Psychology (B.A., B.S.)

The Introduction to Psychological Science course will engage students in a learner-centered approach to the science of behavior and mental processes by synthesizing these areas of psychology: Scientific Inquiry, Biopsychology, Development, and Learning, Sociocultural Context, Individual Variations, and Applications of Psychological Science.
(Normally offered every fall and spring semester.)

The Introduction to Psychological Science course will engage students in a learner-centered approach to the science of behavior and mental processes by synthesizing these areas of psychology: Scientific Inquiry, Biopsychology, Development, and Learning, Sociocultural Context, Individual Variations, and Applications of Psychological Science.
This is not a First Year Writing Course.

This course, intended for the newly declared psychology major, is a reflection upon the profession of psychology. The practicalities of being an undergraduate psychology major will be presented. Discussion of the student's future in psychology will emphasize professional issues with emphasis on graduate/professional school admission and/or employment opportunities after graduation. 

Prerequisite: PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science and a declared major in Psychology.

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics as decision-making guides in psychology and related fields. Topics include organization, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of data with emphasis on the hypothesis testing model of inference. Specific procedures include z-tests, t-tests, analysis of variance, and correlation. A laboratory section is required for computational experience.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science and sophomore standing.
Recommended: College level mathematics course.
(Normally offered each semester.)

A course designed to introduce, apply, and evaluate the basic research methods of psychology. Emphasis is placed upon problems of research design and analysis in the laboratory and in natural settings. Students conduct investigations applying various designs and methods building skills in interpreting findings and in written communications.
Three lectures and one lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science and PSYCH 2100 Psychological Statistics.
(Normally offered each semester.)

A practical introduction to helping skills in the field of psychology that are applicable to a variety of professions (e.g., management, human resources, therapy, healthcare, coaching, etc.). Emphasis on skills (e.g., empathy, reflective listening, and effective use of questions) that are developed through hands-on practice and real-life application. Prerequisite: PSYCH-1010FYW/1010

Supervised field experience in settings providing psychological services with opportunities for observation and participation. Reading assignments, written reports, and class meetings typically are included, although the exact nature of a student's responsibilities are individually arranged. Students spend 45 hours per semester in the assigned setting for each hour of the academic credit. Enrollment generally is limited to 1-4 hours of academic credit in any given semester with the possibility of enrollment for a second semester. Approval from the cooperating agency also is required. Enrollment reflects a volunteer experience.
P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science and permission of the instructor.

This course will use project-based learning to serve as a bridge between introductory and upper-level research course? preparing students to be ethically responsible members of research projects. Students will examine ethical standards, practically apply them to research projects, and develop written communication skills via an IRB or IACUC proposal.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology, COMM 3500 Research Methods, HHP 4800 Research and Statistical Methods, SOC 3930 Quantitative Research Methods, or SOCWK 4650 Research Informed Practice.

This course will use project-based learning to serve as a bridge between introductory research courses and upper-level research courses in order to prepare students for using data in applied scientific settings. This course will help students develop skills in dataset management, dataset refinement, data analysis, and interpretation of statistical results.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology, COMM 3500 Research Methods, HHP 4800 Research and Statistical Methods, SOC 3930 Quantitative Research Methods or SOCWK 4650 Research Informed Practice.

In this course students will gain first-hand teaching experience by assisting a professor with teaching a course. The professor and the student will formulate a learning contract at the beginning of the term, which will outline the expectations of the students' involvement in the course and the criteria for rating the students' performance. Responsibilities may include grading, taking attendance, tutoring students, and facilitating class activities. For each hour of academic credit, students will spend 3-4 hours a week assisting with teaching. Enrollment generally is limited to 1-3 credit hours in a given semester with the possibility of enrollment in future semester. P/F Oriented.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credits of psychology courses and permission of the instructor.

In this course students will gain first-hand research experience by assisting a professor with conducting a psychological research project. Running participants, analyzing and managing data, and doing literature searches typically are included, although the exact nature of the student's responsibilities will depend on the research project and will be agreed upon at the beginning of the semester. For each hour of academic credit, students will spend 3-4 hours a week assisting with the research. Enrollment generally is limited to 1-4 credit hours in a given semester with the possibility of enrollment in future semesters.
P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 2100 Psychological Statistics, PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology, and permission of the instructor.

Supervised field experience in settings providing psychological services with opportunities for observation and participation. Reading assignments, written reports, and class meetings typically are included, although the exact nature of a student's responsibilities are individually arranged.  Students spend 45 hours per semester in the assigned setting for each hour of the academic credit. Enrollment generally is limited to 1-4 hours of academic credit in any given semester. The course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credit hours.  Openings are limited to advanced psychology majors who meet the prerequisites set by the department and by the cooperating clinical or research agency. Approval from the cooperating agency also is required. Enrollment reflects a volunteer experience.
P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor.

This is an empirical research investigation in which each student majoring in psychology conducts the research project proposed during PSYCH-4980: Introduction to Senior Research. After obtaining Institutional Review or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval, the student will collect and analyze the data, and prepare a formal report of the investigation consistent with the publication style of the American Psychological Association and give a conference-style presentation. Either laboratory or field research is acceptable. Normally taken during the fall semester following PSYCH 4980 Introduction to Senior Research.

Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 2100 Psychological Statistics, PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology, PSYCH 4980 Introduction to Senior Research, and permission of the instructor.

A comprehensive introduction to the field of neuroscience that will cover cellular and gross neuroanatomy, signaling, neural systems, and behavior. This course will explore these topics in the context of neurological disorders including stroke, neurodegeneration, and behavioral disorders, as well as the social, economic, and ethical ramifications of these diseases.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, CHEM-1100, PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science.

(Normally offered each spring semester)

This course will explore the history of cognitive psychology, current research, how the field changes over time, and what current cognitive psychologists define as the important issues in the study of attention, perception, memory, language, problem solving, reasoning, and decision making.

Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)
 

The behaviorist viewpoint and the methodology of behavioral analysis is introduced in this course. The emphasis is on theories derived largely from non-human research and applied to everyday human behavior. Topics include an analysis of the basic operations of classical and operant conditioning and the biological constraints on learning. A practical animal lab is used to demonstrate the methods of behavior analysis and modification.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

An introduction to neurophysiological bases of general behavior, sleep, perception, emotion, learning, cognition, and mental disorders. The relevance of these topics to applied problems in psychology will also be considered, as will the methods for investigating the relationship between brain and behavior.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science and BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

An overview of the physical and cognitive mechanisms of the different perceptual modalities is presented in this course. The past and current methods of studying the relationship between physical stimuli and the perceptual experience are investigated. The emphasis is on the visual system and the role of the individual in depth perception, perceptual constancies and illusions.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science.
Recommended: BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry.
(Normally offered each spring semester of odd numbered years.)

This course will use collaborative project-based learning to serve as a bridge between introductory and upper-level research courses by helping students develop skills in reading, understanding, analyzing, and discussing empirical research in the social sciences. This course will include readings from a focused area of research within biological psychology and psychology, such as attention, learning, memory, decision-making, spatial cognition, language, sensation and perception, developmental neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and neuropsychology. 

Prerequisite: PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology, HHP 4800 Research and Statistical Methods, COMM 3500 Research Methods, SOC 3930 Quantitative Research Methods or SOCWK 4650 Research Informed Practice.

This class will provide a perspective on the changes that take place during an individual's life from infancy to old age/death. Participants will study and describe the developing person at different periods in the lifespan. The processes of growth and change taking place in early, middle, and late adulthood will be considered as well as the more traditional concern with development in childhood.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science.
(Normally offered each semester.)

Students will have the opportunity to broaden their perspective of and appreciation for the developmental processes that occur in the early developmental periods of childhood and adolescence. The course will follow bioecological and other systems perspectives with a strong focus on diversity in childhood experiences. Topics will include socialization of children and attitudes about childhood and child-rearing; self and identity processes; family interactions; peer interactions; and educational experiences, all from multiple cultural contexts. Additional attention will be spent on less common childhood circumstances such as living on the street, exposure to war or heavy conflict, and experiences of trauma and violence.

Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science; PSYCH 2350 Lifespan Development or by permission of instructor.

This course will examine theories, research, and applications of development in the adult years, gaining perspective and appreciation for the developmental and aging processes that occur in this time period. In particular, the course will follow biopsychosocial perspectives with a strong focus on diversity in adult development, examining how factors might affect development differently for different people. These factors will include, but are not limited to, mental health status, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, cultural influences, sexual identity, gender identity, ability, and developmental history.

Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010 Introduction to Psychological Science/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science; PSYCH 2350 Lifespan Development; or instructor permission.

This course will use collaborative project-based learning to serve as a bridge between introductory and upper-level research courses by helping students develop skills in reading, understanding, analyzing, and discussing empirical research in the social sciences. This course will include readings from a focused are with Developmental Psychology, such as moral development, language acquisition, executive functioning, and others. 

Prerequisite: PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology, COMM 3500 Research Methods, HHP 4800 Research and Statistical Methods, SOC 3930 Quantitative Research Methods, or SOCWK 4650 Research Informed Practice.

A survey of leading theories of personality and supporting research. Includes consideration of psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, trait, humanistic, and interactionist approaches. Important historical figures in personality theory, current day applications, personality testing, and basic methods of personality research will be explored.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

The application of scientific methods and psychological principles to industrial and organizational behavior. Topics include job analysis, personnel selection, performance appraisal, assessment validity, the legal context for personnel decisions, work motivation, work attitudes, leadership, and occupational health. The ultimate objective of this discipline is to maximize both employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science.

Theories and research exploring how gender is constructed in United States culture are introduced in this course. Topics include the construction and propagation of gender roles, differences between men and women in various domains, gender identity, sexuality, romantic relationships, and roles within work and family. 
Cross listed with GEND 2650.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing. 
(Normally offered each spring semester.) 

A scientific study of the way in which thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by other people and situational factors. Topics include research methodology, conformity, social cognition, attitudes, persuasion, aggression, prejudice, and interpersonal attraction. 

Prerequisite: PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science or PSYCH 1010 Introduction to Psychological Science.

(Normally offered each fall semester.)

This course will introduce psychological theories and research related to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in the United States. Topics include how and why stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination form and are perpetuated, how these concepts appear in daily life, and how they can be reduced. Prerequisite: PSYCH-1010FYW or PSYCH-1010.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science or PSYCH 1010 Introduction to Psychological Science.

Explore the complexities of creating a comprehensive psychology for a global context. Study cultural concepts and controversies, integrate cultural issues into mainstream psychological science, and develop culturally responsive practices. Elaborate a broad definition of culture (that includes ability status, age, ethnicity/race, gender, geographic location, language, migration, national origin, politics, religion, sexual orientation and social class) to examine the intersectionality of diversity through a sociocultural lens. Cultivate a worldview of psychology outside the dominant perspectives of the Global North and promote human dignity and justice.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science.

This course will use collaborative project-based learning to serve as a bridge between introductory and upper-level research courses by helping students develop skills in reading, understanding, analyzing, and discussing empirical research in the social sciences. This course will include readings from a focused area of research within social or personality psychology, such as attitude change, interpersonal relationships, and person perception.

Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology or another social science research methods course.

An introduction to the field of health psychology, which is devoted to understanding how people stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond to illness and disease. Topics will be discussed from local, national, and global perspectives, and will include the behavioral aspects of the health care system, exercise and nutrition, health-compromising behaviors, stress, AIDS, and the etiology and correlates of health, disease, and dysfunction.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science. 
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

An investigation of the symptoms, etiology, and treatment of psychological disorders including those associated with anxiety, mood, psychosis, dissociation, somatoform reactions, personality, substance use, sexual dysfunctional/deviance, eating disorders, neurodevelopmental, and neurocognitive disorders.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester.)

This course introduces students to forensic psychology and its intersection with the legal system. Topics include criminal behavior, mental health and the law, investigative and legal psychology, eyewitness memory, jury decision-making, victimology, correctional psychology, and the role of psychologists in legal settings. Through case studies, research, and discussion, students will examine how psychology deepens our understanding of criminal justice and legal processes. 

Prerequisite: PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science, PSYCH 1010 Introduction to Psychological Science, or CRIM 1010 Introduction To Criminal Justice.

A survey of the field of art therapy in its various applications and theoretical orientations. 
Cross listed with ART 3050.
Prerequisite(s): 8 hours of psychology, including PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science, and 9 hours of art, or permission of the instructor.

A survey of the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment procedures utilized in clinical psychology, along with a discussion of professional issues in the field, including training, ethical practice, and understanding of and appreciation for diversity.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 2700 Psychological Disorders. 
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Emphasis is on the psychological and physiological aspects of sleep and dreaming in humans. Topics include comparative studies, developmental changes, physiological and biochemical mechanisms of REM and NREM sleep and arousal, sleep disorders, dream content and dream recall, and functional theories of sleep and dreaming.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science.
Recommended: BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry.
(Normally offered each spring of even-numbered years.)

This course will use collaborative project-based learning to serve as a bridge between introductory and upper-level research courses by helping students develop skills in reading, understanding, analyzing, and discussing empirical research in the social sciences. This course will include readings from a focused area of resarch within psychology, with this course focusing on mental and physical health.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology

This capstone course for the psychology major requires the student to explore potential topics, to evaluate the literature within the student's topic of choice, to identify appropriate measurement instruments for the senior research project, to write a research proposal using APA style, and to complete a professional oral presentation of the research proposal. Small group collaboration and peer review will be encouraged. The proposed research may be conducted during PSYCH 4990 Senior Research. Normally taken during the senior year.

Prerequisite(s): Major in psychology, PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology, and permission of the instructor.