PSY Courses 101-299
2007-2008
Last updated: 3/1/2008
NOTE: The
number of credits is listed in parentheses after the course name.
100-Level
Course
PSY 101 Introductory Psychology (3).
A one semester broad overview of contemporary psychology—its
diverse approaches to the understanding of behavior and the basic
principles and research findings associated with each of these
approaches. Specific areas of psychological inquiry discussed
include physiological, cognitive and social psychology; learning,
sensation and perception; emotion and motivation; personality and
psychopathology. This course is a prerequisite for most psychology
courses.
200-Level Courses
PSY 201 Introduction to Research Methods (4).
An introduction to major correlational and experimental methods
employed by research psychologists in the study of behavior. Topics
include methods of data collection, instrumentation, experimental
designs and their corresponding statistical tests and research
evalua-tion. Laboratory experience is also provided. Suitable for both
majors and non-majors. Prerequisites: MTHn 110 or MTH 111, PSY
101. Prerequisite or corequisite: MTH 112.
PSY 215 Child and Adolescent Psychology (3).
An examination of the emergence of basic competencies (e.g., language,
cognitive abilities, interpersonal skills) from birth to adolescence,
and the integration of these competencies in the person of the growing
child at successive life-stages. Various theoretical and experimental
approaches to the study of human development are investigated. The
practical implications of developmental processes will be explored in
selected areas. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor.
PSY 220 Human Life Span Development (3).
This course is a general introduction to human development. The study
of human development is a scientific analysis of patterns of change and
growth across the entire lifespan from conception through very old age.
The course will include the investigation of essential questions of
human experience including inherited factors, attachment to caregivers,
mastery of the human body and the environment, meaningful social
relationships, achievement, occupational choice, impact of societal
expectations, the formulation of values and goals, the concept of
generativity and death and dying. The course will analyze human
development from a biopsychosocial perspective looking closely at basic
patterns of normal development. Prerequisite: PSY 101.
PSY 230 Motivation and Emotion (3).
A survey of the major theories concerned with the motivation of
behavior. Individual and environmental determinants are examined.
Emphasis is on the role of emotional and cognitive factors as
motivational variables. Related research is presented and critically
analyzed. Theories and research are applied to practical situations.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor.
PSY 250 Cognition (3).
A study of contemporary issues in human behavior. Specific topics
include attention, memory, concept attainment, problem solving, the
interaction of language with these processes and the disorders
experienced by those with deficiencies in these areas. Research on
these topics and various theoretical models designed to explain human
information processing are examined. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or
permission of the instructor.
PSY 260 Social Psychology (3).
Introduction to the theoretical and empirical investigations of how
interaction with others influences the thoughts, emotions and behavior
of the individual. Topics include person perception (e.g., impression
formation, liking and loving), attitude formation and change (e.g.,
persuasion, conformity), aggression, helping behavior and group process
(e.g., leadership, group decision making). Prerequisite: PSY 101 or
permission of the instructor.
PSY 270 Learning (3).
A general survey covering principles of animal and human learning,
theories of learning and application of learning principles. Topics
include the basic learning processes of classical and instructional
conditioning, discrimination and generalization, and escape and
avoidance learning, as well as more complex processes of verbal
learning, retention and transfer. Applications of basic learning
principals such as behavior modification, with emphasis on helping
those with learning disabilities, are presented. Prerequisite: PSY 101
or permission of the instructor.
PSY 275 (GWS 275) The Psychology of Women
(3).
This course explores empirical research and theory in areas of
psychology relevant to women and sex roles. Topics include sex roles
and sex-role stereotyping; biological and psychosocial origins of
gender; and gender differences in behavior personality and abilities.
Readings and class discussions encourage application of concepts to a
variety of settings, including female-male relationships, parenting,
education, occupation, the media, et al. Students are expected to
develop an in-depth topic of special interest for a term paper and/or
class presentation. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the
instructor.
PSY 280 Abnormal/Normal Psychology (3).
An introduction to the issues and problems associated with defining,
understanding and relating to maladaptive behavior. Historical and
philosophical perspectives on the subject covered briefly. The major
schools of thought and systems of classifying abnormal behavior are
presented and discussed. Questions related to diagnosis, treatment, and
research are raised, and societal issues concerning maladaptive
behavior are examined. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the
instructor.
PSY 285 Abnormal/Normal Psychology for Health
Professions (3).
An introduction to the issues and problems associated with defining,
understanding, and relating to maladaptive behavior for individuals
planning careers in one of the health professions. Historical and
philosophical perspectives on the subject covered briefly. The major
schools of thought and systems of classifying abnormal behavior are
presented and discussed. Questions related to diagnosis, treatment, and
research are raised with illustrative examples and discussion materials
drawn primarily from clinical medical or psychological settings.
Societal issues concerning maladaptive behavior are also examined.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor.
PSY 295 (IRL 295) Environmental Psychology
(3).
This course is an examination of the, often subtle, interrelationship
between the built and natural environments and human behavior. Although
we don’t always realize it, our behavior is affected by the physical
world in many ways. Environmental factors such as lighting, crowding,
privacy invasion, weather, architecture and pollution can each play a
role in determining our thoughts and actions. These thought and
actions, in turn, help determine the positive and negative impact we
make on the environment. Students will examine the theories, research
methods and practical applications of this important field to develop a
better understanding of how environmental psychology applies to their
everyday lives. Prerequisite: PSY 101.