PY 111 – General Psychology 3 hrs. Every semester
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 168 – Human Sexuality 3 hrs. Spring semester, odd years
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. Fall semester, every year
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. Spring semester, every year
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. Fall semester, even years
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. Every semester
This course examines changes in human behavior over the entire life span from conception to death. Topics are presented in 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 Design and Analysis I 4 hrs. Fall semester, every year
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 and an ACT math score of 22 or higher, or MA 090 with a C- or higher.
PY 252 – Research Design and Analysis II 4 hrs. Spring semester, every year
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 with a grade of C- or higher.
PY 258 – Industrial and 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, personnel evaluation and hiring, motivation, communication, decision making, group processes, and leadership. Prerequisite: PY 111.
PY 346 – Behavioral Neuroscience 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 252 with a grade of C- or higher or permission of the instructor.
PY 358 – Cognitive Psychology 4 hrs. Spring semester, odd years
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 with a grade of C- or higher.
PY 371 – Contemporary Issues in Psychology 3 hrs. Fall semester, every year
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 with a grade of C- or higher.
PY 374 – Learning and Behavior 4 hrs. Spring semester, even years
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 252 with a grade of C- or higher.
PY 382 – Health Psychology 3 hrs. Spring semester, even years
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: Six credit hours in psychology or permission of the instructor.
PY 386 – Clinical and Counseling Psychology 4 hrs. Spring semester, every year
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 451 – Research Methods Application 4 hrs. Fall semester, every year
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: PY 252 with a grade of B or higher or permission of the instructor. R
PY 468 – Testing and Measurement 3 hrs. Spring semester, odd years
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 with a grade of C- or higher.
PY 471 – History and Systems 3 hrs. Fall semester, every year
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 status as a Psychology major or permission of the instructor. Co-requisite: PY 472.
PY 472 – Psychology Portfolio Lab 1 hr. Fall semester, every year
This laboratory experience is offered in conjunction with PY 471 and is focused on the development of the Psychology major individual portfolio (a component of the program 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. R
