Psychology

PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology 3
The course is an introduction to major theories, concepts, and information in psychology. Various fields are surveyed such as child development, personality, memory, therapy, etc. The course is pre-requisite to all other psychology courses. Fall, Spring

PSYC 225 – Adolescent Psychology 3
This course will involve a study of human change during the developmental period of adolescence. Emphasis will be given to biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and personality development. Other issues regarding the contexts of adolescent development and adolescent problems, stress, health, and coping will also be addressed. This course is valuable to students seeking careers in education, health related fields, psychology, or fields involved with the care and well-being of adolescents. This course is required for all secondary education students except K-12 majors, and is necessary for a middle school endorsement in teacher education. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Fall, Spring

PSYC 240 – Human Sexuality 3
Sexuality is presented as a holistic concept including individual values/ethics, physiology, gender, development, family planning, disease, and sexual expression. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Fall

PSYC 250 – Developmental Psychology 3
A study of human life-span development including the developmental periods from conception to death. Various developmental theories will explain the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur during the human life-span. This course enhances the knowledge and understanding of people at all ages and the developmental tasks each one of us must face. This course is required for all elementary education majors and K-12 education majors. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Fall, Spring

PSYC 260 – History and Systems 3
Reviews the history of modern systems of psychology dealing with the continuous development and decline of different systematic schools of thought regarding the determinants of behavior. A large focus will be on major theorists and their ideas in relation to the history of psychology. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 Introduction to Psychology. Fall

PSYC 270 – Behavior Analysis 3
Examines the theoretical and experimental bases of learning in animal and human behavior. The course will examine situational and drive factors affecting learning, stimulus generalization and discrimination, retention and forgetting and discriminative stimuli. Students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of behavioral principles by completing a behavior modification project. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Spring

PSYC 275 – Psychology of Adjustment 3
As opposed to theories, this course deals with common issues and problems of everyday life such as stress, relationships, addiction, sexuality, etc. The purpose is to develop coping and management strategies for optimal adjustment. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Spring

PSYC 280 – Education of Exceptional Learners 3
An introduction to gifted and handicapped learners for both elementary and secondary education students. Distinctive characteristics and special needs of learners in each of the major categories are addressed and appropriate instructional modifications are discussed. Provisions of PL 94-142 and later amendments are also discussed. Students get an opportunity to develop IEPs and observe exceptional learners mainstreamed in regular classroom settings. Pre-requisites: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Fall, Spring

PSYC 320 – Health Psychology 3
This course is an introduction to the emerging field of Behavioral Medicine. It involves study of the relationship between personal health and psychological factors which help to maintain health or to predispose illness such a stress, attitudes, emotions, beliefs, lifestyle choices, etc. The objective is to provide information and techniques for the maintenance of optimal physical and mental health. A review of the human body systems is covered at the beginning of the course. Pre-requisites: BIOL 211, 211L – Human Anatomy and Lab, PSYC 260 – History and Systems. Spring

PSYC 332 – Psychological Assessment 3
Various approaches to assessment are presented along with psychometric explanations of tests. The course focuses on appropriate use of assessment in psychology and education, a review of major tests, and interpretation of results. Pre-requisite: PSYC 260 – History and Systems. Fall

PSYC 345 – Research and Experimentation in Psychology 3
This is an introduction to and survey of basic research procedures, experimentation, and statistics used in social sciences and education. Students will design and implement individual research projects. Pre-requisites: MATH 305 – Probability and Statistics, PSYC 260 – History and Systems. Spring

PSYC 350 – Learning Disabilities 3
A comprehensive review of the field is provided including definition, diagnostic criteria, assessment, theories of causality, symptomology, and characteristics as well as remedial techniques. Pre-requisite: PSYC 280 – Education of Exceptional Learners. On demand

PSYC 355 – Psychology of Learning 3
A study of human learning theories, principles, and educational applications. Learning is one of the human capabilities necessary for survival. Various behavioral, social, cognitive, biological, and motivational theories will explain the learning process from simple to complex learning situations. This course enhances the knowledge of how humans learn and focuses on the application of learning theories and principles. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Fall

PSYC 365 – Social Psychology 3
The focus is on human social interactions and how individual behavior affects and is affected by others. Theories and research findings are applied to such topics as affiliation, relationships, prejudice, aggression, persuasion, etc. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Fall

PSYC 370 – Abnormal Psychology 3
The course traces historical perspectives but focuses on current views of psychopathology. Material is presented from the perspective of DSM-IV and includes symptoms, diagnostic criteria, characteristics, treatment, and etiology of each major disorder. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Fall

PSYC 375 – Theories of Personality 3
What personality is and how it develops are the themes of this course. Major theories are explained including terminology, structure, and meaning. A significant component is applying course material to understand one’s own persona. Pre-requisite: PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology. Fall

PSYC 410 – Counseling Psychology 3
Counseling theories and their practical applications in various settings. Emphasizes characteristics of the individual. Pre-requisites: PSYC 250 – Developmental Psychology, PSYC 370 – Abnormal Psychology, PSYC 375 – Theories of Personality. Spring

PSYC 420 – Group Processes 3
The course focuses on the genesis, dynamics, and outcomes of small group interactions with emphasis placed on the therapeutic group process. Through lecture, readings, discussion and class activities, students will better understand themselves and others from an interpersonal perspective. Pre-requisite: Senior standing. Spring

PSYC 491 – Psychology Seminar 1-6
This course is designed for the exploration of specific topics which are not covered in regularly scheduled course work. Pre-requisites: Senior standing and PSYC 345 – Research and Experimentation in Psychology. Spring

PSYC 292, 492 – Experimental Course 1-4
A unique class, designed by the instructor and/or department, not currently listed in the University catalog. An experimental course may be offered for a maximum of two semesters. After that time, the course must be either assigned an appropriate, permanent course number and formally listed in the University catalog, or its usage must be discontinued.

PSYC 293, 493 – Peer Tutoring 1-6
Students may earn credits by tutoring. Tutors are needed every semester in almost all academic areas. Interested students should contact Student Support Services. (Maximum eight credits may be applied to graduation.)

PSYC 294, 494 – Independent Study, Undergraduate Research 1-6
INDEPENDENT STUDY: An individualized study not listed as a regular course in the University catalog. Content, etc., to be determined by instructor and student. Open only to majors and minors with consent of the department chair.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH: Research topic must be approved prior to registration by instructor. Written analysis of research activities required at end of semester.

PSYC 295, 495 – Service Learning 1-6
Credit may be granted for certain extra-curricular activities for which there is a direct connection and correlation between the activity and the academic objectives of a specific course in the University catalog. The appropriateness of the activity and subsequently awarding of academic credit will be at the discretion of the appropriate departmental chair.

PSYC 296, 496 – Study Tours 1-6
Provides students the opportunity to make an extensive trip to a location either inside or outside the United States, which will subsequently provide the student with life experiences that relate directly to a specific academic discipline. Not available in all departments. Available at departmental and discipline discretion only.

PSYC 297, 497 – Psychology Internship, Externship, Cooperative Education 1-6
This capstone course provides application of psychological knowledge through study, observation, and practice in institutions, agencies, schools, and/or businesses. Students will be under the supervision of the supervising college instructor and/or field supervisor who will outline specific objectives and provide opportunities to experience growth towards program objectives. Pre-requisites: Senior standing, PSYC 370 – Abnormal Psychology, PSYC 375 – Theories of Personality. Fall, Spring

PSYC 299, 499 – Special Topics, Readings 1-6
SPECIAL TOPICS: A uniquely-designed advanced topics course within a specific discipline. Course content and other related academic requirements to be determined by the instructor. Requires approval by department chair.
READINGS: Readings in educational and various specific professional publications and journals related to a specific academic discipline. Requires approval by department chair.