Description

Can you taste without smell? What explains who wins and who loses a race? Can the voice of a narrator influence your memory of their speech? Can infants perform algebra? These and more questions are explored in General psychology. This course introduces the student to the science of human and animal behavior.  The scientific basis of psychology is examined.  Basic topics covered are biological and cognitive foundations of behavior, individual differences, measurement techniques, personality theories and development, motivation and emotion, normal vs. abnormal behavior, perception, social behavior and learning.

Note:

Meets Social Scientific Awareness Learning Outcome (SOC)

Description

This course introduces the neurobiological foundations of mental processes and behavior. In addition to the mechanics and gross anatomy of the regulatory systems, topics covered in this course include: sensory systems, motivational systems (e.g., sleep and hunger), emotion, memory and psychopathology.

Description

This course examines the multiple dimensions of child development, and the place of education in promoting healthy development for all children.  In the course, we will explore the interdependent processes of child development, including physical, social, cognitive, linguistic, and emotional development, from conception through age 12. Special emphasis on the elementary school years will help students preparing for careers in elementary education gain an understanding of children's growth and development relevant to their interest in children's success as learners.

Note:

Meets Social Scientific Awareness Learning Outcome (SOC)

Description

This course examines the history and application of psychology research  to work, industry, society and organizations.  Specific areas covered include organizational learning. Occupational health and safety, organizational change management theories, leadership, and managing diversity, equity and inclusion within changing work and social contexts. Industrial and Organizational psychology research on personnel selection procedures, interview techniques, psychological testing, and conditions affecting work productivity are engaged in topical ways. Students create human resource strategies to develop team project social impact ventures. This group project allows teams of students to display their knowledge of I/O psychology applications to business and social change.  Students will learn how to apply the scientific methods and principles of psychology to the field of business and industry and will create resources to support organizations seeking to improve their workforce impact and workforce fit.  Students will have opportunities to further apply these principles and methods to market their own unique skill sets in the occupational field of their choosing.

Description

In this course, we will examine the nature of developmental change from the prenatal period through middle childhood. Our examination will lead us to consider various theoretical perspectives (e.g., biological, learning, cognitive, contextual) across various domains of development (i.e., physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive). Major themes in developmental psychology will be addressed such as the contributions of nature and nurture, individual differences, and evidence for both stability and change. We will practice applying developmental principles to practical settings, policy issues, and current topics.

Note:

Cannot be taken in addition to

Description

The psychological development of adolescence. Areas covered are the development of the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and moral aspects of adolescence. Special consideration is paid to family interaction and the current forces affecting the behavior of youth today.

Note:

Meets Social Scientific Awareness Learning Outcome (SOC)

Description

This course examines the biological, intellectual, personal and social development of adults beginning with early adulthood and continuing to the end of life. Students will explore the research that has been conducted in the field of adulthood, and study the events of adulthood, such as occupational choice, marriage, parenthood, and retirement. Some of the fundamental concerns and controversies that accompany the study of adult development and aging are also addressed.

Description

The psychological aspects of addiction and dependency are surveyed. The construct of addiction is entertained in this framework. Chemicals that modify human behavior and emotion are studied as they relate to Psychopathology and the functioning of the healthy individual. Other compulsive non-chemical addictions are also discussed. Additional topics include behavioral pharmacology and clinical treatment of addiction and dependency.

Description

The role of psychological factors in four health-related areas: the prevention and treatment of mental and physical illness; the development of mental and physical illness; the promotion and maintenance of good health behavior; and the organization and formation of national and international health-care policy and the health-care system. The student will be exposed to the underlying psychological theories and methods employed in this area, as well as their clinical applications.

Description

This course explores the meaning and significance of "gender," focusing on the view of this construct from within psychology. Included are investigations of most of the major subfields within psychology (e.g. perception/cognition, neuroscience, social/ personality, developmental). Relevant psychological theories, approaches to research, and research results are critically discussed and evaluated. Related topics covered include biological differences between males and females, intimate relationships, stereotypes, and language.

Description

This course addresses psychological knowledge as it pertains to law. Emphasis is in two broad areas. First, is presentation and critical analysis of the application of Psychology-based research to areas of law, such as the influence of sensation and perception on witness memory. Second, is the presentation of usual and customary practice of Psychology in areas of law, such as assessing police personality, jury selection, child abuse evaluations and effects of imprisonment on behavior.

Description

Application of psychological theory to the practical political realm to identify rationales and motivations associated with political thinking processes and behavior. Topics include political communication, information processing, persuasion, socialization, social conflict, negotiation and bargaining, and mass media effects.

Note:

Meets Social Scientific Awareness Learning Outcome (SOC) and the Citizenship Learning Outcome (CITZ)

Description

Detailed examination in a seminar format, of a topic of current psychological interest or concern. The department will choose and announce the topic prior to course registration.

Description

This course is designed to explore the research and application of cross cultural psychology to understand the ways in which culture explains differences in perception, communication, personality, and social processes. Students will gain knowledge about recent research while also exploring ways in which their cultural experience has shaped their social identities, including influences on personality, perception, and communication patterns. Special emphasis will be placed on creating greater cultural competency and exploring strategies that empower and shift conditions negatively impacting when working with members of non-dominant cultures or low social status groups. Using text, primary source material, multimedia, experiential learning activities and reflective writing assignments the course will introduce students to major theoretical orientations and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of cross cultural theory, cultural fluency, and cultural conflicts.

Note:

Meets Global Engagement Learning Outcome (GLOB)

Description

Research and clinical applications in the study of sport and exercise psychology are offered in this course. This course includes cognitive, affective, behavioral and social factors involved in the assessment and application of psychological principles to this discipline.

Description

This introductory course begins with a review of basic mathematics. Next, descriptive and inferential statistics are presented. Descriptive to include single subject methods and inferential to cover both parametric and non-parametric methods. This course will introduce the student to laboratory resources and use of computers in assisting design, analysis and presentation of results.

Note:

Meets Quantitative Reasoning Learning Outcome (QUAN)

Prerequisite(s): PY 101.

Description

Introduction to the methods of conducting psychological research including ethics.  Laboratory activities include designing studies, recruiting and testing participants, database management, statistical analyses, and writing research papers. 

Note:

Meets the Writing Intensive (WI) core requirement.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101.   PY 301 is suggested but not required.

Description

In this course, we will examine theories and contemporary research concerning the structure and processes of the mind. Topics covered include perception, attention, memory, imagery, language, decision making, and creativity. We will examine individual differences in cognition (e.g., gender, psychological disorders, age) and engage in a variety of hands-on activities to examine our own cognitive processes.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101, or permission of the instructor.

Description

An explanation of personality structure, function, dynamics, and development. The scientific bases of the study of the personality are established. Main points of view of leading personality theorists are analyzed. The normal personality is emphasized.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.

Description

This course introduces the theoretical approaches and empirical research regarding the etiology, assessment, classification, prevention and treatment of personality and psychological disorders such as antisocial personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to name two.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.

Description

A review of the status of clinical psychology. Evaluation and diagnostic techniques are presented and the growth of psychotherapy is examined from Freud to recent behavioral modification techniques. Individual and group methods are evaluated.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101, or permission of the instructor.

Description

The consideration of current advancements and challenges in the study of Psychology are considered in this course. Primary readings, films, laboratory and field experiences will be utilized for students to gain insight regarding topics related to the faculty member's expertise.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.

Description

Concentrates on the developments of the Humanistic movement from the 1950s to the present. Emphasis is placed on the normal and fully actualizing human, as well as other areas of human behavior ignored by traditional psychology.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101, PY 306, or permission of the instructor.

Description

An introduction to the theory and practice of Neuropsychology. Students will gain an understanding of the field through clinical case studies and the tests and measurements utilized by neuropsychologists. Students will gain experience administering some tests, evaluating individual differences, and completing summary reports.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 and PY 301.

Description

This course will explore the history of psychology and seminal research studies conducted in the field of psychology.  We will discuss the roots of psychology in philosophy and physiology, as well as the origins of psychology in European as well as American history. In particular, we will explore the history of behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, psychopathology, structuralism, and functionalism. In the course, we will explore the origins of psychology in the context of their respective historical periods and examine the continuity and changes in the field of psychology over time. Students will also examine and discuss modern psychology in relation to its past. We will read and discuss seminal papers in psychology related to cognition, personality, emotion & motivation, and social psychology.

Note:

Meets Historical Awareness Learning Outcome (HIST)

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.

Description

Traditional approaches to studying the science of behavior are discussed including classical (Pavlovian) conditioning, operant conditioning, and their interactions. Several laboratory projects are conducted throughout this course. Many applications of learning theory are also entertained. Additional topics include motivation, emotion, drives, and incentive learning. Major theorists and their contributions to learning theory are discussed.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.

Description

An examination of childhood psychological disorders and developmental disabilities, including etiology, approaches to treatment and research issues.  Topics include autism, intellectual disability, mood and anxiety disorders, and conduct disorders, as well as the child's interaction with family and society

Prerequisite(s): PY 202 or permission of the instructor.

Description

This course deals with the psychology of the individual interacting with his/her social environment, that is, how we influence and are influenced by friends, groups, organizations, and cultures. Topics include social thinking, understanding the psychological causes of our social behaviors and beliefs, attitudes and attitude change, group psychology, romantic attraction, aggression, prejudice, and altruism.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101  or permission of instructor.

Description

This course introduces the neurobiology of the sensory systems, the acquisitions of environmental energy, and the formation of perception. The five traditional senses are examined with an emphasis on the visual system and visual perception (e.g., depth and color).

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or PY 105, or permission of the instructor.

Description

An introduction to research methods used to study human cognition and development.  Representative topics include: language, memory, emotional processing, reading disabilities, mindfulness, and cognitive rehabilitation. Students will conduct individual and team projects using experimental, quasi-experimental and unobtrusive designs to investigate research questions formulated to consider both cognitive and developmental processes.  Each section typically limited to 12 students.

Prerequisite(s): PY 301 and PY 302 or permission of the instructor.

Description

An introduction to research methods used to investigate and evaluate the molar relationships between the brain and behavior.   Representative topics may include:  animal models of addiction, exteroceptive versus interoceptive behavioral cues, neuroplasticity, electrophysiology, and biomarkers.  In addition to proscriptive research experiences, a course project will afford students the opportunity to design and conduct their own project investigating brain and behavior.

Prerequisite(s): PY 301 and PY 302  or permission of the instructor.

Description

An introduction to research methods used to study social behavior and individual traits. Representative topics include: Heuristic processes, social influence, helping behavior, individual difference measures such as introversion/extroversion and attitudinal measures.  Students will conduct group and individuals projects using experimental, quasi-experimental and unobtrusive designs to investigate individual and social behaviors.  Each section typically limited to 12 students.

Prerequisite(s): PY 301 and PY 302  or permission of the instructor.

Description

An introduction to research methods used to study applied psychological science.  Representative topics include: assessment, change management, performance enhancement, and group process in the context of work, education, health behaviors, and human performance.  Student individual and team projects are conducted to investigate applications of psychological science in macro and micro context using experimental, quasi-experimental, mixed method and observational designs.  Each section typically limited to 12 students.

Prerequisite(s): PY 301 and PY 302 or permission of the instructor.

Description

In this course, we will examine case studies of adult and childhood cognitive and neurological disorders. Our examination will lead us to consider the psychosocial adjustment of patients living with each disorder and the dynamics among individuals involved in their care. We will also consider how brain plasticity can be harnessed to improve cognition and emotional regulation for the patients we review.  

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor

Description

This course examines the behavioral effects of a variety of psychoactive drugs including psychotherapeutic drugs.  The course surveys all the major psychoactive drugs and illustrates the functions they have on all neurotransmitter and receptor systems.  Various assays for studying behavioral effects of drugs are demonstrated in laboratory exercises.

Note:

Cannot be taken in addition to

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or PY 105, or BI 103, or BI 104, or permission of the instructor

Description

Neuroethology is a branch of Neuroscience addressing the neural basis of animal behavior through an evolutionary and comparative approach.  The main focus of the course is understanding how the nervous system translates incoming sensory information into behavioral activity.  Students will gain a basic understanding of the diverse sensory systems designed to capture various forms of environmental energy, such as light and magnetism, and how this information is used to create relevant percepts, such as recognition of prey and protector, and elicit natural behaviors, such as escape or communication.

Prerequisite(s): PY 105, or BI 335, or permission of the instructor

Description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of normative and non-normative brain-aging processes.  The course will introduce students to the life-course approach, theories of aging, and the brain structures, functions, and the tools relevant to the study of brain aging and dementia.  Students in this course will also examine change (and stability) in cognition and emotions in late life as well as the state of the science regarding symptoms, pathology, etiology, treatment, and prevention for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or PY 105 or permission of the instructor

Description

This interdisciplinary course is an introduction to scientific writing and communication. Students will learn how to effectively communicate scientific findings from different sciences for a variety of audiences and develop understanding of how science communication informs public attitudes, behaviors, and policy preferences. Students will develop a specialty science subtopic focus relevant to their professional interest. The course activities familiarize students with the process of translating scientific findings based on qualitative and quantitative descriptive, evaluative and empirical methodologies. It provides guided pactice in presenting science discoveries and rhetoric with an effort towrds generating ethical, accessible and accurate visual, digital, form and informal science communication.

Description

Under the supervision of a faculty member in the department, a student may explore a topic of their own choosing which is not listed as a course offering.

Prerequisite(s):

Permission of the instructor.

Description

Execution and completion of research project combined with presentation of individual research projects reflecting an integration of the field of psychology.  

Note:

This course meets the Writing Intensive (WI) core requirement.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101, PY 301, PY 302 and choice of PY 317, PY 318, PY 319 or PY 320 .

Description

Qualified students may intern in agencies, non-profit settings, and businesses that offer significant roles for psychologists, e.g., marketing, user design firms, schools, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or in industry or policy organizations. Students will be challenged to integrate their psychology and liberal arts academic studies with the practical aspects available in the site locations. Students perform 20 hours of internship at their site and meet regularly with their faculty coordinator and intern cohort group. Students meet regularly with their site supervisor and complete journals documenting their experience and hours. Students complete 280 hours on site over the course of their semester position

Note:

Meets Citizenship Learning Outcome (CITZ)

Prerequisite(s):

Permission of faculty coordinator, Junior (over summer) or Senior Standing in the major.

Description

This senior course serves to integrate previous coursework in comprehensive engagement of neuroscience.  The underlying goal is to encourage intellectual engagement, critical thinking, and communication skills to develop advanced-level understanding of neuroscience topics.  An emphasis of the course is on the student's ability to communicate effectively scientific information and arguments.

Prerequisite(s):

Senior Standing as a Behavioral Neuroscience major