300

Prerequisites: PSY 101 and junior standing. Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of the mind. Our mind creates and controls mental functions, such as memory, perception, attention, language, emotions, and reasoning. Our mind also creates representations of our world so that we can act within it to achieve our goals. This course will look at all these interesting areas of study.

Prerequisites: PSY 101 and junior standing. A review of the current theories, methods, and research in human memory, including working memory, encoding and retrieval, implicit and multiple memory systems, memory disorders, memory improvement, and the repressed memory controversy.

Prerequisite: PSY 101 and junior standing or permission of the instructor. A study of psychological theory and empirical research as it relates to the law. Topics include eyewitness memory, repressed and false memories, interrogations and confessions, jury decision-making, criminal responsibility and intent, competence, rehabilitation and ethical and legal responsibilities in therapy and psychological research.

Prerequisites: Junior standing, completion of laboratory science core, PSY 101 and PSY 211 or MATH 112 or ECMG 212

This discussion-based class encourages critical and skeptical exploration of the study of comparative cognition. The class will examine how we gather information about animal minds, including exploring the methodology used in research, understanding the limitations of current research, and generating new research ideas.

Prerequisites: PSY 101 or its equivalent and PSY 211 (C- minimum grade). This integrated lecture and lab survey course exposes students to a variety of research methods, including correlational, quasi-experimental, experimental, single-case, and qualitative designs. Students gain experience with observational and survey methodology as well as literature reviews.

Prerequisites: PSY 312 (C- minimum grade). This integrated lecture and lab course exposes students to experimental research designs. Students gain experience with experimental methods, analyzing data, and presenting research results. 

Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor. Examines the major classes of drugs that affect behavior, including drugs of abuse and drugs used in the treatment of mental disorders. The course includes exploration of the historical background of drugs and drug use, as well as social context.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSY 101, 12 credits of psychology and the course for which the student will serve as a teaching assistant, and permission of the instructor.  A teaching practicum in PSY 101 for advanced psychology majors. Regularly scheduled hours will include meeting with course instructor regarding teaching experiences, methods, and issues, administration of quizzes/tests, tutoring, and guest lecturing. Relevant reading and a paper will be required. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of department. The study of selected issues and/or social problems that are of interest to psychologists. Each issue will be examined from the various perspectives of specialists within the discipline. Students will participate through readings in primary sources, individual reports, discussion and possible field work.

Prerequisite: PSY 101 and junior standing or permission of department. This course provides an overview of counseling theory and practice. Students will learn about professional and ethical issues, history and status of counseling as a profession, major schools of counseling theory and practice, client needs throughout the lifespan, basic counseling and case conceptualization skills, and present and future work settings of counselors.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of department. This course focuses on how people's conceptions of dying, death, and bereavement have changed over the centuries, as well as on how they are experienced by various cultures, ethnic groups, and religions (including religious traditions surrounding death, cross-cultural mourning practices, and diverse philosophies of the role of death in life).

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of department. This course will focus on the psychological, physical, and social aspects of human sexuality, addressing issues such as research methods, female and male anatomy, arousal and response, gender identity and roles, attraction, communication, sexual orientation, conception/pregnancy/childbirth, contraception and abortion, sexuality in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, sexual dysfunctions, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual coercion/violence.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of department. The course will provide an introduction to positive psychology. It is designed to explore theories, concepts, research behind the concepts, and exercises that enhance well-being. In the last half-century psychology has largely focused on decreasing maladaptive emotions and behaviors, while ignoring optimal functioning. This course focuses on the psychological aspects of a fulfilling and flourishing life. Topics include happiness, life satisfaction, character strengths, optimism, willpower, empathy, friendship, love, achievement, creativity, mindfulness, and humor.

Prerequisite: PSY 101 and junior standing or permission of the instructor. The purpose of the course is to give students an understanding of delinquent and criminal behavior from a psychological perspective–with particular focus on the developmental and cognitive-behavioral aspects of offending. Viewing the juvenile and adult offender as being embedded and continually influenced by multiple systems, it highlights how psychological, social, economic, political and ecological factors all play a role in influencing individual behavior. Assigned readings and the independent research required for engaged participation will utilize and expand on research, communication, and writing skills acquired in other courses.

Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor. Examination of the psycho-physiological changes that occur with age that have an effect on the individual’s neural structure, biological functioning, cognitive abilities, personality development and social interactions. Considers the special methodological and research design problems of studying aging adults.

Prerequisites: 8 credits in psychology and permission of the instructor. Investigation of a psychological problem or issue according to individual interests.

An upper-level special topics course offered at the discretion of the department. The content and methods vary with the interest of students and faculty members

Prerequisites: 16 credits in psychology, a 2.00 cumulative and 2.50 major GPA and permission of the department. Individualized study and work in a cooperating laboratory or professional setting. Provides an opportunity to work with professionals in the field and to participate in research or other activities. Site approval and components of each student’s internship must be approved by the department. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.