Undergraduate Psychology Courses (Effective Fall 2005)

PSY 2200 General Psychology (3)

A survey of the basic theories, concepts, principles, and research findings in the field of psychology.

PSY 2201 Honors General Psychology (3)

A survey of the basic theories, concepts, principles, and research findings in the field of psychology.

PSY 2205 Psychology of Adjustment (3)

A course in mental health, designed to assist the individual in making a good adjustment to the changing requirements of the environment.

PSY 2210 Developmental Psychology (3)

A study of human development across the life-span with emphasis on psychosocial, physical, emotional, and cognitive changes.

PSY 2230 Orientation to Psychology (3)

Introduction to the language of psychology, APA writing style, and library research. Also includes an overview of career paths in psychology.

PSY 3301 Basic Statistics (3)

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical concepts, methods, and tools. Topics to be covered include basic terminology, measurement, data description, probability, hypothesis testing, and inferential tests (parametric and non-parametric). May be used for Sociology credit. Prerequisite: MTH 1110 (Finite Math) or higher, with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3303 Educational Psychology (3)

Characteristics of the learner and the teaching-learning process. Theories of learning, instruction, and motivation, and their application to students in grades P-12.

PSY 3304 Abnormal Psychology (3)

The study of mental disorders emphasizing their etiology, classification and amelioration as described in the current classification system of the American Psychiatric Association.

PSY 3309 Advanced Statistics (3)

Advanced quantitative methods in psychology. Topics include linear regression, analysis of variance, non-parametric techniques, estimation procedures, individual and multiple comparisons, and experimental design. Prerequisite: PSY 3301

PSY 3310 Sensation and Perception (3)

A study of how sensory information helps both the human species and other animals to thrive. Exploration of the senses including their physiological makeup, development and functioning. Theoretical and empirical foundations of perception and the applications of perceptual knowledge are emphasized. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY and sophomore or above.

PSY 3311 Research Methods (3)

An introduction to the design, analysis, and interpretation of behavioral research, including strategies for reviewing scientific literature and organizing a research report. Prerequisite: PSY 3301

PSY 3312 Psychology of Women (3)

The study of women’s experience and gender issues in the context of psychological theory and research.

PSY 3320 Child Psychology (3)

The development of children from conception to puberty. Includes physical, cognitive, perceptual, language, social and emotional development.

PSY 3322 Abnormal Child Psychology (3)

A study of theories, research, etiology, assessment and diagnosis of Mental Disorders first seen in childhood or adolescence as defined by the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Includes such disorders as ADHD, Conduct Problems, Anxiety, Mood, Mental Retardation, and Autism.

PSY 3325 Adolescent Psychology (3)

Adolescents from puberty to early adulthood. Includes physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and personality development in cultural context.

PSY 3330 Health Psychology (3)

This course studies the science that connects behavior to health, including psychological processes and the relationship between health and human behavior.

PSY 3332 Family Violence (3)

An in-depth study of violence in families, including spousal abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, relationship dynamics, protection services, treatment programs, legal defense strategies, and current legislation. Prerequisite: junior standing or above. NOTE: May be taken for Psychology or Sociology credit, but not both.

PSY 3340 Psychology of Learning (3)

Introduction to learning and behavior in human and nonhuman animals, including fundamental principles and findings from laboratory investigations of classical, instrumental, cognitive, and social learning.

PSY 3346 Educational Assessment (3)

This course provides a study of measurement and evaluation techniques for the classroom teacher. Emphasis will be placed on the selection, evaluation, administration, scoring and interpretation of selected measures of student performance, achievement and behavior. The student will demonstrate skills in utilizing measurement data to plan appropriate learning activities for students. Prerequisite: EDU 3310. NOTE: May not be used to meet the requirements for the PSY major or minor

PSY 3351 Theories of Learning (3)

Critical analysis of the major theories of learning, including the works of Pavlov, Thorndike, Guthrie, Tolman, Hull, Skinner, and Mowrer.

PSY 3360 Forensic Psychology (3)

Forensic psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. This course will introduce students to the specialty area of Forensic Psychology. Particular emphasis will be on applied aspects of the field. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 3365 Human Factors Psychology (3)

Analysis of theoretical issues and research methods related to the interaction between people and machines and human performance. Topics include information processing theory, human control systems and displays, task simulation, perceptual and motor factors limiting human performance. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 3370 Comparative Psychology (3)

This course examines the development, causal mechanisms, evolutionary history, and function of the behavior of animals, including humans.

PSY 3380 Social Psychology (3)

A theoretical and empirical analysis of social behavior, including selected topics related to social perception, social influence, social interaction, and applied social psychology.

PSY 3385 Evolutionary Psychology (3)

An examination of human behavior and cognition from an evolutionary perspective.

PSY 3390 Special Topics in Psychology (3)

An examination of selected topics or issues in Psychology. May be repeated for credit when the course content varies. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 4400 Advanced General Psychology (3)

A comprehensive study of the discipline of psychology designed to expand the student’s depth and breadth of knowledge in psychology. Prerequisite: 15 SH of PSY

PSY 4401 Psychological Tests and Measurements (3)

Selection, evaluation, administration, scoring, interpretation and uses of tests of intelligence, proficiency, interests, personality, aptitude and social adjustment. Prerequisite: PSY 3301, additional 3 SH of PSY

PSY 4402 Principles of Counseling (3)

Overview of major counseling theories and techniques, interviewing, assessment, professional issues and ethics, and a review of research and practical problems. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 4405 Experimental Psychology (3)

Various techniques for conducting scientific research in psychology will be discussed. Course objectives include designing and conducting an experiment as well as analyzing and reporting the results. Prerequisite: PSY 3301, additional 3 SH of PSY

PSY 4410 Business and Industrial Psychology (3)

Application of psychology in business and industry including employee selection, performance appraisal, motivation, organizational psychology, consumer motivation, group structures, and personnel problems.

PSY 4420 Physiological Dynamics of Alcohol and Other Drugs (3)

Study of physiological and psychological dynamics and resultant behavioral implications in use of alcohol and other drugs. Based on assessment of dynamics and behavior and application of diagnostic procedures using appropriate manuals and materials. Prerequisite: senior standing

PSY 4421 Physiological Psychology (3)

The physiological correlates of behavior will be examined, including such topics as neurotransmitters and hormones, drugs, and the biological roots of mental disorders. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 4430 Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling (3)

This course provides an introduction to substance abuse counseling through studies of mind-altering substances, etiological theories of addiction, assessment interviewing and screening tests, individual, group, family, and other treatment options, relapse prevention, and community prevention programs.

PSY 4434 Drug Education, Prevention and Intervention (3)

A study of commonly abused drugs, drug abuse prevention, and treatment techniques. Examines characteristics of people at high risk to become substance abusers/addicted. Prerequisite: senior standing

PSY 4435 Treatment of Addictive Family Diseases (3)

A study of typical characteristics of dysfunctional families. Provides the basis for suggested intervention techniques, appropriate areas of family education, and guidelines for effective therapy. Prerequisite: senior standing

PSY 4436 Treatment Theories and Modalities of Addictive Diseases (3)

A study of historical perspectives and the most effective treatment and assessment approaches of addictive diseases. Prerequisite: senior standing

PSY 4450 Theories of Personality (3)

Critical analysis of major theories and systems of personality. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 4451 History and Systems of Psychology (3)

Study of the development of psychology from its historical antecedents with special emphasis placed on contemporary schools and systems of psychological thought. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 4456 Gerontology (3)

The study of aging. Emphasis on biomedical, psychological, and social aspects of middle and late adulthood.

PSY 4459 Applied Behavior Analysis (3)

Training and experience in design, execution, and evaluation of behavior modification for professionals in fields of counseling, education, rehabilitation, and psychology. Provides study of key concepts of classical and operant conditioning, as well as discussion and application of specific strategies building on conditioning principles. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 4460 Cognitive Psychology (3)

A study of human intellectual functioning including attention, perception, memory, problem solving, reasoning and language. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 4470 Advanced Theories of Developmental Psychology (3)

Comparative study of major developmental theories from the exogenous, endogenous, and constructivist paradigms. Includes history, structural components, contributions, criticisms, evaluation, and relevant research of each theory. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 4475 Theories of Training and Evaluation (3)

Evaluation issues such as criteria development, organizational assessment, process and outcome criteria along with instructional methodologies such as fairness in training, special populations, second careers, and ethics of organizational and industrial change. Prerequisite: 6 SH of PSY

PSY 4480 Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)

A capstone course designed to integrate subject matter learned in previous courses, encourage critical analysis of contemporary issues, and contemplate future educational and employment opportunities in psychology. Prerequisite: Senior standing

PSY 4491 Guided Independent Research (3)

This course is designed to provide supervised research in the area of psychology. Opportunities for undergraduate research will be approved with attention to critical evaluation of research techniques, methods, and procedures. Selection of the problem must be approved by the professor under whom the study is to be made and the Department Chair or Dean. A written request is to be submitted to the department chairperson at least two weeks in advance of the term in which study is to be undertaken. Preparation of a scholarly paper and oral defense may be required. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Guided independent research may be taken only in the applicant’s major or minor field. May not be used to repeat a course for which a grade of "D" or less has been earned.

PSY 4492 Guided Independent Research (1-3)

This course is designed to provide supervised research in the area of psychology. Opportunities for undergraduate research will be approved with attention to critical evaluations of research techniques, methods, and procedures. Selection of the problem must be approved by the professor under whom the study is to be made and the Department Chair of Dean. A written request is to be submitted to the department chairperson at least two weeks in advance of the term in which study is to be undertaken. Preparation of a scholarly paper and oral defense may be required. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Guided independent research may be taken only in the applicant’s major or minor field. May not be used to repeat a course for which a grade of "D" or less has been earned.

PSY 4493 Guided Independent Study (1-3)

Supervised study through field or laboratory projects, guided readings, creative endeavors or achievement of specific skills. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status, permission of guiding professor, approval of department chairperson and the dean. A written request is to be submitted to the department chairperson at least two weeks in advance of the term in which study is to be undertaken. May not be used to repeat a course for which a grade of "D" or less has been earned.

PSY 4494 Guided Independent Study (1-3)

Supervised study through field or laboratory projects, guided readings, creative endeavors or achievement of specific skills. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status, permission of guiding professor, approval of department chairperson and the dean. A written request is to be submitted to the department chairperson at least two weeks in advance of the term in which study is to be undertaken. May not be used to repeat a course for which a grade of "D" or less has been earned.

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