Psychology Undergraduate Courses

Basic introduction to the study of psychology as a behavioral science. Emphasis on learning, motivation, perception, personality, and social psychology.   [ 4 cr. ]

The course provides a psychological framework for reviewing the science of human sexuality. Emphasis is placed on not only what has been learned, but how it has been studied. The clinical, developmental, personality, social psychology, and neuropsychological theory and research of human sexuality are presented. Specific topics include sexual dysfunctions and sex therapy, bio-social views on sexual differentiation, alternative sexual orientations, and attraction to love.  [ 4 cr. ]

Human creativity stands at the core of the human experience. It plays a key role in the type of societies we create, the types of inventions we come to rely on and the works of art we love. This course reviews current theories, research and applications of this rapidly evolving and fascinating field of study. Students also learn what they can do to enhance their own creative process and participate in innovation.  [ 4 cr. ]

Theory and techniques in learning and their applications in different settings. Explores problem solving, memory, reward and punishment, and reinforcement schedules in animals, normal classrooms, and remediational settings.   [ 4 cr. ]

Critical and technical review of theories on intellectual and social development of infants and children. Emphasis is on the role of early experiences and biological factors in the later formation of personality and intellectual motivational behaviors. Discusses the work of Erikson, Piaget, and Freud.   [ 4 cr. ]

Examines the psychological impact of crime, terror and disasters on society and the individuals who are members of it. The class is geared toward students in the social sciences including Psychology, Urban Affairs, Criminal Justice, and Sociology. A variety of traumas will be examined (e.g., childhood abuse, domestic violence and crime, war combat, terrorism, and natural disasters). The course examines the social, cultural and political environments in which trauma, trauma research and treatment occur. Introduction and overview of the field of traumatic stress studies including the nature of trauma, responses to trauma and treatment for disorders of traumatic stress.  [ 4 cr. ]

Provides a conceptual framework for understanding the development, organization, and change of the normal individual according to such diverse theoretical positions as the psychoanalytic, humanistic, and social learning schools.   [ 4 cr. ]

Covers a wide range of theoretical and empirical studies on dreams; presents a review of the major schools of thought regarding the origin, content, and purpose of dreams; topics include dream interpretation, the physiology of sleep and dreams, daydreams, and nightmares. Note: This course cannot be used as one of the principal courses required for the CAS psychology major or minor.  [ 4 cr. ]

Manner in which the behavior, feelings, and thoughts of one individual are influenced and determined by the behavior and/or characteristics of others. Attraction, attitudes, aggression, person perception, and groups. Readings cover theories, experimental research, and application.   [ 4 cr. ]

An overview of the field of clinical psychology as applied to children, adolescents, and adults. Theoretical, applied, and research topics include: neurobiology, psychopharmacology, individual and group psychotherapy, testing and assessment, family systems therapy.   [ 4 cr. ]

Basic theories of counseling and motivational interviewing are compared and contrasted. Emphasis is placed on investigating the various contexts in which these theories and techniques are particularly applicable (e.g. , sports psychology, weight loss, smoking cessation, crises management, etc.)   [ 4 cr. ]

Classic feature films (1920's to the present) portraying mental illness are considered from both cinematic and psychosocial perspectives. The public image of madness on the big screen is related to clinical concepts and practices current during the period of the film.  [ 4 cr. ]

Examines current issues directly related to the health experiences of women in America and around the world. Topics include an historical overview of women's health and examine in depth issues such as: gender specific medicine; puberty, body image and eating disorders; contraception and the abortion issue; infertility and technology; pregnancy, childbirth and breast feeding; violence against women; incarcerated women and the female brain. Provides a framework to integrate the social variables involved in exploring the roles played by men and women as medical consumers and its affects on overall health and attitudes.  [ 4 cr. ]

Considers the psychological roots of play and creative processes as they relate to child and adult therapy. Specific schools of play and art therapy are considered. Emphasis is on psychological processes and direct application of therapies. Note: This course cannot be used as one of the principal courses required for the CAS psychology major or minor.  [ 4 cr. ]

Methodology, results, and interpretation of respondent and operant conditioning. Experimental analyses of selected topics in learning within the context of reinforcement theory. Students write reports of instructor- and student-planned experiments using the albino rat as subject. Laboratory course.  [ 4 cr. ]

Experimental and observational investigations of selected aspects of personality. Demonstration of experimental procedures; participation in laboratory and field studies. Laboratory course.  [ 4 cr. ]

This class is aimed at students who are eager to develop an understanding of the interplay between psychology, leadership, and workplace dynamics within organizations. The focus of the class is on the practical as well as the applied and theoretical aspects of organization psychology. Investigations will focus on actual work related case studies and leadership and work related issues, as well as an investigation of the dynamic nature of the field. We will use the classroom setting as a laboratory to analyze cases and to discuss solutions for work related problems. This class is ideal for students preparing to enter the workplace.   [ 4 cr. ]

Where do our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors come from? They all originate in the brain. The mysteries of the brain become accessible through the study of tragically commonplace medical events and conditions such as stroke and dementia and exceptionally rare cases where ?n = 1? (the amnesic patient H.M.; the infamous Phineas Gage). Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between the brain and behavior. This course examines the anatomical structures of the brain including the cerebral lobes, brain stem and subcortical regions and will explore cognitive processes including memory, language, attention, and emotion. Significant emphasis will be placed on the relation between brain disorders (resulting from head injury, stroke, degenerative disease, etc.) and abnormal behavior. 4 cr   [ 4 cr. ]

The discipline of business and organizational psychology is a fast-growing expert area in the behavioral sciences. As a whole it concerns itself with the scientific application of psychological principles, research, theories, methods, and interventions to the world of business and organizations. This course introduces the undergraduate student to the discipline?s theories, methods, and practical applications. 4 cr.  [ 4 cr. ]

Examines current theories and research findings on depression and mania. Evaluation of major biological and psychosocial theories and treatments. Attention to personality, psychosocial risk factors, and depression in children. Note: This course cannot be used as one of the principal courses required for the CAS psychology major or minor.   [ 4 cr. ]

The psychological unconscious has been cause for fascination since the dawn of civilization among philosophers, scientist and artists. In recent years, thanks to swift advances in the neurosciences, many unconscious phenomena have been studied experimentally and revealed to us. These empirical studies, when combined with the theoretical work of previous generations, offer sharp insights into how the psychological unconscious works in generating thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. 4 cr.  [ 4 cr. ]

Explores the complex causes, manifestations, and treatment of common behavior disorders. Introduces abnormal behavior in the context of psychological well being to show these behaviors along a continuum from functional to dysfunctional. Interviews with patients and analysis by therapists and other mental health professionals provide students with invaluable perspectives on the suffering of behavioral disorders as well as the multiple approaches to treatment.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course explores the manifold ways in which the sense of "who one is" as a person is approached and understood within the field of psychology. The psychological construct of identity will be utilized to survey the varying ways in which the experience and nature of "one's own sense of self" is examined and elucidated across the major sub-fields of psychology, including: developmental psychology; personality psychology, abnormal psychology, humanistic, existential and transpersonal psychology; and the psychology of religion. Particular consideration will be given to the significance of such cultural and contextual factors as race, ethnicity and gender.   [ 4 cr. ]

This class addresses the key role culture plays in shaping the human experience. Emphasis will be put on key social, affective, and cognitive aspects of group identity and self-identity development. The historical role psychology has played in understanding these phenomena will be reviewed. Topics that will be covered include: cross cultural communication and the constant evolution of prejudice and racism in today's world. The course is taught in seminar format and requires intensive student motivation and participation.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the myriad factors influencing the development of girls and women in a variety of cultures and societies. Topics that will be covered include feminist scholarship and research; gender socialization, women?s biology, and health; sexuality, relationships and family; and work, career, and power issues.   [ 4 cr. ]

Independent Study arranged with the appropriate instructor.   [ Var cr. ]

Health Psychology is the branch of psychological science that deals with identifying and understanding factors that help enhance human health and prevent disease. Through education, research, and treatment, health psychologists intervene in a wide variety of clinical conditions, including addictions, chronic illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, pain management and many others.   [ 4 cr. ]

PS501 is the designation for "Special Topics in Psychology". The subject matter for PS501 courses changes from semester to semester, and more than one PS501 can be offered in a given semester. For course descriptions, please contact the Department of Applied Social Sciences or the Student Advisor.

Fall 2012: PS501 C1, "The Psychology of Eating."
The psychology of eating will focus on understanding the psychological processes underlying eating and eating-related health problems. The course will cover the spectrum of eating behavior beginning from what we currently view as healthy eating through body dissatisfaction and dieting and finally ending with obesity and eating disorders. Attention will be devoted to understanding the development of psychological health problems associated with food choice, eating behaviors, and our bodies. We will also spend time examining social and cultural influences on eating and food. Course topics will include healthy eating, food choice and food preferences, the meaning of food, social and cultural influences on eating, body image and dieting, weight regulation, obesity, and eating disorders.

Fall 2012: PS501 D1, "Psychology of Friendship."
This class explores the development and role of friendship throughout the lifespan. Through research, literature, film, and songs, we will consider what determines who becomes friends, types of friendships, the cycle of these relationships, and why some friendships last while others do not. We will look at the bearing of technological- mediated communication and social networking on these bonds. Students will reflect on their experience of friendships, and interview people from diverse backgrounds to identify consistencies and cultural variations. Students will investigate and report on published studies regarding aspects and/or types of friendships.  [ 4 cr. ]

The field of forensic psychology lies at the crossroads of psychology, the law, and the criminal justice system. This course presents upper-level undergraduates and master?s level graduate students with the scope of forensic psychology practice and research. First, the course focuses on the scope of the field: what forensic psychologists do, the ethical conflicts they encounter, and the field?s special methodology (e.g., assessment of malingering and deception). The use and function of expert witness testimony is reviewed and critically evaluated. A range of civil and criminal psychological issues is addressed including eyewitness memory, sexual offenders and battered women.   [ 4 cr. ]

Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes it possible for human beings to lead happy, meaningful and productive lives--sometimes despite formidable odds. This course offers an introduction to the discipline's methods, empirical findings and theory.  [ 4 cr. ]