Psychology Courses

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PY 111 - General Psychology 3 hrs.

This course is an overview of the wide variety of subject areas that comprise the study of behavior. Schools of thought and empirical research findings are presented in the approach to understanding physiology, sensation and perception, learning, memory, development, personality, stress, abnormal behavior, therapy, and social interactions.

PY 123 - Human Adjustment 3 hrs.

This course explores how psychology provides the basis for meeting many of the challenges of contemporary life. It provides students with a basic understanding of the psychological principles and concepts that are most relevant to them as individuals, and as members of society. Issues discussed include gender roles, sexuality, marriage, work, health, and alcohol and drug use.

PY 168 - Human Sexuality 3 hrs.

This course reviews the developmental, physiological, emotional, and psychological aspects of human sexuality. Students will gain knowledge of the facets of human sexuality and relate the topic to themselves and others through reflective thinking.

PY 234 - Psychopathology 3 hrs.

This survey course utilizes a multi-dimensional approach to help students understand how biological, psychological, socio-cultural, and even political forces contribute to psychological disorders. Students will learn the diagnostic criteria for the major mental disorders and review research on their causes, course, and treatment. This course provides a foundation for students interested in learning more about mental health and/or pursuing a career in the helping professions. Prerequisite: PY 111.

PY 236 - Social Psychology 3 hrs.

This course is intended to provide an introduction to the field of social psychology. Research in this field examines the influence of the social context on the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals. One unique aspect of social psychology is the connection between what students learn in the classroom and the situations and circumstances they encounter in their daily lives. Prerequisite: PY 111.

PY 238 - Psychology of Personality 3 hrs.

Each of the main contemporary theories of personality is discussed in this course and relevant research relating to each one is examined. Main theories include psychoanalytic, trait, humanistic, behavioral, social learning, and cognitive. Application of personality theories to historical and modern persons is integrated throughout the course. Prerequisite: PY 111.

PY 243 - Human Development 3 hrs.

This course examines changes in human behavior over the entire life span from conception to death. Topics are presented in a chronological order and cover developmental changes in physical, cognitive, and social domains. Traditional theories are integrated with current findings of developmental researchers. Prerequisite: PY 111.

PY 251 - Research Methods I 4 hrs.

This is the first of a two-course sequence designed to integrate the research methods used in psychology with the statistical techniques used to evaluate data obtained using these methods. This first course focuses on the nature of science, the fundamentals of scientific research, common research strategies and mechanics, ethical considerations, measurement techniques, correlational methods, and descriptive statistics. The inferential process will also be introduced in the context of classic experimental design. As a result of laboratory exercises and writing assignments, students are expected to develop the ability to analyze data and communicate research findings using the appropriate written format. Prerequisite: PY 111. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MA 321.

PY 252 - Research Methods II 4 hrs.

A continuation of PY 251, this course emphasizes statistical inference and classic experimental design. One-, two- and multi-group designs are addressed along with their appropriate statistical analyses. Other topics include single-subject designs, quasi-experiments, surveys, and dealing with categorical data. As a result of laboratory exercises and written assignments, students are expected to develop the ability to analyze data mathematically and communicate research findings using the appropriate format. Prerequisite: PY 251.

PY 256 - Psychology and Law 3 hrs.

This course examines the application of psychological research to legal issues. This class provides an introduction to a new and growing field in psychology. Students should develop an appreciation of the value of psychological research to the legal arena as well as an appreciation of the various roles of psychology in the justice system. Topics covered will include: eyewitness memory, jury decision making, psychological testing, criminal psychology, family law and psychology, and the psychologist as expert witness. Prerequisite: PY 111.

PY 258 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology 3 hrs.

This course helps students to understand the factors that influence human behavior in organizational settings. An emphasis is placed on a scientific analysis of individual processes, group processes, and organizational structure and design. Topics addressed include research methodology, personal evaluation and hiring, motivation, communication, decision-making, group processes, and leadership. Prerequisite: PY 111.

PY 295 - Selected Topics in Psychology 3 hrs.

This course addresses any of a variety of topics in the field of psychology appropriate to the lower-college level. The particular topic chosen for study in a given semester is largely determined by the interests of the instructor and the needs of the current psychology students. The course may be offered in seminar fashion and is generally open to students pursuing either a major or minor in psychology. Prerequisite: PY 111.

PY 346 - Physiological Psychology 4 hrs.

This course examines the biological aspects of human behavior. It provides students with a basic overview of neuroanatomy, synaptic transmission, and chemical components of the nervous system. These biological factors are subsequently applied to behavioral associations. In addition to regular class meetings, students meet for scheduled lab sessions. Prerequisite: PY 251.

PY 352 - Sensation and Perception 4 hrs.

This course presents a survey of current empirical research on sensory and perceptual systems and theory, including vision, audition, gustation, olfaction, and the skin senses. Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of sensation and perception in everyday situations. In addition to regular class meetings, students must meet for scheduled lab sessions. Prerequisite: PY 252.

PY 358 - Cognitive Psychology 4 hrs.

This course examines human thought processes within a cognitive framework. General topics include an overview of information-processing stages, the representation and organization of knowledge, and the performance of complex cognitive skills. The practical application of cognitive psychology to daily activities is emphasized throughout the course. In addition to regular class meetings, students meet for scheduled lab sessions. Pre-requisite: PY 252.

PY 371 - Contemporary Issues in Psychology 3 hrs.

In this seminar, students will discuss contemporary psychological research and theoretical writings. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis, integration, and application of psychological theories and findings to current societal issues. Students will investigate specific topics of interest in depth, and write and orally defend a position paper. Prerequisite: PY 252.

PY 374 - Learning and Behavior 4 hrs.

This course focuses on basic principles and theoretical issues associated with both classical and operant conditioning. Subject areas covered include a brief history of behavior theory, generalization and discrimination, schedules of reinforcement, classical/operant interactions, and biological constraints on behavior. Some applications of behavior theory are also discussed. In addition to regular class meetings, students meet for scheduled lab sessions. Prerequisite: PY 251.

PY 382 - Health Psychology 3 hrs.

This course reviews the field devoted to understanding how psychological factors relate to physical illness and health. It also overviews how psychologists contribute to the treatment and prevention of physical illness. Topics covered include: health promotion and maintenance, prevention and treatment of illness, and the etiology and correlates of health, illness, and dysfunction. Prerequisite: PY 252.

PY 385 - Clinical and Counseling Psychology 3 hrs.

This course provides an orientation to the professional application of clinical and counseling psychology. The historical and empirical foundations of the profession are reviewed, as well as its current issues and trends. It focuses on basic helping skills; contemporary and traditional theories; the processes of assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy; and issues of diversity, such as culture, race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. Prerequisite: PY234 or permission of the instructor.

PY 387 - Experiential Learning in Psychology 3 hrs.

This course allows students to gain work experience at an approved training center under staff supervision. The experience acquaints students with the functioning of an applied psychology setting. Through observation and participation in counseling-related activities, students begin to develop basic helping and consultation skills for professionals. Emphasis is placed on learning new skills and relating work experience to theoretical models presented in other psychology courses. Prerequisite: PY 234, 251, and permission of the instructor.

PY 415 - The Psychology of International Relations 3 hrs.

This course will introduce students to the field of political psychology and will expose students to several key theoretical arenas within both psychology and international relations. Students will examine the psychology of inter-group conflict, paying particular attention to political culture, ethnic conflict, violence, and racism. Students will also examine individual characteristics—such as personality, beliefs, and information processing tendencies—as they impact the formulation of foreign policy. Students will investigate the psychological foundations of inter-state crises, bargaining and negotiations, conflict resolution, and international terrorism. Prerequisite: PS 274, or PY 111 and 251, or permission of the instructor. (Cross-listed as PS 415.)

PY 451 - Research Methods Application 4 hrs.

Under close supervision of the instructor and frequent consultation, each student conceptualizes, designs, implements, and reports upon an original research study in his or her own interest area in psychology. The process includes data collection and analysis, as well as the submission of an APA style manuscript and a conference-style oral presentation of the project. Advanced research topics are addressed throughout the course as are classic and/or recent studies in the field of psychology. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of B in PY 251 and 252 or permission of the instructor.

PY 468 - Testing and Measurement 3 hrs.

This course Addresses the major aspects of psychological testing. It covers the basic statistical and psychometric principles that are imperative in the development of reliable and valid testing instruments. The various types of available tests and their applications are covered, as well as the issues that shape the future of psychological testing. Prerequisite: PY 252.

PY 471 - History and Systems 3 hrs.

This seminar traces the history of psychology from its development out of philosophy and physiology to its culmination in the various systems and schools of thought in psychology. Comparisons and contrasts among these schools of thought are the focus of most class discussion. Prerequisites: PY 252 and Senior standing as a psychology major or permission of the instructor. Co-requisite: PY 472.

PY 472 - Psychology Portfolio Lab 1 hr.

This laboratory experience is offered in conjunction with the PY 471 course and is focused on the development of the psychology major individual portfolio (a component of the departmental assessment sequence). Co-requisite: PY 471.

PY 490 - Learning Assistantship in Psychology 1-3 hrs.

Qualified psychology majors who serve as learning assistants help the primary instructor with the design and implementation of a given psychology course. The students’ responsibilities may include the development of testing materials, the preparation of demonstrations and small-group lectures, tutoring, and student evaluation. Prerequisites: PY 111 and permission of the instructor.

PY 495 - Selected Topics in Psychology 3 hrs.

This course addresses any of a variety of advanced topics in the field of psychology appropriate to the upper-college level. The particular topic chosen for study in a given semester is largely determined by the interests of the instructor and the needs of the current psychology students. The course is often conducted in seminar fashion and is generally open to junior and senior psychology majors only. Prerequisite: PY 252 or permission of the instructor.

PY 499 - Independent Study in Psychology 1-3 hrs.

This opportunity is offered on an individual basis to psychology majors who have demonstrated excellence in their academic course work. Appropriate projects for independent study credit might include practicum experiences, special research papers, extensive experimental projects, or other applications of psychology. Acceptability of a given independent study project will be determined by the student’s psychology faculty supervisor and the department chair. Prerequisites: PY 252 and permission of the instructor and department chair approval.