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The Program |
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| Students must earn grades of C– or better in all required and elective courses within the major. |
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| PSYCHOLOGY | |
| INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY - 3 cr. | |
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Dr. Kristen Asplin, Dr. Daniel Milberg Course is a summary of our present knowledge of human behavior. Fundamental areas of brain physiology, learning, sensation, perception, developmental patterns, motivation, emotion, social behavior, and health/mental health will be discussed. |
| INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (HONORS) - 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Daniel Milberg Course is a summary of our present knowledge of human behavior. Fundamental areas of brain physiology, learning, sensation, perception, developmental patterns, motivation, emotion, social behavior, and health/mental health will be discussed. Advanced topics and assignments will be included. |
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| INTRODUCTION TO EXISTENTIALISM - 3 cr. | |
| Dr. William Pamerleau Existentialism is concerned with understanding the human condition. Through philosophical and some literary readings, this course shall examine such issues as the nature of consciousness, freedom, responsibility, bad faith, and authenticity. Cross-listed as PHIL 0220 |
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| RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY - 4 cr. | |
| Dr. Daniel Milberg A laboratory course dealing with research methods in the study of behavior, with particular attention toward understanding individual social behavior. The course offers a combination of field and lab research. Prerequisites: PSY 0010, STAT 200; PSY 330 or 402 or 1228 Recommended |
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| SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Daniel Milberg This course will examine any human behavior that arises from the interactions with others or in response to others. Topics will include how we perceive others; prejudice, attitudes, and attitude change; close relationships; aggression; helping behavior; and group behavior. Applied topics, such as work, health, law, and environments, will also be discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 0010. |
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| PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Randi Koeske A survey of major theorists of personality in the last century who approach human behavior and experience from a psychoanalytic, behavioral, or humanistic-existential perspective. Theorists are examined in their historical and personal context. A group project on one theorist, and reflections on the modern or personal relevance of various personality theories are required. Prerequisites: PSY 0010. |
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| DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Kristen Asplin An in-depth look at how human psychology changes from conception to adolescence. Theories of social, emotional, cognitive and physical development are discussed, as well as the influences of the child's environment, family and school. Examples of the special research methods needed to study change and the very young are discussed and shown in short film clips. Prerequisite PSY 0010 |
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| EXPERIMENTAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY – 4 cr. | |
| Dr. Kristen Asplin This course will introduce studens to the scientific basis of theories and issues in child and developmental psychology. Students will learn about and apply basic methods of research in childn development, including conducting a study and writing it up according to APA style. The course will be primarily organized around the child's cognitive development, but other topics will be discussed as well. Prerequisites: PSY 0010 and PSY 0310 |
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| EXPERIMENTAL LEARNING – 4 cr. | |
| Dr. Diane Marsh A laboratory course offering an overview of principles of learning and behavior. Topics include: Pavlovian and operant procedures, vicarious learning, generalization, and discrimination. Individual behavior modification project and lab report required. Prerequisite: PSY 0010. |
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| HUMAN COGNITION – 3 cr. | |
| (TBA) This course introduces students to theory and research regarding human cognition. Topics covered include how humans: sense, perceive, and attend to objects in the environment, remember certain stimuli, events, and skills, form concepts, learn, and solve problems. Prerequisite: PSY 0010. |
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| INTRODUCTION TO BIOPSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Estrella Ang. Introduction to the physiological bases of behavior, with emphasis on central nervous system function and motivation. Includes consideration of sleep and wakefulness, hunger and thirst, specific hungers and learned aversions, recovery of function following brain damage, and various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 0010 or BIOSC 0170, any introductory BIOSC course, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed as BIOSC 1090 |
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| SENSATION AND PERCEPTION – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Estrella Ang Examines the physiological, psychological, and social-cognitive factors that contribute to sensation and perception. Topics include: vision, hearing, touch and pain, smell, taste, and the perception of both external events or objects and internal states. Prerequisite: PSY 0010 or BIOSC 0170. Cross-listed as BIOSC 1535 |
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| INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Daniel Milberg, Dr. Margaret Rechter Covers topics including: personnel selection, personality testing, attitude measurement, leadership training, marketing research, organizational management, and motivation. Focuses on applying psychological principles to issues and problems facing industrial and business organizations. Prerequisite: PSY 0010. |
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| INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Melissa Marks A survey of current problems in education which psychological theory and research can address. Topics include developmental approaches to teaching, educational applications of learning theory, classroom management, and testing strategies for teachers. Lecture and discussion. Cross-listed as PSYED 1001 |
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| TESTS AND MEASUREMENT – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Diane Marsh Introduction to basic principles of psychological assessment. Topics include foundations of testing, as well as assessment of achievement, intelligence, special abilities, personality, interests, and attitudes. Prerequisites: PSY 0010 and one of the following: STAT 200, MGMT 0024, MATH 0120, MATH 0200, or three credits of computer science. |
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| DRUGS AND BEHAVIOR – 3 cr. | |
| (TBA) This course examines the influence of drugs on the brain and behavior. Topics covered include: the influence of drugs on brain functioning, the use of drugs to treat psychological abnormalities (e.g.. schizophrenia, depression), and theories of drug addiction. Prerequisite: PSY 0010. |
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| HUMAN FACTORS IN SYSTEM DESIGN – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Wesley Jamison Deals with the problem of designing equipment and environments to promote safe and efficient use by humans. Discussion will focus on using what is known about human capabilities and expectations to build better products. Special attention will be given to problems in human-computer interaction. Prerequisite: PSY 0010. Cross-listed as INFOSC 1044 |
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| CREATIVE PROCESS – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Diane Marsh
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| PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN SEXUALITY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Randi Koeske . A social-psychological, social symbolic and psychobiological orientation to the study of human sexuality. Topics include sexual development and anatomy, sexual response, gender development, sexual scripts and romance, beauty and attractiveness, dating, commitment and marriage, pregnancy and childbirth, parenting and birth control, the singles lifestyle, divorce, aging, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual violence, pornography, homosexuality, and alternative sexual lifestyles. Prerequisites: PSY 0010. |
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| GENDER AND MENTAL HEALTH – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Randi Koeske An advanced course that provides an in-depth exploration of four gender-sensitive approaches to the study of mental health issues, explores controversies and debates in the field related to gender, and encourages exposure to original research and writing in the professional literature. Historical, political, and ethical issues in the understanding and management of mental illness are explored. Topics include depression and anxiety, addiction and eating disorders, violence in the family, and the impact of trauma and abuse on selfhood. A final paper providing an integrated analysis of one individual's psychological struggles is required. Prerequisites: PSY 0010 and 1-2 other Psychology courses; PSY 160 recommended. |
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| ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Diane Marsh Survey of history, theory, research, and practice concerned with psychopathology. Based on the current diagnostic system, examines specific mental disorders, as well as their etiology and treatment. Prerequisite: PSY 0010 |
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| HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Randi Koeske 3 cr. An upper-level introduction to the role that psychology and allied fields (sociology, anthropology, social work, pastoral care, and nursing) have come to play in understanding and managing patients' and families' experiences of illness. Focus on patient and family perspectives and personal accounts of chronic or terminal illness in historical and cross-cultural context. Topics include stress, cognition and emotion, placebos and pain perception, illness as a social relationship, family strains and identity changes associated with illness, self-management of health, and the social psychology of hospitalization, chronic illness, aging and death. Prerequisites: PSY 0010 and 1-2 other Psychology courses. |
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| EXPERIMENTAL EMOTION AND MOTIVATION – 4 cr. | |
| (TBA) This course examines how social, cognitive, and biological factors influence emotions (eg. fear, pleasure, pain) and motivations (e.g. sex, drugs, food). Students will learn about these topics and the experimental methods used by psychologists examining these issues. Students will then choose a particular area of interest, design and conduct an experiment on that topic, and write up their results according to APA style. Prerequisites: PSY 0010. |
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| CHILD PSYCHOPATHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Diane Marsh. Survey of the psychopathology of childhood and adolescence. Topics include: history, diagnostic criteria for specific disorders, etiology, treatment, and prevention. Clinical applications are emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 0010 |
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| ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Daniel Milberg Advanced topics in social psychology chosen at the discretion of the instructor. Examples might include: social problems stemming from aggression, managing social environments, topical social issues, etc. Prerequisites: PSY 0010 and 0105. |
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| NEUROPSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| (TBA) This course examines the relationship between psychological and brain processes. Topics covered include: 1) environmental and genetic influences on the brain and psychological processes, 2) brain organization, development, and plasticity, and 3) the neural correlates of sensations, perceptions, thoughts, memories, stress, dreams, emotions, and motivations. Prerequisite: PSY 0010. |
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| PHILOSOPHY OF PSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. William Rued An examination of conceptual issues concerning such topics as the following: the goals, methods, and subject matter of psychology; requirements for an adequate theory of consciousness; the relationship between mental and physical phenomena; freedom and determinism; and the explanation of emotions. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy/logic or psychology. Cross-listed as PHIL 1640 |
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| PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY OF TRAUMA – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Randi Koeske An advanced course that addresses the importance of both single-blow and chronic forms of trauma, neglect and abuse in mental disorders and adjustment. The class provides an in-depth exploration of current theory and research on trauma; explores controversies or debates in the field surrounding diagnosis and treatment, memory, and selfhood; and encourages exposure to original research and writing in the professional literature. Movies, stories, personal accounts and images are used to clarify concepts and enhance empathy. The Holocaust is examined as an important example of trauma, remembrance, and healing. Prerequisites: PSY 0010 and 1-2 other Psychology courses; PSY 160 recommended |
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| SUPERVISED FIELD PLACEMENT – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Diane Marsh * Students complete 120 hours of supervised placement in a mental health, mental retardation, juvenile justice, educational, or other community setting. Graded on S/U basis. Prerequisite: PSY major, either PSY 1205 or PSY 1270, senior status, and permission of instructor. * Ms. Gayle Pamerleau (2003-4) |
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| DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL READING – 1-3 cr. | |
| Any faculty member Students complete readings or conduct library research on a topic of personal interest under faculty supervision, then write a paper that summarizes their learning. Exact responsibilities to be negotiated with the instructor. Prerequisite: PSY major, and permission of instructor. |
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| DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH – 1-3 cr. | |
| Any faculty member Students collect and/or analyze data under faculty supervision. Exact responsibilities to be negotiated with the instructor. Prerequisites: PSY 0010, STAT 200, advanced standing in PSY, and permission of instructor. |
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| SENIOR THESIS – 3 cr. | |
| Dr. Randi Koeske A capstone course intended to give majors practice in the advanced skills needed to develop a final, integrative psychology project: a critical literature review, a data collection project, or a service project involving the application of psychological research and theory. Students will demonstrate competence in each of the following core areas: 1) conducting on-line and archival literature retrieval; 2) critically reading research articles; 3) conducting simple computer analysis and graphing and interpreting data; and 4) developing materials for written and oral presentation using APA style. Prerequisites: STAT 200, PSY 32, an Experimental course in Psychology, and senior status (90 credits or more). |
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| TEACHING OF PSYCHOLOGY – 3 cr. | |
| Any faculty member Advanced PSY majors serve as teaching assistants for an undergraduate PSY course they have completed. In addition to a range of teaching-related responsibilities, students obtain some actual teaching experience under faculty supervision. Exact duties, to be negotiated with the instructor, must follow UPG Guidelines on Undergraduate Teaching Assistantships. Prerequisite: PSY major, upper-level status status, and permission of instructor. |
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| STATISTICS | |
| BASIC APPLIED STATISTICS – 4 cr. | |
| Dr. Dean Nelson This course teaches descriptive and inferential statistics, making use of a user-friendly computer package. Students who complete this course will be able to conduct their own analysis of standard one-sample or two-sample data sets, follow statistical reasoning and read statistical reports with understanding. Introductory topics in linear regression, analysis of variance and contingency table analysis will also be covered. Prerequisites: MATH 0031. |
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