Psychology Course Descriptions
Psychology Department Courses
Psychology
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PSY105* SSC General Psychology
- 4.00 credits. (Social Sciences Core Course) An introduction to psychological science, including methods of inquiry, learning and motivation, abnormal behavior, developmental and social influences, cognition, sensation and perception, neuroscience and personality.
- 4.00 credits. (Social Sciences Core Course) An introduction to psychological science, including methods of inquiry, learning and motivation, abnormal behavior, developmental and social influences, cognition, sensation and perception, neuroscience and personality.
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PSY111* NPS Introduction to Neuroscience
- 4.00 credits. (Natural and Physical Science Core Course) A survey of the biological basis of psychological processes, including neurons and brain organization, the endocrine system, motor control, higher cortical functions and dysfunctions in order to provide an integrated understanding of the brain and behavior. Recovery from brain damage, sexual behavior, emotion, language, mood disorders, schizophrenia and additional related topics also are covered.
- 4.00 credits. (Natural and Physical Science Core Course) A survey of the biological basis of psychological processes, including neurons and brain organization, the endocrine system, motor control, higher cortical functions and dysfunctions in order to provide an integrated understanding of the brain and behavior. Recovery from brain damage, sexual behavior, emotion, language, mood disorders, schizophrenia and additional related topics also are covered.
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PSY209* HUM Psyche and Film
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) Explores evolutionary and historical contributions to the concept of "psyche," as it develops in philosophical, moral and scientific understanding. It comes to include identity and character, inwardness, hiddenness, the external life of behavior and language, and the creative invention of self and world. In the contemporary era, this inheritance can be explored more fully via the medium of film, which may itself be transforming how we understand ourselves. *A Writing and Research Intensive course. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) Explores evolutionary and historical contributions to the concept of "psyche," as it develops in philosophical, moral and scientific understanding. It comes to include identity and character, inwardness, hiddenness, the external life of behavior and language, and the creative invention of self and world. In the contemporary era, this inheritance can be explored more fully via the medium of film, which may itself be transforming how we understand ourselves. *A Writing and Research Intensive course. Spring semester.
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PSY211* SSC Political Psychology (PS 211)
- 4.00 credits. (Social Science Core Course) This interdisciplinary course explores the intersection between political science and psychology. It introduces students to psychological theories and research findings in order to explain what people think, feel and do about contemporary political issues. Specifically, the course draws on psychological concepts regarding motivation, personality, cognition, attribution, emotion and identity to examine mass political behavior and public opinion. *A Writing and Research Intensive course.
- 4.00 credits. (Social Science Core Course) This interdisciplinary course explores the intersection between political science and psychology. It introduces students to psychological theories and research findings in order to explain what people think, feel and do about contemporary political issues. Specifically, the course draws on psychological concepts regarding motivation, personality, cognition, attribution, emotion and identity to examine mass political behavior and public opinion. *A Writing and Research Intensive course.
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PSY213 Research Methods and Statistics I
- 4.00 credits. Design and analysis of experimental research. Emphases include issues in philosophy of science, consideration of rival hypotheses, and research ethics. Hours: lecture 3, laboratory 2. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. Design and analysis of experimental research. Emphases include issues in philosophy of science, consideration of rival hypotheses, and research ethics. Hours: lecture 3, laboratory 2. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Fall semester.
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PSY218 Research Methods and Statistics II
- 4.00 credits. Design and analysis of correlational research. Emphases include measurement and statistical power, inferences of causality, and scientific writing. Hours: lecture 3, laboratory 2. *Prerequisite: PSY 213. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. Design and analysis of correlational research. Emphases include measurement and statistical power, inferences of causality, and scientific writing. Hours: lecture 3, laboratory 2. *Prerequisite: PSY 213. Spring semester.
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PSY221 Abnormal Psychology
- 4.00 credits. A study of mental disorders including schizophrenia, depression, substance abuse, anxiety and psychosexual disorders. Research and theories regarding diagnosis, causes and treatments are reviewed. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. A study of mental disorders including schizophrenia, depression, substance abuse, anxiety and psychosexual disorders. Research and theories regarding diagnosis, causes and treatments are reviewed. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Spring semester.
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PSY225 Developmental Psychology
- 4.00 credits. Physical, perceptual, linguistic, intellectual and social-emotional human development, covering the periods of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. Various options for the course project include off-campus observations of children and a developmental autobiography. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. Physical, perceptual, linguistic, intellectual and social-emotional human development, covering the periods of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. Various options for the course project include off-campus observations of children and a developmental autobiography. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Fall semester.
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PSY235 Social Psychology
- 4.00 credits. Survey of issues, theories and methods in understanding the processes by which social life constitutes, influences and is composed of the thoughts, feelings and behavior of human beings. Topics include social explanation, social cognition and attribution, the dynamics of self, social influence, persuasion, aggression, innovation, interpersonal communication, relationships and environmental transaction. Students will conduct case studies and analysis. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. Survey of issues, theories and methods in understanding the processes by which social life constitutes, influences and is composed of the thoughts, feelings and behavior of human beings. Topics include social explanation, social cognition and attribution, the dynamics of self, social influence, persuasion, aggression, innovation, interpersonal communication, relationships and environmental transaction. Students will conduct case studies and analysis. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Fall semester.
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PSY237* SSC Psychology of Women
- 4.00 credits. (Social Sciences Core Course) A psychological approach to understanding both the behavior of women and the female experience. Topics include development across the lifespan, language and reasoning, victimization, physical well-being, mental health and stereotypic-based conflicts.
- 4.00 credits. (Social Sciences Core Course) A psychological approach to understanding both the behavior of women and the female experience. Topics include development across the lifespan, language and reasoning, victimization, physical well-being, mental health and stereotypic-based conflicts.
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PSY241 Sensation and Perception
- 4.00 credits. This course investigates how we construct a conception of physical reality from sensory experience. Through lectures, in-class demonstrations and discussions, we will examine how environmental information gets to humans through our visual, auditory, cutaneous, olfactory and gustatory senses and how this information is interpreted by the brain so that we have a conscious experience of our environment. *Prerequisite: PSY 105 or 111. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. This course investigates how we construct a conception of physical reality from sensory experience. Through lectures, in-class demonstrations and discussions, we will examine how environmental information gets to humans through our visual, auditory, cutaneous, olfactory and gustatory senses and how this information is interpreted by the brain so that we have a conscious experience of our environment. *Prerequisite: PSY 105 or 111. Spring semester.
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PSY247 Learning and Motivation
- 4.00 credits. A survey of the fundamental concepts underlying learning, specifically those involved in classical and operant conditioning and social learning. The basic procedures, principles and neural mechanisms of learning are examined. Special focus will be given to the relationship of fundamental learning principles with complex human functions, including social interaction, self-regulation, skilled performance, and psychopathology. Common applications of learning theory - including to education, marketing and psychotherapy - also are discussed. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. A survey of the fundamental concepts underlying learning, specifically those involved in classical and operant conditioning and social learning. The basic procedures, principles and neural mechanisms of learning are examined. Special focus will be given to the relationship of fundamental learning principles with complex human functions, including social interaction, self-regulation, skilled performance, and psychopathology. Common applications of learning theory - including to education, marketing and psychotherapy - also are discussed. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Spring semester.
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PSY311 Neuropsychology
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the relationship between brain function and behavior in healthy and brain-damaged populations. Focuses on the manner in which various neural mechanisms are themselves interconnected and how they connect with a variety of everyday or abnormal behaviors. The course will specifically address the use of particular neuropsychological tests in evaluating brain dysfunction. *Prerequisites: PSY 111 and junior status, or permission of instructor.
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the relationship between brain function and behavior in healthy and brain-damaged populations. Focuses on the manner in which various neural mechanisms are themselves interconnected and how they connect with a variety of everyday or abnormal behaviors. The course will specifically address the use of particular neuropsychological tests in evaluating brain dysfunction. *Prerequisites: PSY 111 and junior status, or permission of instructor.
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PSY321 Theories of Personality
- 4.00 credits. A critical examination of major theories and perspectives on human personality. Addresses historical and cultural issues, empirical evaluation, and the difficulties of formulating an integrated understanding. Emphasizes the pursuit of personal development, human freedom and clinical application. Theories include evolutionary, psychoanalytic, social-cognition, dispositional, motivational, ego-development and narrative. Includes studio work. *Prerequisites: PSY 105 and junior status, or permission of the instructor. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. A critical examination of major theories and perspectives on human personality. Addresses historical and cultural issues, empirical evaluation, and the difficulties of formulating an integrated understanding. Emphasizes the pursuit of personal development, human freedom and clinical application. Theories include evolutionary, psychoanalytic, social-cognition, dispositional, motivational, ego-development and narrative. Includes studio work. *Prerequisites: PSY 105 and junior status, or permission of the instructor. Spring semester.
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PSY333 Psychological Assessment
- 4.00 credits. An introduction to theoretical, practical and ethical issues in assessment, focusing on application and decision making. Widely-used tests are also discussed. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. An introduction to theoretical, practical and ethical issues in assessment, focusing on application and decision making. Widely-used tests are also discussed. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Spring semester.
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PSY341 Human Cognition
- 4.00 credits. A study of the theoretical models, methods and empirical findings involving mental abilities, including perceiving, reasoning, memory, problem solving, creativity, language and attention. *Prerequisites: PSY 105 and junior status, or permission of the instructor.
- 4.00 credits. A study of the theoretical models, methods and empirical findings involving mental abilities, including perceiving, reasoning, memory, problem solving, creativity, language and attention. *Prerequisites: PSY 105 and junior status, or permission of the instructor.
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PSY372 Special Topics in Psychology
- 4.00 credits. Topics not part of the regular curriculum, offered based on student and faculty interest.
- 4.00 credits. Topics not part of the regular curriculum, offered based on student and faculty interest.
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PSY401 Counseling Psychology
- 3.00 credits. An introduction to counseling skills and an examination of the assumptions that students bring to the role of counselor. Substantial class time is devoted to role-playing various counselor/counselee situations. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Register by Instructor.
- 3.00 credits. An introduction to counseling skills and an examination of the assumptions that students bring to the role of counselor. Substantial class time is devoted to role-playing various counselor/counselee situations. *Prerequisite: PSY 105. Register by Instructor.
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PSY402 History and Systems of Psychology
- 4.00 credits. A study of major historical systems in psychology, including structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis. Capstone course for Psychology majors. *Prerequisite: PSY 105 and senior status. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. A study of major historical systems in psychology, including structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis. Capstone course for Psychology majors. *Prerequisite: PSY 105 and senior status. Fall semester.
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PSY413 Research in Perception
- 4.00 credits. A study of the theories and empirical findings in the area of perceptual functioning with emphasis on visual processing. Students will conduct an original research project. *Prerequisites: PSY 213, 218 and 241. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. A study of the theories and empirical findings in the area of perceptual functioning with emphasis on visual processing. Students will conduct an original research project. *Prerequisites: PSY 213, 218 and 241. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
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PSY414 Research in Memory and Thinking
- 4.00 credits. The theories and empirical findings in memory and thinking. Students will conduct an original research project. *Prerequisites: PSY 213, 218 and 247. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. The theories and empirical findings in memory and thinking. Students will conduct an original research project. *Prerequisites: PSY 213, 218 and 247. Register by Instructor.
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PSY425 Research in Developmental Psychology
- 4.00 credits. An advanced study of major developmental theories and critical reviews of relevant empirical evidence. Students will conduct research projects related to a common theme in developmental psychology. *Prerequisites: PSY 213, 218 and 225. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. An advanced study of major developmental theories and critical reviews of relevant empirical evidence. Students will conduct research projects related to a common theme in developmental psychology. *Prerequisites: PSY 213, 218 and 225. Register by Instructor.
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PSY435 Research in Social Psychology
- 4.00 credits. A critical examination of selected areas of social psychological research with attention to crucial theoretical and methodological issues and questions of social, legal, ethical and historical relevance. Students will complete an original research project. *Prerequisites: PSY 213, 218 and 235. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. A critical examination of selected areas of social psychological research with attention to crucial theoretical and methodological issues and questions of social, legal, ethical and historical relevance. Students will complete an original research project. *Prerequisites: PSY 213, 218 and 235. Register by Instructor.
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PSY475 Field Study
- 4.00 credits. Supervised training and experience in a professional setting related to psychology, generally for two afternoons a week, plus meetings with the instructor. Placement depends on student interest and goals, and availability of professional setting. *Prerequisites: PSY 105 (PSY 221 and 401 for students interested in a mental health setting). Graded Pass/No Pass. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. Supervised training and experience in a professional setting related to psychology, generally for two afternoons a week, plus meetings with the instructor. Placement depends on student interest and goals, and availability of professional setting. *Prerequisites: PSY 105 (PSY 221 and 401 for students interested in a mental health setting). Graded Pass/No Pass. Register by Instructor.
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PSY480 Independent Study in Psychology
- Variable credit. Opportunity for students to engage in independent study. *Prerequisites: permission of the Department Chair and the Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
- Variable credit. Opportunity for students to engage in independent study. *Prerequisites: permission of the Department Chair and the Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
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PSY490 Research Practicum
- Variable credit. Research in psychology under the close supervision of a faculty member. Topics for research are chosen in an area of interest to both persons. *Prerequisites: PSY 213 and 218. Register by Instructor.
- Variable credit. Research in psychology under the close supervision of a faculty member. Topics for research are chosen in an area of interest to both persons. *Prerequisites: PSY 213 and 218. Register by Instructor.
