Psychology Courses

 
PSYC 121 Introduction to Psychology (3)
An introduction to psychology as the science of behavior and mental processes. Includes the exploration of diverse areas of psychology. An understanding of the major findings in these areas as well as the research methodologies used to discover them is fostered in this course. It includes the application of psychology to various spheres of human functioning and experience. Prerequisite to all other courses in education and psychology. 
 
*PSYC 140 Introduction to Statistics (3)
An introduction to statistics with a primary focus on problem solving and statistical literacy. Designed to provide students with the conceptual foundation and quantitative skills needed to analyze and interpret data and to meaningfully interpret statistical results reported in research articles and in popular media. Includes topics such as the quantification of variables, sources of data, sampling procedures, graphical representation of data, measures of central tendency and variability, probability, correlation and regression, confidence intervals, and significance tests. Prerequisite: MATH 130 or equivalent proficiency. Cross-listed with MATH 140.  
 
PSYC 220 Psychology of Human Development (3)
Intensive study of growth and development through the entire life span in terms of physical, mental, social and cultural as well as emotional and spiritual factors. The approach is eclectic and the objective is to understand the problems of the developing person in contemporary society. Prerequisite: PSYC 121
 
PSYC 225 Cultural Psychology (3)
An examination of how culture influences human behavior and mental processes, including perception, aesthetics, intelligence, memory strategies, emotions, language, work, and mental health. An interdisciplinary approach is taken and the goal is to develop a cross-cultural perspective on human behavior and mental processes through reflection and hands-on activities in another country. Prerequisite: PSYC 121. Offered in Summer at department discretion.
 
PSYC 330 Psychology of Learning (4)
An introduction to classical and instrumental learning phenomena. Emphasis on experimental findings with consideration of theoretical foundations that apply to learning. Laboratory experience included as a component of the course. Prerequisite: PSYC 121. Offered each Spring.

PSYC 333 Human Memory and Cognition (4)
An information-processing approach to human thought and memory, focusing on the processes used to encode, transform, store, manipulate, and retrieve sensory input. Topics include attention, pattern recognition, memory, language, problem solving, and reasoning. The course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: PSYC 121. Offered each Spring.

PSYC 342 Psychology of Personality (3)
An introductory course in the field of personality, emphasizing the dynamics, development and assessment of normal personality. Prerequisites: PSYC 121, 372, or permission of instructor. Offered each Spring.

PSYC 344 Abnormal Psychology (3)
The nature, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of major and minor psychopathological conditions in both children and adults. Prerequisites: PSYC 121, 372, or permission of instructor. Offered each Spring.

PSYC 351 Social Psychology (3)
An introduction to the field of social psychology, the interaction of the individual in relation to society; attitude development and change, group dynamics, leadership, interpersonal attraction and exchange, aggression, altruism, etc. Prerequisites: PSYC 121, 372, or permission of instructor. Offered each Fall.

PSYC 372 Experimental Methods in Psychology (2)
Survey of the techniques, methods and tools of research in psychology. Includes discussions of reliability, validity, research design, artifacts and types of experimental control. This course also emphasizes the use and mastery of APA writing style. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: PSYC 140. Note: PSYC 372 and 373 must be taken in the same academic year. Offered each Fall.

PSYC 373 Advanced Experimental Methods (2)
Application of experimental methodology to specific content areas. Planning, execution, analysis and interpretation of an individual project are included. Open only to psychology majors. Prerequisite: PSYC 372. Note: PSYC 372 and 373 must be taken in the same academic year. Offered each Spring.

PSYC 380 Introduction to Counseling and Guidance (3)
An introduction to and evaluation of the basic theories and processes of counseling and psychotherapy with attention to existing research on both treatment outcome and process. Prerequisite: PSYC 121. Offered each Fall.

PSYC 410 Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity (3)
This course provides a survey of the primary approaches to and issues in the integration of psychology and Christianity in both the academic study of psychology and theology, and on a more personal, applied level. Open to junior and senior psychology majors or by permission of instructor. Offered each Spring.

PSYC 420 Research Practicum (1-4)
Supervised research experience individually arranged. Designed to develop the skills necessary for psychological experimentation. Intended for students anticipating graduate work in psychology or related disciplines. Prerequisite: PSYC 372. Enrollment requires advance permission of the instructor.

PSYC 430 Psychology Practicum (3)
A practicum in psychology provides supervised field experience on an individual basis.  Placements are made in social service agencies that will allow students to gain exposure to the needs of the populations they serve.  Students will be able to perform limited tasks appropriate to their level of training with supervision provided by the community agency.  Individual or group discussions about the experience will also be scheduled with the course instructor on a regular basis.  This course is open to advanced psychology majors and requires advance permission of the instructor.

PSYC 440 Physiological Psychology (3)
An introduction to the physiological, biochemical and neuroanatomical foundations of behavior. Topics include the nervous and sensory systems. Special attention to the central nervous system and its relation to behavior. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Offered each Fall.

PSYC 441 Sensation and Perception (3)
Influence of physiological, psychological and environmental factors in reception, organization and interpretation of sensory information. Topics include audition, vision and the “minor” senses. Prerequisites: PSYC 121, 372, or permission of instructor. Offered Fall 2007 and alternate Fall semesters.

PSYC 442 Child Psychology (3)
An in-depth study of the variables underlying the development of children. Focus is on the current theories and significant concepts of child development. Topics include perceptual, cognitive, intellectual, personality and social development. Prerequisite: PSYC 220. Offered each Fall.

PSYC 443 Adolescent Psychology (3)
An in-depth study of the variables underlying the development of adolescents. Focus is on the interaction of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social processes as they impact the individual's transition into adulthood in different contexts. Both risk and protective factors are stressed. Prerequisite: PSYC 220. Offered Spring 2009.

PSYC 446 Psychological Measurement (3)
Analysis of standardized achievement, aptitude and attitude tests and other measurement procedures used in educational and personnel settings. The student is expected to acquire skill in selecting, administering, scoring and interpreting basic instruments. Prerequisite: PSYC 140. Offered on demand.

PSYC 450 Advanced Topics (1-3)
Supervised library or experimental research for students who have completed the basic curriculum in psychology. Enrollment by permission of the Department Chair.

PSYC 480 Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)
A required course for all senior psychology majors. It involves a review of core areas of psychology and application of such knowledge to current issues and topics in the field of psychology. Open only to senior psychology majors or by permission of instructor. Offered each Fall. 
 
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