Psychology (PS)

This course explores how the psychological sciences are applied in practice and identifies education and training paths required for work in the psychological sciences. Students will gain significant exposure to career and education planning considerations within the psychological sciences.

Prerequisite(s): Psychology major only

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and principles of psychology, exploring the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Scientific inquiry serves as the foundation for all content including those topics under the biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality, and mental and physical health pillars. Springs and Falls.

This course examines the changes, both growth and decline, across the human lifespan from conception to death. It includes physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes that help to shape our lives. Topics include the importance of the prenatal environment on development, formation of language, self-esteem and identity, romantic relationships, retirement, and dying. Springs and Falls.

This course is an introduction to research methods in psychology, focusing on fundamental concepts and tools necessary to design, conduct, and interpret research. Students will explore both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with hands-on practice in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Students will learn to read and critique simple research articles and understand key research tools like Excel and JASP.

Prerequisite(s): Psychology major only

This course explores the transition from adolescence to adulthood, examining the psychological aspects of identity, family, relationships, career, and community involvement. This course will prepare you to think reflectively about the personal changes of emerging from adolescence into confident and socio-emotionally secure individuals ready to engage in any/all societal institutions: political, educational, health-related, religious, and economic.

This course reviews the history of positive psychology, and the contributions positive psychology has made to several traditional research areas in psychology. Questions such as what happiness is, how we should measure happiness, what determines happiness, and can we intentionally increase happiness will be critically examined, with consideration given to conflicting viewpoints and their respective empirical support.

A psychological approach to social phenomena with emphasis on the concepts and methods used in the study of the behavior of individuals in various social situations. May be taken as PS or SO 3035. Falls and Springs.

This course introduces the foundational concepts of research design, data collection, and statistical analysis in psychology. Students will learn how to collect, analyze and interpret data with descriptive and inferential statistics and understand ethical considerations in research. Laboratory exercises will provide hands-on experience in how to apply statistics to real-world research questions. Springs and Falls. (QRCO) (TECO)

Prerequisite(s): PS 2015

Building on concepts from Research Methods and Statistics I, this course deepens students' understanding of research methodologies and statistical analysis in psychology. Topics include the scientific method, research ethics, behavioral measurement, research designs, and scientific writing. Students will apply these concepts to design and conduct an empirical study, culminating in a research report that presents their findings. Springs and Falls. (WRCO)

Under the supervision of the Psychology Department faculty, students assist with on-going faculty research projects. Duties typically include but are not limited to, data collection and analysis, library research and other prepublication tasks. May be repeated for credit. Falls and Springs.

This course reviews development from conception through adolescence, encompassing cognitive, social, and physical growth. This includes changes during puberty and the transition to adulthood, with a focus on evolving values and relationships with parents, peers, and school. An emphasis will be placed on research-related activities that provide a scientific understanding of behavioral changes across developmental stages.

Prerequisite(s): PS 2015

Lecture and discussion integrating biological, psychological and medical information to examine objectively the origin and development of sex differences. Topics include differences in biological makeup, personality, learning, aggression and achievement motivation. Springs. (DICO)

This course explores the fundamental principles of learning, including classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, observational learning, and the complementary cognitive and biological processes. Students will examine how these principles apply to both human and animal behavior, with practical applications in various settings. Laboratory experiences provide hands-on opportunities to investigate learning processes and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Springs and Falls.

Prerequisite(s): PS 2015

Examination of processes basic to the acquisition, retention and reproduction of knowledge. Thinking, memory, language, problem-solving and decision-making are topics to be covered. Laboratory component. Springs and Falls.

Prerequisite(s): PS 2010 or PS 2015

The symptoms, causes, and methods of treatment of the major forms of psychopathology: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Not open to students have earned credit for PS 4320. Springs and Falls.

Prerequisite(s): PS 2015

Psychoanalytical, existential, social, behavioral and self theories and how they relate to the development and assessment of behavior. Falls and Springs.

This course explores advanced, specialized knowledge of adult development and aging, in the broader context of psychological science, and to develop a mode of inquiry based on observation, reflection, analysis, and judgment. Topics include physical, cognitive, personality, social and occupational development and transitions from emerging adulthood through end of life.

This course is an exploration of the biological foundations of behavior through the study of the nervous system. Students will study the structure and function of the brain and the nervous system, exploring how they contribute to sensory experiences, movement, cognition, and emotional regulation. Topics include cellular anatomy, neural communication, neuropharmacology, and the biological basis of psychological disorders. Springs and Falls.

Prerequisite(s): PS 2015

This course explores addiction, focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying substance use and misuse. Students will examine the major types of psychoactive substances, their effects on the brain, and the role of learning processes in addiction development and treatment. Topics include psychopharmacology, the epidemiology of substance use disorders, and the historical and contemporary policies surrounding substance use.

Prerequisite(s): PS 2015

This course is designed to examine the multiple and ever-expanding roles that psychology plays in the legal and criminal justice systems. Topics include legal procedural issues, jury selection, eyewitness identification and testimony, lineup procedures, presentation of scientific evidence, expert witnesses, jury decision making, death penalty, and insanity pleas. Springs and Falls.

The major trends of thought which have shaped the development of psychology as a science. The unifying theoretical systems and concepts which shape and structure contemporary psychology. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): PS 2010.

A comprehensive survey of community mental health as an applied and scientific discipline, emphasizing how community mental health works to prevent mental health problems and address the needs of diverse populations. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): PS 3320 or PS 3325 and PS 3115, Senior Status.

Surveys the major treatment methods for addressing psychological disorders; cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychiatric/medical,and psychodynamic approaches are covered using a biopsychosocial perspective. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): PS 3320 or PS 3325 and Senior Status.

This undergraduate internship provides supervised field experience at a site related to the student’s degree and option. Students participate in service in the community and attend class meetings. Students must apply for permission in the semester prior to their registration for this course. Repeatable for a maximum of 8 credits. Falls and Springs. Instructor permission required.

Current topics in psychology. Topics selected and determined by students' backgrounds and interests. For psychology majors only. May be repeated once for credit. Falls and Springs.

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of psychological measurement, emphasizing theoretical and applied perspectives. Students will explore reliability, validity, scaling, and test construction. Students will also examine widely-used psychological assessments across different domains, such as intelligence, personality, educational, and clinical settings. Students will develop skills to evaluate and apply psychological measurements in real-world contexts.

Prerequisite(s): PS 2015, Minimal grade: D-, Academic level: UG And PS 3115, Minimal grade: D-, Academic level: UG

Advanced readings and research with conferences and oral examinations. Provides advanced students with background and specialized knowledge relating to an area in which an appropriate course is not offered or relating to a special individual interest. Consent required of the instructor who will supervise the independent study and the Department Chair.

With the assistance and supervision of a member of the Psychology Department faculty, students design, execute, analyze and write a report on an original experimental research project. Repeatable for a maximum of 8 credits. Falls and Springs. Instructor permission required.