Implementation Date: 2012
Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.
Summary
Proposal Summary
The Psychology degree requirements have not been updated in a number of years. The current degree requirements no longer efficiently serve our students and are no longer in line with standards in the field. We would like to make the following changes:
- Collapse the B.A. and B.S. degrees into one B.S. degree.
- Reorganize the major requirements so that they reflect current recommendations and educational standards of the American Psychological Association (APA): 4 research methods and critical thinking skills courses, 4 knowledge base courses, 2 application courses, 2 electives.
- Increase required hours of coursework from 34 to 39: Introductory Statistics has always been required but will now count as part of the major credit hours; an additional elective has been added.
- Eliminate General Psychology Lab as a requirement for majors. Majors may no longer count this lab for the major. Majors may no longer (double) count General Psychology with Lab towards general education credit (i.e., they need to take an “additional” lab science outside Psychology).
- Allow 2 attempts, rather than an indefinite number of attempts, to achieve a passing grade of C or better in the four required courses (PSYC 1101, 2101, 2103, Statistics). Require a grade of C or above in the 2 General Education science courses.
- Added the following prerequisites: PSYC 1101 General Psychology as a prerequisite to PSYC 2171 I/O Psychology; PSYC 2101 Research Methodology I as a prerequisite to PSYC 3116 Human Cognitive Processes; PSYC 2103 Research Methodology II as a prerequisite for PSYC 3137 Positive Psychology and PSYC 3140 Psychological Assessment.
Catalog Copy
Department of
Psychology
psych.uncc.edu
Chair: F. Cachelin
Associate Chair: L. Van Wallendael
Bonnie E. Cone Distinguished Professor in Teaching:
A. Maisto
Bonnie E. Cone Distinguished Young Professor: R.Kilmer
Professors Emeritus: L. Diamant, P. Foos, D. Grimsley, P.Lamal, R. Simono
Professors: F. Cachelin, L. Calhoun, A. Cann, J. Cook, G. Demakis, P. Foos, P. Goolkasian, S. Johnson, S. Rogelberg, R. Tedeschi, W. S. Terry
Associate Professors Emeritus: C. Fernald, C. Kaplan, J. Lee, G. Long, D. Sohn
Associate Professors: A. Blanchard, K. Buch, F. Cachelin, M. Faust, J. Gaultney, D. Gilmore, V. Gil-Rivas, E. Heggestad, R. Kilmer, R. McAnulty, A. Peterman, C. Reeve, W. Siegfried, L. Shanock,
L. Van Wallendael
Assistant Professors: A. Canevello, M. Haber, J. Webb
Lecturers: M.C. Chiarella, M. Michael, E. O’Reilly, S. Spaulding
Psychology is the study of behavior. Psychologists are interested in discovering new knowledge about human and animal behavior and in applying that knowledge. Some of the questions psychology
considers are:
• How do we learn and remember information?
• Why do people develop behavior disorders?
• What are the changes involved in moving from infancy to old age?
• How do other people influence our behavior?
• How is behavior regulated by the brain?
• How do we perceive the physical world?
• How do psychological factors affect physical health?
Psychology is a relatively young and a very dynamic science and profession. Most of what we know has been learned in the last 50 years. Much is left to be learned by the psychologists of the future. The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), an undergraduate minor in Psychology, a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Health Psychology, and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Organizational Science. The primary objective of the undergraduate programs is to provide a solid background in the fundamentals of psychology as a science. Graduates of the program should be prepared for a variety of careers or for graduate study.
Althoughstudy. Although many careers in psychology require an advanced degree, opportunities for individuals with a bachelor's degree in psychology include serving as a teacher or psychological assistant in social service agencies, mental health centers, child care centers, centers for the mentally challenged or the emotionally disturbed, and juvenile delinquent or predelinquent homes offender facilities.
Students whose interests are more laboratory-oriented might become laboratory technicians or research assistants. Also, psychology majors find their skills useful in various areas of business, such as management, advertising, personnel, public relations, and marketing. Graduate school is a possibility after the student completes the B.A. or the B.S. degree. For a psychologist with a master's degree or doctorate, the career opportunities grow (see UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog for information on the M.A. and Ph.D. programs). In addition, many psychology graduates broaden their skills by attending graduate schools in the areas of business, counseling, criminal justice, education, and law.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY
A major in psychology leading to the B.A. degree consists of 34 hours of psychology. These hours must include General Psychology (1101 and 1101L); Research Methodology (2101 and 2103); two courses from each of two Restricted Elective categories: Scientific Foundations of Practice and Scientific Psychology; three unrestricted psychology electives, and a Capstone course.
CAPSTONE COURSES
Capstone Courses serve as a culminating experience for the undergraduate program. Selection of a capstone course should be made with future career and educational goals in mind. Enrollment in a capstone course requires the student to have completed 90 or more hours of coursework, have a C or above in PSYC 2103 (Research Methods II), and any additional prerequisites as required by the individual course. A capstone course may not be taken during the same term as Research Methods II without the permission of the department. Students may select their capstone from the following list of courses:
PSYC 4603 History and Systems (3)
PSYC 4606 Advanced Topics in Psychology (3)
PSYC 4612 Seminar in Behavior Modification (3)
PSYC 4613 Seminar in Physiological Psychology (3)
PSYC 4619 Seminar in Experimental Psychology (3)
PSYC 4625 Seminar in Developmental Psychology(3)
PSYC 4630 Seminar in Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 4650 Seminar in Human Adaptation and Behavior (3)
PSYC 4655 Seminar in Community Psychology (3)
PSYC 4660 Seminar in Health Psychology (3)
PSYC 4670 Seminar in I/O Psychology (3)
PSYC 4691 Honors Thesis II (3) (O, W)
SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS OF PRACTICE
Students will select two courses from the following areas (each course must be from a different area):
• Area 1: Individual Differences and Dysfunctional Behavior (PSYC 2150, 3135, 3151)
• Area 2: Human Development (PSYC 2120, 2121,2124)
• Area 3: Practice (PSYC 2160, 2171, 3155)
SCIENTIFIC PSYCHOLOGY
Students will select two courses from the following:
• Biological Aspects (PSYC 3110, 3113, 3115,3117)
• Cognitive/Affective Aspects (PSYC 3111, 3114,3116, 3316)
• Social Aspects (PSYC 3130)
• Psychological Measurement (PSYC 3140)
ELECTIVES
Students must select at least nine hours of electives in psychology to fulfill the 34-hour requirement for the B.A. Electives should be selected to aid the student in the attainment of personal goals. Please note, though, that the student may not include more than three credit hours in PSYC 3405 and six credit hours in PSYC 3806 in the 32-hour requirement of the major. However, an additional six hours of PSYC 3405 and additional hours of PSYC 3806 may be included in the 120 hours required for the B.A.
OTHER B.A. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Other specific requirements for the B.A. degree include: STAT 1222 (Elements of Statistics), and majors must satisfy the University General Education requirements listed for the Bachelor of Arts Degree
.
RELATED WORK
Students pursuing a B.A. in Psychology are expected to be exposed to a depth of knowledge in at least one domain outside of psychology through their completion of the Related Work Requirement. Related Work should be considered in terms of the fulfillment of individual educational and vocational aspirations. Students must select one of the following options:
1) Complete a second major
2) Complete a minor in a domain outside Psychology
GRADE REQUIREMENTS
A GPA of 2.0 must be achieved for the major, as well as for the second major or minor. A grade of C or above in PSYC 1101, PSYC 1101L, PSYC 2101, PSYC 2103, a statistics course, and the Capstone course is required to progress in the major.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
A major in psychology leading to the B.S. degree consists of 34 hours of psychology courses. These hours must include General Psychology (PSYC 1101 and 1101L), Research Methodology I and II (PSYC 2101 and 2103), two courses from each of two Restricted Elective categories: Scientific Foundations of Practice and Scientific Psychology, three unrestricted psychology electives, a Capstone course, and a Reasoning and Natural Science requirement.
The Psychology major requires 39 hours of coursework in the major, plus completion of a minor or 2nd major, and the University General Education requirements (including two General Education science courses, one with a lab, outside of Psychology and demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language at the 1202 level). A minimum of 120 earned hours are required for the degree. Psychology course work in five areas is required: Research Methods/Critical Thinking Skills (12 Hours), Knowledge Base (12 Hours), Application of Psychology (6 hours), Psychology Elective courses (6 hours), and a Capstone course (3 hours). No more than 6 hours (2 courses) may be double counted with another major, minor, or General Education. General Psychology Lab may not be counted towards the major.
Four Courses are required in the Research Methods and Critical Thinking area (12 hours):
PSYC 1101 General Psychology (may not be counted towards General Education requirements)
STATS 1220, 1221, or 1222 Introduction to Statistics
PSYC 2101 Research Methods I
PSYC 2103 Research Methods II
Four courses are required in the Knowledge Base area, select one from each sub-area (12 hours):
Learning & Cognition: PSYC 3111,3116,3115,3216
Sociocultural Approaches: PSYC 3114, 3130, 3135
Biological Basis of Behavior: PSYC 3110, 3113, 3117, 4316
Developmental Changes: PSYC 2120, 2121, 2124
Two courses are required from the application of Psychology area, both may be from the same area (6 hours):
Personal Applications: PSYC 2150, 2160, 3151
Social Applications: PSYC 2155, 3216, 3155
Organizational Applications: PSYC 2171, 3140, 3172, 3174
Experimental Applications: PSYC 3405, 3806, 3807, 3808 (No more than 6 hours in each Experimental Applications course may be applied toward the major. Additional hours may be applied to General Electives.)
Two Psychology electives (6 hours):
Any course in the Knowledgebase or Application of Psychology or PSYC 1000, 3001, 3002 3122, 3123, 3125, 3126, 3131, 3136, 3137, 3152, 4690, AFRS 3050 (Topic: PSYC of Black Experience)
One Capstone course
CAPSTONE COURSES
Capstone Courses serve as a culminating experience for the undergraduate program. Selection of a capstone course should be made with future career and educational goals in mind. Enrollment in a capstone course requires the student to have completed 90 or more hours of coursework, have a C or above in PSYC 2103 (Research Methods II), and any additional prerequisites as required by the individual course. A capstone course may not be taken during the same term as Research Methods II without the permission of the department. Only one Senior Seminar may be taken. Students may take one other Capstone course in addition to a Senior Seminar course. Students may select their capstone from the following list of courses:
PSYC 4603 History and Systems (3)
PSYC 4606 Advanced Topics in Psychology (3)
PSYC 4612 Seminar in Behavior Modification (3)
PSYC 4613 Seminar in Physiological Psychology (3)
PSYC 4619 Seminar in Experimental Psychology (3)
PSYC 4625 Seminar in Developmental Psychology(3)
PSYC 4630 Seminar in Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 4650 Seminar in Human Adaptation and Behavior (3)
PSYC 4655 Seminar in Community Psychology (3)
PSYC 4660 Seminar in Health Psychology (3)
PSYC 4670 Seminar in Industrial Psychology (3)
PSYC 4691 Honors Thesis II (3) (O, W)
SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS OF PRACTICE
Students will select two courses from the following areas (each course must be from a different area):
• Area 1: Individual Differences and Dysfunctional Behavior (PSYC 2150, 3135, 3151)
• Area 2: Human Development (PSYC 2120, 2121, 2124)
• Area 3: Practice (PSYC 2160, 2171, 3155)
SCIENTIFIC PSYCHOLOGY
Students will select two courses from the following:
• Biological Aspects (PSYC 3110, 3113, 3115, 3117)
• Cognitive/Affective Aspects (PSYC 3111, 3114,3116, 3316)
• Social Aspects (PSYC 3130)
• Psychological Measurement (PSYC 3140)
ELECTIVES
Students must select at least nine hours of electives in psychology to fulfill the 34-hour requirement for
the B.S. Electives should be selected to aid the student in the attainment of personal goals. Please note, though, that the student may not include more than three credit hours in PSYC 3405 and six credit hours in PSYC 3806 in the 32-hour requirement of the major. However, an additional six hours of PSYC 3405 and additional hours of PSYC 3806 may be included in the 120 hours required for the B.A.
OTHER B.S. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Other specific requirements for the B.S. degree include: STAT 1222 (Elements of Statistics), and majors must satisfy the University General Education requirements listed for the Bachelor of Science Degree.
RELATED WORK
Students pursuing a B.S. in Psychology are expected to be exposed to a depth of knowledge in at least one domain outside of psychology through their completion of the Related Work Requirement. Related Work a minor or second major. The choice of minor or 2nd major should be considered in terms of the fulfillment of individual educational and vocational aspirations.
REASONING & NATURAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT
Students pursuing a B.S. in Psychology are expected to be exposed to a depth of knowledge in reasoning and the natural sciences. Students must select from one of the following options:
1) Complete a second major in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Math.
2) Complete a minor in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math, or Cognitive Science, or other minor approved by the Department.
3) Complete six hours from among: PHIL 1105; PHIL 2105; PHIL 3235; PHYS 1101; any Computer Science course; any MATH above 1105; any STAT above 1222 AND complete 18 hours of biology or
chemistry including at least three courses with labs and two courses with or without labs.
GRADE REQUIREMENTS
A GPA of 2.0 or above must be achieved for the major., as well as for the Reasoning and Natural Science Requirement. A grade of C or above in PSYC 1101, PSYC 1101L, PSYC 2101, PSYC 2103, a statistics course, and the Capstone course within two attempts is required to progress in the major. A grade of C or above is required in each of the two General Education science courses.
Each of the following will be considered an attempt:
- Withdrawing from the course after the drop deadline (may be appealed)
- Grade replacement
- Audits
- Pass/No Credit
- Incompletes that convert to grades of F
- Grade of A, B, C, D, or F
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Students should seek advising from the Psychology Advising for Student Success (PASS) Center (Colvard 4018) about courses most beneficial to their career and educational goals. In addition, the Department of Psychology actively participates in several interdisciplinary areas of study, including Gerontology, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Cognitive Science. Consult the Department of Psychology web page (psych.uncc.edu) for a Suggested Schedule to complete the B.A. or B.S. degree with a Major in Psychology.
MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY
A minor in psychology consists of 19 18 semester hours of psychology to include PSYC 1101, 1101L, and a minimum of one course from both the Scientific Foundations of Practice Area and the Scientific Psychology Area. three courses selected from three different Knowledgebase areas, two courses selected from the Application of Psychology areas (both can be from the same area). A minimum of six hours of coursework at the 3000-level or above is required. A minimum of six hours of coursework at the 3000-level or above is required. No more than three semester hours of PSYC 3806 may be counted toward the minor, and. PSYC Psychology3405,3807, and 3808 may not be used for the minor. A grade of C or above is needed for PSYC 1101(within 2 attempts), with a GPA of 2.0 for all psychology courses taken at UNC Charlotte.
PSYC 1000. The Science and Practice of Psychology. (3) Open to entering freshmen accepted into the Psychology Learning Community, it is one of 3-4 courses in a registration block. The sub-disciplines of psychology and their related career paths will be explored. Additional topics include graduate study in psychology, academic success in psychology, and getting the most from the psychology major and degree. The course has a service learning requirement that includes community service in a social-services setting and associated learning assignments. (Fall)
PSYC 1101. General Psychology. (3) A survey of the field including such topics as learning, emotions, motivation, personality, psychological testing, and abnormal behavior. Emphasis on psychology as a behavioral science. May be taken with or without the lab. All psychology majors and tThose who wish to apply this course as partial fulfillment of the to the University science and technology Lab Science requirement must take PSYC 1101L during the same semester in which they take PSYC 1101. Those who do not take PSYC 1101L concurrently with PSYC 1101 will earn non-lab science credit. PSYC1101 does not earn University science and technology science credit for psychology majors and minors.(Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
PSYC 1101L. General Psychology Laboratory. (1) An introduction to laboratory equipment and procedures used in psychological science. Meets two hours per week. (May not be taken apart from the lecture portion of PSYC 1101). PSYC 1101L may not be used as part of the psychology major or minor.except by psychology majors and minors with permission of the department.) (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
PSYC 2101. Research Methodology I. (3) Prerequisites: Psychology major; and PSYC 1101 and STAT 1220, 1221, or 1222 with grades of C or above. Pre- or corequisite: PSYC 1101L with a grade of C or above. Experimental, observational, and correlational methods of psychological research. Basic concepts of philosophy of science will also be discussed. (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
PSYC 2103. Research Methodology II. (3) (W) Prerequisites: Psychology major; and PSYC 2101 with a grade of C or above. Hands-on experience with experimental, observational, and correlational methods of psychological research. Communicating research results using APA Style is a major component of the course. Emphasis on methodology rather than content and applicability of methods to current topics in psychology. (Fall, Spring) (Evenings)
PSYC 2112. Introduction to Behavior Modification. (4) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. Methods and constructs of behavior modification, including the application of the methods to laboratory research. Three lecture hours and one two-hour laboratory period a week. (On demand)
PSYC 2120. Child Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. Psychological development in infancy and childhood, including such topics as biological change, learning, thought, language, social relations, intelligence, and morality. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 2121. Adolescent Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. Developmental and psychological characteristics of adolescents, with emphasis on the developmental transitions, social contexts, and problems of adolescence. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 2124. Psychology of Adult Development and Aging. (3) Cross-listed as GRNT 2124. Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. Psychological development through adulthood and old age. Emphasis on processes underlying continuity and change in adulthood, including personality and socialization, cognitive development, and the psychophysiology of aging. (Yearly)
PSYC 2150. Psychology of Adjustment. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. The study of the process of adjustment and factors that may influence adaptation. Consideration is given to psychological reactions to critical problems encountered in modern life. Introduction to different approaches to intervention and treatment. (Fall, Spring)
PSYC 2155. Psychological Approaches to Diversity. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. This course examines processes and consequences of stereotyping of different cultures and demographic subgroups (e.g., disabled and racial/ethnic groups) and their social implications. (Spring)
PSYC 2160. Introduction to Health Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. An introduction to the contributions of the discipline of psychology to the promotion and maintenance of health, the prevention and treatment of illness, and the improvement of the health care system. Topics include the role of stress and physiological factors in illness, chronic pain disorders and pain management, lifestyle and psychosocial influences on health, and the influence of illness of interpersonal relationships. (Fall, Spring,.Summer)
PSYC 2171. Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. The study of people at work; what motivates people to work and what leads to satisfaction, alienation, or performance; how to lead others; the structure of an organization and processes of communication, decision making, and conflict; socialization through selection and training; measurement of individual contributions; the design of work itself; ways to change; and develop entire organizations. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 3001. Topics in Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Examination of special psychological topics. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 3002. Topics in Psychological Research. (3) (W) Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Examination of special psychological topics. Preparation of one or more APA-style research papers required. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
PSYC 3110. Comparative Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. . Animal and human behavior from a comparative point of view. Includes the study of methodology, and classification of behavior patterns, as well as the origin of these patterns. (Yearly)
PSYC 3111. Psychology of Learning. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better.. (Completion of PSYC 2103 is strongly recommended.) Major theories and empirical findings in the area of learning. (Yearly)
PSYC 3113. Physiological Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better.. The relationship of physiological systems to integrated behavior and an introduction to brain-behavior relationships. Emphasis on neural regulation of behavior. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 3114. Motivation. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. Current theories and research in the area of motivation. Consideration is given to the role of emotion in human motives. (On demand)
PSYC 3115. Sensation and Perception. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. An introduction to the sensory and perceptual processes that provide the means to experience and make sense of the physical world in which we live. Topics include discussions of how sensory data are acquired, processed, and interpreted. (Yearly)
PSYC 3116. Human Cognitive Processes. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. Processes involved in such complex human behaviors as language (acquisition and usage), memory, and problem solving, with emphasis upon experimental findings and current theories. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 3117. Hereditary Behavior. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. Genetic and environmental contributions to behavior and psychological processes. History of the nature‑nurture issue in psychology; animal and human research methods; statistical analysis of behavior‑genetic data; and the heritability of learning ability, intelligence, personality, and psychopathology. (Yearly)
PSYC 3118. Research Methods in Physiological Psychology. (4) Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and Ppermission of the instructor. Current laboratory techniques in physiological psychology, including basic surgeries, lesioning, stimulation, recording, and histology. Three lecture hours and one two‑hour laboratory period a week. (On demand)
PSYC 3122. Cognitive and Language Development. (3) Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and 2120 both with a C or better. Theory and research on the development of thought and language in children, including such topics as theories of cognitive development, the development of perception, representation of knowledge, memory, language, and problem solving. (Alternate years)
PSYC 3123. Social and Personality Development. (3) Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and 2120 both with a C or better. Social and personality development of children, including such topics as infant social behavior, socialization practices, independence and achievement, aggression, sex-role development, and moral development. (Alternate years)
PSYC 3125. Older Worker and Retirement. (3) (W) Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Physical characteristics, personal attitudes, and structural factors affecting the employment of persons over 40. Topics include biological aging, myths and stereotypes about older workers, public policies, human resources practices, economics of retirement, and theories about career and life stages. (On demand)
PSYC 3126. Psychology of Women. (3) Cross-listed as WGST 3226. Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. Application of research in developmental, experimental, and clinical psychology to issues regarding women and gender. Includes such topics as gender-role development, gender differences in cognitive abilities and performance, psychological perspectives on women’s physical and mental health, and violence toward women. (Spring, Summer)
PSYC 3130. Social Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. The social behavior of individuals. Topics include interpersonal attraction and relationship development; attitude change; social conflict; social interaction; social perception; and social influence processes; general theories of social behavior; and research approaches. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 3131. Forensic Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. This course provides an overview of the field of forensic psychology, including the history of the discipline, and legal and ethical issues such as criminal profiling, definition of “insanity,” eyewitness identification, and jury selection. (Fall, Summer)
PSYC 3135. Psychology of Personality. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. Current personality theories. Consideration given to psychoanalytic, physiological, trait and factor, the perceptual viewpoints in the light of contemporary research. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 3136. Sexual Behavior. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. Explores the psychology of sexual behavior, including providing an overview of the major psychological theories, providing an understanding of the psychological factors that affect human sexual behavior, and examining current issues and controversies related to sexuality such as sexual dysfunction and sexual offenses. (Fall, Summer)
PSYC 3137. Positive Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. This course will examine the principal concepts, applications, and research paradigms of positive psychology in reference to various contexts such as everyday people, cross-cultural perspectives, adjustment to chronic illness, surviving natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and civil war. (Spring)
PSYC 3140. Basic Processes in Psychological Assessment. (3) Prerequisites: PSYC 1101, PSYC 1101L, and STAT 1220, 1221, or 1222 both with a C or better. (PSYC 2103 recommended.) Psychological testing, including scaling procedures, reliability and validity, correlational techniques used in test construction, a review of various kinds of psychological tests, and basic approaches to test interpretation. (Yearly)
PSYC 3151. Abnormal Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101 with a C or better. A history of psychopathology. Case studies, differential diagnosis, psychological dynamics of abnormal behavior, including theoretical, clinical, and experimental contributions in the field. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 3152. Child Psychopathology. (3) Prerequisites: PSYC 1101, 2120 and 3151 all with a C or better. Principles of classification, assessment and treatment of children and adolescents who display deviant affective, cognitive, and social behavior. (Alternate years)
PSYC 3153. Introduction to Clinical Psychology. (3) Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and PSYC 3151 both with a C or better. This course provides an overview of the field of clinical psychology, including the theory and practice of discipline. (Spring)
PSYC 3155. Community Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. Social forces, particularly within the context of organizations and/or communities, that affect the development of psychopathology and/or personal competency, with emphasis on preventing psychopathology and increasing competency. Topics include the concept of prevention; assessment of organizations, communities, and other environments; methods of instituting organizational and community change; evaluating the effects of community interventions; social policy analysis; and ethical issues involved in community work. (Yearly)
PSYC 3172. Psychology of Personnel: Employee Selection and Classification. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 2171 or permission of instructor. Methods, techniques, and procedures used to select and classify employees. (Fall)
PSYC 3173. Psychological Bases of Training Programs. (3) Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and 2171 both with a C or better, or permission of instructor. Application of alternative theories about adult learning to the development and conduct of training programs in industry. Topics include how to develop training needs, a description of methods available to trainers such as programmed instruction and sensitivity training, and how to evaluate the effects of various training techniques. (On demand)
PSYC 3174. Organizational Psychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 2171with a C or better. Application of psychological principles to group and organizational levels of analysis, with emphasis on work teams and business organizations. Topics include group dynamics, teams and empowerment, organizational culture and diversity, and organization development and change. (Spring and Some Summers)
PSYC 3216. Introduction to Cognitive Science (3) Cross-listed as ITCS 3216. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Interdisciplinary introduction to the science of the mind. Broad coverage of such topics as philosophy of mind; human memory processes; reasoning and problem solving; artificial intelligence; language processing (human and machine); neural structures and processes; and vision. (Spring, Alternate years)
PSYC 3313. Neuropsychology. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 3113 or equivalent with a C or better. Brain function and behavior, especially in individuals believed to be brain damaged (e.g., by stroke, Alzheimer’s, or head injury); general principles of brain function and of human neuropsychology, including higher functions (e.g., memory and language); and neuropsychological assessment. (Yearly)
PSYC 3405. Practicum in Applied Psychology. (1‑4) Prerequisites: Junior standing, permission of the instructor, and the Psychology department. Work in practical settings related to psychology under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit with departmental permission. The student must have obtained approval in the semester preceding the semester in which the practicum is to be taken. Graded on a Pass/No Credit basis. (Fall, Spring)
PSYC 3806. Undergraduate Research Assistantship. (1-4) Prerequisites: Permission of instructor, Psychology major, and a GPA above 2.0. Assist faculty with current research projects. Exact duties will depend of hours enrolled and the needs of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. The student must obtain approval from the instructor listed in the schedule of classes in the semester preceding the semester in which the course is to be taken. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 3807. Peer Advising. (2) Prerequisites: Psychology major, at least Junior standing, GPA greater than 2.75, participation is through competitive selection process, requires commitment for both the Fall and Spring terms. Students selected as Peer Advisors will earn 2 hours of PSYC 3807 credit each term in which they serve. The course activities involve weekly group training sessions; four writing projects pertaining to advising theory and practice; advising students during pre-registration and registration, and attending SOAR, Explore, and Majors Day. Peers also have 1-2 office hours per week, during which they advise students, maintain the informational bulletin boards, and complete other duties as necessary for the PASS Center. Selection is through a competitive application and interview process in February and March. May be repeated for credit. (Fall, Spring)
PSYC 3808. Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship. (3) Prerequisites: Psychology major, Junior standing, overall GPA of 2.75 or above, and a Psychology GPA of 3.0 or above. Undergraduate teaching assistants (UGTAs) assist faculty with the administration of courses, hold review and practice sessions for students needing assistance. All UGTAs will be expected to meet with the supervising faculty member once a week, attend all class meetings of the course in which they are assisting, hold a minimum of two office hours per week, and complete other activities as requested by the instructor. Students wanting to become UGTAs may apply to the faculty listed in the schedule of classes as PSYC 3808 instructors. The selection process is competitive. May be repeated once for credit. (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
PSYC 4140. Tests and Measurements. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101, STATS 1220, 1221 or 1222 all with a C or better1. Psychological and educational measurements in current use with emphasis on structure, administration and application of group tests. Individual tests such as Stanford‑Binet, WISC and WAIS will be reviewed. (On demand)
PSYC 4152. Psychology of Exceptional Children. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. Assessing and treating the exceptional child. Emphasis on current research in several diagnostic categories, including the emotionally disturbed, learning disabled, mentally retarded, physically handicapped and gifted. (On demand)
PSYC 4316. Cognitive Neuroscience. (3) Prerequisite: PSYC 1101with a C or better. Biological basis of consciousness and the neurobiology of mental processes by which we perceive, act, learn, and remember; representation of mental processes from electrophysiological and brain imaging techniques, clinical neurology, and computational science. (Alternate years)
PSYC 4603. History and Systems of Psychology. (3) Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 with a C or better, at least 9 hours of psychology courses beyond the 1000 level, Senior standing, and permission of department. Historical antecedents and origins of modern psychology. Emphasis on influential psychological systems such as behaviorism and psychoanalysis. May be used in fulfillment of the capstone requirement for the degree. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 4606. Advanced Topics in Psychology. (3) Prerequisites: PSYC 1101, PSYC 2103 with a C or better, Senior standing, and permission of department. Examination of special psychological topics. May be used in fulfillment of the capstone requirement for the degree. (Most Fall, Spring, Occasional Summer)
PSYC 4612. Seminar in Behavior Modification. (3) Prerequisites: PSYC 2103, 2112, and 3112 all with a C or better. Current issues in behavior modification, including an integration of principles, techniques and practical experiences. Emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills. (On demand)
PSYC 4613. Seminar in Physiological Psychology. (3) (O, W) Prerequisites: PSYC 2103 with a grade of C or above and permission of the department. (PSYC 3113 or equivalent also recommended.) Intensive study of selected topics in physiological psychology, such as psychopharmacology, biofeedback and self-regulation, and sleeping and waking. Emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills. (Yearly)
PSYC 4619. Seminar in Experimental Psychology. (3) (O, W) Prerequisites: PSYC 2103 with a grade of C or above and permission of the department. In-depth examination of an area of current concern in the psychological laboratory. Each semester will have a different focus such as discrimination, learning, memory, experimental analysis of behavior and attention. Emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills. (Yearly)
PSYC 4625. Seminar in Developmental Psychology. (3) (O, W) Prerequisites: PSYC 2103 with a grade of C or above, permission of the department, and either PSYC 2120, 2121, or 2124with a C or better. Concentrated examination of selected current issues and research in a field of developmental psychology. Emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills. (Yearly)
PSYC 4630. Seminar in Social Psychology. (3) (O, W) Prerequisites: PSYC 2103 and PSYC 3130 both with a grade of C or above, PSYC 3130, and permission of the department. Intensive study at the advanced level of topics of current research and theoretical interest in social psychology. Emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills. (Yearly)
PSYC 4650. Seminar in Human Adaptation and Behavior. (3) (O, W) Prerequisites: PSYC 2103 with a grade of C or above, and permission of the department. Intensive reading and discussion in selected areas of psychology, such as stress, personality, emotions and psychopathology. Emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills. (Yearly)
PSYC 4655. Seminar in Community Psychology. (3) (O, W) Prerequisites: PSYC 2103, 2103 with a grade of C or above, PSYC 2150, and PSYC 3151 all with a grade of C or above, and permission of the department. Application of psychological research findings to specific problems in the community with emphasis on problems hypothesized directly to affect psychological well-being. Emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills. (Yearly)
PSYC 4660. Seminar in Health Psychology. (3) (O, W) Prerequisite: PSYC 2103 with a grade of C or above and permission of the department. Detailed examination of issues relevant to health and behavior. Readings and discussion of health-related concepts and controversies current in the professional literature. Emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills. (Yearly)
PSYC 4670. Seminar in Industrial Psychology. (3) (O, W) Prerequisites: PSYC 2103 and with a grade of C or above, PYSC 2171, both with a grade of C or above, and permission of department. Topics of current concern in industrial/organizational psychology and related disciplines including issues that affect individuals at work and organizations in society. Emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills. (Yearly)
PSYC 4690. Honors Thesis I. (3) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Initiation of independent Honors research, including the preparation and defense of a formal thesis proposal. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PSYC 4691. Honors Thesis II. (3) (O, W) Prerequisite: PSYC 3790. Completion of independent Honors research, including the preparation and defense of a formal Honors thesis. May be used in fulfillment of the capstone requirement for the degree. (Fall, Spring, Summer)