PSY - Psychology

New Psychology majors will learn about the department and what it has to offer. Career options will be explored and students will be introduced to the faculty. Students also will be made aware of campus resources and taught appropriate study skills.

Basic concepts, methods, and points of view in psychology. Specific topics span the range from biological to personal to social determinants of behavior.

A series of computer-based laboratories to give the student hands on experience with a variety of phenomena in psychology. After the computer exercise, students discuss findings, implications, and applications in small groups. Attendance is required. PSY 129 must be taken at the same time, or must have been successfully completed in a previous semester.

Investigation of basic principles of descriptive and inferential statistics used in the social sciences. A sample of the topics covered includes probability, hypothesis testing (e.g., t-tests, analysis of variance, non-parametrics), correlation and regression. Both raw score formulas and computer software are employed for computational purposes.

Introduction to various research methodologies employed in the social sciences ranging from observational through experimental research. Students are familiarized with basic principles of research design, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation (APA format).

Discussion of emerging areas in psychology and the application of psychological principles to real-world settings. Focus on relationship between psychology and various other areas, such as law, medicine, business, and mental health.

An introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and techniques employed in the field of sport psychology. Major topics include research methods, behavioral principles, personality and assessment, the social psychology of sport, the coach, exercise psychology, youth sport, the female athlete, the minority athlete and ethical issues.

An applied course for students interested in developing key psychological skills with the goal of performance enhancement. Especially recommended and designed for students in performance-related majors; e.g., sports, music, theatre, dance, etc. The course will teach mental skills such as focus/concentration, emotional control, arousal management, visualization, and goal setting. It also addresses special issues such as overcoming obstacles, building self-confidence, dealing with performance anxiety, and performance-related group issues.

Examines the mental operations involved in information processing at the conceptual level. Topics include pattern recognition and attention, memory structures and processes, imagery, the interaction of language and thought, the basic thought process of problem-solving, reasoning and decision-making.

Introduction to interpersonal behavior. Topics include attraction, prejudice and discrimination, attitudes, social influence, aggression, social perception, and group behavior.

Biological and social determinants of personality and its development. Methods of studying personality.

Explores the role of psychological factors in the prevention of illness and maintenance of good health, the treatment of already existing illness, and the recovery from or adjustment to ongoing illness.

An examination of the biological, psychological and sociological factors that shape women's lives. Attention to the intersection of gender with ethnicity, sexual orientation, and social class. Specific topics include theories of gender development, images of women in the media, work, childbirth and motherhood, violence, and physical and mental health.

Scientific overview of ordinary consciousness and other states of consciousness including sleep and dreams, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, drug-induced states, and parapsychology. The potentials, limitations, and dangers of the various states of consciousness are considered.

Introduction to theoretical explanations of empirical evidence regarding human sexual behavior. Consideration of reproductive anatomy and physiology; sexually transmitted diseases; sexual attitudes and behaviors throughout the life cycle; contraception; social issues related to sexuality; sexual dysfunctions; and communication in intimate relationships.

Special topics in psychology not covered in detail by regular courses and not offered on a regular basis.

Survey of human life cycle, covering physical, mental, personality, and social development taking place during different periods (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood). Attention to developmental issues and particular processes operating within and between specific periods (e.g., marriage, parenthood, career, death, and bereavement).

Introduction to the major issues, theories, and research in the psychology of religion through critical analysis of classical and modern literature from Western and Eastern cultures. Topics discussed will help illuminate the role of religion as a powerful meaning system that can affect the lives of individuals in terms of their beliefs, motivations, emotions and behaviors.

Application of statistical concepts to experimental design in psychological research.

In-depth examination of various methodologies employed in psychology, including factorial design.

Introduction to the principles of testing including reliability and validity. The nature and application of different types of tests (measures of achievement, aptitude, intelligence, personality, and interests) are discussed. Both occupational and educational testing are covered.

Positive Psychology focuses on human strengths and positive outcomes. Research on positive psychological states such as optimism, hope, wisdom, courage, mindfulness, flow, and self-efficacy will be presented. We will consider how empathy, gratitude, and forgiveness contribute to positive interpersonal relations; and how our educational system, sense of community, and institutional priorities can contribute to our self-fulfillment.

An investigation of the mental operations involved in the process of obtaining information from one's everyday environment and constructing the psychological representations that form the basis of the capacity to adapt to that environment. Topics include the perception of space, motion, and form; perceptual constancies; perceptual organization; attention and search; learning and development.

The study of human language and thought processes. The course covers the following topics: speech perception, the role of memory systems in processing sentences and storing knowledge, the development of the language rule system in children, the influence of mother's language on the acquisition process, and second language acquisition.

Examination of the dynamic nature of interpersonal behavior within an organizational context. Topics include motivation, group processes, leadership, stress, decision-making, and communication. Personnel matters including selection, training, and appraisal are discussed.

A review of research findings and normative data pertaining to children in such areas as perception, learning, cognition, and personality.

Study of physiological basis of behavior.

Analysis and evaluation of concepts, hypotheses, techniques, and research in group dynamics.

Introduction to psychological disorders, focusing on theoretical approaches to conceptualizing abnormal behavior and current research regarding the symptomatology, etiology, and treatment of disorders. Methods of assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders will also be examined.

An examination of the legal system through the use of psychological concepts, methods, and research results. Controversial legal issues will be examined. Topics will include theories of crime, forensic assessment, the insanity defense, the trial process, and the impact of gender and ethnicity. Influential cases will be analyzed from a psychological perspective.

Cognitive neuroscience is the study of the biology of the mind. The disciplines of cognitive psychology, behavioral neurology, and neuroscience, have combined to form this relatively new field. The course will address the neural bases of cognition including topics such as perception, attention, memory, language, cerebral lateralization and specialization, motor control and development.

A study of the conceptual changes which occur during childhood. Topics include theories of cognitive development, infant perceptual capabilities, the evolution of representations, memory systems, language acquisition, and reasoning. Focus is on current research and theory.

Explores the process of socialization. Theories and research relating to social development in areas such as achievement, self-concept, aggression, altruism, and gender roles are covered. Emphasis on the impact of and linkage between various socialization agents (e.g., parents, peers, and school). Social issues (e.g., divorce, drug abuse, etc.) and intervention programs will be considered.

Examination of data and theory having to do with psychological issues of importance in adult development (perception, cognition, identity, intimacy, socialization, life phases, etc.), and implications of these for adults and those working with them.

An introduction to psychological theory and research from the perspective of other cultures. Investigates the origins of psychological thought and overviews the development of the discipline in various historical and political contexts. Focus will vary from semester to semester depending upon instructor.

The study of how humans perceive, think about, and interact with technology and machines. Includes evaluating human performance with technological systems, and designing such systems for reducing human error.

An introduction to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of abnormal behavior in children and adolescents, with consideration of variability in symptomatology and treatment as a function of developmental status.

Special topics in psychology not covered in detail by regular courses and not offered on a regular basis.

The course will focus on the effects of culture on the nature and behavior of individuals, their adaptations to institutions and environments, and their relations within and outside of their culture. The impact of concepts like ethnocentrism, stereotypes, racism and prejudice will be explored in-depth to help students understand how they are ever-present, especially during the counseling process. Issues relevant to providing effective multicultural counseling will be explored from a theoretical perspective. The course will provide a solid foundation for an applied course in multicultural counseling at the graduate level.

An examination of the ideas, people, and historical contexts that have shaped psychology. Psychology will be explored as an outgrowth of philosophy and the natural sciences that have undergone major shifts in definition, methods, and focus. Special attention is given to the development, progression, and decline of schools of thought such as radical behaviorism and psychoanalysis.

A discussion of the principles, assumptions, construction, and application of various theories of human behavior.

In-depth analysis of selected topics.

In-depth exploration of a specific topic in Social Psychology. Topics covered will vary with the instructor, e.g., Psychology of Ethnicity, Leadership and Achievement, Social Cognition and Attribution Processes, Intimate Relationships, Prejudice and Discrimination.

Provides an overview to the fields of counseling and clinical psychology, focusing on current theoretical approaches to conducting psychotherapy and counseling, assessment tools and techniques used in the fields of clinical and counseling psychology, and the basic skills (e.g., interviewing, problem-solving, active listening) used in counseling interventions with clients. Abnormal Psychology is a recommended prerequisite.

In-depth exploration of several theoretical approaches to the study of human memory. Past, present, and future implications of the theories will be evaluated and discussed.

With supervision, learning assistants (LAs) experience various aspects of teaching including class preparation, leading discussions, and student evaluation. Each LA is responsible for sections of PSY 130 Psychology Laboratory.

A number of internships are available to psychology students. These vary in setting but all involve work under supervision in a community setting. Students should see the department internship director for a description of internships available.

Individual student research conducted under guidance of selected instructors, with permission of instructor.

Critical review of recent contributions to the field, including topics such as motivation, learning, personality, perception, and social influence.

The formation and impact of expectancies will be discussed. Research in both psychology and education will be presented. The creation of self fulfilling prophecies and their effect on student achievement will be emphasized. (Cross-listed as EDU 582.)

Exploration in-depth of selected topics in psychology. Major focus varies from semester to semester.

The course overviews the Japanese educational system and Japanese educational psychology. Historical influences on Japanese educational values are considered. An in-depth examination of the nature of typical Japanese schools at all levels of compulsory education is included. Unique educational approaches, such as juku and kumon, are reviewed. (Cross-listed as EDU 581.)