Bachelor of Arts
Courses required for the Psychology major are:
PSY 105 General Psychology
4 credits. (Core: Social Science) 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. Fall and Spring semesters. Dennis, Lemley, Smith, Teske.
PSY 213 Research Methods and Statistics I
4 credits. Design and analysis of experimental research. Emphases include issues in philosophy of science, consideration of rival hypotheses, and research ethics. Hours: 3 class, laboratory 2. Prerequisite: Psychology 105. Fall semester. Prof. Roy.
PSY 218 Research Methods and Statistics I
4 credits. Design and analysis of correlational research. Emphases include measurement and statistical power, inferences of causality, and scientific writing. Hours: 3 class, laboratory 2. Prerequisite: Psychology 213. Spring semester. Prof. Roy
PSY 402 History and Systems of Psychology
4 credits. A study of major historical systems in psychology, including structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, gestalt psychology, and psychoanalysis. Capstone course for psychology majors. Prerequisite: Psychology 105 and senior status. Fall semester. Dr. Dennis. (syllabus)
One of the following:
221 Abnormal Psychology
4 credits. A study of mental disorders including schizophrenic, substance abuse, anxiety, and psychosexual disorders. Research and theories regarding diagnosis, causes, and treatments are reviewed. Prerequisite: Psychology 105. Spring semester. Prof. Dennis. (syllabus)
PSY 225 Developmental Psychology
4 credits. Physical, perceptual, linguistic, intellectual, and social-emotional human development, covering the periods of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Students will observe and analyze various aspects of development using videotaped infants and preschool age children and will conduct off campus observations of children. Prerequisite: Psychology 105. Fall semester. Prof. Smith.
235 Social Psychology
4 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: Psychology 105. Fall semester. Prof. Teske. (syllabus)
241 Sensory Psychology
4 credits. A survey of the visual, auditory, cutaneous, gustatory, and olfactory senses including the major theories and methods in sensory psychology. Includes laboratory work and demonstrations. Psychology 105. Spring semester. Prof. Lemley.
One of the following
311 Neuropsychology
4 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: Psychology 111 and junior status or permission of instructor. Fall semester. Prof. Price (syllabus)
321 Theories of Personality
4 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 rooted in an understanding of biological, psychological, and cultural limitations. Theories include evolutionary, psychoanalytic, social-cognition, dispositional, motivational, ego-development, and narrative. Includes laboratory work. Prerequisite: Psychology 105 and junior status or permission of instructor. Spring semester. Prof. Teske. (syllabus)
341 Human Cognition
4 credits. A study of the theoretical models, methods, and empirical findings involving mental abilities including perceiving, reasoning, memory, problem solving, creativity, language and attention. Students will propose a laboratory research project. Prerequisite: Psychology 105 and junior status or permission of instructor. Prof. Lemley.
Two of the following:
413 Research in Perception
4 credits. A study of the theories and empirical findings in the area of perceptual functioning with emphasis on visual processing. Students will conduct and complete an original research project. Prerequisites: Psychology 213, 218, and 241 or 341. Prof. Lemley.
414 Research in Memory and Thinking
4 credits. Seminar class focusing on the historical and current theories and findings in the areas of learning and memory. Students conduct an original research project. Prerequisites: Psychology 213, 218, and 341. Prof. Price (syllabus)
425 Research in Developmental Psychology
4 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. Hours: 3 class. Psychology 213, 218, and 225. Prof. Smith.
435 Research in Social Psychology
4 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: Psychology 213, 218, and 235 or 321. Spring semester. Prof. Roy
Eight additional credits of psychology courses (Additional courses available)
One biology course and one philosophy course.
For more specific guidelines for requirements, students should consult the department chair
