PSYC - Psychology

Course Descriptions

 

PSYC 1000 Learning Strategies (1-3)

Provides students with a structure for discovering and developing the learning strategies and the time management techniques necessary for becoming self-directed learners. The course content is focused on developing new ways of analyzing, integrating, and applying learning strategies to various learning situations, and developing modes of communication and critical thinking that encourage lifelong learning. This course is not applicable to a major or minor in psychology.

PSYC 1025 Strategies for Academic Achievement (1)

This course will assist students in improving behaviors and strategies necessary for restoring their status to good academic standing, enhancing their ability to successfully develop critical decision-making skills and developing strategies for their academic and career goals. Students will gain experience by improving their communication skills to develop solutions to academic and non-academic barriers as well as perceived campus barriers. This course will require one hour of support per week either on-ground or online through NetTutor or the Online Writing Center. Recommended for students on Academic Probation and open to all interested students. This course is not applicable to a major or minor in psychology. Prerequisite: At least one semester at Webster and/or recently placed on Academic Probation.

PSYC 1050 Psychology Overview (1)

Provides students a brief overview of the field of psychology. This self-paced course is designed for students taking the MCAT for admittance into the health science field. This course is not applicable to a major or minor in psychology. 

PSYC 1100 Introduction to Psychology (3)

Introduces the breadth and diversity of contemporary psychology. Provides a foundation from which the student might progress to more advanced, specialized courses. Topics include learning, perception, biopsychological processes, childhood and development, adjustment and mental health, and social behavior. GCP Coding: (SSHB) (CRI).

PSYC 1500 Psychology of Adjustment (3)

Designed to facilitate the application of psychological principles to personal experience. Adjustment is viewed as an active two-way process between the individual and his or her environment. Class members study the physiological and psychological determinants of behavior, with emphasis on relevant research. Organized around the themes of behavior, interpersonal relationships, and processes of psychological growth. GCP Coding: (SSHB) (ETH).

PSYC 1800 Careers in Psychology (1)

Provides students with career information for the field of psychology. Students are given guidance on how to search for and apply to graduate programs and internships, create personal statements, develop a résumé, and find jobs within the field of psychology. Designed to be taken in a student's freshman or sophomore year. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2000 Issues in Contemporary Psychology (1-4)

Introductory-level course designed to provide a brief, intensive overview of specific areas of contemporary psychology. Uses a number of approaches to provide students with a chance to explore how psychological principles are applied to a specific topic or area of interest. Topics vary each semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

PSYC 2125 Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (3)

The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the psychological and social issues relevant to sexual orientation and gender diversity. Students will be encouraged to think critically about topics such as developmental issues, identity, families, relationships, intersections with race and ethnicity, mental health, physical health, minority stress, work and career concerns, and attitudes toward minority communities. Throughout the course, cultural and international issues will be discussed, and an emphasis will be placed on an empirical approach to the science and practice of psychology. Cross-listed with WGST 2125.

PSYC 2150 Psychology of Sleep (3)

Sleep inhabits one third of our life. Sleep is not a passive behavior. On the contrary, it is quite active. This course focuses on sleep as a part of the daily sleep/wake cycle. This course examines the history of sleep and sleep research, developmental aspects of sleep, physiological bases of sleep, the functions of sleep, the effects of various drugs on sleep, sleep disorders, and dreaming. GCP Coding: (PNW) (CRI).

PSYC 2200 Child Psychology (3)

Examines physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development of the child from conception to adolescence. The complex interaction between heredity and environment is considered. Emphasizes language development, achievement, personality, and gender behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2250 Adolescent Psychology (3)

Examines the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social changes of adolescence. Lectures and class discussions consider the characteristics and problems of contemporary adolescents and implications for emerging adulthood. Special issues such as addiction, adolescent-parent relationships, and achievement are considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2300 Lifespan Development (3)

Studies the development of the individual from conception through adulthood. Examines intellectual, emotional, and social aspects of behavior in terms of the complex interaction of heredity and environment. Content includes the application of prominent theories of human development to the individual’s development over the life span. Reviews current research in critical areas of human behavior (e.g. attachment, aggression) and uses it to enhance the student’s understanding of the human developmental process.

PSYC 2400 Educational Psychology (3)

Focuses on the psychological nature of the child within an educational framework. Considers learning, cognition, motivation, personality, and emotions in an effort to see the child as a whole person functioning in the school environment. Uses a cross-cultural approach to examine the goals and values of American education. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2450 Psychology of Interpersonal Communications (3)

Examines the behavioral and social sciences theories of communication with an emphasis on interpersonal relationships. The course focuses on developing awareness of communication techniques and more accurate perception of self and others. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2475 Topics in Sex and Gender (3)

Special topics in the study of sex and gender will be offered in this course. Topics include women, femininities, men, masculinities, sexualities (heterosexualities, gay, lesbian or bisexualities), etc. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

PSYC 2600 Social Influence and Persuasion (3)

Examines the factors that facilitate conformity, techniques to ensure compliance, and the conditions that produce obedience to authority. Strategies utilized by salesmen, politicians, lawyers, special interest groups, and the media will also be examined. The course also explores the nature of propaganda, use of subliminal messages in advertising, and role of social influence and persuasion in cults. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2625 Methods of Conflict Resolution (3)

This course introduces communication and negotiation techniques to resolve conflicts in a mutually acceptable manner. Emphasis will be placed on mediation and facilitation as models of third-party intervention in community, commercial, organizational, legal, and political conflicts. Course will examine different areas of professional practice and determine what guidance and insight can be found in the growing body of research and theory on assisted negotiation and dispute research. Students will learn and reflect effective communicating, problem solving, and listening skills. There will be ongoing opportunities for students to test their understanding and develop skills through simulations. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2650 Nonverbal Behavior (3)

Examines the role of “unspoken dialogue” in human interaction and the influence nonverbal behavior has on interpersonal communication. The course focuses on how nonverbal concepts like physical appearance, gestures, movement, and facial expressions underscore the “spoken dialogue.”

PSYC 2700 Psychology and Women (3)

Focuses on the psychological impact of being female and problems surrounding expectations through infancy, young adulthood, middle age, old age, and death. Explores scientific findings and sexist myths about male and female differences, special dilemmas such as fear of achievement, aggression, and leadership, as well as traditional and nonsexist child rearing and other topics.

PSYC 2750 Introduction to Measurement and Statistics (3)

Designed to aid the student in learning how to “make sense” of a body of numbers; how to summarize and extract information from numbers; how to detect, measure, and use relationships between variables; and how to use statistical aids to the decision-making process. Course covers descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, and inferential statistics such as the t-test and analysis of variance. GCP Coding: (QL).

PSYC 2825 Introduction to Research Methods (3)

Research is at the heart of the behavioral and social sciences. This course will cover the basics of quantitative and qualitative research design. In addition, students will be provided with the means to critically analyze and assess the ethics of research findings. Lastly, students will be given the opportunity to create a research proposal. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2850 Psychology of Peace and Conflict (3)

Examines the key concepts, themes, theories, and practices involved in psychological study of peace and conflict. Explores these issues across a wide range of interpersonal, community, national, and international contexts. Includes multiple levels of analysis from micro to macro, and multidisciplinary perspectives. GCP Coding: (GLBL) (INTC).

PSYC 2950 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging (3)

Approaches adulthood from an interdisciplinary perspective, stressing the interaction of psychological, sociocultural, and biological aspects of human development. Examines theoretical models of development, such as stage and process theories of change. Compares research methods of observing adult behavior and reviews recent studies of adult development. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2975 Sophomore Assessment (0)

Provides a midway assessment experience for psychology majors by providing a means for students to demonstrate their knowledge of the field and apply psychological knowledge in preparation for a career. Students will take a series of measures (quizzes, exercises, papers) to assess their standing in the discipline. Course must be completed prior to PSYC 4950. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 1800 and PSYC 2825; or permission of the instructor. 

PSYC 3000 Topics in Psychology (3)

Analyzes in-depth issues and topics in the field of psychology. Topics vary each semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3025 Psychology and Ethics (2)

Psychology and Ethics is designed to introduce students to ethical sensitivity, reasoning, decision-making, motivation, and implementation within the discipline of psychology and related fields. The class will examine: historically why ethics are a foundational and necessary aspect of psychology and related professions; ethical guidelines and professional ethics code as they relate to various professional endeavors including research, therapy, consultation, and teaching; how to engage in ethical decision-making processes; and how to apply ethical guidelines to complex professional and global dilemmas. The purpose of this course is not to provide answers but assist students in learning how to come to ethical decisions and behaviors as well as identifying factors impacting ethical motivation and the implementation of decisions. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3075 Stress Management (3)

Introduces students to the major sources of stress in contemporary society and presents approaches to gain control over their personal responses to stress. Specific strategies for reducing stressors and managing stressful life events are covered. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3125 Abnormal Psychology (3)

Introduces the student to psychopathology. Includes a consideration of factors (physiological, psychological, and sociocultural) that influence the development of mental disorders. Surveys the major diagnostic categories, including symptomatology, demographics, etiology, and treatment approaches. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3150 Positive Psychology (3)

Focuses on human strengths and well-being. Positive psychology is complementary to traditional psychology approaches that attempt to explain and treat dysfunction and illness. Research has shown that the absence of illness does not equal wellness. Positive psychology is the field of psychology that examines factors that create a sense of well-being and optimal functioning. Also included in this field is the study of happiness, resiliency, human virtues, and transcendent meaning in life. Positive psychology courses typically include a strong experiential component. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3175 Community Psychology (3)

Community psychology views knowledge and understanding of the social context in which individuals and families live as necessary to understanding those individuals. From this framework, it is not possible to effectively intervene with an individual who is experiencing problems without also understanding and intervening in aspects of the community that are involved in the identified problem. Community psychology has four main components: prevention and competence promotion, community building with citizen participation and empowerment, human diversity, and strong research to evaluate programs. Among key values in the field of community psychology are individual wellness, the importance of a sense of community, and social justice. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3225 Holocaust (3)

Examines the Holocaust and the groups of individuals involved in this genocide (e.g. perpetrators, victims, bystanders, resistance fighters) from a psychological/sociological perspective. Issues explored include: the question of what enabled individuals collectively and individually to perpetrate the Holocaust, the nature of extreme prejudice, the psychology of propaganda, the impact of extreme victimization on the victim (during the Holocaust, upon liberation, and in later years), and the question of what enabled some individuals/groups/countries to actively become involved in resistance while others remained passive bystanders and others sympathizers/collaborators. The roles that psychology, psychologists, and psychiatrists played during the Holocaust are also examined.

PSYC 3275 Genocide (3)

Examines the psychological, cultural, and societal roots of human cruelty, mass violence, and genocide. We examine the questions of what enables individuals collectively and individually to perpetrate mass violence and genocide as well as examine the impact of apathetic bystanders on human violence. Genocides studied include the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, the auto-genocide in Cambodia, the Rwandan genocide, the genocides in the former Yugoslavia, and others.

PSYC 3300 Psychology of Religion (3)

Introduction to the major issues, theories, and empirical approaches to the psychology of religion. Illuminates the role of religion as a powerful meaning system that can affect the lives of individuals in terms of their beliefs, motivations, emotions, and behaviors, and can influence their interactions on both interpersonal and intergroup levels. Utilizes psychological theory to understand the role that religion, faith, and spirituality play in different areas of human activity such as health and the recovery from physical illness, psychotherapy, sexuality, interpersonal relationships, violence, racial prejudice, personality development, adolescent behavior, aging and mental health. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3325 Applied Learning Theory (3)

Focuses on basic learning theory (e.g. classical conditioning, operant conditioning) within the context of applied clinical, educational, family, and social settings. Compares human abilities with the learning capacities of various animal species. Focuses on techniques to change behavior patterns based on human and non-human investigations in the psychology of learning. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3350 Cognitive Psychology (3)

Focuses on fundamental phenomena and basic literature in cognition; compares human language abilities with the learning capacities of various animal species; integrates important theories and research methods with major topics including pattern recognition, perception and information processing, attention, short- and long-term memory, discrimination, concept learning, creativity, and decision making. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3450 Psychology and Law (3)

This interdisciplinary examination of psychology and the law focuses on the psychological underpinnings of legislation, common law, and the administration of justice. Discussion of the relationship between law and human behavior is integrated throughout. Attention is also given to the various ways in which the law informs and regulates the practice of psychology professions. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3475 International Psychology (3)

Assumptions, theories, methods, and interventions of traditional western psychology are critically examined for relevance to people outside the Western world. Recommendations for training global psychologists are reviewed. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3525 Memory (3)

Course provides an introduction to the basic issues of human memory and theories about how it works, succeeds, and fails. This course will examine the neuroscience of memory as well as the many proposed types of memory including: sensory, short-term, working, long-term, episodic, semantic, and autobiographical. We will also discuss the relationships between memory and reality, memory and development, as well as memory and amnesia. Through an integration of lectures, discussions, and interactive demonstrations, this course will focus on fundamental phenomena and basic literature in learning and memory within the context of both animal and human research. Major topics include habituation, the physiological bases of learning and memory, classical and instrumental conditioning, information processing, short- and long-term memory, concept learning, explicit and implicit learning, and individual differences in learning and memory. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3550 History, Philosophy, and Systems of Psychology (3)

Examines the contributions of philosophy, physics, physiology, and other disciplines and intellectual traditions to the development of the subject matter, problems, and methodology of contemporary psychology. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 2825, and 6 credit hours of psychology; or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3575 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)

Examines the basic theoretical foundations of individual and organizational behavior, exploring the diversity of organizational structures and how various structures affect the individual. The course focuses on the individual within the organizational setting, group and interpersonal relations, and the psychology of work. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3600 Social Psychology (3)

Examines how people influence and are influenced by their social setting. Examines the social nature of individuals (attitudes, attitude change, prejudice), dyads (human relations), and small groups (conformity, decision making, leadership). Students are encouraged to apply theories and research to issues of personal concern. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3610 Independent Reading Course (1-5)

Designed for individual student exploration of a given body of knowledge or a specific area of interest. Selected topics agreed upon between student and a member of the departmental faculty. Topic of the course, detailed learning outcomes, and means of evaluation to be negotiated between student and faculty member. Intended for majors. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100 and permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3625 Motivation and Emotion (3)

Explores the processes and principles essential for understanding motivation and emotion. The course will examine the psychology of emotion and motivation with an overview of research and theory from diverse perspectives (e.g., humanistic, behavioral, social, cognitive, biological, environmental). Includes a critical review of research and application of these theories to human behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3650 Prejudice and Discrimination (3)

Examines the essential features, principles, facts, and theories that surround stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Theoretical approaches considered will include those from psychology, sociology, and international human rights. Consequently, the course will include discussion of intergroup relations as they pertain to different racial and ethnic groups throughout the world. In addition, the course examines discrimination based on appearance, gender, age, ability, and sexual orientation. Cross-listed with HRTS 3210.

PSYC 3700 Altruism and Aggression (3)

Examines antecedents of aggressive behavior -- why people aggress and what steps can be taken to prevent or control this destructive behavior. Topics to be covered may include child abuse, racially-based violence, terrorism, antisocial personalities (i.e., psychopath), sexual aggression, spousal abuse, drugs and aggression, and the media's impact on violence. Also explores the conditions that lead to helping behavior. The role of empathy, gender, race, and attractiveness in bystander intervention will be examined. The concept of true altruism (i.e. helping without regard to potential rewards) will also be debated. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3725 Psychology of Judgment and Decision Making (3)

Provides a survey of current theories of human judgment and decision making. Includes an examination of judgment and decision making under a variety of social conditions. Student examines how people make personality judgments about themselves and others; how people attribute causation to human behavior; and how people make estimates about uncertain outcomes. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3775 Personality Theory (3)

Examines the structure, dynamics, and development of personality and explores the assumptions about human nature that underlie the various theories about personality. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3850 Sensation and Perception (3)

Examines how the human brain receives and processes information from our environment by exploring the functioning of human sensory systems and the means by which we interpret these neural signals. Topics covered in the course include vision, audition, taste, smell, touch, and basic psychophysics. The manner by which we perceive the world will be examined through topics such as color vision, depth and space perception, motion perception, visual illusions, and Gestalt principles of organization. Information-processing approaches to perception, including top-down and bottom-up processes, the role of knowledge and attention in perception, imagery, and stage models of information flow will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 3875 Psychology Lab (1-3)

Lab is designed to complement a 3000-level core course, allowing the instructor and student to work collaboratively toward the development of a course-related project. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

PSYC 3900 Introduction to Counseling (3)

Introduces a variety of counseling theories, techniques, and skills. Focuses on the problems and issues facing a professional counselor in a variety of settings (including individual and group counseling, family counseling, counseling handicapped individuals, career counseling, and consulting). Provides students with opportunities to explore new dimensions in counseling and to confront and clarify their own reasons for wanting to do this kind of work. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4000 Advanced Studies in Psychology (3)

Designed for in-depth study of a specific area or issue in psychology. Topics vary each semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4150 Political Psychology (3)

Surveys many of the important topics from the field of political psychology. Political psychology is focused mainly on the intersection between psychology -- particularly personality and social psychology -- and political behavior. The field of political psychology has been strongly influenced by political and psychological theories as well as important political events and social issues. The course examines many of the important theories that have relevance to political behavior and provides the opportunity to apply these theories to important events and issues.

PSYC 4225 Introduction to Helping Professions (3)

This course is a survey of the helping professions in areas related to psychology. These helping professions include: clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, professional counseling, mental health counseling, addictions counseling, marriage and family counseling, clinical social work and psychiatry. The course will familiarize students with the history of the helping professions, common roles and settings in which clinicians work and current "hot topics" for clinicians. Theoretical orientations, assessment and diagnosis, prevention, intervention, research methods, multiculturalism and ethics common to these professions will be discussed. This course will help students explore their interests in the helping professions. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4300 Health Psychology (3)

Focuses on the fundamental issues and current literature on health psychology. This course includes material on the social and cultural bases of illness and looks at issues that affect wellness such as stress, pain, and personality. Also discussed are factors related to health care providers such as communication, utilization, and ethics. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4375 Evolutionary Psychology (3)

Explores the key concepts, issues, and lines of research within the field of evolutionary psychology. The course will examine the relevance of evolutionary thinking to a range of psychological phenomena which may include problems of survival, long term mating strategies, short-term sexual strategies, parenting, kinship, cooperative alliances, aggression and warfare, conflict between the sexes, and prestige, status, social dominance, development, cognition, and language. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4400 Human Sexuality (3)

Examines human sexual behavior within the cultural, social, and political context. Topics discussed include historical/cross-cultural sexual attitudes, reproductive health and rights, the range of sexual experience, gender differences and roles, sexual orientation, sex and disease, sex and the law, and sex and social responsibility/personal ethics. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4425 Community Practicum (3)

Students engage in service learning work at a community agency and have an opportunity to experience agency operations firsthand. A variety of field placements are available, depending on the student's background and interests. Students are responsible for securing their own placement before the semester begins and are expected to spend time at their placement every week of the regular semester. Classroom component will include discussion of placement experiences or issues and the skills and ethics of service work. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, permission of the instructor and approval of placement proposal.

PSYC 4550 Drug and Chemical Dependency (3)

Introduces the history, pharmacology, and physiological effects of a variety of commonly abused substances. Emphasis is on the behavioral and social implications of drug use and abuse, treatment, and treatment methods for drug abuse. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4610 Advanced Independent Readings Course (1-5)

Designed for individual student exploration of a given body of knowledge or a specific area of interest. Selected topics agreed upon between student and a member of the departmental faculty. Topic of the course, detailed learning outcomes, and means of evaluation to be negotiated between student and faculty member. Intended for majors. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100 and permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4650 Biopsychology (3)

Examines the physiological concomitants of behavior and acquaints the student with the methods and major findings of the interaction that has recently taken place between biology and psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4700 Psychological Tests and Measurements (3)

Provides a survey of psychological testing and principles of test construction and evaluation, including characteristics, administration, and interpretations of psychological and educational tests. Students will examine the development and use of objective tests, rating scales, attitude-scale construction, etc. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100 and PSYC 2825; or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4750 Advanced Statistics (3)

Examines data analysis techniques for complex research designs, emphasizing the application of advanced statistical techniques, such as complex analysis of variance and multivariate statistics. Introduces the student to the use of statistical software as a tool for data analysis. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 2750, PSYC 2825; or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4825 Senior Thesis (3-6)

Course provides students the opportunity to investigate a topic of interest within the field of psychology. Students are expected to develop a topic, design the study, obtain IRB approval, collect and analyze data, and report the results of their research in APA format. Following completion of the thesis, students are encouraged to submit their work for possible publication. Course may be repeated once for credit with permission of department chair. Students are encouraged to take PSYC 4750 prior to taking PSYC 4825. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 2750 and PSYC 2825; or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4875 Advanced Psychology Lab (1-3)

Lab is designed to complement a 4000-level core course, allowing the instructor and student to work collaboratively toward the development of a course related project. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

PSYC 4900 Senior Overview (3)

Provides a culminating experience for psychology majors, allowing students to synthesize and apply psychological knowledge in preparation for a career. Students will use their psychology skills and knowledge to become familiar with the research, theories, and methods associated with an area of personal interest. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100 and psychology senior status; or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4925 Senior Capstone: History, Philosophy, and Systems of Psychology (3)

At first glance, psychology appears to be a highly disjointed discipline. However, psychology is unified through its historical traditions and systems of thought. This course will explore the roots of modern psychological thought and methodology. We will trace these roots from their origins in philosophy and the natural sciences through the early schools of psychology and on into its current form. In addition to learning about the major schools and systems of psychology (e. g., Functionalism, Structuralism, Gestalt, etc.), we will explore how cultural and political forces shaped the development of various psychological theories. We will also examine the lives and works of the men and women whose work created psychology's foundation. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, PSYC 2825, and 18 credit hours of psychology; or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4950 Senior Assessment (1)

Provides a senior assessment experience for psychology majors by providing a means for students to demonstrate their knowledge of the field and apply psychological knowledge in preparation for a career. Students will take a series of measures (quizzes, exercises, papers) to assess their standing in the discipline. Prerequisites: PSYC 1100 and psychology senior status; or permission of the instructor.