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.