Psychology (PSYC)
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General Psychology provides an introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The course introduces students to fundamental principles in neuroscience, human development, perception, cognition, learning, memory, abnormality, and/or social psychology among other related areas. The surveyed principles prepare students to think and reflect critically about people. (PC)
Research and Statistics in Psychology I is part of a two-semester sequence aimed at enhancing students' understanding of the statistical procedures and research methodologies that are commonly used in Psychology and related sciences. As the first segment of this sequence, this course emphasizes the fundamentals of research and statistics, including scientific reasoning, measurement of variables, survey design, sampling procedures, and the statistical and methodological tools for evaluating frequency and association claims. Integrated with these activities are writing skills for reporting research results based on the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. (WC)
Research and Statistics in Psychology II is part of a two-semester sequence aimed at enhancing students' understanding of the statistical procedures and research methodologies that are commonly used in Psychology and related sciences. As the second segment of this sequence, this course addresses more complex topics in research and statistics, including the manipulation of variables, testing theories using experimental designs, alternative research designs, ethical guidelines for research, and the statistical tools for evaluating causal claims with one or more manipulated variables. Students are required to apply their knowledge and skills to the development of a novel research idea. (MR, SM)
This course offers students an in-depth look at various types of learning, with special emphasis given to classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. It will address the basic principles of these learning processes as well as their nuances and their applications, such as in the treatment of phobias and in animal training. This course will also cover a range of theoretical perspectives that have been used to explain learning phenomena over time.
This course examines the basic physiological, cognitive, and psychosocial mechanisms that drive development from conception through late adulthood. Specific focus will be given to variables that impact development both positively and negatively, how factors mutually influence one another, and how helping professionals (e.g., educators, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, etc.) might apply this information effectively in their career practice. This course is intended primarily to meet the requirements for the nursing major. Students majoring in psychology are expected to take PSYC-2631 and/or PSYC-2641. Students who take PSYC-2503 may not also take PSYC-2631 and/or PSYC-2641. Likewise, students who have taken PSYC-2631 and/or PSYC-2641 may not also take PSYC-2503.
Developmental Psychology I is a survey of the principles of human development from conception to late childhood. Development is viewed holistically by integrating physiological, psychological, linguistic, and social-emotional aspects of development. Topics include prenatal development, newborn sensation and perception, cognitive and language development, intelligence and achievement, temperament and attachment, and peer relationships. Students who take PSYC-2503 may not also take PSYC-2631 and/or PSYC-2641. Likewise, students who have taken PSYC-2631 and/or PSYC-2641 may not also take PSYC-2503.
Developmental Psychology II is a survey of the principles of human development from adolescence to late adulthood. Development is viewed holistically by integrating physiological, psychological, and social-emotional aspects of development. Topics include pubertal development, identity development, adult attachment, marriage and family, midlife crisis and consciousness, the biological and social-emotional aspects of aging, and death and dying in modern society. Students who take PSYC-2503 may not also take PSYC-2631 and/or PSYC-2641. Likewise, students who have taken PSYC-2631 and/or PSYC-2641 may not also take PSYC-2503.
This course provides in-depth coverage of the most prominent psychological theories of personality. This entails an examination of the historical context in which the theory was developed, the components of the theory, and modern applications and research findings. Discussion of the trait perspective includes particular emphasis on psychometric properties of personality measures. (WC)
Health Psychology is concerned with a variety of aspects of health and illness across the lifespan, including health promotion and maintenance; prevention and treatment of illness; origins and correlates of health and illness; and the healthcare system and health policy. Students will explore a range of issues addressed by the health psychology profession, including topics such as coping with stress and pain, living with chronic illness, psychological factors affecting medical treatment, resilience and thriving, eating disorders, and the role of the health psychologist in the health care system.
Tests and Measurement provides an introduction to the methods and materials of psychological assessment. The course covers a broad range of assessments, including personality, intelligence, achievement, and psychopathology, among others. Students will review theoretical principles and engage in applied experiences including completing various assessments and learning the fundamentals of assessment construction. Emphasis will be placed on assessment design and current issues in assessment including multiculturalism, projective testing, and Internet applications. Students will also compose and present an integrated neuropsychological testing report using assessment instruments via an integrated laboratory experience.
Psychology and the Environment concerns the relations between human psychological and behavioral processes and contemporary environmental problems such as climate change and the overconsumption of resources. Drawing from various areas of psychology, this course seeks to explore how people interact with the natural environment and how individual, social, and cultural forces shape those interactions. Special emphasis will be placed on the ways that psychological principles can be utilized to promote a more sustainable and positive relationship with the environment.
In Research Seminar faculty and small groups of students discuss primary sources, develop original hypotheses, and design research to test predictions. Seminar participants develop the materials for testing the predictions, obtain IRB approval before enacting the research plan, collect data by testing human research participants, analyze the data, and submit a final APA-style research report. The seminar experience encourages research teams to prepare their research reports for presentation or publication. Research Seminar is strongly recommended for students who plan to pursue postgraduate education.
Learning and Cognition is a survey of classical, instrumental, and cognitive learning principles and research. The course offers an analysis of the role of contiguity, contingency, practice, reinforcement, expectancy, and context in behavioral and cognitive models of learning. Human learning and memory is approached from an information processing perspective.
Cognitive psychology is the study of how the human mind acquires, stores, processes, and utilizes information from the outside world to influence behavior and mental processes. In this class we will discuss topics such as perception, memory, attention, language, thinking, and problem solving. One purpose of this course is to give students an overview of major theories that explain mental phenomena. A second purpose is for students to actively explore the research literature and research methods in Cognitive Psychology by learning about seminal experimental studies in this field.
This course introduces students to central issues in the fields of cultural psychology and psychological anthropology. It will review theoretical approaches, current controversies, methodological contributions and empirical work, with a goal to cultivate an in-depth understanding of how human behavior unfolds in dynamic cultural contexts. Students will have opportunities to discuss their own cultural experiences and how these experiences have shaped their lives.
This course provides a comprehensive review of abnormal behavior and mental disorders, explored from psychological science and recovery-based perspectives. It will address historical, theoretical, conceptual, and empirical developments in the field. Major clinical syndromes, diagnostic and assessment issues, causal factors, and treatment approaches also will be discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the role of strengths and social and cultural issues relevant to mental illness, diagnosis, and treatment of persons living with mental illness.
This course introduces students to the counseling professions. Students will acquire basic counseling skills, explore contemporary issues in the field, acquire understanding of several major theoretical models of psychotherapy and the empirical findings supporting them, learn about basic assessment methods and their roles in the diagnostic and counseling processes, review the APA Ethical Code, and discuss the ethical issues specific to counseling counseling including meeting the unique needs of a variety of clients.
Biopsychology surveys the anatomical and the physiological correlates of perception, motivation, and behavior. Topics covered include neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the physiology of complex integrative systems. The course emphasizes psychopharmacology, hemispheric asymmetry, perception, learning, psychopathology, emotion, sexuality, and memory. (NW)
This course will introduce students to empirical research and theoretical approaches to understanding gender, especially as it relates to culture, opportunity, relationships, and health. Students will examine beliefs and expectations within their own and others' cultures regarding gender roles, gender identity, and similarities/differences based on gender.
Psychology and the Law takes an in-depth look at many aspects of both the criminal and civil systems of justice in the United States. The perspective is that of the psychologist, focusing on the individual's role and responses within those systems. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, a study of the psychology and socialization of police officers; identification of criminal suspects; jury decision-making; competence and insanity, and sentencing decisions.
This course provides an examination of social-psychological phenomena including the social self, perceptions of others, stereotyping and prejudice, conformity and obedience, group processes, prosocial and antisocial behavior, and persuasion. Emphasis is placed on empirical research findings and the application of social-psychological principles to students' lives, as well as to farther-reaching events.
This course allows the student an immersion experience working in an area of applied psychology. Students spend at least three hours per week on site. Class meetings are dedicated to reflection on service experiences, as well as exploration of issues relevant to applied work, including social class, stigma, and professional stamina among service providers. Class meetings are highly participatory and students are required to make several oral presentations throughout the semester. (VC, OC)
This course will help students to create a timeline of what they should be doing during their time as students to make themselves competitive for life after college. This includes information about opportunities available to psychology undergraduates during the summer. All are invited to attend; however, the target audience is freshmen and sophomores.
This course will help students distinguish among the various clinical and counseling-related subfields of psychology, discern whether to pursue a master's degree or doctorate, and learn about funding options for graduate study in those areas. All are invited to attend; however, the target audience is sophomores and juniors.
This course will introduce students to subfields in psychology that are not clinical/counseling focused. For each subfield, students will be introduced to career opportunities and the educational training necessary be successful. All are invited to attend; however, the target audience is sophomores and juniors.
This course will provide valuable information to prepare students to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), which is required for admission to most graduate programs in psychology and related fields. All are invited to attend; however, the target audience is juniors.
This course goes beyond deciding on a subfield to deciding on the specific graduate programs to which one should apply. Information will be applicable to all students pursuing graduate study in psychology and related fields, regardless of the specific specialty area. All are invited to attend; however, the target audience is seniors.
The personal statement is an important component of the graduate school application, and the most challenging component to prepare. In this course, we'll discuss best practices for personal statements, as well as the kisses of death! All are invited to attend; however, the target audience is seniors.
Resumes are required as an element of applications for employment as well as graduate school, and are key to making a positive impression. This course will focus on best practices in the organization, consolidation, and phrasing of resume information. All are invited to attend; however, the target audience is seniors.
This course will focus on identifying the transferable job skills that can be acquired through a psychology undergraduate degree and how to "sell" those skills to potential employers in different fields and industries. All are invited to attend; however, the target audience is juniors and seniors.
History of Psychology provides a summary of the physiological and philosophical roots of scientific psychology, and a detailed study of psychology's history from Wundt through the cognitive revolution. Class discussions focus on primary source readings from and about the history of the discipline.
This course involves readings and discussion of classic or contemporary studies on designated topics.
These are topics not included in the regular catalog. This course may be taken more than once if the subject matter varies sufficiently.
This course provides individual supervision in planning, conducting, and communicating psychological research.