Department of Psychology
Department Chair: Althea Kaminske, Ph.D.
Faculty
A. Hager, Ph.D.
A. Kaminske, Ph.D.
G. Privitera, Ph.D.
I. Strasser, Ph.D.
R. Valeri, Ph.D.
S. Vogel, Ph.D.
The department is committed to presenting psychology as a behavioral science. The intent is not that every graduate becomes a behavioral scientist, but that every student in the program becomes capable of appreciating and implementing the role and value of a scientific approach to understanding behavior and mental processes, in career, community service, public citizenship, and personal contexts.
Through courses required by the program, the student learns foundational knowledge in the history, philosophy and principles of behavioral science exemplified in the design of research in both the laboratory and the field, in the systematic collection and analyses of data, and in the interpretation and evaluation of research findings. In the elective courses, the student utilizes this foundational knowledge in pursuit of the student’s particular interests in the theories, research and applications of one or several of the specialized areas within psychology. Through the combination of required and elective courses, the student acquires a unique understanding of behavior and mental processes which can enhance subsequent experience and productivity in a wide variety of careers.
For the student interested in psychology as a career, the program also provides a solid academic base for advanced work leading to a graduate degree in psychology. The career-oriented student is also urged to take advantage of the many opportunities that the faculty and department offer for expanding upon classroom knowledge through participation in one of several fieldwork opportunities, involvement in faculty research or independent studies, pursuit of an honors degree, or participation in the department’s psychology club or honor society.
Honor Society
Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology, is available for psychology majors who have completed at least nine credits of Psychology courses, achieved a 3.00 cumulative average or better, are in the top 35 percent of their class and have received faculty recommendations. Invitations are extended every semester for students who meet these requirements.
Electives for Non-Majors
Most psychology courses are available as electives to all students in the University. When there is any question about course materials or suitability for a particular student, the adviser is invited to confer with the department of psychology chair.
Behavioral Neuroscience (BNS)
BNS-401 BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE SEMINAR (3 Credits)
A one-semester seminar required for graduation with a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience. It constitutes the University's requirement for a "Comprehensive Examination" described in the Undergraduate catalog. This course explores recent issues in behavioral neuroscience to integrate the breadth of coursework for the Behavioral Neuroscience major. Specific topics vary by semester and by student interest. Some readings will be assigned by the instructor and some will be selected by students. Students will prepare readings for presentation and discussion in class. This will be accompanied by a small empirical research project (or approved alternative) culminating in a thesis written in accordance with the standards in a scientific field, for example, AMA Manual of Style or Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Grading is based on class participation, instructor assessment of students' presentations and literature, progess/performance measures, and tests on topics such as statistics, experimental design, and searching the scientific literature as needed for the subject-matter of the seminar. To hone communication skills, presentation at an on-campus events such as the Arts and Sciences Exposition may be required. Prerequisite: BIO 350 or PSYC 343. 3 credits.
Psychology (PSYC)
PSYC-101 INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
A beginning course in the social and natural science areas of psychology; coverage of these two areas is at the discretion of the instructor. Research methods, quantitative methods and history are also introduced.
PSYC-102 AN INTRO TO BIOPSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of behavior. This includes the genetic, hormonal, neurochemical, developmental, social, and evolutionary bases of behavior and mental processes. Specific topics with the course, addressed at multiple levels of analysis, include sensation, perception, learning, memory, emotion, thinking, language, feeding, drinking, reproduction, aggression, and other social behaviors.
PSYC-130 SCIENCE OF LEARNING (3 Credits)
This course provides an overview of research on effective learning strategies. We will focus on research from cognitive psychology that identifies how best to plan learning, develop understanding, and reinforce learning. Supporting topics like perception & attention, well-being, and metacognition will also be discussed.
PSYC-150 PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING (3 Credits)
Through this course the science of positive psychology will be explored. The roots of the study of human well-being in ancient Greek philosophy and, more recently, humanistic and existential psychology will be covered. Emphasis will be given to recently developed theories on optimism, hope, resilience, strengths, and human flourishing. These topics will be viewed at the level of individuals, interpersonal relations, groups, organizations, communities and nations.
PSYC-201 PSYC RESEARCH: METHODS & STATISTICS I (3 Credits)
The course will focus on the development of skills to enable the student to understand and conduct psychological research. Topics may include: the scientific process, observational methods, types of investigation, surveys, traces, archival data, control, sampling, descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, basics of hypothesis testing.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-202 PSYC RESEARCH: METHODS & STATS II (3 Credits)
The course will focus on the development of skills to enable the student to understand and conduct psychological research. Topics may include: experimental designs, multilevel and factorial designs, interactions, external validity, comparisons among means, t-test, analysis of variance, non-parametric statistics.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-201
PSYC-210 LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT (3 Credits)
This course will discuss the basics and principles of the study of human growth and development across the lifespan. A topical approach will be applied or study the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional systems as they are embedded in historical and cultural contexts, and their specifics in particular stages in life. Students will develop an understanding of the methodological and epistemological basis, of historical and recent theoretical framework and applied aspects that are central to the study of developmental psychology.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-212 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
The study of how individuals influence and are influenced by their social environments. Topics include social learning, attitude formations and change, interpersonal attraction, social exchange, conformity, leadership and social groups.
PSYC-213 CHILD & ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT (3 Credits)
This course focuses on psychological development during childhood and adolescence. The major theories concerning child and adolescent development will be discussed. Theories and topics include cognitive development, language development, attachment, and emotional development, moral development, the self, and the role of the family, peers, school, and the media on development.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-214 ADULT DEVELP & AGING (3 Credits)
As we age we undergo gains as well as losses during the adult years. This course will examine various aspects of cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development during young, middle, and late adulthood. Theoretical approaches, empirical research, and applied fields of development psychology will be explored during this course.
Prerequisite(s): TAKE PSYC-101
PSYC-215 MALADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR (3 Credits)
Introduces students to the diagnostic criteria and description of mental disorders as well as the etiology and treatment. Special attention is paid to the scientific basis of our knowledge of this area.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-219 PSYCHOLOGY OF CULTURE (3 Credits)
This course will discuss culture and cultural perspectives in three steps. Part I aims to develop a thorough understanding of different approaches in cultural psychology, and their epistemological underpinnings. For Part II we will analyze concepts of particular importance as culturally and historically embedded practices and phenomena. Finally, in part III we will discuss applied fields from a cultural psychological standpoint.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101
PSYC-222 PSYCH OF LEARN/MEMORY (3 Credits)
An overview of the general principles governing behavior change, informed by consideration of the ecological and biological constraints and affordances on learning and memory. Topics may include the principles underlying: habituation, reinforcement, punishment, learning-set formation, conditioned emotional responses, taste aversions, token economies, spatial learning, food storing, short- and long-term memory, forgetting, drug addiction, therapy for maladaptive behaviors.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-230 COGNITION (3 Credits)
How do we think, and how can our thoughts processes be improved? The course will deal with contemporary approaches to the study of higher mental processes, with an emphasis on information processing. Topics will include memory, learning and problem solving. Theories and research will be considered, along with applications to everyday life.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101
PSYC-232 PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING (3 Credits)
Through this course the science of positive psychology will be explored. The roots of the study of human well-being in ancient Greek philosophy and, more recently, humanistic and existential psychology will be covered. Emphasis will be given to recently developed theories on optimism, hope, resilience, strengths, and human flourishing. These topics will be viewed at the level of individuals, interpersonal relations, groups, organizations, communities and nations.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-240 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
Issues related to health are a national concern as obesity rates and the costs for health care rise. This course provides an overview for many topics in health psychology including addiction, illness, exercise, stress, diet, and sexual behavior. This course describes research methodologies from an evolutionary, social, cultural, political, and individual perspective. Current treatments and inventions for solving issues related to health are also introduced. In all, this course provides a diverse introduction to many topics, perspectives, and outcomes for research in health psychology.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-270 INVESTIGATIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
Investigative Psychology is the scientific psychological study or criminal action and the processes involved in detecting, apprehending, and bringing to justice the offender. Topics covered in this course will include a history of investigative psychology, criminal theories, examination of crimes (murder, sexual assault, acquisitive crimes) eyewitess testimony, interviewing, line-ups, and false confessions.
PSYC-309 SOCIAL INFLUENCE (3 Credits)
Social influence is practiced by each of us and used on each of us every day. Social influence attempts include subtle social pressure, requests, and direct commands and can take a variety of forms including personal appeals, advertising campaigns, and government propaganda. Social influence attempts may be conveyed through traditional advertising but can also be conveyed through art, architecture, and music. As part of this course, students will examine and evaluate real world social influence tactics as well as examine empirical research that explores the factors that make it more likely a social influence attempt will be successful. Topics may include attitude change and persuasion, conformity, compliance, and obedience.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-311 CYBERPSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
This course investigates the effects of the digital culture and cyberspace on the individual and society at large. We will cover current technology, reflect on past and present projections of technological advances, and the impact it has on being human. Some questions we will explore are: Is there a difference between the virtual-self and the traditional self? What is 'the Internet' and how do we use it? How accessible are digital technologies? How does technology and cyberspace shape us, our thoughts, behavior, communications, stories?
PSYC-312 CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3 Credits)
The major theories in developmental psychology will be discussed with a focus on infant and child development. Theories and topics discussed include cognitive development, language development, attachment and emotional development, moral development, the self, and the role of the family, peers, school, and the media on development.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-313 INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS (3 Credits)
An inquiry into theories and empirical studies of the dyad. The dynamics of the development and maintenance of close interpersonal relationships are emphasized. Principal topics include attraction, intimacy, verbal-nonverbal communication, conflict and conflict resolution. Marriage and alternative dyadic lifestyles are critically discussed.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-315 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (3 Credits)
A comprehensive introduction to the study of behavior that is organized around Niko Tinbergen's "four questions" that are asked about behavior: What is the immediate causation, the development, the evolutionary function, and evolutionary history of the particular behavior in question. Topics include: behavior genetics, evolution, predation, predator, avoidance, play, communication, cooperation, altruism, kin-selection, monogamy, polyandry, polygyny, territoriality, individual differences(nonhuman animal "personalities").
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-316 HUMAN SEXUALITY (3 Credits)
This course will offer a broad view of human sexuality from multidisciplinary perspectives: the psychological, biological, sociological, and historical. Topics will include research methods in the area of sexuality, human sexual anatomy, response, motivations, variations, reproduction, and basic sexological vocabulary, gender differences, developmental issues, and current and emerging theories and controversies regarding gender identity, sexual orientation, and the treatment approaches for sexual dysfunction and other sexual problems.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-325 SENSATION & PERCEPTION (3 Credits)
Critical analysis of theories, methods of investigation, and data obtained in studies of sensory and perceptual processes, including the nature of physical stimulation, psychophysical methods form perception, space perception, constancy, spatially coordinated behavior and attention. Emphasis primarily but not exclusively on visual perception.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-331 HUMAN MEMORY (3 Credits)
Why do we remember some things and forget others? This course will examine human memory by drawing on research from neuroscience, verbal learning, and educational psychology to better understand how our memory works and what we can do to improve it. Topics covered will include: false memories, retrieval practice, sapcing, memory loss and amnesia, animal models of memory, information processing, and working memory.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-338 CRITICAL & CREATIVE COGNITION (3 Credits)
Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology devoted to studying human cognition, or human thinking. This semester we will be exploring research on how people think by asking ourselves how we can improve our own thinking. Specifically, by asking ourselves how we can become better critical thinkers.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-340 PSYCHOLOGY OF EATING (3 Credits)
This course takes a unique look into why we eat what we eat. In today's society, "survival" is less a matter of eating enough and more a matter of what we choose to eat and how much of it we eat. Plainly stated: eating is not as simple as counting calories. In all, this course focuses on three sections describing the psychology behind why we feel hungry and full, why dieting is so difficult, and how learning plays a significant role in the health of our diets. After taking this course, you should have a better understanding of why we eat what we eat.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101 OR PSYC-101C
PSYC-343 PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
An introduction to the physiological bases of behavior, focusing on the structure of the nervous system and the hormones and other biochemicals important for brain functioning and the emergent phenomenon we call behavior. Learning the 3 dimensional structure of the mammalian brain is aided by dissecting a sheep's brain. Topics include: development, recovery from spinal cord injury, movement, sensation and perception, sleep, consciousness, emotion, ingestion, eating disorders, reproduction, social bonding, communication, language, learning and memory, drug addiction, and disorders such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, depression, ADHD.
PSYC-345 HEALTH ANALYTICS (3 Credits)
This course provides an overview for many topics and research methodologies in health analytics from a global, national, social, cultural, political, clinical, individual, and an evolutionary perspective. This course describes research methodologies from an evolutionary, social, cultural, political, and individual perspective. Current treatments and inventions for solving issues related to health are also introduced. In all, this course provides a diverse introduction to many topics, perspectives, and outcomes for research in health psychology.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101
PSYC-348 DISPARITIES IN HEALTHCARE (3 Credits)
An advanced course in the social and applied science areas of psychology; coverage of these two areas focuses n understanding the social determinants underlying health disparities in the United States and internationally. Mental health, public health policy and history are also introduced.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101
PSYC-355 SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCH (3 Credits)
Sport and Exercise Psychology is an emerging field that covers a diverse range of topics including team dynamics, team leadership, exercise and sport performance, sport related health and well-being, and sport to facilitating growth and development. In addition to presenting research in these areas, this course focuses on enhancing performance in sport and exercise and sport related health and well-being.
PSYC-370 PSYCHOLOGY OF TERRORISM (3 Credits)
Drawing on theories and research in Social Psychology this course will examine terrorist groups, explore the beliefs of these groups, and discuss why someone would become inspired by; an affiliate with; financially support; or take action based on the beliefs or extremist ideologies of terrorist groups. The course will also examine the strategies used by terrorist groups to recruit adherents and convert them to their cause and the organizational structure of these groups.
PSYC-371 HATE CRIMES (3 Credits)
Social psychological theories and research will be used to explore the issue of hate crimes. Topics to be addressed include social psychological theories of hate and prejudice, the development of hate crime laws, typologies of hate crimes, major types of hate crimes, investigation and prosecution of hate crimes, and the impact of hate crimes on the victims and society.
PSYC-403 Psyc Research Methods & Stats III (3 Credits)
The course will focus on the application of skills to enable the student to understand and conduct psychological research. Topics may include: descriptive statistics, t -tests, ANOVAs, multivariate regression, parametric and nonparametric tests; quasi-experimental and experimental designs; and assumption testing. Application of Statistical methodology will be evaluated using Excel and SPSS software.
PSYC-414 SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCH (3 Credits)
Sport and Exercise Psychology is an emerging field that covers a diverse range of topics including team dynamics, team leadership, exercise and sport performance, sport related health and well-being, and sport to facilitating growth and development. In addition to presenting research in these areas, this course focuses on enhancing performance in sport and exercise and sport related health and well-being.
PSYC-420 SP.TOP:FORENSIC PSYC. (3 Credits)
An intensive study of a particular area or topic in psychology or its applications. The content of the course will be announced prior to the semester in which it is offered. The course may be retaken if the content has changed.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-420AE SP TOP: MEMORY (3 Credits)
An intensive study of a particular area or topic in psychology or its applications. The content of the course will be announced prior to the semester in which it is offered. The course may be retaken if the content has changed.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101
PSYC-420AH SP TOP: HEALTH ANALYTICS (3 Credits)
An intensive study of a particular area or topic in psychology or its applications. The content of the course will be announced prior to the semester in which it is offered. The course may be retaken if the content has changed.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101
PSYC-420AJ SP TOP: PSYCHOLOGY OF AGGRESSION (3 Credits)
An intensive study of a particular area or topic in psychology or its applications. The content of the course will be announced prior to the semester in which it is offered. The course may be retaken if the content has changed.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101
PSYC-420AK SP TOP: LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT (3 Credits)
An intensive study of a particular area or topic in psychology or its applications. The content of the course will be announced prior to the semester in which it is offered. The course may be retaken if the content has changed.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101
PSYC-420SF SP TOP:COGNITIVE SCIENCE FICTION (3 Credits)
An intensive study of a particular area or topic in psychology or its applications. The content of the course will be announced prior to the semester in which it is offered. The course may be retaken if the content has changed.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-420X SP TOP:CONSCIOUSNESS & THE BRAIN (3 Credits)
An intensive study of a particular area or topic in psychology or its applications. The content of the course will be announced prior to the semester in which it is offered. The course may be retaken if the content has changed.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-420Z SPECIAL TOPICS: PSYCHOLOGY OF EATING (3 Credits)
An intensive study of a particular area or topic in psychology or its applications. The content of the course will be announced prior to the semester in which it is offered. The course may be retaken if the content has changed.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-101 OR PSYC-101C
PSYC-423 HUMAN MEMORY (3 Credits)
Why do we remember some things and forget others? This course will examine human memory by drawing on research from neuroscience, verbal learning, and educational psychology to better understand how our memory works and what we can do to improve it. Topics covered will include: false memories, retrieval practice, sapcing, memory loss and amnesia, animal models of memory, information processing, and working memory.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-433 PSYCH OF PERSONALITY (3 Credits)
A survey of the various approaches to the study of personality. Also included are the determination of personality development and the methods of appraising personality. (formerly PSYC 233)
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-101
PSYC-469 INTR CLNIC/METH-HUM.SERV (3 Credits)
Introduces Psychology majors to clinical methods and issues in human services in preparation for fieldwork experience. Areas that are covered include: ethics, assessment, interviewing, and psychopharmacology. The objective of this class is to furnish students with information and clinical skills that will enable them to provide direct service to clients, with appropriate supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC -101
Restrictions: RG.24+
PSYC-470 TRNG/EDUC OF THE HANDICAPPED FLDWRK (1-3 Credits)
PSYC-478 FIELDWORK-TEACHING ASST (1-3 Credits)
PSYC-480 IND.STY: LEARNING & MEMORY (1-3 Credits)
Independent Study in Learning and Memory
PSYC-481 IND.STY: SOCIAL PSYCH (1-3 Credits)
Independent Study in Social Psychology
PSYC-482 IND.STUDY-ORGANIZATNL RESRCH (1-3 Credits)
Independent Study in Organizational Research
PSYC-483 IND.STUDY-DEVELOPMNTL PSYCH. (1-3 Credits)
Independent Study in Developmental Psychology
PSYC-485 IND.STY:PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYC (1-3 Credits)
Independent Study in Physiological Psychology
PSYC-486 IND.STUDY-PERSONALITY (1-3 Credits)
Independent Study in Personality
PSYC-492 RESEARCH IN COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
To comply with the University comprehensive examination requirements, psychology majors must complete a research course (Psyc 49X) in psychology. In this course, students will be asked to apply their knowledge of research methods, statistics, and cognitive and memory to plan, conduct, and assess psychological research. Selected readings will include papers that provide perscpectives on science in general, cognition, human learning and memory, problem solving, and metacognition. Students will work in groups to develop a project that will be executed this semester. Each student will write their own report on the project in an APA-formatted paper. Each group will design and present a poster at the department's poster day at the end of the semester.
Prerequisite(s): Take PYSC-201, PSYC-202 AND PYSC-421
Corequisite(s): OR TAKE PSYC-422 OR ýTAKE PSYC-423
PSYC-493 RESEARCH IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
To comply with University comprehensive examination requirements, psychology majors must complete a research course (Psyc 49X) in psychology. In this course, students will be asked to apply their knowledge of research methods, statistics, and social psychology to plan, conduct, and assess psychological research.
Restrictions: RGM.127
PSYC-494 RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
To comply with University comprehensive examination requirements, psychology majors must complete a research course (Psyc 49X) in psychology. In this course, students will be asked to apply their knowledge of research methods, statistics, and personality psychology to plan, conduct, and assess psychological research.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-202 PSYC-433
Restrictions: RGM.127
PSYC-498 RESEARCH IN HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
To comply with University comprehensive examination requirements, psychology majors must complete a research course (PSYC 49X) in psychology. In this course, students will be asked to apply their knowledge of research methods, statistics, and health psychology to plan, conduct, and assess psychological research.
Prerequisite(s): Take PSYC-330, PSYC-201, PSYC-202 PSYC-420AH
Restrictions: RGM.127
PSYC-499 SENIOR SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY (3 Credits)
This seminar course will explore a current topic within psychology, drawing on research and literature from across the discipline. Over the course of the semester, students will read primary research articles, write a literature review in APA format, and present their work to a broader audience. Topic of the course will vary.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 202 and at least 9 credits of courses from theýSOC/PER/DEV and COG/BIO/Health set lists