PS-101 General Psychology

LASC Categories: HBS

Introduction to history of psychology, scientific method, brain/nervous system, development, learning, motivation, sensation/perception, personality, psychopathology, psychotherapy, cognitive processes, social behavior.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-193 Special Topics in Psychology for First Year Students

LASC Categories: FYS

Introductory level course covering topics of sepcial interest to first year students. Offered only as a First Year Seminar.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-201 Career Exploration in Psych

LASC Categories: HBS, ICW

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

This course guides students in exploring the broad range of career opportunities in the field of psychology. The class is for any student who is considering the field of psychology and intended for those beginning their undergraduate careers. This class provides students with the information about the intersection between areas in psychology, related careers and graduate school options. It debunks the myth that you must go to graduate school if you major in psychology.

Alternating and every year. 3 Credits

PS-210 Developmental Psychology

LASC Categories: HBS, ICW

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

Physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and moral development from conception to adolescence is examined within a framework of various theories.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-222 Introduction to Health Psychology

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

Introduction to the areas and methods of Health Psychology. Topics include: epidemiology, behavior change, compliance, alternative medicine, healing, chronic illness.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-230 Brain and Behavior

LASC Categories: NSP

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above. Credit will not be granted for both PS-230 and PS-380.

An introduction to the biological basis of behavior.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-240 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above. Credit will not be granted for both PS-240 and PS-335.

Etiology, dynamics and treatment of psychopathology and their relation to normal personality are considered from traditional and contemporary perspectives.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-250 Social Psychology

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

The psychological dynamics of social interaction including verbal and non-verbal communication, group dynamics and attitude formation and change.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-252 Applied Social Psychology

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

Survey of applied social psychology including psychology in educational, organizational, and legal settngs; diversity, environmental, health, media, and consumer issues.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-254 Persuasion

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

Explores the areas of persuasion, social influence, and compliance gaining in various situations by utilizing psychological theories/approaches to explain behavior.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-255 Psychological Foundations of Diversity

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

Explores the gender, racial/ethnic, multiple-group membership, cultural, social class, religious, disability and sexual orientation facets of diversity.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-270 Psychopharmacology

LASC Categories: NSP

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

This course will explore the effects of psychotropic drugs on the brain and subsequent effects on behavior.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-275 Psychological Statistics

LASC Categories: QR, QAC, NLL

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above and either a passing grade in a college level math course or a Math Placement Test score of 3 or higher.

Data tabulation; graphing; measurement of central tendency, variability and correlation; hypothesis testing applied to psychological and sociological data. Hand and computer analysis.

Fall and Spring and every year. 4 Credits

PS-276 Research Methods

LASC Categories: WAC

Prerequisites: EN-102 and a C- or above in the following: PS-101, PS-275, and another 200-level or higher PS course.

Exploration of psychological research methodologies including: scientific method, design, conduction, analysis, and reporting of research, ethical principles and APA format.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-280 Sensation and Perception

LASC Categories: NSP

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

Selected sensory and perceptual processes are studied in the context of current theory and research.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-295 Special Topics in Psychology

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

Selected areas of mutual interest to instructor and students. Topics and prerequisites are announced in advance.

Other or on demand and other or on demand. 3 Credits

PS-297 Research in Psychology

Prerequisites: PS-101 and instructor permission.

Lab and/or field based research on a specific research topic under the supervision of a faculty member. May include assisting faculty with ongoing research. Written report required.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1-3 Credits

PS-307 Applied Research Methods

LASC Categories: WAC

Prerequisites: EN-102 and a C- or above in the following: PS-101, PS-275, and either PS-205 or PS-276.

Extension of research design and methods introduced in PS-276: Research Methods, including applied research design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-310 Development of Exceptional Children/Youth

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: C- or above in the following: PS-101 and PS-210

Characteristics and needs of children with exceptionalities including intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities, social-emotional difficulties, and giftedness.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-312 Psychology of Adolescence

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and PS-210.

The cognitive, emotional, social and physical changes of contemporary adolescence and emerging adulthood are examined with emphasis on family, peer and school influence.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-315 Physical and Sexual Abuse

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and either PS-240 or PS-335. Students in the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Minor may take this course with permission of instructor.

Etiology, characteristics, consequence, treatment and prevention of various forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse in children, adolescents and adults.

Other or on demand and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

PS-318 Behavior Management Techniques

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and either PS-240 or PS-335.

Considers the basic concepts of behavior management, including behavior modification for exceptional and normal populations.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-320 Development of Thinking and Knowing

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and PS-210.

This course will examine the development of human thinking and knowing from Piagetian, information processing and sociocultural perspectives, with an emphasis on infancy and childhood.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-322 Psychology of Aging

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and PS-210. Gerontology minors may replace PS-101 and PS-210 with a C- or above in IS-160.

Adulthood and the aging process are studied with special emphasis on current developmental theories.

Every year. 3 Credits

PS-325 Psychology of Learning

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a grade of C- or above.

Learning as a fundamental concept in understanding behavior; examines principles and theories of learning, emphasizing experimental findings.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-326 Psychological Distress and Well-Being

LASC Categories: ICW, HBS

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and either PS-240 or PS-335.

A broad range of topics will be examined in relation to the knowledge base of psychological distress and well-being. This course will address cultural, systemic, and individual factors in risk and resilience in the manifestation and maintenance of psychological distress and well-being.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-330 Theories of Personality

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: C- or above in the following: PS-101 and one of PS-210, PS-240, or PS-335.

A survey of major theories of personality. Why people think, feel, and behave as they do is explored through the different theories.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-340 Psychological Testing and Measurement

LASC Categories: ICW, QR

Prerequisites: PS101 either PS 240 or PS335; and PS275. Psychology majors need a grade of C- or above.

How do psychologists evaluate individual characteristics like extroversion, depression, and inattention? How do mental health providers and researchers administer psychological assessments and interpret their results? This class will explore the theory and practice of psychological testing, including sections on ethics and controversies around standardized testing, measurement theory, and clinical assessment.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-345 Cognitive Psychology

Prerequisites: EN-102 and a C- or above in the following: PS-101, PS-275, and either PS-205 or PS-276.

This course introduces students to areas of cognitive psychology including memory, language processing and decision making.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-355 Social and Personality Development

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and PS-210.

This course will examine social and personality development from various developmental psychology perspectives. Attention is given to the development of self, attachment, emotions, and others in the social context such as family and peers.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-360 Industrial/Org Psychology

Prerequisites: PS-110 or PS-101.

A concentration on the work of the psychologist in industry, business and other organizational settings in the public and private sectors.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-361 Psychology of Human Sexuality

LASC Categories: ICW, DIV

Prerequisites: C- or above in PS-101 and either two additional PS courses at the 200-level or above with a grade of C- or above or fulfillment of the LASC DIV requirement with a grade of C- or above

This course explores lifespan sexuality using the biopsychosocial model. Topics include: prenatal sexual development of endosexuality and intersexuality; sexual anatomy and physiology; sexual and reproductive health and health inequities; sexual response, behaviors, dysfunction and treatment; childhood, adolescent and adult sexual development; sexual orientation; cis-gender and transgender identity development; attraction and the development of intimate relationships; healthy and unhealthy intimate relationships; and cultural influences on sexual attitudes and behavior. These issues will be discussed with an emphasis on intersectionality; discussing how age, race, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, gender roles, and gender identity influence the experience of each individual.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-362 Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination

LASC Categories: DIV

Prerequisites: C- or above in PS-101 and either two additional PS courses at the 200-level or above with a grade of C-, or above OR fulfillment of the LASC DIV requirement with a grade of C- or above

Explores the gender, racial/ethnic, multiple-group membership, cultural, social class, religious, disability and sexual orientation facets of diversity.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-363 Psychology of Women

LASC Categories: DIV

Prerequisites: C- or above in PS-101 and either two additional PS courses at the 200-level or above with a grade of C-, or above OR fulfillment of the LASC DIV requirement with a grade of C- or above

This course explores how gender is constructed in society and how it impacts the lives of women. Emphasis is placed on how gender intersects with other social identities including sexual orientation, race and class. Students will deepen their understanding of psychology's main subfields, connecting everyday experiences with psychological theories and research related to women.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-365 Cultural Psychology

LASC Categories: TLC, HBS, WAC

Prerequisites: EN-102 and a C- or above in the following: PS-101 and any two PS courses at the 200-level or higher.

This course addresses the role culture plays in human psychological processes and approaches to researching cultural aspects of human action.

Other or on demand and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

PS-385 Motivation

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and either PS-240 or PS-335.

A study of conditions that arouse, direct and sustain behavior. Topics include: goals, competence, control, arousal, self-esteem, achievement and stress.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS-391 Clinical Psychology

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and either PS-240 or PS-335.

Topics include current controversies in clinical psychology, the ethics of mental health treatment, clinical research methods, cultural competency in practice, clinical diagnosis, and treatment approaches with an emphasis on humanistic, cognitive, and behavioral styles.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-400 Internship in Psychology

Provides opportunity to advanced students to increase experience through internship with sponsoring community organization, institution, or business under appropriate supervision.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1-3 Credits

PS-405 Independent Study: Topics in Psychology

Prerequisites: C- or above in both PS-101 and either PS-275 or PS-276.

Student will pursue an area of special interest in psychology under close supervision of a faculty member.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1-3 Credits

PS-407 Advanced Research in Psychology

Prerequisites: C- or above in the following: PS-101, PS-275, PS-205 or PS-276, and PS-307.

Advanced lab and/or field based research on a specific research topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Written report required.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1-3 Credits

PS-408 Directed Study: Psychology

Directed study offers students, who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a faculty member.

3 Credits

PS-409 Honors Thesis Research

Prerequisites: C- or above in the following: PS-101, PS-275, PS-205 or PS-276, PS-307, and six additional courses in the major.

As part of the Psychology Department Honors program, students design and carry out advanced, independent lab and/or field based research on a specific research topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Written report required.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-450 Capstone: Contemporary Issues in Psychology

LASC Categories: CAP

Prerequisites: PS-101 PS-275 PS-276 PS-307 with a C- or above. Take six additional courses in the major with a C- or above.

A Capstone course dealing with recent and emerging topics, issues, and methods in psychological science. Content and format varis with instructor.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS-492 Capstone Seminar in Mental Health Services: Transition to Practice

LASC Categories: CAP

Prerequisites: All core courses in the Psychology major: PS-101, PS-275, PS-276, PS-307, PS-240 (or PS-335), and any two courses from among PS-315, PS-318, PS-326, PS-330, PS-340, PS-385, and PS-391 (or PS-435), and three other psychology courses. Majors must earn a C- or above in all pre-requisite courses.

A capstone course addressing the transition from coursework to practice in mental health services.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

PS-495 Special Topics: Psychology

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a C- or above.

Selected areas of mutual interest to instructor and students. Topics and prerequisites are announced in advance.

Other or on demand. 3 Credits