Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Psychology > Course Offerings

PSY 150 General Psychology (3 C.H.)
An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and cognitive processes including research methods, biological influences, sensation and perception, learning, memory, development, motivation and emotion, intelligence, personality, stress and coping, abnormal behavior, and therapeutic approaches. A prerequisite for most other psychology courses. [Offered every semester.]

PSY 220 Sensation and Perception (3 C.H.)
An introduction to the sense organs of the human body and the psychological methods for measuring sensory processes. Study of the sensory process in dimensions such as vision, audition, and body senses. Exploration of the complex organization and integration of sensory information into meaningful interpretations or reflections of the
environment and into behavioral systems. (P:PSY 150 and sophomore status or permission of instructor) [Offered every spring.]

PSY 222 Research Methods (4 C.H.)
A survey of research methods used to describe, predict, and explain behavioral and thought processes. The methods of observation, correlation, and experimentation will be emphasized. An independent project in an appropriate content area is also required. (P: PSY 150 and MATH 107 or 111) [Offered fall 2001 and spring 2002.]

PSY 230 Introduction to Learning (3 C.H.)
An introduction to the basic concepts and the theoretical orientations of 20th century learning theorists including Pavlov, Thorndike, Watson, Guthrie, Tolman, Hull, Skinner, Bandura, and Anderson. Processes that affect learning, such as biological constraints, motivation, and memory will be discussed, as well as computer simulation models. (P: PSY 150) [Offered spring 2002.]

PSY 240 Child Development (3 C.H.)
An introduction to the study of physical, cognitive, social, and psychological growth of the individual from infancy through middle childhood. A special effort is made to integrate theoretical concepts with behavioral examples and to show the application of theories to problems in childrearing. (P: PSY 150) Not to be taken concurrently with Adolescent Development (PSY 242) [Offered every semester.]

PSY 242 Adolescent Development (3 C.H.)
An examination of current theories concerning human development from late childhood through early adulthood. Physical, cognitive, social, and psychological issues will be addressed. (P: PSY 150). Not to be taken concurrently with Child Development (PSY 240) [Offered every spring.]

PSY 244/Gero 244 Adulthood and Aging (3 C.H.)
A survey of early, middle, and later adulthood. A biopsychosocial model is used to explore changes in biological functioning, information processing, memory, intelligence, personality, mental health, and personal relationships. Death and dying issues will also be explored. (P:PSY 150) [Offered every fall.]

PSY 280 Personality Theory (3 C.H.)
An introduction to major theories and conceptual issues relating to the study of personality. (P: PSY 150) [Offered every fall.]

PSY 300 Abnormal Behavior (3 C.H.)
The study of behavioral dynamics with emphasis on atypical and abnormal behavior. (P: PSY 150 and one additional course in psychology) [Offered every spring.]

PSY 320 Tests and Measurements (3 C.H.)
A basic course in the construction, administration, and interpretation of psychological tests. Characteristics of good tests, including reliability, validity, and item analysis will be explored. A variety of tests, including those designed to assess aptitude, achievement, personality traits, and abnormal behavior, will be covered. (P: PSY 150; PSY 222 and MATH 111) [Offered spring of 2003.]

PSY 340 Conditioning and Learning (4 C.H.)
An introduction to the important concepts of learning. Pavlovian and operant conditioning, stimulus control of behavior, cognitive control of behavior, biological influences, and the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. Three 55-minute lectures and laboratory exercises outside of class. (P: PSY 150 and two other courses in psychology) [Offered spring 2002.]

PSY 341 Neuropsychology (4 C.H.)
Introduction to the neuron and the neuronal systems underlying (primarily) mammalian behavior. Sensory inputs, central processing and outputs to muscles, glands and other organs will be considered in terms of their relationships to behavioral phenomena such as learning, memory, language,
and psychopathology. Laboratory sessions include such topics as gross anatomy, neuronal functioning, and brain pathology in the mammalian nervous system. (P: Psy150). [Offered every spring.] Laboratory exercises offered outside of class.

PSY 342 Cognitive Psychology (4 C.H.)
The theory and data of cognition, information systems, and memory from the viewpoint of modern cognitive psychology. Emphasis will be placed on the methods of determining and measuring cognitive processes and on the data relating to these processes. Laboratory experiments in sensation, perception, and memory will investigate selected phenomenon from these areas. Laboratory exercises offered outside of class. (P: PSY 150; PSY 220; PSY 222; MATH 111). [Offered every fall.]

PSY 360 Social Psychology (3 C.H.)
Social psychology is the study of the cognitive and behavioral processes of the individual in relation to the social environment. Topics include the role of the self in social interaction, the development of interpersonal relationships, and group formation and dynamics. (P: PSY 150 and junior or senior standing) [Offered every spring.]

PSY 370 Counseling Methods (3 C.H.)
Theory and practice of counseling and interviewing skills as practiced in human service agencies. (P: Two additional psychology courses and junior or senior standing) [Offered fall 2001 .]

PSY 420 Lifespan Issues Seminar (3 C.H.)
An examination of theories and research relating to topics that can be considered across the lifespan, such as sexuality, personality development, and interpersonal relationships. The class is conducted in a seminar format, with the expectation that students contribute a great deal to the discussion and evaluation of various issues. (P: PSY 150 and junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor) [Offered every spring.]

PSY 430 History and Philosophy of Psychology (3 C.H.)
A review of the history of psychology starting with its physiological and philosophical roots. Important schools of thought, such as structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, and the psychoanalytic approach will be emphasized. The important leaders and contextual forces influencing these approaches will be noted. (P: PSY 150 and junior or senior standing) [Offered every spring.]

PSY 440 Cognitive Theories in Psychology (3 C.H.)
A comparison of the contributions of several theoretical perspectives to the understanding of cognition. Special attention will be given to considering
the relative advantages of different theoretical approaches. (P: PSY 150 and junior or senior standing; PSY 342 is recommended) [Offered every fall.]

PSY 450 Topics in Psychology (3 C.H.)
Advanced topics in psychology. May be repeated with different topics. (P: PSY 150; two additional courses in psychology, and junior or senior standing) [Offered every fall.]

PSY 509 Internship in State and Local Agencies (C.H. Variable)
An in-service training course to enable the student to practically apply specialized knowledge in a public service environment.

PSY 555 Cooperative Education (C.H. Variable)

PSY 567-569 Semester in Washington (8-16 C.H.)
See Posc 567-569.

PSY 570 Special Projects in Psychology (C.H. Variable)
Designed to meet the individual needs of students in psychology. The student must have the permission of the faculty member with whom he or she wishes to work. The student may conduct directed or independent laboratory studies, field or library research, do concentrated reading in a specialized area of psychology, or participate in seminars on various subjects in psychology. (P: PSY 150; PSY 222; MATH 111, and permission of the instructor).

PSY 571 Advanced Study in Psychology II
Continuation of PSY 570.

PSY 590 Independent Study (C.H. Variable)
The student may propose a course of study or a project to be carried out under supervision of a faculty member. (P: Must have a GPA of 3.25 or above and permission of the faculty member)