Undergraduate
Online Academic Catalog
Psychology Course Listings
Quick Links
47.101 General PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
47.209 Social PsychologyCredits: 3
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..
Pre-Req or Co-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.232 Psychology of PersonalityCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req or Co-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.255 Community PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req or Co-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.260 Child and Adolescent DevelopmentCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req or Co-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.269 Research I: BasicsCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.272 Abnormal PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.273 Brain, Mind & BehaviorCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.276 Theories of LearningCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.277 Sensation and PerceptionCredits: 3
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).
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.278 Cognitive PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.308 Industrial/Organizational PsychologyCredits: 3
An introduction to the application of psychological principles and methods to the work domain. Students will develop an understanding of the individual, social, and environmental factors as they relate to organizational performance. Intended as an introduction to the field of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology, topics include personnel selection and evaluation, training and development, attitudes and motivation, leadership, group dynamics, diversity, organizational structure and climate, and job design and working conditions.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.312 Learning and BehaviorCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.328 Dynamics of Interpersonal RelationsCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology; Junior or Senior level.
47.332 History of PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.333 Psychology of ConsciousnessCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.335 Psychology and WomenCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.336 Culture and PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.345 Health PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.351 Human SexualityCredits: 3
Addresses the biological, psychosocial, and attitudinal aspects of human sexuality through lectures, discussions, films from a variety of perspectives.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.352 Psychological TestingCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.355 Sport and Exercise PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.360 Adult Development and AgingCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Reqs: 47.101 General Psychology and 47.260 Child & Adolescent Development.
47.361 Developmental PsychopathologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Reqs: 47.101 General Psychology and 47.260 Child & Adolescent Development.
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.
Pre-Reqs: 47.101 General Psychology and 47.260 Child & Adolescent Development.
47.363 Introduction to Disability StudiesCredits: 3
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.
Pre Req: 47.101, General Psychology; student may not enroll if already has credit for 59.363.
47.365 Psychology of LanguageCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.369 Research II: StatisticsCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.269 Research I: Basics with 'C' or better
47.375 Research III: LaboratoryCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.369 Res II: Statistics and ' C' or better in 47.269 Res I: Basics; Junior/ Senior level and completed 15 credits in Psychology.
47.472 Seminar: PersonalityCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Reqs: 47.101 General Psychology and 47.269 Research I: Basics.
47.473 Seminar in Social PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Reqs: 47.101 General Psychology and 47.269 Research I: Basics.
47.474 Seminar in Developmental PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Reqs: 47.260 Child & Adolescent Development and 47.269 Research I: Basics.
47.475 Seminar in Clinical PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Reqs: 47.101 General Psychology and 47.269 Research I: Basics.
47.477 Seminar: Contemporary TrendsCredits: 3
Deals with issues in contemporary areas of psychological practice and/or research; implications for future developments in the field will be covered.
Pre-Reqs: 47.101 General Psychology and 47.269 Research I: Basics.
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.
Pre or Co-Req: 47/59.363 Introduction to Disability Studies, or 47.363 Psychology of Developmental Disabilities.
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 and 47.269; and Pre-req or Co- Req: 47.363, or 59.363, or 47.362.
47.485 Peer Tutoring: PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
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.
Pre-Req: 47.101 General Psychology.
47.488 Research Service LearningCredits: 1-3
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.
47.491 Directed Study: PsychologyCredits: 3
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.
Pre-Reqs: 47.101 General Psychology and 47.269 Research I: Basics.
47.496 Practicum in PsychologyCredits: 3
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)
Pre-Req: 47.272 Abnormal Psychology; and Junior or Senior level.