PSYC 1101 (formerly 2201). General Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: ENGL 0099 and READ 0099, if required.
The scientific approach to the study of psychological phenomena, human development, learning and thinking, motivation and emotion, perception, testing and measurement, personality and behavior.

PSYC 2110. Interacting Effectively in a Diverse Society: Psychological Approaches. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: None.
Constructive interaction with people from multiple identity groups is a critical skill in our modern global society. However, most Americans have little background or training for productive multicultural interaction. This course will draw on the extensive work in social psychology and multicultural counseling to enhance student self-awareness and skill in interacting with those from a wide range of backgrounds. Coursework will involve readings from both psychology and literature, viewing of relevant films, and participation in experiential learning exercises and dialogues.

PSYC 2105. Social Issues: Perspectives in Psychology. 2-0-2.

Prerequisite: ENGL 0099 and READ 0099.
One of four disciplinary options (Anthropology 2105, Geography 2105, Psychology 2105, Sociology 2105) that can be taken to satisfy the Social Issues requirement in the general education curriculum. A common set of world social issues is critically examined from one of four social science perspectives. The discipline of psychology addresses social issues from the perspective of how these issues impact the individual and his or her relationship to the larger society. Emphasis will be placed on the use of scientific methodology in the investigation of these issues.

PSYC 2210 (formerly 3210). Careers in Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 and Declared Major in Psychology.
This course focuses on career planning and development issues for psychology majors. Using a combination of lecture, readings, and exercises, students will be exposed to information designed to assist in the clarification, selection, and pursuit of a career in psychology or a related field. Topics will include an overview of the undergraduate major in psychology, career options in psychology and related fields, preparation for employment with a bachelors degree, preparing for and succeeding in graduate school, and applying for a job or to a graduate school.

PSYC 2258. Psychology of Adjustment. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: ENGL 0099 and READ 0099, if required.
The dynamics of normal and maladaptive adjustment, including the study of appropriate and inappropriate reactions to frustration and stress; resolution of conflicts, fears and anxiety; building emotional stability and preventing mental illness.

PSYC 2300 (formerly 3300). Research Methods in Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1101, MATH 1101, and PSYC 1101.
Corequisite PSYC 2300L.
This course is designed as an introduction to methods and statistics used in psychological research, emphasizing non-experimental methodologies including observation, correlational research, surveys, archival research, and quasi-experimental and ex post facto designs. Topics will include an introduction to the scientific method, an overview of experimental design, and an emphasis on measurement and error, experimental control, descriptive statistics, statistical inference, scientific writing, and ethical issues in non-experimental research.

PSYC 2300 (formerly 3300L). Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory. 0-2-1.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1101, MATH 1101, and PSYC 1101.
Corequisite PSYC 2300.
Laboratory course designed to apply topics taught in PSYC 2300 (Research Methods in Psychology).

PSYC 2301 (formerly 3301). Experimental Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: Psychology majors - PSYC 2300 and PSYC 2300L. Non-psychology majors - See psychology department chair.
Corequisite: PSYC 2301L.
This course will focus on experimental designs used in laboratory research in psychology. Topics will include hypothesis testing, independent-group and within-subjects designs, complex designs, and statistical analysis using t-tests and the Analysis of Variance. Emphasis will be on the selection of appropriate designs for different research questions, data collection, data analysis, the interpretation of results, and writing laboratory reports.

PSYC 2301 (formerly 3301L). Experimental Psychology Laboratory. 0-2-1.

Prerequisite: Psychology majors - PSYC 2300 and PSYC 2300L. Non-psychology majors - See psychology department chair.
Corequisite: PSYC 2301.
Laboratory course designed to apply topics taught in PSYC 2301 (Experimental Psychology).

PSYC 3305. Life-Span Developmental Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101.
Human development from conception to death, emphasizing biological, cognitive, emotional, social and personality development. Scientific approaches for studying developmental psychology will stress the importance of research methodology and research findings across the life-span. Theories of development and applications to real-world problems will provide a context for understanding how humans change during the life-cycle.

PSYC 3310. Psychoactive Drugs and Behavior. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2300 and PSYC 2300L.
This course addresses how psychoactive drugs work in the central nervous system to affect behavior. Stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, analgesics and psychotropic drugs will be discussed primarily in terms of their pharmacological action in the brain. Substance abuse and treatment disorders will be addressed from a biological perspective.

PSYC 3320. Leadership and Group Dynamics. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 or PSYC 2105.
Theory and application of psychological knowledge regarding group formation, group process, and leadership. Issues are examined in the context of ongoing intensive group discussion. Experiential activities will be included in the course to provide students with opportunities to apply and observe the group process.

PSYC 3325. Social Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101.
A survey of the effects of the social environment upon the behavior of the individual. Interpersonal attraction, affiliation, aggression, prejudice, conformity, attitudes and attitude change are discussed. Experimental research findings are emphasized.

PSYC 3335. Theories of Personality. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 or PSYC 2105.
A survey of selected theories as well as research findings and possible therapeutic, educational and social applications. Major theoretical schools—e.g., psychodynamic, learning, humanistic, life-span, trait, cognitive—are covered.

PSYC 3340. The Psychology of Family Interaction: A Developmental Perspective. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 or PSYC 2105.
An in-depth coverage of the psychological dynamics involved in parent/child relationships. A developmental approach will be employed to explore the changing needs and demands of the child and the parents as each progress in their own development. Current research and theory concerning parenting techniques, the psychological atmosphere of the home and the interaction of the child’s temperament with the parents will be discussed. Contemporary family issues such as day-care, domestic violence, single parenting and children with special needs will be presented.

PSYC 3345. Learning and Conditioning. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 and PSYC 2301L.
An examination of behavior theory and the types of learning that help account for similarity and diversity in the behavior of human and nonhuman animals. Course focuses on the learning processes of habituation, classical conditioning, and operant conditioning.

PSYC 3355. Cross-Cultural Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 or PSYC 2105.
An overview of the study and application of psychological principles across a variety of cultures. Cognition, attitude structure and change, interpersonal communication, personality and mental health issues will be discussed as they relate to different cultural contexts.

PSYC 3365. Human Sexuality. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 or PSYC 2105.
An examination of the biological, personal, interpersonal and social aspects of human sexual behavior. Topics include: sexual values, sex and gender, sex and love, sexual behavior over the life span, reproduction, sex and health, sexual dysfunction and treatment, and social problems/issues related to sexual behavior.

PSYC 3370. Industrial-Organizational Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 or PSYC 2105.
The application of research and psychological principles to human behavior in the workplace. Course topics will include the psychological aspects of employment selection and assessment, performance appraisal, employee and work team development, reorganization and down-sizing, work stress, employee violence, work/family conflict, and the changing nature of the workplace.

PSYC 3375. Psychology of Career Development. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 or PSYC 2105.
The application of research and psychological principles with respect to how people formulate and make career decisions. The course explores career development across the life-span, focusing on theories of career decision-making, work adjustment, adult career crises and transitions, and career counseling interview and assessment techniques.

PSYC 3380. Principles of Psychological Testing. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 and PSYC 2300/2300L.
Designed to introduce the principles that underlie the development, use and interpretation of psychological assessment tools. Topics include: test construction, survey development, scaling, norming, assessment interpretation issues and psychological assessment applications in industrial, vocational, clinical and research settings. Additionally, psychological assessment will be discussed in terms of social, legal and ethical concerns.

PSYC 3385. Ethnic Minority Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2105, SOCI 2105, ANTH 2105 or permission of instructor.
This course will provide an overview of the study and application of ethnic minority psychology. We will examine concepts and issues that pertain to ethnic minority groups in the United States, particularly the following four groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Topics for discussions are: multicultural theory and research, history, cultural values, identity, developmental and family issues, mental health and other relevant issues that are pertinent to the experiences of the above-mentioned four ethnic minority groups in the United States. The course will be conducted with a combination of lectures, class discussion, guest speakers, group activities, student presentations, videos, etc.

PSYC 4400. Directed Study in Psychology. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PSYC 3300 and PSYC 3300L, cumulative overall GPA of at least 3.0 and approval of instructor and department chair.
This course is offered to students interested in investigating special topics and seminars external to regular course offerings. May include original research projects.

PSYC 4400. Special Directed Study in Psychology. 1-3 Credit Hours.

A new type of Directed Study opportunity is now available. Psychology majors with a minimum overall and Psychology GPA of 3.0 may apply to assist in psychology courses they have already completed. Each undergraduate teaching assistantship is unique, tailored to both the applicant’s skills and knowledge and to the faculty member’s needs.
Responsibilities may include interacting with students (e.g., preparing learning modules, assisting with in-class instruction), developing teaching related skills (e.g., developing a teaching philosophy, assisting an instructor in the preparation of assignments or assessments), providing evaluative feedback to the instructor on student-submitted assignments (e.g., finding APA-style errors in papers and lab exercises ) and clerical tasks (e.g., taking attendance, photocopying course related materials). Students who are selected as undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) would be required to sign a contract detailing their specific responsibilities.

Note: The number of UTAs in any particular semester may be limited, because not all faculty members may opt to work with a UTA or may choose to do so only periodically. Further, beyond the minimum requirements noted above, other qualifications are dependent on the particular assistantship and faculty member's needs. To apply for an undergraduate teaching assistantship, complete the application and confidentiality forms available at the links below and submit them at the main desk of the Psychology Office, Rm. 4038.

UTA Application
UTA Confidentiality Agreement

PSYC 4410. Physiological Psychology. 4-0-4.

Prerequisite: Psychology Majors - PSYC 2300 and PSYC 2300L. Non-psychology majors - see psychology department chair.
This course addresses the relationship between our underlying physiological systems and behavior. The topics investigated include neural communication, the anatomy of the nervous system, and the biological bases of sleep, reproductive behavior, stress, learning and memory, and mental disorders.

PSYC 4415. Perception.4-0-4.

Prerequisite: Psychology Majors - PSYC 2300 and PSYC 2300L. Non-psychology majors - see psychology department chair.
A study of various theories and phenomena of perception. Course includes experimental investigations of the characteristics of sensory systems including vision, audition, kinesthesis, and the vestibular and skin senses.

PSYC 4420. Ethics and Professional Issues in Applied Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: One psychology 3000-level course.
A critical analysis of professional issues and the ethical standards in the practice of psychology. Traditional and emerging practice areas will be discussed. Topics such as licensure, prescription drug privileges, managed-care, and treatment efficacy research will be explored. Ethical standards and decision-making will be studied in the context of professional practice.

PSYC 4425. Psychology of Gender. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: One psychology 3000-level course or GWST 3000.
An exploration of gender as a central organizing feature of human behavior. The course will consider gender as an intrapsychic, interpersonal and sociocultural phenomenon. Scientific research findings will be emphasized as well as multicultural and cross-cultural perspectives.

PSYC 4430. Abnormal Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: One psychology 3000-level course.
A comprehensive study of the various forms of mental illness and maladjustment.

PSYC 4440. Clinical and Counseling Psychology: Science and Practice. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2300 or one 3000 level psychology course.
The course provides an introduction to the science and practice of clinical and counseling psychology from an integrated biopsychosocial perspective. History, major theories, and scientific underpinnings are covered, as well as current developments in practice and research. Major topics include research design, theoretical models, diagnostic and assessment methods, psychotherapeutic interventions, treatment effectiveness, specialization, and training. The course may emphasize clinical or counseling psychology at the discretion of the instructor.

PSYC 4445. History and Systems of Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: One psychology 3000-level course.
An examination of the historical development of psychology, focusing on antecedents in philosophy and physiology, major early systems, major historical figures, and the historical/cultural context in which the field developed.

PSYC 4455. Cognitive Psychology. 4-0-4.

Prerequisite: Psychology Majors - PSYC 2301 and PSYC 2301L. Non-psychology majors - see psychology department chair.
An examination of the experimental investigation of complex cognitive processes, including the storage and retrieval of information, concept formation, reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making.

PSYC 4475. Psychology of Workplace Motivation and Leadership. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: One psychology 3000-level course.
This course examines topics of motivation and leadership in the workplace by addressing theoretical formulations, major research findings and real-world applications. Issues related to these topics will include gender, corporate culture, job attitudes, cross-cultural influences and organizational reward systems.

PSYC 4480. Field Practicum in Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: Must be a declared major in Psychology with an overall GPA of 2.5, and have completed 15 hours in Psychology with at least one course related to the placement site. Permission of instructor required.
The psychology practicum offers the advanced psychology major an opportunity to combine appropriate supervised field experience with classroom discussion of site-specific and general issues related to the application of psychological theory. Course structure combines 100 hours of supervised on-site experience with weekly class sessions. (Application for enrollment).

PSYC 4485. Research Practicum in Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 and PSYC 2301L. Must be a declared major in Psychology with an overall GPA of 2.5 and submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member teaching the Research Sequence. Permission of instructor required.
This course is for students seeking additional experience in applied research settings combining in-class instruction and individual placement either on or off campus. Students who seek employment in a research setting upon graduation or are interested in attending graduate school and wish to obtain additional experience in research techniques should select this course. (Application for enrollment).

PSYC 4490. Special Topics in Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: One psychology 3000-level course.
This course will address selected topics of special interest to faculty and students.

PSYC 4499. Senior Seminar in Psychology. 3-0-3.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2301, PSYC 2301L and one course from each of the four Psychology course groupings (any ONE of the four Psychology course groupings can be done concurrently with PSYC 4499).
A capstone course designed to complete the major by integrating the student’s prior academic experiences in psychology. Contemporary issues, problems, research, and theories from the different areas identified in the psychology curriculum will be examined. Discussion will focus on both substantive and methodological concerns, as well as interconnections among areas of study. A seminar format will be used throughout the course to encourage student participation and interaction with peers and with faculty. (Application for enrollment).