Course Descriptions

101. Introduction to Psychology: Physiological, Cognitive, and Sensory Processes (3 credits, PI) This coures introduces students to the "natural science" approach to psychology and covers "molecular" topics such as biological psychology, sensory and perceptual processes, motivation, and cognition. Students will study about the value and limitations of experimentation in laboratory settings, read pertinent classical studies, and gain knowledge of differing theoretical perspectives.

102. Introduction to Psychology: Perasonality, Development, and Social Behavior (3 credits, PI) This course introduces students the "social science" approach to psychology and covers "molar" topics such as human development and social interaction, personality, psychological disorders and therapies. Students will learn about the value and limitations of correlational methods and field research, read pertinent classical studies, and gain knowledge of differing theoretical perspectives.

201. Statistics and Research Methods I (3 credits) An integrated examination of methodological and statistical procedures psychologists use to answer questions concerning behavior and mental processes. This course focuses primarily on descriptive statistics and descriptive methodologies. Topics include the nature of scientific inquiry, naturalistic observation, survey methods, single subject designs, and correlation research. Coverage of research methods is connected with appropriate statistical issues including measurement scales, graphical depictions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, correlation and regression. Laboratory exercises are used to illustrate research approaches.

202. Statistics and Research Methods II (4 credits) Continuation of Statistics and Research Methods I. In this case the emphasis is on inferential statistics, hypothesis testing and experimental methodologies. Topics include experimental and quasi-experimental research methods, one-way and factorial research designs with their related statistical procedures including the logic of hypothesis testing, t-tests, and analysis of variance, writing in accordance with APA format. Laboratory component includes group experiments and an individual research project. Prerequisite: Psy 201

221. Developmental I: Childhood and Adolescence (3 credits, PII) An examination of age-related changes in psychological functioning from conception through young adulthood. All aspects of development including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects are discussed, with an emphasis on a theoretical understanding of the facts of development.

222. Social Psychology (3 credits) Individual behavior as influenced by the social context, with a discussion of theories and research. Topics include aggression, attraction, altruism, interpersonal influence, attitudes and effects of the environment on social behavior.

222L. Optional Laboratory (1 credit) Students apply the basic experimental procedures of social psychology - involves experiment design, data collection and analysis.

223. Psychology of Women (3 credits, PII) Major psychological theories are considered with specific regard to women's achievements, identity, gender role identification, cognitive styles, language, and developmental issues. Contributions of women researchers and theorists to psychology as well as cross-cultural issues are explored.

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231. Behavior Modification (3 credits) Designed to acquaint students with the research on behavior change and applications of the techniques of behavior modification to educational and business settings, to emotionally disturbed and developmentally disabled populations, and to changing one's own behavior.

311. Psychology of Learning (4 credits) Research and theory in classical and operant conditioning are examined. The laboratory provides an opportunity to experience the principles in operation while training computer-simulated rats to perform various tasks.

312. Memory and Cognition (3 credits) This course examines cognitive processes, often called "higher mental processes". As a discipline, the field of cognition is concerned with how humans acquire, store, retrieve, and use knowledge. Topics to be discussed include perception, memory, attention, categorization, language, thinking, problem solving, and decision making. The course will introduce the student to research and theory in cognitive psychology as well as demonstrate how knowledge gained from research has been applied to solve problems and improve the quality of life.

312L. Optional Laboratory (1 credit) Uses primarily computer software designed to acquaint students with research methods in memory and cognition.

313. Motivation (3 credits, PII) Motivation is about human strivings, wants, desires, and aspirations. To fully appreciate human motivation, this course will explore all those conditions in the person, environment, and culture that explain why we want what we do. Special emphasis will be placed on helping the student develop an understanding of how biological, psychological, and environmental principles interact to motivate human behavior and thought.

314. Sensation and Perception (3 credits) This is a course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of sensation and perception. Topics to be discussed include the anatomy and physiology of the senses, color and depth perception, perceptual constancy, perception of pitch and timbre, taste and smell, and perceptual development. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the neurophysiology of the sensory systems which gives rise to human perceptual phenomena.

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314L. Optional Laboratory (1 credit) This optional lab will allow the student to use multimedia and hands-on projects to further explore topics discussed in sensation and perception. In particular, students will use engaging and interactive multimedia modules to enhance their understanding of theories and principles.

315. Physiological Psychology (3 credits) Understanding the role of a person's brain in directing behavior. Topics include the structure of the nervous system, arousal and sleep, emotion, learning, memory and the effects of brain damage.

315L. Optional Laboratory (1 credit) The physiological laboratory is designed to give hands-on experience with biofeedback instrumentation procedures and dissection procedures for investigating neuroanatomy as it relates to structures studied in the course.

321. Developmental II: Middle Age and Aging (3 credits) Psychological, biological and social changes and transitions occurring during the mature development phases. Attention will be given to new networks of relationships, new behaviors and new self perceptions taking place as a person moves through life. Required for gerontology minor.

322. Personality (3 credits) The study of individual differences in behavior. Consists of an investigation of theories that provide differing conceptualizations of human nature and related research on topics such as stress, conflict, and self-concept.

323. Abnormal Psychology (3 credits, PII) Historical background and terminology; an analysis of the symptoms and diagnoses; a consideration of the theories and treatment of abnormality.

324. Issues in Aging (3 credits) In-depth investigation of the theoretical and experimental findings related to psychological, environmental, social, and physical aspects of development in middle-aged and older adults, with a directed experience in a professional setting. Required for gerontology minor. Prerequisite: Psy 321 or permission of instructor.

327. Human Sexual Behavior (3 credits) An interdisciplinary course providing an integrated analysis and understanding of sexuality. Focus on attitudes and values clarification. Sexual behavior from a cross-cultural perspective; the sexual revolution; research on sexual behavior; theories of human sexuality.

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331. Psychological Tests and Measurements (3 credits) Introduction to major psychometric instruments used in group and individual testing. Techniques of personality and intellectual assessment will be discussed and demonstrated.

332. Psychology of the Exceptional Individual (3 credits) The etiological factors, clinical description, therapeutic and educational approaches to various forms of exceptionality in childhood and throughout the life span. Prerequisite: Psy 221.

333. Organizational Psychology (3 credits) Use of an experiential approach to learning the concepts relevant to understanding and participating in an organizational system. Survey of the relationship between psychological principles and traditional organizational aspects such as leadership, group processes, decision-making, and communication networks.

334. Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 credits) Principles and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy as they relate to various theories of personality and abnormality. Will include the key concepts, therapeutic process, techniques and applications suggested by each major theory.

335. Environmental Psychology (3 credits) A focus on the interrelationship between the physical environment and human behavior and experience. The behavioral relationships involved in defining settings such as learning environments, residential settings, hospitals, prisons, work environments and environments of the future are explored.

335L. Optional Laboratory (1 credit) Includes three projects addressing microenvironments, macroenvironments and environmental stressors.

336. Human Factors (3 credits) A multi-disciplinary approach which promotes the discovery, exchange and application of knowledge concerning the relationship of people to their environment and the machines they use. Attention given to designing environments that are better suited for human living and work, to assessing human input capabilities and limitations, and to designing manufactured objects so that people can use them more effectively.

336L. Optional Laboratory (1 credit) Includes 3 projects integrating the application of theory to practical problems involving human-machine interactions and personal space/work space design.

340. Aging and Community Service (3 credits) This course has as its objective to enable students to integrate a hands-on volunteer internship in a community elder-care setting with knowledge of theories and facts related to the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging, as well as with the research on various ways in which older persons influence and are influenced by their surroundings.

341, 441. Advanced Selected Topics in Psychology (3 credits) A changing selection of special interest seminars; choice of topics reflects the special interests of students and instructor.

Psy 342 Sport Psychology. (3 credits) This course applies scientific knowledge derived from the discipline of Psychology to the understanding of individuals and groups involved in sporting activities. The focus will
be on the underlying psychological theories and principles that inform
our understanding of athletes, coaches and spectators.

442. History of Psychology (3 credits) The evolution of psychology as a distinct scientific discipline. Philosophical roots of psychology; influence of world events; the roots of important contemporary developments in psychology. Prerequisite: 15 credit hours in psychology.

444. Senior Seminar (3 credits) Surveys various current advanced topics in psychology, with emphasis on discussion and student participation. Encourages the integration of the subject matter of psychology with the broader liberal arts curriculum. Prerequisite: 21 hours of psychology including Psy 202.

484. Internship (3 credits) At least 120 hours of work in the field and three seminar discussion groups. Approval of faculty supervisor required prior to course selection. Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

485, 486. Independent Study (3 credits) Involves either intensive reading and study in the area of interest to the student of psychology or developing and conducting independent research. Approval by faculty supervisor required prior to course selection. Must have 3.0 GPA in psychology. Prerequisite: Psy 202.