Course Information

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PSYC—Psychology

Lower Division

PSYC 101 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3-0-3)(F,S,SU)(FS). Investigation of mental processes and behavior through the lens of the scientific method. This survey course draws from topics within the American Psychological Association’s five pillars of psychology: Pillar 1 Biological (Neuroscience, Sensation, Consciousness, Motivation); Pillar 2 Cognitive (Cognition, Memory, Perception); Pillar 3 Development (Learning, Life Span Development, Language); Pillar 4 Social and Personality (Social, Personality, Intelligence, Emotion, Multicultural, Gender); and Pillar 5 Mental and Physical Health (Abnormal, Health, Therapies).

PSYC 120 INTRODUCTION TO THE PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR (2-0-2)(F,S). This course is designed to orient the prospective psychology major to the field of psychology and to inform the student about academic requirements, expectations, opportunities, career options and limitations. (Pass/Fail.) PREREQ: PSYC 101.

PSYC 202 THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF HAPPINESS (3-0-3)(F/S/SU). Focus on the individual behaviors and mental processes that contribute to happiness through a scientific lens. Subjects include, and are not limited to: empathy, humor, kindness, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, and mindfulness. An emphasis is placed on the application of this science through the development of a personal happiness practice.

PSYC 219 CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). Review of cultural similarity and differences in such areas as child development, gender roles, social behavior, language and communication, and mental illness. Focus on psychological theory and research relevant to explaining how cultural factors influence human behavior and thought. PREREQ: PSYC 101.

PSYC 229 PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER (3-0-3)(F/S). Examines gender issues from a psychological perspective, including scientific literature and psychological theories on these issues. Topics, among others, include work and family issues, biological vs. psychosocial influences on behavior, and gender roles. PREREQ: PSYC 101.

PSYC 261 HUMAN SEXUALITY (3-0-3)(F/S). An overview of human sexuality emphasizing both physiological and psychological aspects of sexuality. Topics include sexual anatomy and physiology, sexual response cycle, childbirth, contraception, sexual dysfunction, sex role development, and sexual deviation. Cross-cultural values will be examined and a values clarification unit will be included. PREREQ: PSYC 101.

PSYC 271 HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS (3-0-3)(F/S). The study of individual sexuality as well as the dynamics of close relationships from a variety of psychological perspectives. Topics covered include sexuality development, sexual behavior, initial attraction, dating patterns, long-term relationships, familial relationships, intimacy and communication, domestic violence, and relationship development. PREREQ: PSYC 101.

PSYC 290 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF EATING (3-0-3)(S). The psychological processes underlying human development of eating behaviors and the adoption of both healthy and unhealthy cognitions and behaviors concerning food, eating, and body image. Issues addressed include: food choice, food preferences, eating motivation, cultural influences, weight regulation, body image, dieting, obesity, eating disorders, and treatment. PREREQ: PSYC 101.

PSYC 295 STATISTICAL METHODS (3-0-3)(F,S). Statistical concepts and methods commonly used in treatment of data in the social sciences. Topics covered will include: measures of central tendency and of variability, correlation measures, probability, and analysis of variance. PREREQ: PSYC 101.

Upper Division

PSYC 301 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (3-0-3)(F,S). A descriptive approach to the study of the etiology, development, and dynamics of behavioral disorders, together with a review of current preventive and remedial practices. PREREQ: PSYC 101, upper-division standing.

PSYC 309 CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3-0-3)(F,S). Designed for psychology majors, the course emphasizes theories of human development including psychodynamic, behavioral, social-learning, and cognitive. Contemporary views of genetic and environmental contributions will be examined. Research designs appropriate to developmental issues will be explored. The emphasis will be on development from the prenatal period to adolescence. PREREQ: PSYC 101, upper-division standing.

PSYC 310 ADOLESCENT AND ADULT DEVELOPMENT (3-0-3)(F,S). Designed for psychology majors, the course emphasizes theories of human development including psychodynamic, behavioral, social-learning, and cognitive. Includes contemporary views of genetics, the environmental, and research designs appropriate to developmental issues. PREREQ: PSYC 101, upper-division standing.

PSYC 321 RESEARCH METHODS (3-1-4)(F,S). The application of scientific methodology to the study of behavior. Design of experiments, methods of analysis, and interpretation of data; reporting of behavioral research. PREREQ: ENGL 102, PSYC 120, PSYC 295, upper-division standing.

PSYC 322 (ANTH 322)(DATA-LA 322)(SOC 322) PRINCIPLES OF DATA SCIENCE (3-0-3)(F). An introduction to the core concepts of data science including: predictive modeling using machine learning and data mining; data gathering, extraction and cleaning; and exploratory data analysis. Emphasizes practical skills for liberal arts students to examine questions of human behavior using large and complex data sets. May be taken for credit in ANTH, DATA-LA, PSYC, or SOC but not for more than one discipline. PREREQ: Upper-division standing, CS 133, and a statistics course.

PSYC 331 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF HEALTH (3-0-3)(F/S). This course focuses on how biological, psychological, cultural, and social factors affect health and illness. It evaluates the best ways to promote healthy living and prevent disease and how people react psychologically when they are diagnosed with an illness or asked to make lifestyle changes. It also covers the influence of stress, coping, personality, culture, and family on health. PREREQ: PSYC 101, PSYC 295 or MATH 254, upper-division standing.

PSYC 335 BIOLOGICAL BASES OF BEHAVIOR (3-0-3)(F/S). Classical and current issues in physiological psychology, including central and peripheral nervous systems, processing of information and organization of behavior, perception, motivation, emotion, and learning. PREREQ: BIOL 227, PSYC 101, upper-division standing.

PSYC 341 PERCEPTION (3-0-3)(F/S). A survey of the basic concepts in the psychology of perception. Processes are stressed, although coverage of receptor structure and neural pathways is included. PREREQ: PSYC 101, upper-division standing.

PSYC 343 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). Foundation for understanding the issues, principles, and models involved in the study of mental processes. Topics range from classic cognitive psychology to more current neuroscience. Applications are emphasized. PREREQ: PSYC 321, upper-division standing.

PSYC 351 PERSONALITY (3-0-3)(F/S). A study of the major contemporary theories and concepts of personality, with special emphasis on psychoanalytic, humanistic, and behavioral approaches. PREREQ: PSYC 101, PSYC 295 or MATH 254, upper-division standing.

PSYC 357 INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING SKILLS (3-0-3)(F,S). Explores relevant dimensions of the helping relationship, especially the role of the helper. Emphasis will be on developing effective communication and fundamental counseling skills. PREREQ: PSYC 301, upper-division standing.

PSYC 367 NEUROSCIENCE OF HUMAN BRAIN RESEARCH (3-0-3)(F/S). Consideration of neuroscience with particular emphasis on current approaches and applications relating to human brain research. The goal is to illuminate the complex interaction shared by physiological/biological and mental functions and processes. The objective is to illustrate the dynamic role of neuroscience in transforming conventional ideology of brain processes and function. PREREQ: PSYC 101, upper-division standing.

PSYC 401 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY TEACHING ASSISTANT (0-3-3)(F,S). Serve as teaching assistant for PSYC 101. Experience may include attending lectures, holding office hours, tutoring students, grading papers, supervising review sessions, guest lecturing, and/or other duties relevant to the course. PREREQ: PSYC 101, upper-division standing, cumulative GPA above 3.00, PERM/INST.

PSYC 402 PSYCHOLOGY TEACHING ASSISTANT (0-3-3)(F,S). Serve as teaching assistant for one psychology course. Experience may include attending lectures, holding office hours, tutoring students, grading papers, supervising review sessions, guest lecturing, and/or other duties relevant to teaching the course. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. PREREQ: Upper-division standing, cumulative GPA above 3.00, PERM/INST.

PSYC 405 ADVANCED STATISTICAL METHODS (3-0-3)(F/S). Advanced topics in univariate statistics (for example, repeated measures designs) and multivariate techniques such as discriminant analysis, factor analysis, and principal component analysis. PREREQ: PSYC 321 or equivalent, upper-division standing, or PERM/INST.

PSYC 419 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES: MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVES (3-0-3)(F/S). Research and theories on child development in the context of family interactions and influences. Examine cultural similarities and differences in parental values and beliefs about child rearing, socialization practices, gender roles in families, and the adolescent struggle for independence from family. PREREQ: PSYC 101, upper-division standing.

PSYC 420 (ANTH 420)(DATA-LA 420)(SOC 420) SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS (3-0-3)(F,S,SU). ​Introduces and applies concepts and empirical methods of network analysis in a field-based project. Social networks influence learning, economic behavior, and adoption of new products and organizational innovations. May be taken for credit in ANTH, DATA-LA, PSYC, or SOC but not for more than one discipline. PREREQ: Upper-division standing and a statistics course.

PSYC 421 PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT (3-0-3)(F/S). Theory and nature of psychological measurement together with a survey of types of psychological tests currently used. PREREQ: PSYC 321, upper-division standing.

PSYC 431 (SOC 431) SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). The primary focus is the individual; the unit of analysis, the interpersonal behavior event. A study of individual motives, emotions, attitudes, and cognition with reference to interactions with other human beings. May be taken for PSYC or SOC credit, but not both. SOC 101 and a course in statistics or research design are strongly recommended. PREREQ: PSYC 101 or SOC 101, and upper-division standing.

PSYC 438 COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). Focuses on human and social problems in a systemic context. Primary prevention and community empowerment strategies employed are emphasized for individual, community, and social benefit. A course in research methods is recommended but not required. PREREQ: PSYC 101, PSYC 295 or MATH 254, upper-division standing.

PSYC 441 LEARNING (3-0-3)(F/S). Fundamental concepts of learning, with emphasis on classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. Human applications of animal learning principles are stressed. PREREQ: PSYC 321, upper-division standing.

PSYC 455 INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). Introduces fundamental theories, concepts, methods, issues, and psychology of organizational and employee effectiveness. Topics include employee selection, job analysis, criterion development, predictors of job performance, work teams, leadership, motivation, job attitudes, stress and well-being, and organizational development. PREREQ: PSYC 101, PSYC 295, PSYC 321, upper-division standing.

PSYC 459 PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW (3-0-3)(F/S). The course provides an overview of research in the field of psychology and the law, and documents how psycholegal research relates to pressing issues facing the judicial system. A partial list of topics includes: eyewitness testimony, jury deliberations, criminal behavior, evidence, and the structure and function of the legal system. A course in statistics or research design is strongly recommended. PREREQ: PSYC 101, upper-division standing.

PSYC 485 (ANTH 485)(DATA-LA 485)(SOC 485) STATISTICAL MODELING IN R (3-0-3)(S). Focuses on statistical methods for practical data analysis, including parametric and non-parametric analyses, ANOVA, multiple and logistic regression, generalized linear models, and dimension reduction methods using R to examine and understand human behavior. Students will conduct a research project designed in partnership with a professional stakeholder that delivers actionable outcomes. May be taken for credit in ANTH, DATA-LA, PSYC, or SOC but not for more than one discipline. PREREQ: ITM 330 and ITM 340; or DATA-LA 322.

PSYC 487 CAPSTONE PERSPECTIVES: HISTORY AND SYSTEMS (3-0-3)(F/S)(FF). A detailed account of the history of psychology encompassing the philosophical antecedents of modern psychology as well as the influential pioneers. Topics include history of psychology as a field of scientific inquiry, overview of development of schools of thought, prominent figures and key theories. PREREQ: PSYC 321, senior standing.

PSYC 488 DIRECTED RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY (V-V-V)(F,S,SU). An undergraduate student assists on a research project, supervised by a member of the psychology faculty. Enrollment is contingent on a voluntary commitment to a research project by both parties (faculty and student). Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. PREREQ: Psychology major, cumulative GPA above 3.00, upper-division standing, and PERM/INST.

PSYC 489 CAPSTONE PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES (3-0-3)(F/S). Controversial issues and social problems are addressed. Students analyze how different areas of psychology contribute to the understanding of contemporary problems making psychological theory and research relevant and understandable to community agencies/groups. PREREQ: PSYC 321, senior standing.

PSYC 490 CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). Provides advanced coverage of topics in the instructor’s area of expertise, with particular focus on the application of psychological principles to address contemporary social problems. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. PREREQ: PSYC 321, upper-division standing.

PSYC 493 INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY (V-V-V)(F,S,SU). Some internship experiences are available through the department. Credit may be granted for psychological activities in applied settings. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits, not to be taken in a single semester. PREREQ: Psychology major, a cumulative GPA above 3.00, PSYC 321, upper-division standing, and PERM/INST.

PSYC 495 SENIOR THESIS (0-3-3)(F,S). An individual research project in psychology selected by student. Proposal must be approved by instructor before enrolling. Recommended projects are those which will contribute to the body of psychological knowledge or will apply psychological principles to practical problems. Recommended for psychology students planning on graduate school. Course may be taken for a maximum of 3 credits. PREREQ: PSYC 101, PSYC 321, upper-division standing, and PERM/INST.

PSYC 496 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PSYCHOLOGY (V-V-V)(F,S,SU). Independent study is an opportunity to earn academic credit outside of the established curriculum. It assumes the confluence of two streams of interest that of a student and that of a professor. Thus, enrollment is contingent on a voluntary commitment to the project by both parties. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. PREREQ: Psychology major, a cumulative GPA above 3.0, PSYC 321, upper-division standing, and PERM/INST.

NOTE: You may apply no more than nine (9) combined credit hours of independent study (496) and undergraduate research (488) toward your degree.