Psychology

An introduction to psychology including research methodology, biological bases of behavior, human development, sensation, perception, intelligence, cognition, language, states of consciousness, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, personality, abnormal behavior and stress and health.

An introduction to statistical procedures often encountered in the analysis of data from behavioral science research. Statistical methods covered include measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, regression, t-tests and analysis of variance. Prerequisites: PSY 100; MATH 131 or MATH 140 with a minimum grade of "C-," or instructor permission.

Introduces psychology majors to the philosophical underpinnings and historical context underlying the development of the discipline. Prerequisite: PSY 100.

An examination of the fundamental theories of personality including the psychoanalytic, trait, behavioral, social-learning, humanist and existential perspectives.

A critical look at the change and continuity that occurs throughout the life span, emphasizing the interrelationships among physical, cognitive and psychosocial realms of human development. Current research findings are emphasized.

An examination of experimental and non-experimental research methods, the design of research studies, measurement issues, research ethics, research reporting and advanced topics in data analysis using computer statistical software. Students design and conduct their own study and present the results following APA approved format. Prerequisite: PSY 200.

An overview of the different tasks performed by forensic psychologists, including assessment, civil commitment, jury selection, eyewitness testimony, behavioral profiling, provision of clinical services to incarcerated individuals, and custody evaluations. Prerequisites: PSY 100 or instructor permission.

An exploration of the relationship between behaviors and their consequences through the application of basic behavioral principles. Topics include classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, stimulus control, aversive control, and the biological constraints on learning. Students conduct their own experiments to apply the behavioral principles discussed throughout the course. Prerequisite: PSY 200 or instructor permission.

A systematic consideration of a theoretical context for the study of motivation. Analysis of several current theories of motivation and explanations of recurrent instrumental and consummatory behaviors. Prerequisite: PSY 200.

A theoretical and empirical investigation into the processes and outcomes of thinking. Topics such as memory and forgetting, problem solving and creativity, cognitive dissonance and consistency, defensive repression, language, optimism, and attribution are studied in relation to current scientific research findings. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and minimum sophomore standing or instructor permission.

An investigation of the physiological basis of human behavior. Topics include functional neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and the activity of the nervous system in relation to behaviors such as sexual behavior, drug effects, emotion, and memory. Prerequisite: PSY 200.

A course designed to show how psychology is directly related to the student's career and the student's life as a job applicant, employee, manager, and consumer. Topics covered include worker morale, leadership, work climate, communication networks, and productivity.

A systematic study of the etiology, symptoms, assessment, and treatment of major forms of psychopathology. An interdisciplinary approach is employed as a basis for understanding disordered behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 100, PSY 258, or PSY 270.

An overview of the emerging, multidisciplinary field of health psychology, which synthesizes research from clinical psychology, behavioral medicine and alternative therapies. Psychological aspects of prevention, health promotion and wellness are addressed. Content is both theory and application-based.

Special topics (1-6 credit hours, to be determined by faculty, department and student)

An opportunity for psychology majors to obtain field experience through direct, supervised contact with professionals in psychology and related areas. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: completion of a minimum of 18 credits in psychology, including six credits at Western.

Considers the relationship between the physical world and our internal perceptions. Attention is given to the visual, auditory, and olfactory systems from both a scientific and philosophical perspective. Students are involved in classroom demonstrations of various perceptual phenomena. Prerequisites: PSY 200, PSY 345.

A discussion of theories and research findings concerning the individual in social situations with an emphasis on their applications to current social issues. Included are such topics as interpersonal attraction, persuasion, altruism, morality, aggression, and intra-group relations.

An introduction to the general methodology and theory of psychological testing. Students have the opportunity to take, score, administer and interpret several common assessment instruments. Ethics and limitations of testing are emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 100, PSY 258, or PSY 270.

An introduction to the profession of clinical/counseling psychology through the presentation and analysis of different theoretical orientations and their respective techniques. Students have in-class opportunities to practice basic skills. Professional ethics in the delivery of mental health services are addressed. Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 258, or PSY 270.

A discussion of the mechanisms of genetic inheritance and the quantitative methods used to assess the relative contribution made by both genetic and environmental factors to individual differences in human behavior. Students evaluate evidence for and against genetic, environmental and evolutionary determinants of behavioral characteristics such as intelligence, personality, mate choice, and psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSY 345.

A seminar involving advanced reading, discussion, and research. Different areas of study are selected as student and faculty interests dictate. A goal of this course is to stimulate critical thinking and analysis.

An opportunity for detailed study and research for advanced students. Topics and course requirements are determined in consultation with the sponsoring faculty member.

Special topics (1-6 credit hours, to be determined by faculty, department and student)

This capstone course is required for all psychology majors, except those who opt to complete the capstone internship. It is intended to provide the opportunity for the synthesis of the ideas and concepts acquired during undergraduate education in psychology. The seminar includes a discussion of controversial issues and ethical considerations in both experimental and applied areas, the completion of a comprehensive literature review and a consideration of the future of the field. Prerequisites: completion of a minimum of 18 credits in psychology including PSY 210.

An opportunity for psychology majors to gain field experience through direct, supervised contact with professionals in psychology and related fields. In addition to on-site responsibilities, students write a comprehensive paper integrating the field experience and psychological theory and later formally present the paper in an open forum. Prerequisites: completion of a minimum of 18 credits in psychology, including six credits at Western.