Psychology


Course Descriptions

CORE REQUIREMENTS

PSYC 1003 – Principles of Psychology – 3 credit hours

Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior. Fundamental facts, theories, concepts and principles of psychology are included. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

 

PSYC 3203 – Theories of Personality – 3 credit hours

Various modalities and explanations of personality structures and dynamics proposed by major personality theorists. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and sophomore standing or above. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

 

PSYC 3403 – Social Psychology – 3 credit hours

A study of human behavior in terms of personality and situational variables. Major topics covered include attitude formation and change, aggression, attraction, social cognition, prejudice, and group processes. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and sophomore standing or above. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

 

PSYC 3503 – Cognitive Psychology – 3 credit hours

A study of theories and experimental findings in the areas of learning, memory, thinking, problem-solving, and language. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and sophomore standing or above. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

 

PSYC 3603 – Behavioral Analysis – 3 credit hours

A study of the theory and techniques of behavioral change utilizing the principles of conditioning. Application relevant to health-centered and educational settings is emphasized. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and sophomore standing or above. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

 

PSYC 3903 – Developmental Psychology – 3 credit hours

Presents an overview of the scientific study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life. Originally concerned with infants and children, the field has expanded to include adolescence, adult development, and aging. Emphasis is on major theories and perspectives as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and social aspects of human development. Prerequisite: PSYC 1003. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

 

PSYC 4403 – Physiological Psychology – 3 credit hours

An introduction to the biological basis of behavior. Neural, sensory, motor, and chemical structures and functions will be examined in relation to emotions, learning and memory, perception, and psychopathology. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and junior standing or above. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

 

PSYC 4503 – History & Issues of Psychology – 3 credit hours

A study of the historical, philosophical, and theoretical roots of contemporary psychology. Included will be a critical examination of contemporary issues in relationship to historical perspectives. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and junior standing or above. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

 

PSYC 4703 – Research Methods & Statistics I – 3 credit hours

Introduces the student to conducting research in the behavioral sciences. Concepts and application emphasized are ethics in research, exploring the literature, types of research variables, validity and descriptive statistics. In addition, each student will design an independent research project to be completed in PSYC 4903. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and MATH 1013 or a minimum ACT mathematics subscore of 26 or equivalent. Course rotation: Fall.

 

PSYC 4903 – Research Methods & Statistics II – 3 credit hours

Continuation of Research Methods, this class provides an overview of experimental designs and inferential statistics with an emphasis on selecting the appropriate statistical analysis for each experimental design. The student will demonstrate understanding of experimental methods by conducting the independent research project designed in Research Methods and presenting the results in a public forum. Prerequisite: PSYC 4703. Course rotation: Spring.

PROGRAM ELECTIVES

BIOL 3513 – Animal Behavior – 3 credit hours

A study of the history and development of science up to modern discoveries in foraging theory, reproductive strategies, sexual selection, social behavior, domestication, learning, migration, and more. The course employs special topical readings followed up by recitation and discussion plus formal lectures. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Course rotation: Varies.

 

COMM 3203 – Nonverbal Communication – 3 credit hours

An integral study relating to body language, facial expressions, vocal variations, proxemics, personal appearance, and artifacts. Recommended: COMM 1003.

 

COMM 3303 – Group Communication & Decision Making – 3 credit hours

Study of time interaction and communication in small-group and team situations. Emphasis is placed on role identity, listening, conflict, problem-solving and decision-making. Recommended: COMM 1003.

 

COMM 3333 – Internal Communication – 3 credit hours

Focuses on the effect internal dialogue has on reasoning choice and intention. The course explores the role that conscious and unconscious discourse plays in our effort to understand both ourselves and our environment; and thus become more effective communicators.

 

COMM 4723 – Persuasion – 3 credit hours

An advanced study of theories of human influence and motivation and their applications with emphasis on commercial and political advertising in mass communication and computer-mediated communication.

 

EDUC 3303 – Adolescent Psychology – 3 credit hours

Students will use technology to study developmental processes, behavior, and thinking of children during adolescence. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and junior standing or instructor’s permission. Course rotation: Fall.

 

HS 2903 – Introduction to Counseling Theory – 3 credit hours

Provides an introduction to and overview of theories significant to the practice of counseling. Attention will be given to notable individuals and theoretical principles.

 

HS 4253 – Ethics & Multicultural Diversity – 3 credit hours

Examines ethical, professional, and multi-cultural issues/dilemmas within the discipline. Particular emphasis is given to codes of ethics and the parameters of acceptable professional conduct. Human diversity is also a major focus. Recommended: HS 2103.

 

HS 4343 – Substance Abuse – 3 credit hours

Facilitates understanding of major theories of addiction and evaluation of psychological, social, and physiological signs and symptoms of alcohol and other drug use, abuse, and/or dependence associated with addiction. Recommended: HS 2103.

 

PSYC 3033 – Psychopathology – 3 credit hours

The origins, development, and treatment of psychopathological behavior. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and sophomore standing or above. Course rotation: Fall and spring.