Curriculum
The Psychology curriculum is designed to prepare graduates through a solid understanding and mastery of the fundamentals of psychological science. It provides students with a thorough foundation in theory, research design, statistics and critical thinking, along with an emphasis on applying psychological principles to real world issues.
Theoretical Core
PSYC 210 Developmental Psychology
PSYC 305 Personality
PSYC 309 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 320 Sensation and Perception
Theoretical Core
An introduction to the basic concepts of psychology and the psychological processes of perception, learning, thinking, motivation, personality, development, and social behavior. Lecture. Prerequisite: WRIT 111, Academic Writing I.
The study of the psychological development of the person from the prenatal period through old age and death. The course emphasizes theories and their applications to the understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that occur throughout the human life span. Lecture. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; PSYC 200, Introduction to Psychology; WRIT 112, Academic Writing II; and COMM 120, Public Speaking.
A study of historical development of major personality theories, including psychoanalytic, humanistic and learning approaches. Methods of personality measurement, such as objective and projective tests, inventories and other assessment procedures will also be explored. Lecture. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; PSYC 200, Introduction to Psychology; WRIT 112, Academic Writing II; and COMM 120, Public Speaking.
Abnormal psychology is the study of disorders of a psychological nature. This course is intended to familiarize the student with the symptoms, causes and treatments of a variety of such disorders, including mood, anxiety, and personality disorders as well as disorders related to substance abuse. Lecture. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; PSYC 200, Introduction to Psychology; WRIT 112, Academic Writing II; and COMM 120, Public Speaking.
Understanding how individuals obtain information from the environment and various theories as to how that information is processed. Topics will include basic sensory physiology, psychophysics, visual perception, auditory perception, tactile perception, and the chemical senses. Prerequisites: MATH 049: Elementary Algebra, WRIT 112: Academic Writing 2, LSCI 105: Information Theory and Practice, and PSYC 200: Introduction to Psychology
Applied Core
PSYC 300 Social Psychology
PSYC 306 Influence and Persuasion
PSYC 490 Internship
Applied Core
We live in an uncertain world. Everyday we are inundated with images of death, destruction, and mayhem. These images influence our perception of the world and our responses in it. This class will rely on the use of social psychological principles to examine the origins of and our reactions to fear. In addition, we will discuss, in depth, how fear is used as a medium of influence in politics, religion, consumer behavior, and the media.
Social psychology is concerned with the interaction of individuals with other individuals and groups. Topics include attitudes, prejudice, persuasion, obedience and attraction. Lecture. Prerequisites: WRIT 112, Academic Writing II; LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; COMM 120, Public Speaking; and PSYC 200, Introduction to Psychology. Majors must pass PSYC 300 with a grade of C or higher.
Focuses on how people influence themselves and each other singly and in groups. The activities of compliance professionals such as salespersons, con artists, politicians, etc. are stressed. Additionally, concentration is placed on research into the effects of influence and the ethics of the application of influence. Lecture. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; WRIT 112, Academic Writing II and COMM 120, Public Speaking.
Students obtain practical, on-the-job training in a setting of business, law, government agency, or other organization. Work experience is complemented by an academic requirement and periodic meetings with the student’s on-campus internship advisor. Students are required to complete 90 hours at the internship site. Prerequisite: Senior standing, Psychology majors only.
Research Design
PSYC 230 Foundation Research Methods
PSYC 331 Advanced Statistics for Behvrl Science
PSYC 402 Advanced Research Methods
PSYC 410 Senior Thesis
Research Design
This course emphasizes a conceptual rather than computational understanding of basic statistical concepts, including descriptive and inferential statistics, probability and hypothesis testing. A key component of the course is the introduction to statistical computation using the SPSS computer program. Lecture. Prerequisite: Placement exam or MATH 149, Intermediate Algebra with a grade of “C” or better. Majors must pass with a grade of C or higher.
This course is an introduction to the methods psychologists use to conduct research. You will learn about the scientific method-the universal language of science-as well as how to form research questions and hypotheses, how to design and critique studies, how to analyze and interpret research data, and how to control variables. In particular, an important way in which you will learn about research methods in this course is through performing research studies rather than just reading about them.
Prerequisites: WRIT 112 Academic Writing II, PSYC 200 Introduction to Psychology
Application of advanced statistical methods including multivariate and nonparametric analyses. Course focuses on selecting appropriate statistical analyses and computer skills to perform the analyses using SPSS, and the interpretation of computer generated results. Lecture. Prerequisite: PSYC 221, Statistics for Behavioral Sciences; must pass with a grade of C or higher.
Advanced experimental and research methodology in contemporary psychology. Specific topics from areas of student interest are applied to hypothesis formation, experimental design, observation, measurement and data collection. Individuals will be expected to complete a scientific research study from conception to implementation to statistical analysis to written APA-style manuscript.
Prerequisites: PSYC 200 Intro to Psychology; WRIT 112 Academic Writing 2; LSCI 105 Information Theory; PSYC 230 Foundation Research Methods
The course emphasizes the student’s ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge gained throughout the program. Students will be expected to possess a range of knowledge regarding the field and science of psychology and to translate this knowledge into understanding of human behavior in real world settings. This is accomplished through weekly written assignments and student-led discussions related to a wide variety of psychological topics. Prerequisite: Senior standing, Psychology majors only, Completion of minimum of 6 psychology courses with grades of C or higher.
Cultural Emphasis
PSYC 314 Psychology of Gender
PSYC 315 Industrial/Organizational Psychology
PSYC 316 Cross-Cultural Psychology
Cultural Emphasis
A study of intergroup processes and structure, including cooperation, hostility and prejudice, stereotypes, influence, and conformity. The class will examine leadership and membership issues in such settings as families, study group and team projects. Lecture. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; WRIT 112, Academic Writing II; and COMM 120, Public Speaking.
An examination of the concepts and issues related to gender viewed from a broad range of disciplines within the social sciences with an emphasis on historical antecedents, evolution, biology, and cultural norms. Issues include the meaning of gender in society, the development of gender identity, sex roles, and gender differences in aptitudes and abilities. Lecture. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; PSYC 200, Introduction to Psychology; WRIT 112, Academic Writing II; and COMM 120, Public Speaking.
The study of human organizations in the workplace. Topics include cultural issues involved in the development of industry and the structure of these organizations, the efficacy of various organizational structures on productivity and well-being of the employees, organizational structure as a reflection of values and norms, and the effect of changes in a culture on organizational behavior and vice versa. Lecture. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; PSYC 200, Introduction to Psychology; WRIT 112, Academic Writing II; and COMM 120, Public Speaking.
The search for commonalities and differences in behavior, attitudes and norms across cultures. The focus is on the applicability of western theories of human psychology to other cultures, broadly defined to include nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, and social class. Lecture. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; PSYC 200, Introduction to Psychology; WRIT 112, Academic Writing II; and COMM 120, Public Speaking.
Media Emphasis
PSYC 318 Consumer Behavior
Media Emphasis
Encompasses the behavioral aspects of media in activities, events, theories, and practices regarding the effects and behaviors stimulated by media elements. These include pictures, sound, graphics, and content and their effects on the senses and intelligences. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; WRIT 112, COMM 120, PSYC 200.
Application of psychological theory and applied research methods to the study of consumer behavior. The psychological processes that influence consumer decision making will be addressed including product recognition, alternative evaluation and choice behavior, and post-purchase attitudes and behavior. Prerequisites: LSCI 105, Information Theory and Practice; WRIT 112, COMM 120, PSYC 200.
