Next Semester's Courses
Fall 2013
PSYC 10000-01 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF ADJUSTMENT SS LA 1a
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Cris and Maurice Haltom, Williams 119G, 274-7923
ENROLLMENT: 200
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A general introduction to psychology that will be of interest to the non-major who will be taking only limited number of psychology courses. This course does not fulfill the prerequisite requirement for educational psychology.
PSYC 10300-all sections GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY SS LA 1a
Section 01: Primarily for Psychology majors.
Section 02, 03, 04: Students in majors other than psychology.
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Section 01: Jeffrey Holmes, Williams 110, 274-7386
INSTRUCTOR: Section 02, 03, 04: Kathryn Caldwell, Williams 115C, 274-1371
ENROLLMENT: 95
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the field of psychology as a scientific discipline. The course will survey the broad spectrum of topics in psychology, such as learning, memory, cognition, development, neuroscience, personality, social processes and psychopathology. Theories, methods, and applications of psychology will be covered.
COURSE FORMAT/ STYLE: A lecture style will be supplemented with class discussion, demonstrations and activities.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Readings are assigned from an introductory psychology text. Additional readings may be used.
PSYC 10400-all sections INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY SS LA 1
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Cyndy Scheibe, Williams 115B, 274-1324
ENROLLMENT: 90
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to the field of developmental psychology and the biological, cognitive, and socioemotional processes of development across the lifespan. Topics include prenatal development and infancy, cognitive development and learning in childhood, gender and moral development, issues in adolescence, challenges of adulthood, and aging. The course is framed around several key themes and applications, including brain development, thinking and learning, parenting, peers and intimate relationships, and the development of self-esteem. Students will examine the major concepts and theories, research methodologies, and current controversies in the field of developmental psychology, explored from multicultural, historical and contextual approaches with an emphasis on critical thinking, media literacy and real world applications.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture, class discussion, demonstrations, and in-class activities.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Readings from a comprehensive developmental textbook plus additional readings from popular media articles; quizzes, exams and a final exam; several short written assignments; and in-class activities. Letter grade based on accumulated points from exams, writing assignments, and in-class activities.
PSYC 11300-all sections INTRO TO RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY LA
2 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jessye Cohen-Filipic, Williams 119J, 274-7101
ENROLLMENT: 9 per section
PREREQUISITE: Prior or concurrent enrollment in PSYC-10300
STUDENTS: Primarily for majors and minors in psychology.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Designed to complement PSYC-10300. Students are introduced to a variety of research techniques in psychology, collect and analyze data, and write scientific papers.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: One hour lecture, 2 hours of laboratory work required each week. Students must register for the lecture portion (section 01) and must also choose one of the lab meeting times (sections 02-11).
PSYC 20100-01 PROSEMINAR IN DEVELOPMENT LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Carla Golden, Williams 111, 274-3504
ENROLLMENT: 30
Prerequisites: PSYC 11300
STUDENTS: Primarily for majors and minors in psychology
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An examination of the role of biological, experiential, and societal factors in the development of perceptual, cognitive, and interpersonal processes, with an emphasis placed on major developmental theories and methods of study. For majors; nonmajors need consent of instructor.
PSYC 20200-01, 02 PROSEMINAR IN MOTIVATION 1 LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Mary DePalma, Williams 119F, 274-1323
ENROLLMENT: 30
PREREQUISTES: PSYC 11300
STUDENTS: Primarily for majors and minors in psychology
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Examination of the biological, cognitive, and social aspects of psychological motivation. Covers principal theories of motivation, research methods and findings, as well as applied issues.
PSYC 20700-01 STATISTICS IN PSYCHOLOY 2B, LA, NS
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Ann Lynn, Williams 119E, 274-1278
ENROLLMENT: 55
PREREQUISTES: Math group 1, 2, or 3; PSYC 10300, PSYC 10400, or PSYC 11300
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to the computation and interpretation of the basic descriptive and inferential statistics used in the behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data using statistical software (SPSS).
PSYC 24100-01 FAMILY DYNAMICS AND THERAPY SS LA 1b
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jessye Cohen-Filipic, Williams 119J, 274-7101
ENROLLMENT: 43
PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing and PSYC-10300
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to systems theory and to examine the varied dynamics of the American family. Students will be exposed to theories of normal and disturbed family functioning and the use of systems theory to produce positive change. Special emphasis is placed on tracing disturbed patterns of functioning from one generation to the next.
PSYC 26100-01 PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN SS LA 1a 1b
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Carla Golden, Williams 111, 274-3504
ENROLLMENT: 30
PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing and PSYC-10300 or PSYC-10400
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce students to contemporary psychological research and feminist theories on a variety of topics related to girls and women’s lives, including the social construction of sex and gender; gender similarities and differences; the racialized gender socialization of girls; puberty and adolescence, friendships, sexuality, intimate relationships, work, parenting, mental health, and violence against women. Throughout, attention will be paid to differences among women and the impact of class, culture, race/ethnicity, and sexual preference in their lives. Critical to a consideration of each of these topics is an understanding of the social and cultural contexts in which psychological development takes place, specifically the gender and racial inequality still pervasive across the globe. We will consider the causes, consequences, and changing face of such inequalities in the lives of girls and women today. The course will also include daily integration of contemporary news related to issues of gender and feminism around the world, as well as a focus on feminist movements and strategies for social change.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: discussion, occasional films, and mini-lectures
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: extensive reading, several papers, and a final exam.
PSYC 30800-01, 02 RESEARCH METHODS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Barney Beins, Williams 115E, 274-3512
ENROLLMENT: 25 per section
PREREQUISITES: PSYC-11300, PSYC-20700
STUDENTS: Primarily first- and second-year psychology majors
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces students to the details associated with developing research projects. Important topics include the relation between science and society, ethics in psychology, planning research designs using varied methodologies, and data analysis. Students complete written homework assignments and practice using SPSS for data analysis. The course also focuses on using research to understand issues in society and life.
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities
GRADING: The course grade is based on a combination of written homework assignments, hourly tests, and the final exam.
PSYC 30900-01 METHODS OF TESTING AND ASSESSMENT LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jeffrey Holmes, Williams 110, 274-7386
ENROLLMENT: 43
PREREQUISITES: PSYC 11300; PSYC 20700
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Behavioral measurement in the context of psychometrics, presented with examples and demonstrations from the areas of “intelligence,” aptitude, achievement, interest, and personality assessment. The ethical and technical challenges of test selection, administration, and interpretation are discussed.
PSYC 31100-01 BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE NS LA 2a
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Brandy Bessette-Symons, Williams 119C, 274-1988
ENROLLMENT: 43
PREREQUISITES: One course from PSYC-20100, PSYC-20200, PSYC-20700, BIOL-20300, BIOL-20600, BIOL-20800, BIOL-21400, BIOL-27800, CHEM-22100, CHEM-22200, PHYS-21700, PHYS-21800, SPLA-21200.
STUDENTS: non majors must be in their junior or senior year.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The study of biological bases of behavior, this course is designed to introduce students to basic neurological processes responsible for a variety of behaviors, including sensation and perception, learning and memory, sexual behavior, and mental disorders. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have gained an understanding of brain areas, neurons, neurotransmitters and brain pathways important for key psychological processes.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lectures, demonstration and discussion: Optional lab available. TA available for tutoring.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures, GRAD
PSYC 31600-01 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY SS LA 1a
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Leigh Ann Vaughn, Williams 115A, 274-7353
ENROLLMENT: 43
PREREQUISITES: One course from PSYC-20100, PSYC-20200, PSYC-20700
STUDENTS: Primarily sophomore/junior psychology majors and students having acceptable background in psychology.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Social psychology is the scientific study of the way people think, feel, desire, and behave in social situations. Some of the topics to be covered include interpersonal attraction, the self, social cognition, attitudes, persuasion, prejudice, aggression, and helping. A primary goal of this course is to introduce you to the perspectives, research methods, and empirical findings of social psychology. Equally important is the goal of cultivating your skills for analyzing the social situations and events that you encounter in your everyday life. Finally, throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on developing critical and integrative ways of thinking about theory and research in social psychology.
PSYC 32000-01 PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Leigh Ann Vaughn, Williams 115A, 274-7353
ENROLLMENT: 43
PREREQUISITES: One course from PSYC-20100, PSYC-20200, PSYC-20700
STUDENTS: Primarily sophomore/junior psychology majors and students having acceptable background in psychology.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Personality psychology is the study of individual differences and individual uniqueness. A primary goal of this course is to introduce you to the perspectives, research methods, and empirical findings of personality psychology. Equally important is the goal of cultivating your skills for analyzing the people and events that you encounter in your everyday life. Finally, throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on developing critical and integrative ways of thinking about theory and research in personality psychology.
PSYC 32100-01 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Hugh Stephenson, Williams 109, 274-3251
ENROLLMENT: 43
PREREQUISITES: One course from PSYC-20100, PSYC-20200, PSYC-20700
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The goal of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the range or psychological disorders currently and historically identified. Students will also learn the current etiological understanding of different disorders as well as the range and efficacy of available treatments. Abnormal psychology will be considered from different paradigmatic perspectives. The impact of historical, cultural, gender and economic factors will also be addressed in the analysis of our current understanding of psychiatric illness.
PSYC 33000-01 COGNITION NS LA 2a
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Brandy Bessette-Symons, William 119C, 274-1988
ENROLLMENT: 43
PREREQUISITES: One course from PSYC-20100, PSYC-20200, PSYC-20700, BIOL-20300, BIOL-20600, BIOL-20800, BIOL-21400, BIOL-27800, CHEM-22100, CHEM-22200, PHYS-21700, PHYS-21800.
STUDENTS: Junior and senior standing.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will explore the mental operations that allow us to perceive, attend, speak, remember, and reason.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture and discussion
PSYC 36600-01 PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING SS LA 1a
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Judith Pena-Shaff, Williams 119N, 274-7083
ENROLLMENT: 43
PREREQUISITES: PSYC-10400 or PSYC-20400; at least one other social science course.
STUDENTS: Juniors and seniors from a variety of majors.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: To examine the biological, cultural, societal, and individual factors that influence the age-related changes in perceptual, cognitive, and social-personality processes in the middle and later adult years of the perceptual, cognitive, and social-personality processes in the middle and later adult years of the lifespan. Textbook: Cavanaugh, J.C., & Blanchard-Fields, F. (2006) Adult Development and aging (6th ed.). Wadsworth.
PSYC 36700-01 PSYCHOPHARMOCOLOGY GE 2a
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Caldwell, Williams 119D, 274-7319
ENROLLMENT: 43
PREREQUISITES: PSYC 10300, BIOL 11900, BIOL 12000, BIOL12100, OR BIOL 12200; sophomore standing. COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the psychological, biological, and socio-cultural factors related to the use of psychoactive drugs. Students learn the pharmacological, psychological, and biological mechanisms of action for each major class of psychoactive drugs (recreational and therapeutic), including patterns of use and abuse by individuals, along with medical and sociocultural factors that affect the use of psychoactive drugs in human populations. Prerequisites: PSYC 10300, BIOL 11900, BIOL 12000, BIOL 12100, or BIOL 12200; sophomore standing.
PSYC 42000-01 PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR IN HUMAN SERVICES NLA
1 CREDIT
INSTRUCTOR: Jessye Cohen-Filipic
ENROLLMENT: 15
PREREQUISITES: Corerequisites: PSYC 45000. PREREQUISITES: Permission of instructor and three of the following courses: PSYC 10300, PSYC 20100, PSYC 20200, PSYC 21010, PSYC 21700, SOCI 21700, PSYC 24100, PSYC 32100, PSYC 34100. Psychology and applied psychology majors, psychology minors, and counseling minors only.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An opportunity for students enrolled in internships in human services agencies to analyze and discuss individual and general problems related to their experiences. Weekly seminar meetings focus on integration of internship experiences with issues in the human services field, including structure of mental health delivery and patient-practitioner interaction. May be repeated three times for a total of 3 credits.
