exploration of other types of prejudices. Coverage involves strategies and continuing research and applications for addressing and reducing prejudice. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4143. Memory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", and PSY 3413 or the equivalent; or consent of instructor. Models for the coding, storage, and retrieval of information in memory. Organization and structure of short-term, long-term, and semantic memory, and the role of verbalization and images in memory. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 4183. Physiological Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2583 or BIO 1203 (formerly BIO 1404). Topics may include the biological and particularly neurophysiological bases of human behavior and cognition, the structure and organization of the nervous system, and the effect of the latter on perception, memory, learning, motivation, and emotion. (PSY 4183 is considered equivalent to BIO 4813, NDRB 4813, and NDRB 3613. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of these courses.) Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 4193. Relationships. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2533, PSY 2503, or PSY 2513; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". A consideration of the psychological processes that underlie the development and maintenance of social relationships. Emphasis on motivational and cognitive factors that mediate social interaction and communication. Special attention may be given to friendships, romantic relationships, successful marriages, and distressed relationships. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 4213. Social Cognition. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2533 or PSY 2563; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", or the equivalent; or consent of instructor. The study of how people perceive and construe social events, social situations, and the behavior of other people. Some emphasis is also placed on how social and cultural forces affect personal perception processes. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 4253. Psychology of Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or consent of instructor. An examination of the interaction of psychological, social, and biological factors in physical illness. The symptoms/conditions covered may include stress, pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, and obesity. The course is research-based but likely to include prevention and/or treatment strategies for health promotion. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 4343. Cognitive Neuroscience. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3403 and PSY 3413; PSY 2563 or PSY 2583. Examines issues in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and the relations between cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Topics include the neural basis of perception, attention, memory, language, and executive function skills. Students will also study how these processes change during normal development and in various neurological disorders. Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and use of the scientific method will be emphasized. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

PSY 4363. Intelligence and Cognitive Abilities. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3413; and PSY 2563 or PSY 2583. A survey of the science of intelligence and cognitive abilities. Topics may include intelligence tests and measures, theories of intelligence, intelligence and the brain, cognitive correlates of intelligence, genetics of intelligence, intelligence at school and work, environmental effects on intelligence, and group differences in intelligence. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4503. Infancy and Childhood. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 3413. This course will cover development from conception through childhood. We will review seminal historical and contemporary theory, research, and methods relevant to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development during childhood. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4603. Stress and Coping. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSY 2503, PSY 2513, PSY 2533, or PSY 2583. This course examines the relationships between stress, physical and mental health, the stressors particular to modern life, and the use of stress management techniques to promote effective coping. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4853. Special Topics in Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. (Formerly PSY 4953. Credit may be earned for both PSY 4853 and PSY 4953 or, if repeated, provided that the topics vary across offerings, but not more than six semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree). Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Does not count toward upper-division course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students planning to pursue a research focused graduate degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $6.

PSY 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Does not count toward upper-division course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students planning to pursue a research focused graduate degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4933. Internship in Psychology. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator before registration. Supervised experience relevant to psychology within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through Internship in Psychology. Does not count toward course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students who wish to gain experience in applied settings. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

PSY 4936. Internship in Psychology. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator before registration. Supervised experience relevant to psychology within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through Internship in Psychology. Does not count toward course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students who wish to gain experience in applied settings. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $36.

PSY 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to candidates for Honors in Psychology; requirements for candidacy include the sponsorship of a faculty member and Psychology faculty approval of the student’s project proposal. Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once for credit with advisor’s approval. Does not count toward upper-division course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students planning to pursue a research focused graduate degree. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.