John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences

Psychology Course Descriptions

PSYC 101. General Psychology (formerly PSYC 320) Credit 3(3-0)
This course provides an introduction to psychology for non-psychology majors. Topics given major consideration include maturation and development, motivation, emotion, and personality; mental health, intelligence, and aptitude; perception and attention; learning, forgetting, language, and thinking; social influence, attitudes, beliefs, and vocational adjustments. Prerequisite: Non-Psychology majors. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 110. General Psychology for Majors (formerly PSYC 321) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is an introduction to psychology as a behavioral science required of the psychology major with enrollment restricted to them. Major areas of consideration include maturation and development, nervous system and internal environment; physiological basis of behavior; motivation, emotion, and personality; and psychological testing. Prerequisite: Psychology major. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 120. Freshman Seminar (formerly PSYC 240) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is designed to give students an overview of the various fields of psychology, possible career opportunities for psychology graduates, and skills that are essential to the success of students majoring in psychology. Topics will include how to read, critique and summarize research papers, an introduction to APA style, basic career skills such as creating a resume, writing a personal statement, how to prepare for an interview, presentation skills and academic etiquette. This course will also provide students with an overview of the graduate school application process and will emphasize the importance of gaining research experience through independent study. Prerequisite: Psychology majors only. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 150. Information Processing Techniques in Behavioral Research (formerly PSYC 242) Credit 3(2-2)
This course is an exploration of the ability of computers to assist in behavioral research. Included are literature review (bibliographic search), stimulus presentation and response recording (programming and data management), data analysis (spreadsheets and statistical packages), data presentation (graphics), and report writing (word processing). Prerequisite: Psychology majors only. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 175. Psychology of Success (formerly PSYC 328) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is an examination of the fundamental psychological principles of success. Some topics will include understanding success, self-awareness, setting and achieving goals, handling stress and anger, self-esteem, positive thinking, self-discipline, self-motivation, time management, effective communication, and healthy relationships. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 221. Developmental Psychology (formerly PSYC 324) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is an introductory survey of developmental psychology from birth through adulthood and death. It also considers developmental theories and research that investigates biological, psychological, and social factors within a cultural framework. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110.(F;S;SS)

PSYC 225. Social Psychology (formerly PSYC 420) Credit 3(3-0)
This is an introduction to the study of the behavior of the individual in relation to factors in his social environment. Socialization, enculturation, attitude formation and modification, social influence on perceptual and conceptual processes, and social interaction will also be studied. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 227. Theories of Personality (formerly PSYC 439) Credit 3(3-0)
Contemporary theoretical formulations of the structure and development of personality and their empirical bases will be covered. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 230. Black Psychology (formerly PSYC 560) Credit 3(3-0)
This course examines the psychology of the African American / Black experience. The course begins with examination of the Black psychology paradigm, its history, and its applications. The course will examine several topics relevant to Black psychology such as racism, racial identity, family, community, spirituality, and African American mental health. The course will also focus on how knowledge of Black / African American psychological experiences can be used to promote African American psychological health and wellness. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110.(F;S;SS)

PSYC 241. Principles of Learning (formerly PSYC 470) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is a survey of different learning approaches. The focus will be on conditioning, discrimination learning, observational learning, motor learning, and verbal learning. Discussion will include interactions of learning and innate physiological mechanisms related to behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 243. Human Motivation (formerly PSYC 460) Credit 3(3-0)
This course presents a survey of major concepts, research findings, and perspectives in the study of the selection, initiation, and persistence of human motivation across the spectrum of psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 245. Memory and Cognition (formerly PSYC 461) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is an introduction to human information processing. Coverage will include memory systems, attention, concept formation, decision making, imagery, language processing, mental representation, pattern recognition, problem solving, artificial intelligence, human factors, and applied problems (e.g., eyewitness testimony). Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 250. Psychological Statistics (formerly PSYC 322) Credit 3(3-0)
This course introduces techniques of analysis and interpretation of research data. Topics will include descriptive statistics (frequency distributions, centrality, variability, and correlational measures), introduction to statistical inference (normal curve, sampling theory, test of statistical hypotheses, t-test, analysis of variance, chi-square, and others). Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110, taken concurrently with PSYC 251 or 252. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 251. Psychological Statistics Lab (formerly PSYC 323) Credit 1(0-2)
This laboratory provides first-hand experiences in the practical use of statistical methods. Computer software (i.e. SPSS) will be used to analyze, interpret, and graph data. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110; taken concurrently with PSYC 250. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 252. Applications of Psychological Statistics Credit 3(3-0)
This course will focus on the practical application of the statistical concepts covered in PSYC 250. During lectures, activities, and assignments, students will work with real data sets to describe, analyze, and interpret results. Particular focus will be placed on the use of computer software to carry out statistical analyses. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110, PSYC 150, taken concurrently with PSYC 250. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 271. History and Systems of Psychology (formerly PSYC 545) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is an analysis of the philosophical and empirical antecedents of modern psychology and the contemporary systems from which they emerged. Coverage will include a review of the historical roots of selected systems and theories in psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110.(F;S;SS)

PSYC 273. Industrial Psychology (formerly PSYC 445) Credit 3(3-0)
This course studies issues related to differences in personnel selection, training, and placement in organizations and industries. Topics will include organizational theory and development; personnel evaluation and assessment; skills development and measurement; theory of motivation and leadership, and issues related to human factors, working conditions and safety. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 275. Psychological Perspectives in Hip-Hop (formerly PSYC 510) Credit 3(3-0)
This course will examine how principles and perspectives in psychology manifest themselves in hip-hop culture. A primary focus of this course is to examine different psychological concepts and identify the psychological underpinnings of hip-hop from 1979 until the present. The course will begin with an extended look at research conducted in the areas of popular media, journalism and mass communication, and hip-hop studies. Next, students will explore & identify evidence of psychological theory in mainstream hip-hop culture. Finally, students will study the documented effects of music on mental processes such as cognition, motivation, and emotion; extrapolating findings from the literature on sensation and perception to offer hypotheses on the overall effects of music from this genre at both the individual and societal level. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 277. Media Psychology Credit 3(3-0)
This course will provide an overview of the primary areas of media psychology and will explore how individuals interact with and are affected by mass media (magazines, television, video games, internet, etc.). Students will apply various theories of media influence and evaluate research strategies used to measure media effects. The course will investigate the messages that different media genres communicate about health, relationships, and stereotypes, and the ways children, adolescents, and adults interpret these messages. Students will also evaluate current controversies about media use and well-being, and develop policy recommendations based on the existing literature. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or PSYC 110. (F;S:SS)

PSYC 331. Psychological Disorders (formerly PSYC 434; Abnormal Psychology) Credit 3(3-0)
This course provides students with foundational knowledge of child, adolescent, and adult emotional and behavioral disorders and conditions. Students will be exposed to the etiology, research methods, diagnostic criteria, developmental course, correlates, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 333. Clinical Psychology (formerly PSYC 525) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is an advanced survey of the field of clinical psychology, covering issues such as mental health delivery systems, clinical assessment and diagnoses, and ethics. The course also presents an overview of different approaches to psychotherapy, and assessment methods used in evaluation of therapy, research, and decision making in clinical settings. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 335. Psychopharmacology (formerly PSYC 462) Credit 3(3-0)
This course explores the psychological, pharmacological, and physiological aspects of drugs and human behavior. Coverage includes approaches to understanding drug use and abuse in clinical and non-clinical settings. Special emphasis is placed on narcotics, hallucinogens, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and psychotherapeutic drugs. Consideration will be given to drug effects on learning, memory, and sleep; as well as drug screening procedures. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

 PSYC 337. Behavior Modification (formerly PSYC 548) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is a survey of relevant research and techniques making use of either learning theory or behavioral principles in the treatment of deviant behavior. Special emphasis is placed on the use of operant conditioning procedures in the prevention and treatment of abnormal behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;S)

PSYC 339. Psychological Testing (formerly PSYC 544) Credit 3(3-0)
This course emphasizes the principles of measurement of psychological attributes; an examination of factors essential for a reliable and valid measuring instrument with an emphasis on the important role they play in producing their effects. There will be discussions and pre-clinical experiences with more valid tests available in the areas of personality, aptitude, attitude, interests and intelligence testing. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 347. Psychology of Animal Behavior (formerly PSYC 550) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is a study of various types of animal behaviors such as communication, aggression, feeding, sexual behavior, maternal behavior, territoriality, socialization, learning processes, and responses to stressors, and how heredity and environment affect these behaviors, with emphasis on domestic animals and their often “unnatural” environments. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 350. Methods of Psychological Research (formerly PSYC 440) Credit 3(3-0)
This course provides a survey of various research methods with an emphasis on experimental design, instrumentation, and the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research data. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110, 250, 251, taken concurrently with PSYC 351.(F;S;SS)

PSYC 351. Methods of Psychological Research Lab (formerly PSYC 441) Credit 1(0-2)
This laboratory provides practice in human and animal research using various experimental designs in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of research data, and in methods of reporting experiments. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110, taken concurrently with PSYC 350 or 352. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 352. Applications of Psychological Research Methods Credit 3(3-0)
This course will focus on the practical application of the methodological concepts covered in PSYC 350. During lectures, activities, and assignments, students will design and implement psychological research studies. Course work will also include the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, and writing of research reports in APA style. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110, PSYC 150, PSYC 250, PSYC 252, taken concurrently with PSYC 350. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 361. Biological Psychology (formerly PSYC 540) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is a study of the biological basis of normal and abnormal behavior, including sensory systems, brain and behavior relationships, and underlying neurochemical processes. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110.(F;S;SS)

PSYC 363. Sensation and Perception (formerly PSYC 463) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is a study of sensory systems in man and other animals. There will be discussions on cognitive organization related to measurable physical energy changes medicated through sensory channels. Coverage will include vision, audition, psychophysics, and practical applications (e.g., work environments, human-machine interaction). Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 365. Neuropsychology (formerly PSYC 565) Credit 3(3-0)
This course examines the effects of brain diseases, injury, and other conditions on mental and cognitive processes such as memory, language, motor functions, executive functions, emotions, and perception. Attention will be given to methods of neuropsychological assessment and treatment. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 367. Cognitive Neuroscience (formerly PSYC 553) Credit 3(3-0)
This course will examine the psychobiological, computational, and neuroscientific bases for cognition and higher mental functions. Topics will include vision, object recognition, attention, memory, spatial functions, language, and decision making. Major themes will include mind/brain relationships, localization of functions, and plasticity of the brain. In addition, material will include neuroimaging studies of people with focal brain damage, as well as neurologically normal people. Cognitive neuroscience approaches to disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease will also be explored. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 371. Cross-Cultural Psychology (formerly PSYC 504) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is designed to introduce students to the impact of European-based psychological principles on various ethnic groups in America. Differences in culture, background, perceptions, and history in America will collectively serve as a foundation to assess the applicability of psychology as we know it. Additionally, the scientific assumptions of various psychological concepts will be challenged in terms of the cultures to which they appear to apply, and compared with ethnic-based alternatives. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 373. Forensic Psychology (formerly PSYC 530) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is a study of the psychological theories and research that address legal issues, and the role psychologists play in the criminal justice system. This course gives an overview of services provided by psychologists, such as expert witnessing, criminal profiling, trial consulting, legal decision making on child custody, jury selection, and other issues. Coverage will include the assessment and therapeutic services provided to individuals in forensic settings with suspected deviant behaviors such as drug abuse, mental illness, suicide, and sexual deviance. Also covered are the ethical issues confronted by psychologists in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110.(F;S;SS)

PSYC 375. Applied Health Psychology (formerly PSYC 546) Credit 3(3-0)
The utilization of psychology concerning the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical disorder (e.g. hypertension) and disease from a behavioral and/or psychological perspective will be included. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 377. Psychology of Women (formerly PSYC 551) Credit 3(3-0)
This course will include historical context, issues in research, and theories of gender-typing. Students will examine how gender, personality, and experiences shape the development of masculinity and femininity. Further topics for discussion include the development of gender role behavior, socio-cultural stereotypes, and contemporary issues in the psychology of women. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 379. Introduction to Helping and Healing Skills Credit 3(3-0)
This course focuses on the dynamics of communication in a helping / healing relationship. The course will provide an introduction to the theoretical and practical application of the skills important to becoming an effective helper / healer. Class sessions will include lecture, discussion, and structured activities. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110.

PSYC 398. Internship Psychology I (formerly PSYC 505) Credit 3(2-2)
This course is designed for placement of students in applied settings like hospitals, industry, mental health and rehabilitation centers, or schools. Students will gain experiences in the application of various psychological principles under professional supervision. Lecture topics will cover practical and theoretical issues related to the specific placement setting. Prerequisite: Psychology major with senior standing. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 447. Special and Contemporary Topics in Behavioral Data Analytics Credit 3(3-0)
This course provides knowledge and skills for the analysis and interpretation of large data sets in areas such as social media, healthcare, and consumer behavior. Some of the special topics will be based on what is not covered in the introductory level course in psychological statistics. Contemporary topics will be chosen to follow current trends or new developments in behavioral data analytics. Prerequisites: PSYC 250, and PSYC 251 or 252. (F;S:SS)

PSYC 450. Advanced Statistics and Computer Applications (formerly PSYC 502) Credit 3(3-0)
This course provides further study of descriptive and especially inferential statistics. It covers the basic principles underlying the logic of hypothesis testing. It also includes concepts and assumptions underlying parametric tests (e.g., ANOVA), non-linear correlation and regression (e.g., logistic regression), and nonparametric (e.g., Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman Rank Order) statistical tests of significance, and the use of statistical software packages for data analysis. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or 110, 250, 251 or 252. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 453. Advanced Experimental Design and Scientific Writing Credit 3(3-0)
This course provides additional training in experimental design and the craft of writing about scientific research. Students will gain expertise in conducting the experimental design process from start to finish, including designing an experimental study, carrying out an appropriate statistical analysis of the data, and properly interpreting and communicating the findings. Advanced experimental methods, including factorial ANOVA design, will be covered. Manuscript writing, submission and peer review will be additional components of the course. Prerequisites: PSYC 350, and PSYC 351 or 352. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 485. Special Topics in Developmental Psychology (formerly PSYC 501) Credit 3(3-0)
This course is a study of a specific developmental period (e.g., adolescence, or adulthood and old age). It surveys developmental theories and research on the biological, psychological, and social factors within a cultural framework. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 492. Seminar in Psychology (formerly PSYC 542) Credit 3(3-0)
A study of selected major systematic views and theoretical issues in psychology will be included as the capstone experience. Each student will participate in research using psychological journals and other materials, which will lead to an oral presentation and a written paper on a substantive view or issue in psychology. The graduate school application process, and preparation for the work-force will be included. Prerequisite: Psychology major, junior standing and above. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 494. Independent Research (formerly PSYC 500) Credit 3(3-0)
Independent research on a specific topic or area in behavioral science. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 110, PSYC 453, permission of the instructor. (F;S;SS)

PSYC 498. Internship Psychology II (formerly PSYC 506) Credit 3(2-2)
This is a continuation of Internship I. Students will do an in-depth study in the same or different applied settings, like hospitals, industry, mental health and rehabilitation centers, or schools. Moreover, students will gain experiences in the application of various psychological principles under professional supervision. Lecture topics will cover practical and theoretical issues related to the specific placement setting. Prerequisite: PSYC 398, psychology major. (F;S;SS)