Psychology

Intended as an introductory course both for non-concentrators and for concentrators, this course surveys the major areas of psychology: the nature of psychology as a science, principles of learning, the relationship between physiological and psychological processes in humans and animals, sensation and perception, cognitive processes, motivation and emotion, personality and development, adjustment and behavior disorders, and social behavior.

Presents an introduction to the study of social behavior in interpersonal relationships, groups, organizations, and the community: Diversity in regard to groups of peoples, cultures, and views is emphasized. Topics include non-verbal communication, social attraction, attitudes and attitude change, group dynamics, prejudice, labeling, stereotyping, interpersonal influence, and applications to social problems..

Serves as an introduction to the study of human personality including such topics as self- concept, anxiety and adjustment, and achievement motivation. Psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive, and behavioral theories of personality are stressed with consideration of the interplay between theory and research.

Surveys the nature and practice of community psychology, including principles of community organization and change as seen in such areas as education, mental health, the workplace, health care, justice system, corrections and social services. Students may participate in field research or practice under the direction of an assigned agency, and classroom work will include discussion of the field experiences of the participants.

The study of childhood and adolescence. The course begins with an overview of major theoretical perspectives, research methods, and ethical issues in human development. Based on a chronological approach, the course covers prenatal development and birth, infancy, childhood and adolescence, and the transition to adulthood.

An introductory course concentrating on the basics of scientific research in Psychology. Students will learn: how to acquire information from libraries and the internet; methods for collecting data, such as surveys, case studies, unobtrusive measures and observational procedures, in experimental, quasi-experimental and correlational designs; how to operationalize variables to create reliable and valid measures; to identify types of data and how to describe and graph data; the basics of hypothesis testing and statistical significance; how research is communicated in research reports using APA style. Attention will also be given to ethical issues in research with human and nonhuman subjects. Students must earn a grade of C or better in this course.

Presents an introduction to the study of various patterns of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders with consideration of issues of diagnosis, etiology, and treatment in terms of contemporary theory, research, and practice.

Surveys issues and topics dealing with the physiological and evolutionary bases of behavior. Biological systems and processes that influence behavior are considered, with particular emphasis on brain mechanisms. Recent discoveries in the neurosciences will be presented. Methods of research are reviewed.

Traces the development of theories of learning from earlier global theories to more recent and more specific ones. Behavioral, cognitive, and physiological approaches are compared. Current issues of importance in the study of learning also are stressed.

The course focuses on human sensations and perceptions. Students will examine how people know the objects and events of the world through hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, moving, and touching. Students will also examine the foundations of experiences which correspond to independent measures of the world (veridical) and those which do not (illusory).

Examines the psychological bases of verbal and visual reasoning, logical and creative thought-processes, and linguistic and conceptual behaviors. The nature and limits of knowledge and creative expression are discussed.

this course is an introduction to many topics representing major fields of study within psychology and law. Topics may include: eyewitness testimony, lie detection, jury selection, child protection, forensic interviews, and the death penalty. In this course, students will be exposed to the diversity of interests among legal psychologists as well as innovative and important ideas, theories, and scientific research findings. Through readings, the study of actual cases, and presentations from guest speakers, students will gain more understanding of how psychologists study and contribute to the legal system.

Examines various methods and techniques suitable for the modification of human behavior, based on the principles and findings of experimental studies of animal and human behavior. Considers how such methods can be used in education, mental health and corrections, and self-directed personal change.

This course examines the changing roles and lives of women in contemporary societies. An ecological systems model provides the theoretical foundation for examining how differences between cultures structure women's lives, particularly in terms of health, reproducion and access to education and employment will be explored.

This course examines ways that gender is related to contemporary work roles, family roles, and social institutions. Although most women work outside the home and most men have children, the perception that "a woman's place is in the home" and that men are the "family providers" continues to influence personal expectations and social policies. The course will critique current social arrangements and discussion of options for healthier, more equitable alternatives.

Presents an analysis of psychological dynamics in interpersonal behavior, emphasizing such topics as interpersonal communication, self-disclosure, personal styles of interaction and techniques of change. The primary focus is on the behavior of the students themselves.

Examines the historical roots of psychology from the pre-scientific psychologies of the ancient Greeks to the twentieth century schools of the introspectionists, the Gestalt psychologists, and psychoanalysts. Historical resolutions of recurring issues are contrasted with modern resolutions.

Introduces students to psychological theories and studies of the mind-body dualism, mind-brain identity, and the emergence of mind. Studies of psychosomatic disease and healing imagery, sleep and hypnosis, "subconscious" perception and "extra sensory" perception, multiple personalities and "split brain" patients are discussed. The questions of animal awareness and computer consciousness are also considered.

Considers such topics as: the psychology of sex differences; biological bases of psychological sex differences; the nature of female sexuality; clinical theory and practice concerning women; women as mental patients and mental health consumers; implications for psychology and for women's status.

Provides an analysis to the impact of culture, socio-historical, and social influences on psychological processes and outcomes. Students will also learn about techniques for studying the influence of culture including cross-cultural methods and population-specific methods. Through careful analysis of research literature, this class will examine a variety of contexts within the U.S. and internationally. Topics will include identity development, immigration, acculturation, socialization, and social interactions among groups.

An examination of psychological aspects of human health, both physical and mental, and the processes of adjustment and growth. Consideration is given to the interplay of health and illness with emphasis on psychological methods of overcoming and preventing illness and of enhancing physical and emotional well-being.

Addresses the biological, psychosocial, and attitudinal aspects of human sexuality through lectures, discussions, films from a variety of perspectives.

A survey of major tests and techniques used to assess cognitive abilities, personality and vocational interests; an introduction to the various professional settings in which testing and assessment methods are used (e.g. school/education, mental health, rehabilitation, employment and personnel selection, criminal justice). Students learn to administer, score, and interpret specific tests and learn how to develop a case study or report based on test data and related information.

The course will cover topics such as motivation, arousal and anxiety in performance, performance enhancement, youth sport and family interactions, leadership, cooperation and competition, team cohesion, gender issues, exercise and mental health, and psychological factors in injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Begins with an overview of recent theoretical perspectives on adult development and aging. In chronological sequence, it presents the stages of adulthood and concludes with death and dying. Topics covered include personal, family, and vocational development through adulthood, gender pattern differences, and the impact of changing demographics, including the lengthening of the life span.

Examines behavior problems of childhood and adolescence across developmental transitions with a focus on the interaction of risk and protective factors in the child and his or her social context (e.g., family, school, friendships). Problems such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, and the consequences of trauma and maltreatment are addressed.

This course exaines a range of developmental disabilities, their etiology, consideration of underlying brain function, assessment procedures, and current diagnostic, treatment and educational approaches. In addition, the impact of disability on individuals and the families of those affected, cultural and social aspects of disability, and current practices in service provision will be considered.

This course provides students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds with the opportunity to examine their own mental model(attitudes/values/ assumptions) of disability. It includes an overview of the nature of mental retardation and other disabilities and it provides opportunities to explore and understand the historical social response to disability. Students will look at a range of strategies for providing support and intervention and they will learn about how to effect change through a variety of strategies, including advocacy.

Investigates the psychological aspects of crime and deviance and the nature of punishment and rehabilitation. Studies clinical case histories of criminal personalities in conjunction with contemporary psychological theory and research concerning antisocial and delinquent behavior. The nature of prisons, the criminal justice system, and aspects of psychological services are considered.

This course explores the human ability to produce and understand language. The course addresses whether, when and how human beings evolved the ability to talk, the major competing theories of language, and issues such as dialect and bilingualism.

An intermediate level course, required of all psychology majors, focusing on computational statistics and their interpretation. Student will: review types of data and how they are descriptively measured; test hypothesis using t-tests and ANOVA for difference within and between groups, compute measures of correlation; learn the assumptions of parametric tests and how to apply nonparametric analyses; communicate, graph and interpret statistical results using APA format. Students will also be introduced to statistical packages on the computer.

Surveys issues and topics dealing with the physiological and evolutionary bases of behavior. Biological systems and processes that influence behavior are considered, with particular emphasis on brain mechanisms. Recent discoveries in the neurosciences will be presented. Methods of research are reviewed.

An advanced course, capping the sequence that began with 47.269 and continued with 47.369, in which students will design and carry out one or more empirical research projects from start to finish, resulting in a complete research report using APA style and in an oral poster session presentation. The range of possible research topics will vary, reflecting the interests of the instructor. Students will perform literature reviews; formulate a research question; operationalize variables; develop research designs; obtain ethical review and approval; and collect and analyze data.

Focuses on a variety of theoretical conceptualizations of the productive personality, psychodiagnostic tools and techniques and case histories. Students develop and enhance their professional skills with respect to presentation of self, writing, and psychological diagnostic techniques.

Presents an intensive study of one or more of the following special topics in social psychology: small group interaction; social aspects of health and illness; conformity; attitude formation and prejudice; patterns of communication, including nonverbal communication; psychology of sex roles; methods of social action and social change in the community.

Presents a careful consideration of selected topics in the area of human development, including the following: psychology of the family and parent-child relations; infant development; adjustment during adulthood; and death and dying, etc.

Focuses on such topics as: the nature of psychotherapy and clinical practice; analysis of specific clinical theories of psychopathology and psychotherapy (family systems, transactional analysis, Gestalt, behavioral, psychoanalysis); the nature and causes of specific psychological disorders (schizophrenia, affective disorders, etc.); the nature of mental hospitals; the community mental health movement; clinical methods of assessment; and current topics in personality theory and research; etc.

Intensive study of specific topics and areas of psychological research from among the following: the experimental analysis of behavior, sensation and perception, cognitive psychology, the biology of behavior, the comparative study of animal behavior, and other selected topics related to experimental psychology.

Deals with issues in contemporary areas of psychological practice and/or research; implications for future developments in the field will be covered.

This fieldwork based course examines standards for services to people with developmental disabilities, exploring the forces that support or interfere with realizing current best practice. In this course, students will develop an understanding of the life of an individual with a disability that includes hopes and dreams, vision, the societal context of his/her life, and the services and personal relationships that influence growth and change. Students will learn to implement person centered planning, community membership mapping, and become familiar with professional skills and standards. Fieldwork opportunities include all ages and service delivery models.

This seminar accompanies a human service/education-based field placement and provides a critical examination of organizations and personal leadership in the lives of people with disabilities. Students will explore how formal services, advocacy, and informal community systems impact one another and impact the lives of people with disabilities. Students will examine their own field placements from a variety of theoretical frameworks, using this knowledge to understand personal leadership change opportunities. Students who are considering a career in a human service profession will have the opportunity to learn how vision, mission, community partnerships, funding, human resources, regulations, and families/individuals themselves impact service delivery.

This course provides an opportunity for qualified students to serve as peer tutors in selected undergraduate Psychology courses. Tutors will meet with individual students as needed, and will meet regularly with the course instructor and/or attend workshops offered by the Centers for Learning. In addition, tutors may be expected to attend some or all of the meetings of the course in which they are tutoring.

Students will take an applied role in the community where they will have the opportunity to provide some form of meaningful service to individuals, groups or communities. Students will meet regularly with a designated faculty member on campus to consider their experiences in the context of current psychological thought. In some instances, the commitment to community service may extend over the course of a full year. Graded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. 1, 2 or 3 credits. This course may be repeated but no more than 9 credits total from any combination of 47.486, 47.488 and 47.491 may be counted toward the degree.

Students will take an applied role in faculty supervised research where they will provide a meaningful contribution to a research program or particular study. Students will meet regularly with a designated faculty member to discuss the research process and rationale for relevant components of the project including literature review, research design, procedures, data collection, entry, and analysis. In some instances the commitment to research may extend over the course of a full year. Graded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, 1, 2, or 3 credits. This course may be repeated but no more than 9 credits total from any combination of 47.486, 47. 488, and 47.491 may be counted toward the degree.

Through frequent consultation with the instructor, the student carries out the investigation of a particularly specialized area of interest. This course may be repeated, but no more than 9 credits from any combination of 47.486, 47.488, and 47.491 may be counted toward the degree.

An opportunity for the student to work at the highest level of specialization and independence on a project of his or her own design. Requires careful consultation with the faculty. May be counted toward satisfaction of the second 400 level requirement of the major.

A program of practical experience for Psychology majors only. Specific requirements vary, but the Practicum experience enables Junior and Senior level students to work and study in a variety of areas related to psychological practice and research (mental health agencies, community agencies and groups, work settings, schools, prisons, group homes, etc.). Students meet regularly as a class on campus with the designated instructor to discuss their experiences and to learn more about the settings in which psychologists practice and the challenges that psychologists confront. Practicum may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Graded Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. (Field Placement Required)