Psychology Courses

Introduction to psychological research methods, biological foundations, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, human development, personality, social behavior, psychological disorders and treatment, and applied psychology.

An examination of various topics including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, memory, language, thinking, creativity and problem-solving.

An exploration of the applications of several theories of psychology to human interaction via the Internet, including impression formation and impression management, aggression, group dynamics, and attraction, with a focus on how the concepts and theories of psychology describe, explain and predict how people behave online.

An introduction to the study of human development across the lifespan. The course focuses on research methodology and current literature in the areas of physical, cognitive, social, and personality changes from conception to death. Stress is placed on evaluating the relative contributions of nature and nurture to these changes.

An examination of the specialization in psychology that focuses on physical health. In particular, health psychology describes the interrelationships between behavior, psychological states, and physical health.

(Also EDC 210) The role of psychological concepts in educational practices, focusing on the nature and sources of intellectual development and readiness according to Piagetian, psychometric, and information process perspectives. Beyond these approaches to cognitive development, learning theory, motivation, and the role of emotion in learning will be discussed. This course will also include a section on individual differences in learning; exceptional students and social, ethnic, cultural, and gender differences. The related topics of measurement and evaluation of learning will round out the course.

An in-depth study of a single topic in psychology. The course may be repeated for credit as topics change.

Please contact your instructor for specific topic.

介绍理论、研究和实践in the field of career development. Career development is a major aspect of human development. Students will use the theories and research discussed in class to craft their own career development plans.

(Formerly PSY 324) The application of themethods, facts, and principles of the science of psychology to people at work. Topics include: employee selection, training, performance appraisal, leadership,motivation, job satisfaction, working conditions, workplace safety, violence in the workplace, health issues at work, stress, engineering psychology and consumer psychology.

(Also SOC 230) Human behavior as the interaction of individual and social processes. Recent research on topics such as interpersonal attraction, perception, and small group behavior; analysis of events and environments of current interest.

An introductory survey of the following topics covering a diverse range of species: Sensory/perceptual abilities, communication, learning, mating behavior, parental behavior, kin selection, organization of animal societies, and interactions between species. Laboratory exercises and class demonstrations will be included.

Introduction to statistical methods as applied to the behavioral sciences. Emphasis on the basic assumptions underlying statistical concepts, selection of appropriate analyses, and the role of statistics in the analysis and interpretation of quantitative data. Topics include frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, probability and sampling, correlation and regression, and hypothesis testing. Psychology majors can substitute SOC 215 for PSY 245.

An introduction to psychological issues in mental health including understanding of the DSM-IV. Issues of diversity in diagnosis, treatment, and research will be addressed.

An in depth analysis of that transitional period known as adolescence. The course will focus on research methodology and current literature in areas such as pubertal changes, cognitive development, academic achievement, identity achievement, sexuality and intimacy. Issues will be viewed through the contexts of development–peers, families, employment, school, and culture.

Approaches to the study of personality including psychoanalytic, developmental, behavioristic and other theories. Emphasis on research design and assessment techniques in the field.

(Also GIS/SOC 308) This course considers several different cross disciplinary theoretical frameworks that are relevant to understanding social problems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, poverty and homelessness, teenage motherhood, hunger, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, aging, child welfare issues, etc.). The course investigates the ways in which these social problems and people’s needs are addressed by our social welfare and human service institutions, both public and private. Ethical issues surrounding the provision of care and services in the human services are emphasized. Principles of group dynamics, needs assessment, participant observation and evaluative research methods are also studied.

(308年还PSC / SOC)这门课涉及了几个different cross disciplinary theoretical frameworks that are relevant to understanding social problems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, poverty and homelessness, teenage motherhood, hunger, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, aging, child welfare issues, etc.). The course investigates the ways in which these social problems and people’s needs are addressed by our social welfare and human service institutions, both public and private. Ethical issues surrounding the provision of care and services in the human services are emphasized. Principles of group dynamics, needs assessment, participant observation and evaluative research methods are also studied.

An in depth analysis of development from early adulthood through old age. The course focuses on current literature in areas such as physical, cognitive, and personality changes, relationships, parenthood, work and retirement. Central questions: Is adulthood a period of decline or development? How is the experience of aging affected by cultural attitudes toward the aged?

This combined lecture and laboratory course includes research projects based on traditional research designs as well as archival, observational, correlational, and quasi-experimental methods. A laboratory component is included in the course.

This combined lecture and laboratory course primarily focuses on qualitative and applied research methods used in educational, social services and corporate settings. Methods covered will include focus groups, structured interviews, archival research and program evaluation.

This course provides an introduction to Positive Psychology. We will explore the concepts and research of Positive Psychology and complete exercises that will enhance your own understanding of well-being. Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. It is a call for psychological science and practice to be as concerned with strength as with weakness; as interested in building the best things in life as in repairing the worst; and as concerned with making the lives of “normal” people fulfilling as with healing pathology.

(Also BUS 317) The study of individual and group behavior in organizations. Key topics include job satisfaction; motivation; group dynamics, leadership; conflict and change; communication; job design; power and influence; organization concepts and design; organizational development.

Analysis of the development of motivation from simple drives to complex social needs, including the nature of emotion, attitudes and motives. Emphasis on current research in motivation and its theoretical implications.

The study of the biological bases of behavior. The focus is on the role of genetics, neruophysiology, hormones and drugs on sensation, perception, learning, consciousness, emotion, motivation, sexual behavior and psychopathology.

This course provides an overview of the ways that we are touched by death and dying. Topics include the death system, hospice, suicide, violent death, death in childhood, bereavement, grief, mourning, and the funeral process. We will discuss ways of handling the psychological, sociological, cultural and religious implications of death.