Dr. M. Galizio, chair and program coordinator. Dr. Bruce, Dr. Clements, Dr. Cohen, Dr. Daniels, Dr. Dark-Freudeman,
Dr. Donlin-Washington,
Dr. Espinosa-Hernandez,
Dr. Gordon, Dr. Hakan, Dr. Hughes, Dr. Hungerford, Dr. Jackson,
Dr. J. Johnson, Dr. Keith, Dr. Kepley, Dr. Kishton, Dr. Lecci, Dr. Luo, Dr. MacKain, Dr. B. Myers, Ms. J. Myers, Dr.
Nguyen, Dr. Noel, Dr. Ogle, Dr. Overman, Dr. Pilgrim, Dr. Pitts, Dr. Puente, Dr. Sawrey, Dr. Toth, Dr. Van Camp
Psychology is a liberal arts major which seeks to stimulate intellectual curiosity, an appreciation for cultural diversity,
an understanding of the scientific method, critical thinking, and effective communication skills through classroom,
research, and practicum learning experiences. In addition to presenting a thorough grounding in the theories,
methods and research findings of the discipline, the major in psychology provides students with technological and
other skills applicable to the workplace and prepares students for graduate study. Students may declare a major in
psychology after completion of PSY 105, a biology course chosen from BIO 105, 140 (with laboratory), 201, 202 or
240, and a mathematics course chosen from MAT 111, 112, 115, 151, or higher level mathematics course. In
addition, the student must attain a combined GPA on these three courses of at least a "C" (2.00). Computer
Competency
Requirement:
To satisfy the computer competency requirement for the BA degree in psychology a
student must successfully complete PSY 355. Oral Communication
Competency
Requirement:
To satisfy the oral
communication competency requirement for the B.A. degree in psychology a student must successfully complete
PSY 410,412,
417,423,425,
or 464. Applied Learning Requirement:
To satisfy the applied learning requirement
for the BA degree in psychology a student must successfully complete PSY 355 and one of the following: 410, 412,
417,423,425,or464.
Requirements
for a Major in Psychology
for the B.A. Degree: 52 hours. PSY 105, 225, 355, one course from
each of the six content domains listed below, one capstone course chosen from 410, 412, 417, 423, 425 or 464, and
12 additional hours in PSY courses at the 300-400 level. Content Domain 1 (Developmental Psychology): PSY 220,
221, or 223;. Content Domain 2 (Personality and Social Psychology): PSY 246 or 264; Content Domain 3 (Abnormal
Psychology): PSY 247; Content Domain 4 (Biological Psychology): PSY 256; Content Domain
5 (Cognitive
Psychology): PSY 211; Content Domain 6 (Learning and Behavior Analysis): PSY 217. A grade of "C'' or better is
required in PSY 105. No more than one course with a grade of "D" can count toward the requirements for a major in
psychology (including the biology and mathematics course requirements). There also must be a "C" (2.00) or better
average on all courses counted towards the major. Additional requirements include completion of a biology course
selected from BIO 105, 140 (with laboratory), 201, 202, or 240 and a mathematics course selected from MAT 111,
112, 115, 151 or a more advanced mathematics course.
Requirements
for a Minor in Psychology:
18 hours. PSY 105, one course from any three of the six content
domains required for majors, and six additional hours in psychology. A grade of "C" or better is required in PSY 105.
No more than one course with a grade of "D" can count toward the requirements for a minor in psychology. There
also must be a "C" (2.00) or better average on all courses counted towards the minor.
Psychology
Course Descriptions
(Department of Psychology)
(3) Principles of psychology with emphasis on scientific methods used in studying
PSY 105. General Psychology
human behavior.
PSY 210. Science and Pseudoscience
(3) Examination of bases for scientific and pseudoscientific claims to
knowledge. Considers criteria for description and explanation in science; uses these criteria to demarcate between
areas that are scientific and those whose' claims to be scientific are questionable. Evaluates areas such as
parapsychology and astrology. Emphasizes use of critical thinking skills.
PSY 211. Perception and Cognition (3) Prerequisite: PSY 105. Survey of major phenomena, methods, and theories
associated with the study of perception and cognition.
Topics include sensory systems, perceptual processes,
attention, memory, knowledge, decision-making, & problem solving.
PSY 217. Learning and Behavior Change (3) Prerequisite: PSY 105. Introduction to the basic principles of
conditioning, learning, and behavior change. Topics will include an introduction to classical and operant conditioning.
Additionally, class will feature an introduction to how experimentally discovered principles apply to psychological
interventions as well as other fields such as education, business and health.
PSY 220. Child Psychology
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 105. Human psychological development through childhood and
early adolescence. Normal development is emphasized.
PSY 221. Adolescent
Psychology
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 105. Human psychological development from late
childhood through adolescence. Normal development is emphasized.
PSY 223. Life Span Human Development
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 105. Variables and factors underlying human
growth and development across the life span. Physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and sexual developments are
emphasized.
PSY 225. Introductory
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4) Prerequisite: PSY 105 and MAT 111 or a higherlevel MAT course. Limited to students concentrating in psychology. Introduction to the statistical techniques most
often used by behavioral scientists for either descriptive purposes or hypothesis testing. Parametric techniques are
emphasized, but nonparametric tests are included. Three lecture and three laboratory hours each week.
PSY 245. Drugs and Behavior (3) Psychological aspects of drug use and abuse. Emphasis on the effects of major
psychoactive drugs (including alcohol) on behavior, the psychological determinants of drug use, and treatment of
drug abuse.
PSY 246. Psychology of Personality (3) Prerequisite: PSY 105. This course provides an overview of the theoretical
models underlying the structure and organization of individual differences. The emphasis is on empirical research
evaluating the different theoretical models. Topics include the self-concept, awareness of motivation, perceived
control, and biological mechanisms influencing traits such as extraversion.
PSY 247 Abnormal
Psychology
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 105. An introduction to the symptoms and sequelae of
behavioral disorders and major theories of the science of psychopathology or abnormal psychology.
PSY 256. Brain and Behavior (3) Prerequisite: PSY 105 and BIO 105 or consent of instructor. Introduction to the
functional anatomy of the nervous system and the roles which various neural systems play in normal and abnormal
behavior. Topics will include neurotransmission,
regulation of sensory systems, neural control of motivation and
emotion, sleep, consciousness, brain damage syndromes, and the biological basis of psychopathology.
PSY 257. Evolutionary
Psychology
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 105 and BIO 105 or consent of instructor. Consideration
of the evolution and adaptive significance of behavior in humans, including such topics as mate selection, parental
care, cognition, language, altruism, aggression, warfare, and creativity.
PSY 264. Social Psychology
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 105. Individual human behavior as a function of the influence of
other persons. Emphasis on the psychology of person perception, interpersonal communication and relationships,
attitude formation and change, and small group behavior.
PSY 265. Human Sexual Behavior (3) Psychological aspects of human sexuality with emphasis on psychosexual
development and behavior. Includes discussion of causative factors and treatment of sexual disorders and
deviations.
PSY 270. Cross-Cultural
Psychology
(3) Prerequisite PSY 105. Psychological study of the impact of culture on
behavior. Topics including cultural effects on perception, cognition, personality, emotions, development, and mental
health will be examined. Emphasis is on application of cultural frames of reference to living in a global society.
PSY 271 Psychology
of Human Diversity
(3) Prerequisite PSY 105. An examination of the contribution of
psychology to the understanding of diversity in our society. Biopsychosocial aspects of diversity and methods of
increasing understanding and inclusiveness
will be emphasized. The nature of stereotyping, discrimination, and
prejudice will be examined.
PSY 275. Forensic Psychology (3) Investigation of psychological factors relevant to the legal system including:
eyewitness identification and false memories, confessions, jury decision making, the insanity defense and mental
health law, expert psychological testimony in court, criminal profiling, risk assessment, treatment of the mentally ill in
corrections.
PSY 291. Introductory
Research (1-3) Prerequisite: Freshman or sophomore standing and consent of instructor and
department chair. Laboratory and computational research under faculty supervision beyond what is offered in existing
courses. May be repeated up to a total of 4 credit hours.
PSY 317. Applied Behavior Analysis (3) Prerequisite: PSY 217. Extension of the principles of learning and behavior
analysis to socially significant human issues, including the assessment and treatment of behavior problems, skill
acquisition, verbal behavior, and ethical considerations. Areas of application include education, developmental and
intellectual disabilities, geriatrics, and caregiver training.
PSY 320. Psychology
of Infancy and Early Childhood (3) Prerequisite: PSY 220 or 223. An in-depth examination
of development from conception through kindergarten age. Both normal and atypical development are considered
from a biopsychosocial perspective. Methodological and theoretical issues are emphasized.
PSY 322. Developmental
Psychopathology
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 247. An overview of the psychological disorders
of childhood, including their description, etiology, assessment and treatment.
Emphasis will be placed on the
theoretical and empirical bases of these disorders, focusing on relevant clinical research methods and empirical
findings.
PSY 324. Psychology of Aging (3) Prerequisite: PSY 220, or 221 or 223, or consent of the instructor. A study of the
psychological aspects of human aging. Topics include the effects of normal and diseased aging on perceptual and
cognitive functioning, personality and social relationships, and physical and emotional health.
PSY 336. Industrial-Organizational
Psychology
(3) Prerequisite PSY 246 or 264 or consent of the instructor.
PsychOlogical techniques in job analysis, personnel selection and placement, training, performance appraisal,
employee motivation, employee health and satisfaction, organizational
productivity and communication,
group
decision making, and leadership.
PSY 352. Health Psychology
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 246 or 264. Integrates psychological and biomedical knowledge
relevant to physical health and illness. Describes the interaction of psychological phenomena with the epidemiology,
etiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical disorders.
PSY 355. Introduction
to Experimental
Psychology
(4) Prerequisite: PSY 225. Basic principles of psychological
research design and evaluation, including techniques of data collection and analysis, and conduct, interpretation, and
reporting of various types of psychological research. Experimental research is emphasized. Three lecture and three
laboratory hours each week.
PSY 356. Motivation
and Emotion (3) Prerequisite: PSY 256 Psychological theory and research in the areas of
motivation and emotion. Basic as well as more complex motive states are examined as they arise from physiological
needs and from learning and cognitive processes. Data from animal as well as human studies are considered.
PSY 366. Close Relationships
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 264 or 246. Personality development within close relationships
including recent theoretical and empirical findings on courtship, interpersonal attraction, marriage contract, and the
various stages of the family life cycle. Communication, familial functioning and dysfunctioning are emphasized.
PSY 370. (EVS 370) Environmental
Psychology (3) Prerequisite: PSY 105 and either PSY 246 or PSY 264 or EVS
195. Interactions between the physical environment and the behavior of the individual. Emphasis on perception of the
environment, the behavioral effects of noxious factors in the environment, the psychology of environmental design,
and the formation and change of attitudes about the environment.
PSY 405. History and Systems of Psychology
(3) Prerequisite: Fifteen semester hours credit in psychology.
History of psychology relative to current trends.
PSY 410. Advanced Cognitive Psychology (4) Prerequisite: PSY 211 and 355. Advanced study of human cognition
with an emphasis on theories and experimental methods. Laboratory work focuses on in-depth exploration of classic
cognitive phenomenon, as well as experience in designing, conducting, and interpreting cognitive research. Three
lecture and three laboratory hours each week.
PSY 412. Advanced Sensation and Perception (4) Prerequisite: PSY 211 and 355. Advanced study of sensory and
perceptual processes, techniques for measuring sensations and perceptions, and theories of perception. This course
will emphasize direct exploration of the topic through experimentation
as well as reading of primary sources.
Demonstrations introduce students to interesting perceptual phenomena. Three lecture and three laboratory hours
each week.
PSY 416. (516) Adult Development and Life Transitions
(3) Prerequisite: One of the following: PSY 220,221,223,
320, or 324. A course in human development. An exploration of the major normative and non normative changes that
take place during adulthood. Operating from a lifespan perspective, includes examination of how adults initiate,
understand, cope with and resolve life transitions (e.g. parenting, loss, illness, career change, relationships, change.)
PSY 417. Advanced Learning and Behavior Analysis (4). Prerequisite PSY 217 and 355. Advanced study of the
empirical and conceptual principles of learning and behavior analysis, and of the applications of these principles. As a
capstone experience course, the students will help design and implement laboratory experiments, will collect and
analyze data, and will communicate findings via oral presentations and laboratory reports. Three lecture and three
laboratory hours each week.
PSY 423. Advanced Developmental
Psychology
(4) Prerequisite: Either 220, or 221, or 223, and 355. Advanced
study of human development, including developmental research methods and a consideration of topics in the general
areas of physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development.
The specific developmental period examined (e.g.,
childhood, adolescence, adulthood) will vary by semester. Three lecture and three laboratory hours each week.
PSY 425. Psychometrics
(4) Prerequisite: PSY 246 or PSY 264, and PSY 247 and PSY 355. Advanced study of the
theories and research related to the practice of psychological test construction, including a survey of intelligence,
achievement and personality tests and laboratory experience demonstrating development and applications of these
tests. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
PSY 445. (545) Chemical Dependency
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 245 and 355. Theory, method and research in the
study of substance abuse. Advanced consideration of the causes, consequences and treatments of the major
addictive disorders.
PSY 449. Psychology
of Death and Dying (3) Prerequisite: Either PSY 220 or PSY 221 or PSY 223 or consent of
instructor. Psychological aspects of death and dying. Conceptualizations of and behavior toward one's own demise.
Emphasis on the behavioral context surrounding terminal illness, suicide, and homicide. Psychological aspects of
gerontology also considered.
PSY 450. Theories of Counseling
& Psychotherapy
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 247 and either 246 or 264. Advanced
discussion of the major historical theories and empirically supported approaches to psychotherapy. Ethical and legal
issues in psychotherapy are also emphasized ..
PSY 451. Supervised
Counseling
Practice (3) Prerequisite: PSY 246, 247 and 450 and consent of instructor.
Supervision of student practice in application of counseling skills and techniques in a variety of in-service situations.
Students participate in supervised counseling experiences in local social service agencies. Emphasis on practice of
skills combined with regular consultation with the supervisor. May be repeated once for additional credit.
PSY 455. Advanced Psychological
Research (3) Prerequisite: PSY 355 and consent of instructor. Experience in
the design, conduct, and evaluation of psychological research. Advanced design and analysis techniques. Each
student designs and conducts a research project and a laboratory exercise for PSY 355. Offered on demand.
PSY 456. Advanced
Biological
Psychology
(3) Prerequisite: PSY 256 and 810 105 or 810 201 or consent of
instructor. Advanced anatomy of the nervous system and the roles which various neural structures play in the control
of behavior.
PSY 457. Animal Behavior (3) Prerequisite: PSY256 and 810 105 or 202 or consent of instructor. Animal behavior
including the traditional areas of ethology and comparative psychology. Primary emphasis is upon the similarities and
differences in the behaviors of animals occupying various phylogenetic positions.
PSY 464. Advanced Social and Personality
Psychology
(4) Prerequisites: either PSY 246 or PSY 264 and PSY
355. Advanced study of the major concepts of social and personality psychology theory and research. Emphasis on
the interaction of personality and situation in determining behavior and a social cognitive perspective in explaining
social information processing. Three lecture and three laboratory hours each week.
PSY 465. Community Psychology (3) Prerequisite: PSY 246 or PSY 264. Contributions of psychology to the
understanding of an individual's behavior as influenced by the community environment. Emphasis on problems
associated with community mental health.
PSY 491. Directed Individual Study (1-3) Prerequisite: Overall GPA of at least 2.00, junior or senior standing, and
consent of instructor, department chair and dean. Involves investigation under faculty supervision beyond what is
offered in existing courses. For further information, consult the Directed Individual Studies section in this catalogue.
PSY 495. Topical Seminar (1-3) Prerequisite: PSY 105 and consent of instructor. Discussion of selected topics in
psychology. May be repeated for additional credit.
PSY 499. Honors Work in Psychology (2-3) Prerequisite: Eligibility for honors program and senior standing.
Independent work for honors students.