PSYCHOLOGY (PSY)
Course Descriptions
PSY 402/502 Cr. 3
Personality Theories, Models and Measures
Exploration and evaluation of major theories of personality.
Particular attention is paid to psychoanalytic,
neopsychoanalytic, behavioral, trait and humanistic theories of
personality. This course also addresses current research in the
field of personality psychology and issues in personality
measurement. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or 212 and junior standing.
Offered Fall.
PSY 403/503 Cr. 3
Advanced Psychopathology
This course focuses on selected topics in the area of
clinical and abnormal psychology and is designed to provide
in-depth knowledge of advanced current issues in the field. It
helps prepare undergraduate or graduate students for the field
of human services by offering additional information beyond that
conveyed in the abnormal psychology course on the diagnosis and
treatment of a number of psychological disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 304. Offered occasionally.
PSY 410/510 Cr. 3
Advanced Developmental Psychology
An in-depth study of important topics in developmental
psychology. Relevant theories and recent research in social
development, cognitive development, moral development, language
development, and emotional development will be evaluated.
Prerequisite: PSY 210 or 212; 331 or 321, and MTH 145. Offered
occasionally.
PSY 420/520 Cr. 3
Advanced Research Methods
An advanced course in the quantitative and logical aspects of
statistical analysis, interpretation and design of behavioral
science research and experimentation. Major emphasis is on the
conceptual rather than the computational aspects of quantitative
methods. Recommended for those planning graduate work in
psychology or related fields. Prerequisite: PSY 100, 210, 331,
or 321; MTH 145. Offered Spring.
PSY 426/526 Cr. 3
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors
Study of the personality characteristics of individuals
experiencing substance abuse, dependency, and compulsive
behaviors such as eating disorders and gambling. The focus will
be on abuse as a maladaptive response to the demands of life.
Special topics will include consumptive patterns, level of
dependence, neurological status, assessment, and contemporary
treatment techniques. Prerequisite: PSY 100 and 304. Offered
occasionally.
PSY 434/534 Cr. 3
Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology
This course examines the relationship between brain
functioning and cognition, behavior, and emotion. The course
covers neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropsychological
assessment. The history, rationale, goals, and procedures of
neuropsychological assessment are explored alongside the role
that neuropsychologists play in the evaluation and treatment of
individuals with disorders. Specific disorders likely to be
covered include: traumatic brain injury, dementia, psychiatric
disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, cerebrovascular disorders,
seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Prerequisite: PSY
100; PSY 321 or 331 or BIO 312; MTH 145. Offered Spring.
PSY 435/535 Cr. 3
Cognitive Processes
This course examines theories, models, and related
experimental research concerning human mental processes. Topics
include acquisition of information, memory, decision-making,
problem solving, and language. Prerequisite: PSY 100; PSY
321 or 331; MTH 145. Offered Fall.
PSY 436/536 Cr. 3
Psychology of Language
An introductory course in psycholinguistics concerned with
the comprehension, production and acquisition of language. Other
topics include: language and thought, reading, writing,
bilingualism, figurative language, metalinguistic skills, and
the neuropsychology of language. Prerequisite: PSY 100; PSY 321
or 331. Offered Spring even numbered years.
PSY 441/541 Cr. 3
Advanced Social Psychology
The course will provide coverage of methodology and
statistics most frequently encountered in social psychology and
cover topics both of classic and current interest such as
stereotypes and prejudice, medical social psychology,
environmental psychology, social interdependence, leadership,
and power. Prerequisite: PSY 100, 331, 332, 341; SOC 330;
MTH 145. Offered occasionally.
PSY 451/551 Cr. 3
Psychological Measurement
Principles and procedures for the psychological measurement
of human differences. This course examines the development,
quantitative interpretation, uses, distinctive and desired
characteristics of tests of intelligence, aptitudes,
achievement, occupational interests and personality.
Prerequisite: PSY 100; PSY 321 or 331. Offered Fall and Spring.
PSY 710 Cr. 2-3
Educational Psychology: Human Development
This course explores human development with an emphasis on issues that
are relevant to establishing effective conditions for successful
learning in school contexts. Major topics include developmental
theories and issues, and cognitive, language and
social-emotional development. In addition, individual
differences, multiple influences on developmental processes,
multicultural and gender issues and the role of early
experiences are examined. Prerequisite: Admission to a program
leading to certification in a school related profession, and an
undergraduate course in developmental psychology (e.g.,
lifespan, child or adolescent). Offered Fall.
PSY 711 Cr. 3
Psychology of Human Exceptionalities
Nature and needs of exceptional persons: intellectual
deviations, learning disabilities, emotional and social
deviations, sensory impairments, speech and language disorders
and physical and health impairments. Offered occasionally.
PSY 712 Cr. 3
Development of the Young Child
An in-depth study of important theories, research, and issues
related to development during the first six years of life.
Implications of theories and research are examined with respect
to facilitating development of both normal and handicapped
children. Prerequisite: PSY 310 and 710 or consent of
instructor. Offered occasionally.
PSY 713 Cr. 3
Cognitive Development
An examination of the development of cognition from infancy
through adolescence. Theoretical perspectives, empirical
research, and educational implications, related to the
development of knowing will be surveyed. Prerequisite: graduate
standing and PSY 310 or equivalent. Offered occasionally.
PSY 714 Cr. 3
The Hurried Child
Many children and adolescents are being forced to take on the
physical, psychological, and social behavior of adulthood before
they are prepared to do so. Attention is given to parental
influences, school, and the media and pressures for academic,
interpersonal, and extracurricular achievement. Methods for
handling these pressures and stresses are discussed. Offered
occasionally.
PSY 717 Cr. 3
Behavior Disorders in Children
Psychological aspects of behavioral disorders in children.
Includes the study of etiology, symptoms and treatment of
behavior disorders in children. Prerequisite: consent of
instructor.
PSY 720 Cr. 2
Adolescent Issues
An in-depth exploration of critical issues which surface
during adolescence. Topics include psychological correlates of
puberty, changes in cognition, adolescent sexuality, identity
formation, diversity among adolescents, and problems experienced
by young people. Emphasis is placed on relating these issues to
professional contexts, especially schools. Offered occasionally.
PSY 725 Cr. 3
Research and Program Evaluation in Schools
This course is designed to increase competencies in
understanding and applying educational research and provide
skills to successfully participate in school wide evaluation and
improvement efforts. Prerequisite: MTH 145 or equivalent.
Offered Summer.
PSY 756 Cr. 3
Early Childhood Assessment
This course will provide an in-depth review of best practices
of formal and informal assessment techniques in early childhood.
Such techniques will be discussed in context to the four major
functions of assessment: screening, diagnosis/eligibility,
program planning, and program evaluation. The course will focus
on procedural considerations in assessing cognition, motor
skills, communication, play, socialization, behavior, and
adaptive skills in early childhood. Issues of test development,
standardization, reliability, validity, and report writing will
also be explored. The challenges of assessing young children and
meeting the ongoing needs of the child and family will be
addressed. Prerequisite: graduate status and consent of
instructor. Offered Spring.
PSY 759 Cr. 3
Assessment of Personality and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
Models of personality assessment. Reliability, validity and
applications of personality, cognitive and behavioral measures.
Planning, collecting and integrating data. Outlining and writing
reports. Emphasis on assessing behavioral and emotional problems
in children and youth. Prerequisite: PSY 402/502; SPY 757 and
775. Offered Fall.
PSY 770 Cr. 2-3
Educational Psychology: Learning and Instruction
Consideration of psychological principles, concepts,
processes, and interpretations of human learning and cognition
and related empirical evidence. Emphasis is given to those most
relevant to establishing effective conditions for instruction
and learning in schools. Prerequisite: admission to a program
leading to certification in a school-related occupation. Offered
Spring.
PSY 772 Cr. 3
Counseling and Therapy Methods
Focus on an integrative framework for major theoretical views
and methods for use in counseling and therapy. Includes lab and
field supervised experiences in individual and group therapy.
Prerequisite: PSY 402/502. Offered Fall.
PSY 773 Cr. 3
Advanced Counseling & Therapy Methods
This course is designed to expand on previous therapeutic
methods and skills through participating in additional helping
relationships in a school setting. Students will be expected to
advance their clinical skills by exploring practical and ethical
components of critical incidents in schools. Special emphasis
will be placed on designing, facilitating, and evaluating group
counseling experiences across developmental stages.
Prerequisites: enrollment in School Psychology Program or
permission from instructor, PSY 772. Offered Spring.
PSY 776 Cr. 3
Psychoeducational Consultation and Collaboration
This course emphasizes theory, research, and applications of
psychological consultation and collaboration in a school
setting. Students will acquire skills for consulting and
collaborating with teachers, parents, and related professionals.
Additional topics include organizational systems, organizational
development, pupil services, prevention, crisis intervention,
home/school/community collaboration, program assessment, and
needs assessment. Prerequisite: admission to the School
Psychology Program or the Special Education Program. Offered
Spring.
PSY 780 Cr. 1-3
Seminar in Psychology
Reading and discussion of selected topics, current trends,
and issues in professional psychology. Prerequisite: consent of
instructor. Repeatable for credit — maximum 9.
PSY 795 Cr. 1-3
Directed Study in Psychology
Directed readings or presentation of psychological material
not available in formal departmental courses. Repeatable for
credit — maximum 4.