Psychology

Methods of scientific investigation, experimental designs and appropriate analyses of data, procedures of developing, analyzing, and interpreting original research problems, critical analysis of published research. Scheduled fall semesters.

An examination of the relationships between behavior and experience. Topics include methodology, basic learning processes and parameters, theoretical interpretations, and applications to training and adjustment. Scheduled fall semesters of odd years.

Current research and thinking on major issues in behavior, controversial issues and theoretical interpretations. Scheduled spring semesters.

Associative learning, memory, thinking, and attention. Theoretical models, including statistical, cognitive, and information processing. Scheduled fall semesters of even years.

This is an advanced course in the major current theories of motivation. An emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of current research and its implications for these theories. The student will be required to read original sources and journals as well as secondary sources. The course will be conducted in a seminar fashion.

Empirical investigation into theories of socio-emotional, cognitive, and physical development in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Scheduled fall semesters.

The organization and dynamics of social groups, the development and modification of opinions and attitudes, conformity and influence, aggression, and altruism. Scheduled irregularly.

A comprehensive survey of leading theorists, social, cultural, and biological determinants. Scheduled irregularly.

Learning and behavior problems of children: neuroses, psychoses, character disorders, and learning disabilities. Scheduled spring semesters.

Differential diagnosis of character; neurotic, psychotic, and organic disorders frequently observed in clinic and school settings. Practical diagnosis using illustrative case material and test protocols. Appropriate disposition of cases and recommendations for treatment. Scheduled fall and spring semesters.

Implementation of psychological services in clinics, mental hospitals, schools and other agencies under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and/or faculty member. Scheduled fall and spring semesters.

Field experience in a psychological research acting under the direction of field supervisor. Application of ethical, theoretical, and practical aspects of psychological research and various data detection environments to the university. Course taken as pass/fail only.

Method and theory of assessment of intellectual and cognitive functions, administration, scoring, and interpretation of Weschler and other such scales; dynamics of test situation, observation, and report writing. Scheduled fall semesters.

Personality and social evaluation through the use of clinical techniques, including projective testing, trait measurement, clinical observation, and interview. Administration and scoring of standard clinical tests, including the Rorschach, Thematic Apperception Test, and MMPI-2. Scheduled spring semesters.

Supervised experience in administering psychological assessments and writing reports under the direction of licensed psychologist, including the application of ethical, theoretical, and practical aspects of psychological assessment. Course taken as pass/fail only.

Approaches used in altering behavior, e.g., psychoanalytic, client-centered, behavioral, rational-emotive, group encounter; analysis of techniques and their effectiveness. Scheduled spring semesters of odd years.

Theory and techniques involved in altering human behavior through the use of principles of learning. Case studies and principles of application. Scheduled fall semesters.

Psychological research about women is examined in light of its contributions to psychology as a science, including its social and political implications. The course also explores health, diagnosis, and therapy for women. Cross-listed as WMS 560. Scheduled fall semesters of odd years.

Functional organization of the nervous system viewed at both the molecular and molar levels of analysis. Discussion of research findings and theoretical models of brain development, sensory, motor, and cognitive behaviors, the mechanisms of action of major medications used to treat neurological or psychiatric dysfunctions and the impact of genetics, nutrition, sex differences and stress on physiology and behavior. Scheduled irregularly.

Students research and design a study in a selected area of psychology. The course provides direction in developing expertise in the research literature, generating an original hypothesis, and developing a feasible research design.

Discussing research ideas, identifying a thesis problem, and developing a research project in consultation with faculty advisers. Scheduled fall and spring semesters.

Scheduled fall and spring semesters.

Mental health practice and ethics, social theory and science; human rights and mental health law; criminal justice; recent legal developments. Scheduled fall semesters of even years.

Special Topics in Psychology. (Topics vary)

Identification and investigation of a problem. Preparation and presentation of a scholarly document, summarizing the study or research.