PSYCHOLOGY
Chair: Kelly A. Charlton
Faculty: William Collier, Elizabeth Denny, Nicholas Freeman, Melanie Hoy, Beverly R. King*, Qing Liu, Shilpa Pai Regan, Erik Tracy
*Assistant Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness
People throughout history
have been intrigued by the question, ÒWhat is human nature?Ó PsychologyÕs
approach to this topic is aimed at understanding basic patterns of thought,
emotion, and behavior. It uses a variety of scientific methods, including
interviews, case studies, field observations, neurophysiological
recordings, and controlled experimentation. PsychologyÕs fund of knowledge has
grown very rapidly over the past century. We now have a much clearer understanding
of how people learn, how childhood experiences affect adult personality, how
people influence one another during normal social relations, how to treat
emotional and behavioral problems, how the brainÕs biochemistry influences
behavior, and many other significant topics.
The DepartmentÕs courses
strive to blend general conclusions with practical application. Many topics are
presented through role playing, discussions promoting personal involvement, and
other experiential techniques. In addition to teaching established knowledge,
the Department attempts to convey the excitement, controversy, and spirit of
exploration that pervade the field of psychology today.
The Department offers a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. The Department also offers minors in
General Psychology (described below) and Personnel and Organizational
Leadership (described under Interdisciplinary Majors and Minors in the Academic
Programs section of the catalog) and an academic concentration in Psychology
(described below).
These avenues of study
prepare students for a variety of occupational paths. Many graduates build
careers in human services, administration, entrepreneurship, and other fields
of practical endeavor. Others enter graduate school and pursue careers as professional
psychologists.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
|
Requirements
for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology: |
Sem.
Hrs. |
|
Freshman Seminar |
1 |
|
General Education Requirements |
44 |
|
Major Requirements* |
40 |
|
Electives |
35 |
|
|
Total: 120 |
*Major Requirements: The major in psychology consists of 40 semester hours (of which at least 15 hours must be taken at the 3000‑level or higher)
Note: No 3000‑4000 level courses should be taken until PSY 2080 and 2100 have been completed.
I. Core requirements (16 hours): PSY 1010, 1900, 2080, 2100, 3000, 3040
II. Psychology area requirements (18 hours). Select two courses from each area.
Experimental and Cognitive Area: PSY 2150, 3120, 3550, 4010
Social and Personality Area: PSY 2160, 2700, 3160, 3750
Developmental, Clinical, and Counseling Area: PSY 2050, 3050, 3600, 4030, 4170
III. Directed electives in psychology (6 hours). Select psychology electives for least six semester hours.
All of the courses that are
included in the computation of the studentÕs overall QPA and that have a PSY
prefix will be included in the computation of the QPA for the psychology major.
ACADEMIC CONCENTRATION
Requirements for an
Academic Concentration in Psychology: The Academic Concentration in
psychology consists of 24 semester hours. Six hours of this 24 may also be used
to meet General Education or other requirements. At least 9 hours must be taken at the 3000‑level or
higher.
Note: No 3000‑4000
level courses should be taken until PSY 2080 or 2100 has been completed.
I. Core requirements (6 hours): PSY 1010 (3 hours); PSY 2080 or 2100 (3 hours)
II. Psychology area requirements (12 hours). Select one course from each of two areas and two courses from one area.
Experimental and Cognitive Area: PSY 2150, 3120, 3550, 4010
Social and Personality Area: PSY 2160, 2700, 3160, 3750
Developmental,
Clinical, and Counseling Area: PSY 2050 or EDN 3100; PSY 3050;
3600, 4030, 4170
III. Directed electives in psychology (6 hours). Select psychology electives totaling at least six semester hours.
MINOR
Requirements for a Minor in Psychology: The minor in psychology consists of 18 semester hours (of which at least 6 hours must be taken at the 3000‑level or higher).
I. Core requirement (3 hours): PSY 1010
II. Psychology area requirements (9 hours). Select one course from each area.
Experimental and Cognitive Area: PSY 2150, 3120, 3550, 4010
Social and Personality Area: PSY 2160, 2700, 3160, 3750
Developmental, Clinical, and Counseling Area: PSY 2050, 3050, 3600, 4030, 4170
III. Directed electives in psychology (6 hours). Select psychology electives totaling at least six semester hours.
COURSES (PSY)
PSY 1010. Introductory Psychology
A
survey of major areas of psychology, with emphasis on issues, concepts, and
terminology needed for more advanced courses. Credit, 3 semester hours.
PSY 1030. Psychology of Parenthood
The application of psychological concepts by parents
to the understanding and modification of child behavior at all stages of
development. Credit, 3 semester
hours.
PSY 1250. Human Potential
A survey of current knowledge about the potential for
optimal human development.
Classroom activities include lecture, discussion, and participation in growth
exercises. Credit, 3 semester hours.
PSY 1900. Career and Professional Perspectives in Psychology
This
course is intended for majors and will examine psychology as a discipline and a
profession. Students will be introduced to career options in psychology at the
bachelorÕs, masterÕs, and doctoral level. Strategies for job searches and
graduate school admission will be discussed. Because course topics are highly
relevant to their immediate and long-term success, students are strongly
encouraged to take this course early in their undergraduate career, typically
immediately after completing PSY 1010. Credit, 1 semester hour.
PSY 2040. Animal Behavior (BIO 2050)
A survey of the functional and complexity categories
of behavior with emphasis in the animal kingdom. Examples will range from one‑celled organisms
to humans. Other selected topics will include the evolution of behavior,
sociobiology, animal cultures, behavioral ecology, behavioral genetics,
neurobiology, consciousness and others. Three one‑hour
lectures and one two‑hour laboratory per week. Laboratory time
will consist of a mix of demonstrations, experiments, and films. Credit, 4
semester hours. PREREQ: BIO 1000, 1020.
PSY 2050. Childhood and Adolescence
A survey of the stages and processes of the
development of human behavior from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on physical, cognitive and psychosocial development. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSY
1010.
PSY 2080. Research Statistics
An introduction to simple descriptive and inferential
statistics that are frequently used by psychologists. The selection, application, and reporting of
procedures appropriate to specific types of psychological research and testing
will be emphasized. Credit, 3
semester hours. PREREQ: MAT 1050 (or higher).
PSY 2100. Research Methodology
An introduction to research methods used in
psychology. Experimental research
will be emphasized, but survey and correlational
research will also be included.
Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: recommended, PSY 2080.
PSY 2150. Psychology of Learning
An introductory survey of the major areas in the
psychology of learning. Classical
conditioning, operant conditioning, verbal learning, and memory will be
included. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 1010.
PSY 2160. Social Psychology
An introduction to the concepts, principles, theories,
and research of social psychology.
Social psychology is the study of social influence processes. Topics such as
attitude change, perception of other people, interpersonal attraction,
aggression, altruism, prejudice, and group dynamics will be covered. Credit, 3
semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 1010 or SOC 2010.
PSY 2200. Behavior Modification
Introduction to the principles and practice of
behavior modification. Application
in institutional and clinical settings will be discussed, exploring such topics
as classroom behavioral problems, the control of smoking, weight loss, phobias,
hypertension, and headaches. Credit, 3 semester hours.
PSY 2250. Health Psychology: Wellness and Health (HLTH 2250)
The
course will cover the biopsychosocial dynamics of
stress and wellness. Students will examine methods of managing stress and
enhancing health through cognitive‑behavioral modification, biofeedback,
meditation, hypnosis, psychotherapy, nutrition, and exercise. Credit, 3
semester hours.
PSY 2700. Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Applies
psychological principles to the study of industrial and organizational
effectiveness. Covers theory, research, and practical applications related to
such topics as work motivation, the communicative process, and the selection,
testing, and training of employees. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 1010.
PSY 3000. Research Methods Capstone
Intended
for psychology majors, the course is designed to teach written and oral
communication skills used in psychological research. Students will learn to
write research papers in psychology and will make use of skills learned in PSY
2080 and PSY 2100. Students will be expected to develop their skills using
library resources and applying APA guidelines. Credit, 3 semester hours.
PREREQ: C or better in ENG 1050 and 1060; PSY 2080, PSY 2100; declared major,
minor, or concentration in PSY.
PSY 3040. History and Systems of Psychology
A study of the development of psychology as a
discipline from ancient Greece to modern times. Present issues in psychology are traced to their
origins. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 3000 strongly recommended.
PSY 3050. Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (HLTH 3050)
The
course is designed to survey, topographically and chronologically, the aging
period from middle adulthood to older adulthood. Changes in biological,
intellectual, memory, learning, personality, and social processes will be
addressed. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 1010.
PSY 3120. Cognitive Processes
An examination of human memory and thinking within the
human information processing model context. Credit, 3 semester hours.
PSY 3150. Guiding Young Children
This
course presents guidance, counseling, and discipline concepts within a
framework of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and
constructivist education. Credit, 3 semester hours.
PSY 3160. Psychology of Leadership
A
look at the
psychological processes in small group leadership. Topics include compliance,
self‑assertion, decision‑making, and persuasion. Emphasis
on theory, research, and practical leadership skills acquisition.
Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 1010.
PSY 3550. Sensation and Perception
A
look at the
structures and processes involved in perception. Visual and auditory perception
will be emphasized. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 1010.
PSY 3600. Abnormal Psychology
A study of the history, theories, and causes of mental
disorders. Various types of
disorders are examined along with their typical symptoms. Uses of psychological
testing and clinical interviews are studied. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ:
PSY 1010; any other three PSY courses strongly
recommended.
PSY 3750. Personality Theories
Various theoretical approaches to the study of
personality. Credit, 3 semester
hours. PREREQ: Any three PSY courses.
PSY 3800. Supervised Research in Psychology
Direct experience in the design of research studies in
psychology; collection, management, and analysis of research data; and oral and
written presentation of research results.
Close collaboration between students and instructors. Credit, 3 semester hours.
PREREQ: PSY 2080, PSY 2100, PSY 3000 (waived if not required), or instructor
permission.
PSY 3990. Directed Study
Directed
readings and/or research, leading to the preparation of a paper or research
report. Exclusively for psychology majors. Amount of
credit given will be agreed upon prior to registration and will depend upon the
magnitude of the project chosen. Credit, 1‑6 semester
hours. PREREQ: A written plan of the project should be
approved by the Department Chair no later than two weeks prior to
registration.
PSY 4010. Physiological Psychology
Study of psychological processes from a biological
perspective. Covers both normal
and abnormal functioning, with emphasis on basic neuroanatomy,
basic biochemistry, psychoactive drugs, behavior genetics, and research
methods. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: 15 hours of psychology or biology.
PSY 4030. Psychological Testing
An
intensive lead into basic psychometric concepts including types of test scores,
score transformation techniques, validity, reliability, and norms. Credit, 3
semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 2080 recommended.
PSY 4150. Seminar in Human Motivation
Integration of diverse theoretical perspectives into a
coherent framework for analyzing human motivation, with a selective survey of
contemporary research. Some
practice in assessing adult motivation through interviews. Active oral participation
is required. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: 3 courses in PSY or permission
of instructor and junior standing.
PSY 4170. Clinical and Counseling Psychology
A survey of the fields of clinical and counseling
psychology with an emphasis on basic skills and knowledge of techniques. The
course is both didactic (theories) and experiential (role-playing in
class). Opportunities for
classroom discussion, professional feedback about skills and potential, and video-taping.
Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 3600, PSY 3750.
PSYS 2xxx. Current Topics in Psychology
Treatment of selected topics in psychology. Content will vary, depending on interests of
participants. For
a list of all topics, see the Department Chair. Credit,
3‑9 semester hours in multiples of 3.
PSYS 3xxx. Current Topics Seminar
Comprehensive treatment of selected topics in
psychology. Content will vary,
depending on interests of participants. Offered on demand (see Department
Chair). Credit, 3‑9 semester hours in multiples of 3.