Course Descriptions

POSC 452 - The Constitution and Human Rights

POSC 453 - The Constitution and War

• Describe the challenges facing policy makers when balancing freedom and security in times of war and crisis.
• Compare and contrast the American policies during the “War on Terror” with policies during previous wars and crises.
• Differentiate between legal and political solutions to security crises over time.
• Identify and understand major shifts in policy regarding civil liberties in times of war or crises.
• Apply knowledge of war time civil liberties law to current events and topics.

POSC 460 - Contemporary Issues in Comparative Politics

• Identify, describe, and explain concepts and theories relevant to contemporary comparative politics (politics, government, political economy, policy, etc. across more than one polity or national political system)
• Analyze, discuss and assess contemporary issues in sub­field and controversies surrounding politics and policy of such issues experts in the field as well as political practitioners
• Develop and ask appropriate question(s) and prepare appropriate research design methodologies such as qualitative or quantitative comparative case study approaches to specific topic or controversy in course subject matter and/or current event(s)
• Utilize, illustrate and apply political science models and research tools to come to an appropriate conclusion as well as relate political science literature to “real world” political and policy issues of the day

POSC 470 - Contemporary Issues in International Relations

• Identify, describe, and explain concepts and theories relevant to contemporary international politics (politics, policy and relationships between nations or across the global geo-political system)
• Analyze, discuss and assess contemporary issues in sub­field and controversies surrounding politics and policy of such issues experts in the field as well as political practitioners
• Develop and ask appropriate question(s) and prepare appropriate research design methodologies such as qualitative or quantitative cross-national approaches to specific topic or controversy in course subject matter and/or current event(s)
• Utilize, illustrate and apply political science models and research tools to come to an appropriate conclusion as well as relate political science literature to “real world” political and policy issues of the day

POSC 475 - International Human Rights

• Identify the important political actors (states, IGOs, NGOs) in international relations who affect human rights
• Identify what international human rights consists of
• Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of international human rights
• Identify international laws that protect human rights
• Identify policies to protect human rights

POSC 481 - Early Political Thought

POSC 482 - Early Modern Political Thought

POSC 483 - Recent Political Thought

POSC 485 - American Political Thought and Culture

• Know different conceptions of democracy
• Know the influence of religion on American culture
• Know the influence of ideas of racial and gender equality
• Know the influence of ideas of economic justice
• Know the implications of the interplay between federal and state governments
• Understand the influence of individual thinkers, religious leaders, and politicians
• Understand the historical evolution of our system

POSC 488 - Introduction to Political Science Methods and Research

• Construct basic causal models using multiple Independent variables and a singular dependent variable.
• Reproduce a literature review of the given research project by examining the previous research on the given topic.
• Collect data for the given research project using the Internet, online databases, and participant interviews.
• Organize and compile collected data into SPSS worksheets.
• Analyze collected data using basic statistical methodologies.
• Compose a research paper summarizing the finding of the collected and analyzed data.

POSC 489 - Senior Assessment

• Develop, or one hopes, further refine students’ writing skills in the context of the study of politics.
• Read primary and secondary sources in the student’s chosen research area.
• Review and be able to demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals and foundation of the discipline of political science at the undergraduate level.
• Demonstrate an acceptable level of analytical and research skills.
• Evaluate, by way of the end-of-course questionnaire, the faculty of this department, its curriculum, and its program.
• Develop, in the process of the course, a greater understanding of the nature of the discipline of political science.
• Develop, in the process of the course, an appreciation of the diversity and complexity of political life from an historical and from a contemporary perspective.
• Differentiate between subjective values and opinions and objective facts.
• Learn to organize one’s thoughts and communicate those thoughts in a clear, written form.
• Become an all-round good person, eat all one’s vegetables, don’t be cruel to animals (unless they deserve it), and struggle against corporate fascism.

POSC 490 - Cooperative Education

POSC 496 - Individual Study

POSC 497 - Honors

POSC 498 - Special Topics

POSC 499 - Seminar

PRIM 220 - Procedures in Captive Primate Care

• Identify chimpanzees behaviors and their contextual meanings
• Gain familiarity with a system of abbreviations for behavioral observations
• Learn and perform husbandry tasks such as cleaning enclosures around captive chimpanzees. They will understand safety protocols
• Read about the nature of chimpanzees and their social behavior and the history of the sign language research
• Learn basic laboratory management
• Identify individual chimpanzees at CSNW

PRIM 298 - Special Topics

PRIM 299 - Seminar

PRIM 396 - Individual Study

PRIM 397 - Honors

PRIM 398 - Special Topics

PRIM 399 - Seminar

PRIM 450 - Primate Behavior and Ecology Capstone

• Prepare a portfolio of work in primatology.
• Articulate if and how her or his attitudes have changed during the PBE program.
• Identify ways for program faculty to improve research and internships experiences provided by the PBE program.

PRIM 490 - Cooperative Education

PRIM 495A - Directed Research in Primatology

• Create a testable research hypothesis.
• Select appropriate data collection method.
• Collect data relevant to research hypothesis.
• Write a scientific report.

PRIM 495C - CHCI Directed Research

• Interact with data.
• Describe research protocols and procedures at CHCI by readings and research tasks.

PRIM 496 - Individual Study

PRIM 497 - Honors

PRIM 498 - Special Topics

PRIM 499 - Seminar

PSY 101 - General Psychology

• Identify and interpret basic psychological theory and principles that underlie human behavior and interaction (individual, group, cultural, and societal) with regard to biology, cognition, and emotion.
• Identify, explain, and apply the different empirical methods used in the subfields of Psychology (research study design, data collection methods, and data analysis).
• Compare and contrast human behavior, perspectives, and culture through exploration of the human cognitive thought processes.
• Explain ways in which humans perceive, experience, and interact with the natural and human-made environments
• Describe and evaluate diversity and similarities with regard to behavior and the thought process in the areas of culture, social, gender, age, and ethnicity.
• Describe and evaluate the biological bases of behavior and the role of biology in fostering a better understanding of the human condition
• Describe and evaluate the role of human development in the contribution of behavioral differences.
• Describe and evaluate abnormal behavior and role in which behavior plays a role in understanding differences among humans and how to foster greater respect, understanding of our differences  and compassion for the human condition.

PSY 200 - Introduction to the Major

• Identify a range of possible careers in psychology.
• Select electives appropriate to an initial specialization.
• Identify practice and research interests of department faculty or community members.
• Identify opportunities for service learning within psychology.
• Identify professional organizations pertinent to psychology.
• Demonstrate how research and practice are interdependent within psychology.

PSY 205 - Psychology of Adjustment

• Compare and contrast adjustment and personal growth which include major psychological theories used to explain personality development, psychological adjustment, and learning.
• Examine and discuss the concept of the self and how the social world contributes to self-esteem, self-concept, and self-identity and deciding on a career that leads to satisfaction and fulfillment along with identifying the current issues associated with the workplace.
• Identify and explain the difference between physical and psychological factors associated with health, including physical and psychological reactions to stress related to the immune system and cognitive processes, eating and living habits that contribute to a healthy life including nutrition, substance abuse, and sleep hygiene.
• Examine and discuss prejudice and bias and its development along with the effects of social influence and the factors associated with persuasion, obedience, and conformity and how it contributes to behaviors within society.
• Analyze and evaluate the building and maintaining of relationships including interpersonal, intimate, sexual, and romantic relationships, and friendships, and the importance of effective communication to overcome the challenges related to relationships as well as maintaining healthy relationships.
• Identify and describe the types of mental disorders along with the overall development, prevalence, biological factors, and criteria used to diagnose a mental disorder and evaluate the types of therapy associated with psychological disorders and well-being and the effectiveness of each therapy.
• Identify, explain and apply some empirical research methodologies including the scientific method and the major features of research methods used to study psychology.

PSY 235 - Relationships and Personal Development

• Understand aspects of interpersonal relationships, with some ideas about how to find and to be a life-partner and how to achieve growth and actualization as partners
• Identify and describe basic concepts and research findings related to self-knowledge and self-esteem, gender roles in society and child-rearing patterns of childhood retained in adulthood and intimate relationships, solitude: knowing yourself, and solitude v. loneliness
• Identify and describe basic concepts and research findings related to the nature of intimacy, actualization v. neediness in relationships, dangers of intimacy, dysfunctional relationships, finding and promoting healthy intimacy, threats to healthy intimacy, the nature of desire, regulating desire, dysfunctional forms of desire, cultural myths and misunderstandings
• Reflect upon and express elements of one’s understanding and experiences with relationships, solitude, and knowledge of self

PSY 242 - Psychology of Video Games

• Examine and evaluate the way video games (and gaming broadly) influence how humans feel, think, and behave
• Apply critical thinking to analyze the role of community, gender, & culture in games
• Demonstrate how psychological research has contributed to developments in games
• Recognize the social, political, and ethical implications of advancements in games
• Formulate questions that can be addressed through scientific solutions
• Utilize quantitative reasoning and critical thinking skills to understand information sources and address the credibility of such sources

PSY 275 - Community Development in Residence Halls

• Understand the theories and skills necessary to become a successful Resident Assistant (RA) and student leader.
• Describe and discuss the major student developmental theories.
• Understand the importance of community and how to create one.
• Develop and practice communication and confrontation techniques.
• Understand the importance of programming and how to facilitate a program in their current residence hall.
• Describe and discuss diversity and multicultural topics.
• Describe and discuss social issues facing college students today.

PSY 295 - Laboratory Experience in Psychology

PSY 295C - CHCI Laboratory Experience

PSY 298 - Special Topics

PSY 299 - Seminar in Psychology

PSY 300 - Research Methods in Psychology

• Summarize the steps of the psychological research process
• Compare scientific and nonscientific approaches to knowledge
• Describe the process of constructing and testing psychological theory as well as the characteristics of a good theory
• Describe the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of research methods used in psychological research including correlational and quasi-experimental designs
• Identify one or more advantages of a complex experimental design
• Construct a “researchable” question that pertains to your interests
• Develop a research question into a specific hypothesis that relates two or more operationally defined variables
• Describe research designs appropriate to a behavioral research question
• Identify potential threats to internal and external validity in reported behavioral research
• Use computer databases to generate a list of relevant sources on a topic
• Identify and address relevant ethical issues in the treatment of human and animal participants in a specific proposed behavioral research project
• Write professionally using APA style

PSY 301 - Learning

• Discuss the historical development of the theoretical orientations to the study of learning.
• Demonstrate mastery of critical terms and concepts from the field of learning and behavioral psychology.
• Develop the ability to communicate in the language and format of the disciplines of learning and behavioral psychology.
• Develop the ability to read, comprehend and discuss technically sophisticated experimental procedures, data analysis methods, theoretical arguments and interpretations specific to behavioral psychology.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate research designs, data collection methods and interpretations common to the field of learning and behavioral psychology.
• Describe the basic behavioral principles of reinforcement, stimulus control, extinction, punishment, and classical conditioning.
• Identify procedures, methods and techniques developed within the field of learning that have been employed by other disciplines.
• Discuss the relevance of the theories and findings from the field of learning from an interdisciplinary perspective.
• Recognize the continuity of species and the relevance of animal models of behavior.

PSY 303 - Analysis of Everyday Behavior

• Name and describe behavioral tactics for changing behavior (reinforcement, stimulus control, aversive control and its limitations).
• Develop and implement a behavioral self- management program.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your behavior change strategies.

PSY 310 - Multicultural Psychology and Social Justice

• Explain the ways that psychology has perpetuated social injustice.
• Summarize how privilege, power, and oppression may affect experiences of, and beliefs about prejudice, discrimination, and inequality.
• Critically examine personal beliefs, experiences and assumptions about culture, cultural difference, and social justice.
• Articulate how they will become informed citizens through critical analysis of social and cultural influences on the field of psychology.
• Explain how social, psychological, and culturally diverse experiences enhance both individual life experience and improve the community
• Analyze how the relationships between local, regional, national, and global cultures impact individuals’ experiences of community, citizenship, politics and mental health/wellbeing.
• Critically examine  how historical, social, economic, and cultural developments have affected communities, citizenship, politics and government

PSY 312 - Queer Theory and Sexuality

• Trace the history of gay, lesbian, and bisexual culture and articulate their understanding of that history in both written work and class discussion.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts within queer theory by using some of these concepts to analyze patterns of behavior, outlook, and identity in gay, lesbian, and bisexual communities.
• Examine how queer self-expression contests and challenges homophobic oppression and heterosexual norms.
• Analyze the psychological and social tensions that arise from transgressing gender norms.

PSY 313 - Developmental Psychology

• Demonstrate understanding of the basic theories of lifespan development.
• Demonstrate understanding of the diverse influences on lifespan development, including hereditary, environmental, normative, and non-normative influences.
• Demonstrate understanding of the physical, cognitive, language, and social/emotional development of individuals throughout the lifespan.
• Demonstrate the use of research skills, including the University library and/or the Internet.
• Demonstrate appropriate writing skills, including the correct format for APA references.

PSY 314 - Human Development and the Learner

• Demonstrate knowledge of physical, cognitive, language, moral, and social-emotional development of individuals from conception through adolescence.
• Apply the key components of prominent developmental theories.
• Identify the effects of diverse influences on individual development including the impact of a variety of cultural backgrounds.
• Describe the effects of diverse influences on development, including hereditary, environmental, normative, and non-normative influences.
• Demonstrate the use of research and writing skills, including the University library and/or the internet as well as using APA style.

PSY 315 - Psychology in the Schools

• Describe major theories of psychology (behavioral, cognitive, sociocultural, etc.) and how those apply to student learning and behavior in school settings.
• Demonstrate knowledge of diversity and human development and how these impact student learning and the learning environment in school settings.
• Describe psychology’s role in the schools in relation to other disciplines or interdisciplinary fields of study, particularly education.
• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary educational settings and contemporary issues in educational psychology and to consider those issues from various viewpoints (e.g. teacher, student, parent, and administrator).
• Demonstrate knowledge of research methods used in school settings, research skills and the ability to apply research to classroom settings.

PSY 333 - Social Justice: The Psychology of Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination

• Articulate how approaching the issues of stereotyping, prejudice, and minority experience from a psychological perspective improves our understanding of human behavior.
• Analyze how theory helps to frame issues associated with stereotypes, prejudice, and minority experience and how research that examines these issues speak to basic psychological theory.
• Identify and analyze the techniques and findings of psychology relating to stereotyping and prejudice to facilitate the application of psychological research and theory to the solution of real-world problems
• Evaluate the influence of group-relevant psychological processes on human behavior in the real world.
• Apply findings and theories to “make sense” of why people do the things they do, and further appreciate the importance of social groups in society.
• Cultivate theabilities to think critically, to formulate arguments, and to express reasoned ideas

PSY 340 - Teaching of Psychology

• Read and acquire fluent knowledge of basic concepts and skills of the course for which you are assisting the professor.
• Execute basic tasks of academic instruction, such as finding source material, evaluating exams and papers, leading discussion groups, explaining concepts to students.

PSY 346 - Social Psychology

• Identify and describe common research tactics in social psychology, their strengths and weaknesses
• Identify and describe basic concepts and findings about interpersonal perception, including self-perception, other perception, and stereotypes and prejudice
• Identify and describe basic concepts and findings about interpersonal influence, including persuasion, conformity, compliance, obedience, and the effects of group membership
• Identify and describe basic concepts and findings about social relations, including friendship and intimacy, helping behavior, and aggression
• Identify and describe basic concepts and findings about applied social psychology, including applications to legal practices, business and industry, and health psychology

PSY 350 - Sleep and Dreaming

• Identify methodological issues in the study of sleep and dreaming, including potential problems and biases in these methods.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the measurement of sleep and dreaming including polysomnography and techniques for recording and understanding dreams.
• Describe and identify disorders of sleep and dreaming, including sleep apnea, limb movement in sleep, narcolepsy, insomnias, and parasomnias.
• Discuss and identify behavioral, cognitive and pharmacological interventions for sleep disorders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of circadian rhythms and the biology underlying sleep and dreaming.

PSY 352 - Application of Adult Development Theories

• Apply theories of adult development in interactions with older adults.
• Apply concepts and theories of Personal meaning and purpose.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to multicultural perspectives and theories.
• Demonstrate adequate legal/ethical/safety considerations.

PSY 362 - Introductory Statistics

• Demonstrate proficiency at using basic algebra to calculate descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations, and use formulas provided to calculate inferential statistical tests
• Calculate simple and compound probabilities, and use sampling distributions to assign probabilities to sample data
• Use the steps of null hypothesis testing to determine whether differences in sample data are best interpreted to be due to chance, or to systematic effects
• Understand the relationship between the variability in sample data and the decisions of null hypothesis testing
• Correctly choose inferential and descriptive statistics that are appropriate to different types of data

PSY 363 - Intermediate Statistics and Research Methods

• Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical basis of parametric statistics and when it is appropriate to use them
• Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between random sampling distributions and statistical decision making
• Demonstrate understanding the concepts of multivariate statistics including multiple regression and MANOVA
• Choose and calculate an appropriate ANOVA for commonly used experimental designs in the social sciences, including between-, within- and mixed factorial ANOVAs
• Calculate and interpret simple main effects for an interaction
• Read and accurately summarize the general scientific literature on a testable research hypothesis in psychology
• Select and apply appropriate methods to maximize internal and external validity, reduce the plausibility of alternative explanations, and plan for an appropriate statistical analysis
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and report data using appropriate statistical strategies in APA style, including graphic representations of data
• Use appropriate software to produce understandable statistical and qualitative analyses
• Follow the APA Code of Ethics in the treatment of human and nonhuman participants in the design, data collection, interpretation, and reporting of psychological research
• Exhibit the ability to collaborate effectively

PSY 396 - Individual Study

PSY 397 - Honors

PSY 398 - Special Topics

PSY 399 - Seminar

PSY 401 - Psychology of Sport

• Identify and describe introductory terms and concepts in sport psychology, including the history of sports, basic principles of scientific psychology, and the history of sport psychology.
• Identify and describe various psychological factors in sport, including psychobiological factors, motivation, attention and memory, mood, and arousal and stress.
• Identify and describe common applications of sport psychology interventions, including relaxation, “psyching-up,” and imagery.
• Identify and describe the influence of social factors on sport performance, including aggression and violence, crowd effects, and team cohesiveness.

PSY 413 - Conservation Psychology (Put on reserve 9/16/19)

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic facts, principles, and applications related to understanding the reciprocal influence of humans and their environments
• Identify and review both scholarly and popular literature related to the origins of environmental problems and identify behavioral components of these problems
• Compare attitudes and behaviors with those necessary for sustaining the global ecosystem and identify strategies for changing behavior where necessary to maintain the sustainability of the ecosystem
• Show a deep knowledge of at least two aspects of sustainability

PSY 415 - Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology

• Identify major psychological, social, and cultural influences on the development of health-related behaviors and attitudes
• Describe major psychological theories concerning health-promoting behavior
• Describe major psychological approaches to modifying health-related attitudes and behaviors
• Identify common obstacles to, and facilitators, of treatment adherence
• Describe the application of two or more psychological theories to the development of education, prevention, and intervention programs addressing current health topics (e.g., addictions, stress, eating disorders, HIV/AIDS)
• Identify procedures for evaluating behavioral medicine interventions and health promotion programs
• Demonstrate the ability to reflect upon the application of psychological theory and research to their own health behaviors and attitudes
• Design a prevention or intervention program targeted at increasing health-promoting behaviors or decreasing health-compromising behaviors
• Articulate the roles and contributions of behavioral specialists (e.g., mental health counselors, psychologists) in the primary health care setting

PSY 420 - Psychology of Language

• Define language and distinguish a language from a means of communication. Discuss language relevant phenomena like humor, taboo language & non-verbal communication
• Discuss positions on the relationship between language and thought. Describe theoretical issues involved in understanding and remembering discourse
• Distinguish kinds of memory and some aspects of their use in language processing
• Define and discuss basic issues in speech perception and auditory recognition of words
• Discuss issues of visual recognition of words and describe theoretical issues involved in sentence processing
• Describe the principal issues surrounding language acquisition, and how language acquisition is affected by various cognitive or sensory deficits
• Discuss some major findings on the relationship between the brain and language
• Define and discuss various research methodologies used in the psychology of language

PSY 421 - Human Neuroanatomy

• Describe the historical development of neuroscience as a cross-disciplinary science.
• Describe and analyze the contributions of anatomical, physiological, behavioral, pharmacological, developmental, and cell and molecular biological studies to the bases of neuroscience.
• Integrate pathological findings from psychology, psychiatry, physiology, and clinical neurology with basic scientific work in the neurosciences.
• Identify and explain why research questions rather than methods ideally drive advances in neuroscience.
• Identify appropriate applications of neuroscientific knowledge in health, service, education, or business professions.
• Use critical thinking to analyze and critique the literature and compare textbook, popular and peer-reviewed scholarly reports in the neurosciences.
• Demonstrate appropriate use anatomical terminology and locate and identify major brain structures on brain atlas plates, MRI, CAT, and PET scans.
• Describe neural mechanisms of motor control, sensory processing, homeostatic maintenance, neuromodulation and higher cognitive functions (e.g. learning, memory and emotions).

PSY 430 - Positive Psychology

• Justify the legitimacy of positive psychology as an important area of study
• Demonstrate knowledge of major theories and empirical findings in the field of positive psychology
• Summarize methodological challenges associated with areas of research in positive psychology
• Demonstrate the ability to apply important information about one or more specific topics in positive psychology to the student’s personal or professional experiences

PSY 438 - Substance Abuse and Dependence

• Describe the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse and dependency among diverse groups in the United States.
• Differentiate between substance use, abuse, and dependence.
• Identify behavioral symptoms associated with the use of stimulants, sedatives, hypnotics, inhalants, narcotics, hallucinogens, steroids, and psychotropic medicines.
• Identify family, sociological, and cultural factors associated with substance abuse and dependence.
• Identify various health-related consequences associated with substance abuse and dependence.
• Describe the potential strengths and limitations of different approaches to defining and assessing substance abuse and dependence.
• Explain major theories about the etiology of substance abuse and dependence.
• List and describe hypothesized effects of the chemically dependent family system on the behavior and emotional experience of individual family members.
• Describe major concepts in the family systems view of substance abuse and dependence.
• Compare and contrast current models of intervention and treatment for substance abuse and dependence.
• Identify common therapeutic techniques used in substance abuse treatment.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of providing substance abuse treatment within the context of the family system.
• Explain the concept of relapse prevention and describe current models of relapse prevention.
• Describe criteria for evaluating the efficacy of interventions for substance abuse and dependence.
• Identify their own preconceived ideas or biases as well as current beliefs about the assessment and treatment of substance dependence.

PSY 441 - Self-Injurious Behavior

• Distinguish between established categories of self-injurious behavior (SIB), including stereotypic SIB, major SIB, compulsive SIB, and impulsive SIB;
• Identify disorders in which SIB is commonly found, and explain the circumstances under which self-injurious behavior is commonly elicited;
• Critically evaluate the literature pertaining to the etiology and treatment of SIB, both from human clinical reports and comparative nonhuman data; and
• Critically evaluate popular portrayals of SIB.

PSY 442 - Evolutionary Psychology

• Demonstrate understanding of the principles of evolution by natural selection.
• Apply the principles of evolution by natural selection to the traditional psychological topics of human and nonhuman behavior and cognition.
• Think critically about evolutionary theory and the evolution of behavior and the mind.

PSY 444 - Tests and Measurements

• Demonstrate knowledge of historical perspectives concerning the nature and meaning of assessment and testing in counseling
• Describe methods of effectively preparing for and conducing initial assessment meetings
• Explain the use of assessment for diagnostic and intervention planning purposes
• Distinguish between basic concepts of standardized and non-standardized testing, norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments, and group and individual assessments
• Demonstrate knowledge of statistical concepts, including scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, indices of variability, shapes and types of distributions, and correlations
• Summarize the concepts of reliability and validity in the use of assessments
• Evaluate the use of assessments relevant to academic/educational, career, personal, and social development
• Identify environmental assessments and systematic behavioral observations
• Assess the use of symptom checklists, and personality and psychological testing
• Analyze the use of assessment results to diagnose developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders
• Select ethical and culturally relevant strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessment and test results
• Choose psychological tests and assessments specific to clinical mental health counseling

PSY 445 - Clinical, Counseling, and Community Psychology

• Describe the historical development and foci of clinical, counseling, and community psychology.
• Describe the role and techniques of assessment, interviewing, and treatment in each field.
• Describe basic skills and approaches to intervention with various populations.
• Describe and evaluate professional, ethical and legal issues related to each profession.
• Identify the contributions of theory and empirical research for each profession.
• Identify and understand the implications of strengths and weaknesses in behavioral and social science research.

PSY 447 - Psychology of Adolescence

• Understand adolescent development, relationships, and culture in a social/ethnic context along with the revolutionary changes in society and how they affect the lives of adolescents.
• Understand and articulate the sexual, physical, intellectual and body image changes that adolescents undergo.
• Understand and critically discuss the changes that adolescent’s undergo concerning self-concept, identity, ethnicity, and gender.
• Understand and critically evaluate the social development of adolescents including adolescent society, culture, relationships, morality, values, beliefs, and behavior.
• Articulate and evaluate the changing world of adolescents and their families.
• Recognize and evaluate the educational and vocational developments and choices that are available to adolescents today.
• Evaluate and articulate the psychosocial problems of adolescents including alienation, substance abuse, addiction, and dependency.
• Develop an appreciation for the varied and extensive sources of information/research that encompass topics that adolescent psychologists explore.
• Understand and assess the various techniques and tools that are available to adolescent psychologists within each the venues that they may be working.
• Learn about and critically evaluate the development of moral judgment character, values, beliefs, and behavior of adolescents.

PSY 448 - Sexual Behavior

• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles natural and sexual selection, and how these relate to sexual behavior
• Demonstrate an understanding of the genetic and hormonal influences on sexual behavior, and how these interact with cultural factors
• Demonstrate an understanding of the methods used by sexuality researchers (for both human and nonhuman subjects), and potential problems and biases in these methods
• Demonstrate an understanding of the factors influencing cultural variability in sexual practices and attitudes

PSY 449 - Abnormal Psychology

• Understand and describe the historical views of abnormal behavior that influence how mental illness is viewed today
• Describe the typical research methods and research controversies regarding abnormal behavior
• Describe the major diagnostic categories of the DSM-IV and distinguish among symptoms, proposed causes, and preferred treatments of each
• Summarize the basic psychological theories of abnormal behavior and the treatments that correspond to each theoretical perspective
• Describe legal and ethical issues related to abnormal psychology
• Consider and express one’s own values, experiences, and history related to theory, research, and practice in abnormal psychology

PSY 450 - Sensation and Perception

• Describe the classical psychophysical methods and signal detection theory and methods.
• Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the sensory systems, with particular emphasis on vision and hearing; and, to a lesser extent, the chemical senses, olfaction, and gustation.
• Describe how objects in the environment are represented in neurological patterns of visual-system activation, with emphasis on retinal ganglion cells and lateral inhibition, the visual pathway, and the architecture of vision in the cortex.
• Describe the variables that are important in color vision, light and dark adaptation, depth perception, the perception of form and movement, and the perceptual constancies.
• Describe the structure and function of the auditory system.
• Describe the variables that are important in the perception of loudness and aural space and speech perception.

PSY 452 - Adult Development and Aging

• Identify and describe and apply major psychological theories about adult change or development.
• Identify, describe, and define the research methodology frequently used by psychologists in the study of adult aging and development.
• Observe, identify, and describe the physical and health changes that occur in adult aging.
• Identify and describe the intellectual changes that occur during adulthood.
• Assess, identify, and describe the social and work roles in adulthood and the development of relationships.
• Summarize the particular issues faced in adulthood such as the search for meaning, stresses, and transitions associated with late adulthood.

PSY 453 - Theories of Personality

• Describe the concepts and processes of historically significant theories of personality.
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each major personality theory.
• Describe and define the research methodology frequently used by psychologists in the study of personality.
• Identify the contributions of theory and empirical research to our contemporary understanding of personality.
• Utilize theory and research in personality in understanding the student’s own life.

PSY 454 - The Helping Interview

• Identify some of your personal qualities that may support or hinder attempts at being helpful to others
• Describe a framework for conceptualizing the helping interview
• Describe key concepts and theory related to helping relationships in a multicultural society
• Explain major ethical and legal principles governing professional helping relationships
• Describe methods for organizing well-formed helping interviews
• Identify skills and strategies for promoting client change
• Describe factors that influence interviewer’s and client’s decisions about the structure, purpose, and goals of the helping interview
• Demonstrate basic helping skills such as attending, paraphrasing, summarizing, reflection of feelings, challenging, and focusing
• Describe your personal style and assumptions about the helping process

PSY 456 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology

• Describe what I/0 psychologists do
• Apply I/0 research methods to practical problems
• Explain how psychological measurements are used in the workplace
• Describe how I/0 psychology relates to the human resources function
• Explain the importance of facilitation, team building and teamwork in the workplace
• Describe the various leadership styles and the characteristics of good leadership

PSY 460 - Cognitive Psychology

• Appropriately use terminology.
• Describe the history.
• Appropriately use the methods, theories, and research findings of cognitive psychology.
  • Concepts and research areas may include: Diversity as it relates to cognitive psychology, Reductionism and how a science of mind is possible, Brain structures related to cognitive processing, The information processing model, including attention, perception, encoding, storage, and retrieval, Parallel distributed processing, Memory constructs, Knowledge representation processes, Language, Biases in thinking, Cognitive assumptions, Perceptual organization, Problem solving, Cognitive development, Sensory analysis, and Learning.
• Perform the skills of synthesizing, organizing, and analyzing the literature in a research topic, conducting a research experiment in cognitive psychology, and reporting research in APA style.

PSY 461 - History and Systems of Psychology (Put on reserve 9/16/19)

• Describe major problematic themes of systems of psychology and describe where a given system stands on these dimensions: conscious mentalism-unconscious mentalism, behaviorism-mentalism, determinism-indeterminism, empiricism-rationalism, functionalism-structuralism, mechanism-vitalism, molecularism-molarism, monism-dualism, naturalism-supernaturalism, nomotheticism-idiographicism, and staticism-dynamicism
• Describe common problems in historiography
• Compare at least four views of how science makes progress
• Describe the major figures and contributions to the history of modem psychology made by: Early Greek philosophy, cosmology and idealism, Post-Aristotelian worldly philosophy, The Renaissance and the beginnings of modem science and natural philosophy, Empiricists, sensationalists and positivists
• Describe the major figures and contributions to the history of modem psychology made by: Rationalists, Romantics and existentialists, Early Experimental psychologists, Voluntarists, structuralists, other early psychologists, and the Darwinian influence and the testing movement
• Describe the major figures and contributors to the history of modem psychology made by 20th century developments in Functionalism, Behaviorism, Neobehaviorism, and Gestalt Psychology
• Describe the major figures and contributions to the history of modem psychology made by: Pioneers in early diagnosis, explanation, and treatment of mental illness Freud, psychoanalysis and its early alternatives, Humanistic (third force) psychology, Cognitive psychologists, Psycho biologists, and Contemporary professional psychologists
• Use scholarly resources in the library and internet to write a coherent brief history of a selected event in the history of psychology in proper APA style

PSY 465 - Psychology and the Law

• Understanding the psychologist’s approach to the law and the dilemmas reflected in this approach along with understanding the roles that psychologists may play in the legal system.
• Understand and articulate how psychologists balance legality versus morality versus justice.
• Learn about the various ways that psychologists help with the selection and training of police. This includes understanding the personality characteristics of police and their relationship to the community.
• Understand and evaluate the psychological aspects of witnesses, suspects, and victims.
• Develop an understanding of and appreciation for forensic psychological assessment.
• Learn about the trial process and develop and appreciation for the special concerns involved with jury trials.
• Understand and assess the psychological components of punishment and sentencing
• Develop an appreciation for the varied and extensive sources of information/research that encompass topics that psychologists explore.
• Understand and assess the various techniques and tools that are available to psychologists within each the legal venues that they may be working.
• Learn about and critically evaluate how changing social value impact the tasks of psychologists within the legal arena.

PSY 467 - Child Psychopathology

• Use terminology, concepts, models, and theories to explain behavior and mental processes in children and adolescents
• Identify major historical events, theoretical perspectives, and figures in child and adolescent psychology
• Identify and describe biological, familial, social, and cultural factors related to the development, diagnosis, outcome and treatment of relevant conditions
• Examine classification and assessment techniques used in child and adolescent psychopathology
• Evaluate empirical literature regarding taxonomy, etiology and effective treatments for childhood disorders
• Use the DSM-V to compare and contrast specific disorders found in children and adolescents
• Explain how individual and sociocultural differences may influence the diagnostic process and the applicability/generalizability of research findings
• Discuss relevant ethical issues in the treatment and study of child and adolescent psychopathology
• Describe how issues of global concern (e.g., poverty, physical health, migration, rights of children, conflict and violence) impact child and adolescent psychopathology

PSY 476 - Psychopharmacology

• Define, identify, and explain the basic principles of pharmacokinetics .and pharmacodynamics
• Define, identify, and explain nervous system organization and function, and chemical signaling
• Define, identify, and explain the methods used to study drug action
• Define, identify, and explain the organization and function of the major neurotransmitter systems
• Define, identify, and explain the mechanisms of drug dependence and addiction
• Define, identify, and explain how the foregoing concepts and principles apply to a selected set of psychoactive drugs

PSY 478 - Behavioral Neuroscience

• Describe different theories that relate the brain to human behavior.
• Cite the contributions of historical figures or case-studies.
• Explain the evolutionary history of the human brain.
• Identify basic structural features of the brain and describe the function of each.
• Explain conventional methods for studying the structures and functions of the nervous system.
• Describe the structural anatomy of the neuron and function of each feature.
• Describe the process of synaptic transmission, including the effects of drugs and hormones.
• Describe the behavioral effects of the factors affecting synaptic transmission, including developmental phenomena, critical periods, abnormality, learning, and memory.
• Using the visual system as a model, explain the physiological processes of human sensation and perception.
• Explain how a combination of basic structures and functions give rise to human emotion.

PSY 479 - Comparative Psychology

• Demonstrate knowledge of the historical and theoretical roots of comparative psychology.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the methods used in comparative psychology.
• Demonstrate knowledge of differing perspectives within comparative psychology, and how these influence and are influenced by choice of species.
• Demonstrate knowledge of major topic areas with comparative psychology, including their historical roots and theoretical bases.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a specific area within comparative psychology, including its historical roots and the current state of the field.

PSY 483 - Psychology of Gender

• Describe basic concepts and findings in the psychology of gender, including: historical development of the field, including important contributions from the literature on the psychology of women, contemporary issues (e.g., the psychology of men and masculinity), and biological, social, psychological, cultural, and political influences related to gender and gender identity development.
• Identify context-related gender differences (e.g., education, career, health care, social networks).
• Critically deconstruct gender messages in contemporary society.
• Distinguish between gender differences and gender stereotypes.
• Use research resources to support class-related written assignments.
• Discuss theory and research on the psychology of gender.

PSY 484 - Violence and Aggression

• Understand and analyze the lifetime of developmental processes involved in violence and aggression.
• Develop an understanding for the multi-disciplinary model that incorporates the biological, psychological, political, social and environmental contributors to violent and aggressive behavior.
• Analyze and appreciate how mental illness may or may not be a contributing factor to violence and aggression.
• Understand and critically evaluate how the justice system, imprisonment, other forms of punishment, and the victims’ rights movement affect violent and aggressive behaviors.
• Analyze how the justice system, imprisonment, other forms of punishment, and the victims’ rights movement affect individual victims and society as a whole.
• Learn to articulate the inter-connected risk factors for violent and aggressive behavior.
• Learn about the successful and unsuccessful violence prevention programs while also integrating the obstacles to prevention into a coherent framework for future prevention programs.
• Develop an appreciation for the varied and extensive sources of information/research that encompass topics that psychologists explore.
• Understand and assess the various techniques and tools that are available to psychologists within each the venues that they may be working.
• Learn about and critically evaluate how changing social values impact the tasks of psychologists.

PSY 489 - Senior Assessment

• Demonstrate clear communication strategies and techniques oral, written, or expressive from in preparation for graduate school or career.
• Apply higher-order critical thinking to evaluate growth as a psychology student.
• Reflect and  integrate, and apply skills and knowledge learned as a psychology major
• Create a portfolio synthesizing your work as a psychology student.
• Demonstrate knowledge of psychological principles
• Engage with and serve community as scholar-citizens

PSY 490 - Cooperative Education

PSY 491 - Workshop

PSY 495 - Directed Research

PSY 495C - CHCI-directed Research

PSY 496 - Individual Study

PSY 497 - Undergraduate Honors Thesis

PSY 498 - Special Topic

PSY 499 - Seminar

PUBH 209 - Consumer Health

This course explores issues related to information, products, services, and regulation influencing the health of people as consumers. Emphases are information environment and perspectives of both consumers and health professionals. Formerly HED 209, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Spring).

Credits: (4)

General Education Category: K6 - Individual & Society

General Education Pathways: P2 Health & Well-being, P3 Perspectives on Current Issues, P4 Social Justice

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the ways regulation, systems, and resulting product/services options are related to consumer values and decisions;
• Find and use credible information about health-related services & products, policy, and/or decision making;
• Collect and share qualitative and/or descriptive-level quantitative data regarding consumer health
• Outline key societal decisions, knowledge building, and events shaping contemporary consumer health issues and options;
• Analyze constructs of behavioral and other public health-relevant theory with respect to impact on consumer outcomes 

PUBH 230 - Foundations of Public and Community Health

• Recognize, describe, and discuss the history, philosophy, and foundational concepts the field of public health.
• Define and explain the 3 core functions and 10 essential services of public health. 
• Differentiate among the roles that federal, state and county governments play in the control of community and public health activities
• Describe the top causes of morbidity and mortality in terms of incidence and prevalence, risk and protective factors, and mechanism for prevention and intervention.
• Identify the role of public health in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities and populations.
• Define social determinants of health and articulate their impact on individual and community level health
• Use health data to identify disparities in health status and outcomes on a population level
• Reflect on how their field experience connect to the 3 core functions and 10 essential services of Public Health

PUBH 240 - Writing in the Health Sciences

• Identify, critique, and synthesize credible sources of appropriate scholarly evidence related to population health issues and strategies.
• Produce a literature review and a proposal regarding a public health issue or strategy.
• Organize research to develop an evidence-based argument on a public health issue or strategy, with the aim of proposing a health promotion initiatives and future research.
• Substantiate assertions with appropriate scholarly evidence using American Psychological Association (APA) Style.
• Identify weaknesses in argument clarity and inappropriate writing style for the intended audience to strengthen prose through iterative revisions.
• Produce writing appropriate for a general public audience, designed to communicate information about an issue and/or prevention strategy.