Course Listing

• PY 101 Introduction to Psychology

  Introduction to the scientific foundations of the study of behavior and a survey of basic topics of psychology such as sensation and perception, the brain and nervous system, learning and memory, language and thinking, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality, development, stress, and abnormal behavior. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Psychology except PY 200, PY 211, PY 222 and PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240.

• PY 200 Careers in Psychology

  This course is an introduction to the wide variety of careers available to students majoring in psychology. Topics will include, but not be limited to: writing resumes and cover letters, applying to graduate/professional programs, and issues important in deciding upon an area of specialization. Students will learn about the various careers in psychology through presentations with professionals in the field and exploring information available on Internet sites, such as that of the American Psychological Association (1 credit hr)

• PY 211 Human Development

  This course will present the principles of human growth and development from conception to death. Topics to be included in the course are methods of child study, consideration of individual differences, and analysis of patterns and sequences of development.

• PY 222 Human Sexuality

  Consideration of biological, cultural, developmental, and psychological aspects of human sexuality, emphasizing class discussion of relevant issues. Among topics covered are AIDS, romantic love, sexual practices, and sexual orientation.

• PY 235 Fundamentals of Counseling

  Introduction to concepts and theories of counseling with special attention to multi-cultural, gender, and developmental issues. Emphasis on improving listening and attending skills. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 250 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

  This course is an introduction to and application of statistics and research designs used in experimental psychological research. Statistical software will be used to analyze psychological data collected by the students using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Specific types of statistical tests include: measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, multiple regression, z-tests, t-tests for both independent and correlated samples, analysis of variance/covariance, and various non-parametric tests. Prerequisite: MA 101 or higher

• PY 301 Personality Theory

  This course covers major psychodynamic, behaviorist, trait, humanist, and cognitive theories of personality. Situational and biological influences, traits and cognition, life stories, psychobiography, and other contemporary issues are discussed. Application of personality theory to the understanding of individual lives is encouraged. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 311 Abnormal Psychology

  This course presents the major theoretical and therapeutic approaches to psychological disorder. The classification, origin, description, and treatment of the chief psychiatric problems are included. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 320 Human Memory and Cognition

  Addresses the ways in which people gain knowledge about their world and about self. Topics covered include: memory and forgetting, language, thought processes, and creativity. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 322 Psychological Assessment

  This course introduces concepts of testing and measurement. Students will examine a variety of psychological tests, learn basics of measurement statistics, and consider assessment approaches such as rating scales and behavior observation. Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240 (PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240 may be taken concurrently).

• PY 340 Culture and Psychology

  Covers major concepts and research of cross-cultural psychology, including cross-cultural aspects of ethnocentrism, developmental processes, gender differences, emotion, language, personality, and other topics. Applications of cross-cultural knowledge to understanding one’s own culture and the effects of culture on individual lives are included. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 353 Introduction to Psychological Research

  Examination of research design issues in psychology and related disciplines with emphasis on accurate reading of published articles. Students will write a research proposal including a literature review, an operationally stated hypothesis, and data gathering procedures. Students continuing on to PY 354 Experimental Psychology carry out their research proposal. Enhancements for PY 353 provide instruction in American Psychological Association manuscript style. Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240 (PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240 may be taken concurrently)

• PY 354 Experimental Psychology

  Study and application of experimental techniques for investigating psychological issues. Students replicate experiments or design their own investigations, write experimental reports, and use computerized statistical analysis. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240, and PY 353. (3 credit hrs lecture; 1 credit hr lab)

• PY 368 Learning Theory

  Emphasizes the development of theoretical approaches to learning, as well as applications of behavioral learning principles in applied contexts. The principles of classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, and social learning theory will be investigated in the course. The course will also present how learning principles are used in such areas as child management, interpersonal communication, and self-control. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 371 Biological Psychology

  Study of biological influences on human behavior and mental processes. Includes a survey of brain and nervous system anatomy and how researchers learn about functions of these systems in relation to behavior. Emphasis on normal development, adaptation, and learning but a variety of syndromes and problems also are included. Study of Biology or Anatomy and Physiology are helpful but not required. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 375 History of Psychology

  This course presents the development of psychology in the history of the Western world. Among the topics it includes are the philosophical basis of modern psychology, the founders of psychology, and development of major theories and content areas. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 382 Psychology of Women

  Investigation of differences and similarities in psychological functioning between women and men, including the influence of major life events occurring only in women (e.g. menstruation, pregnancy) on psychological functioning. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 399 Topics in Psychology

  In-depth exploration of particular topics of psychological interest not treated or treated only briefly in other psychology courses. Specific titles of courses offered under this heading are listed in the course selection for the sessions in which they are offered. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 400 Advanced Studies in Psychology

  Capstone course for psychology majors focusing on the discussion and analysis of significant issues, methods, and bodies of knowledge in psychology. Students will be responsible for the content and direction of the course under the guidance of the instructor. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240, PY 353, and six additional hours of upper-level psychology, or permission of instructor.

• PY 414 Enterprise Information Intelligence

  This course provides an integrative foundation in the field of enterprise information intelligence at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. Topics such as the functional areas of enterprise intelligence, developing skills applicable to real-world issues and solutions, business process analysis and design will be covered, along with other topics relevant to the field of information intelligence.

• PY 444 Psychology and Religion

  Presents psychological theories and research on religious belief and practices in a seminar format. Insights of Freud, Jung, James, Allport, and others are discussed in a manner respectful of both Western and Eastern spirituality. The course is not offered every year. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 445 Special Readings in Psychology

  An opportunity to study topics of personal or professional interest not covered, or covered in a limited way, in regular courses. Prerequisites: Psychology major and permission of instructor (Credit arranged individually—maximum of 6 credit hrs)

• PY 450 Research

  Provides an opportunity to conduct research in an area of psychology of interest to the student. Research is based upon ideas of the student and/or the instructor. Because original research may take more than one semester, the course may be repeated once for credit for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisites: Psychology major, PY 250 or HS 250 or MA 240, PY 353, PY 354, and permission of instructor