Course Descriptions

• Lower Division

• Upper Division

 

Lower Division

 

PSYC 100 USING INFORMATION EFFECTIVELY IN THE BEHAV­IORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (3) Obtaining, evaluating and pre­senting social science information, thinking, problems of infer­ence, search and analysis skills using computerized databases, Internet, statistical software and communication skills. Recommended for those who major in the social or behavioral sciences. Not open to those who successfully completed IDLA 101. GenEd LB.

PSYC 101 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3) Psychological the­ories, principles and methods, with focus on measurement and experi­mentation, biopsychology, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, personality and adjustment, abnor­mality and psychotherapy, development and individual differences. GenEd II.c.2.

PSYC 102 HONORS INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3) An in­depth study of psychological theories, principles and methods, with focus on measurement and experimentation, biopsychology, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, per­sonality and adjustment, abnormality and psychotherapy, development and individual differences. Honors College course. Special permit only. GenEd II.c.2.

PSYC 201 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (3) The learning process and related concepts; human development; individual differences; measure­ment and evaluation; personality and adjustment. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102.

PSYC 203 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (3) Study of research and theories related to the overall development of the human throughout the life span with an emphasis on physical, cognitive, social and emotional dimensions. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102. GenEd II.B.2.

PSYC 204 HONORS HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (3) An in-depth study of research and theories related to the overall development of the human throughout the life span, with an emphasis on physical, cognitive, social and emotional dimensions. Honors College course. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102. GenEd II.B.2.

PSYC 205 INTRODUCTION TO THE HELPING RELATIONSHIP (3) Current concepts of the helping relationship and an exploration of the conditions that facilitate its effectiveness. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102 and Psychology major or minor planning to enter one of the helping professions, or consent of the instructor.

PSYC 212 BEHAVIORAL STATISTICS (4) Distributions and graphs, nota­tion, levels of measurement, percentiles, measures of central tendency and variability, principles of probability, the normal curve, standard scores, sampling theory, hypothesis testing, significance of differences, correlation and prediction, Chi square, non-parametrics, one-way analysis of variance. Prerequisite: MATH 111 or higher except MATH 204. GenEd.l.c.

PSYC 213 RESEARCH DESIGN AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY I (4)   Methodologies for gathering observational and self-report data, be analysis of data using descriptive statistics and correlation/regression procedures.  Discuss ethics and feasibility of different research designs.  Successful completion of the course is required for matriculation in Research Design and Statistical Analysis in Psychology:  II (PSYC 313).  To receive Psychology major credit, PSYC 313 must also be successfully completed.  This course is not open to students who have successfully completed PSYC 212 or PSYC 314.  Prerequisites: MATH 111 or higher except MATH 204.

 

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Upper Division

 

PSYC 301 SCIENCE, PSEUDOSCIENCE AND SUPERSTITION (3)Differentiating between scientific and pseudo-scientific claims, focusing on psychological factors that influence human judgment and decision­making. Possible topics include: astrology, alternative medicine, New Ageism, alien abductions, parapsychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. GenEd.II.A.2.

PSYC 305 PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING (3) Analysis of selected prob­lems in both human and animal learning including reinforcement, pun­ishment, verbal learning and verbal behavior. Prerequisite: 9 hours of PSYC or consent of instructor.

PSYC 309 [512] PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (3) Mechanisms of drugs, their effects on behavior and related topics. Prerequisites: 9 hours of PSYC or consent of instructor; BlOL 115.

PSYC 311 [513] BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION (3) Examination and application of the basic principles of the experimental analysis of behavior, with an emphasis on the applied aspects of this modern disci­pline to schools, jobs, interpersonal relations and self-control. Prerequisite: 9 hours of PSYC or consent of instructor.

PSYC 313 RESEARCH DESIGN AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY II (4) Analysis of research studies, using descriptive and inferential statistics.  Gathering and evaluating data using mathematical procedures and statistical software programs (SPSS), and presenting results in oral and written formats, according to professional guidelines.  To receive major credit, PSYC 213 must be completed.  This course is not open to students who have successfully completed PSYC 212 or PSYC 314. Prerequisites: PSYC 213; ENGL 102 or 190.   GenEd ID.

PSYC 314 RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY (4) The experi­mental method and its application to recent problems in psychological research; introduction to experimental design and inference. Three hours lecture, two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102, PHIL 101 or PHIL 111, ENGL 102 or ENGL 190, PSYC 212. GenEd I.D.

PSYC 315 [515] MOTIVATION (3) Interaction between physiological, neurological and pharmacological aspects of motivation with environ­mental influences, such as culture, learning and social dynamics. Issues in human motivation and emotion which will be emphasized are aggres­sion, sex, achievement (competence) and cognitive-social influences. Prerequisite: 6 hours of Psyc.

PSYC 317 [517] SENSATION AND PERCEPTION (3) A systematic inves­tigation of the basic senses such as vision, audition, taste, smell and touch will be undertaken. The organization of sensory input will also be emphasized. Both human and non-human data will be presented. Prerequisites: 9 hours of PSYC or consent of instructor; BIOL 115.

PSYC 325 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3) An introduction to the theory and research of how people think about, influence, and relate to each other. Topics include social cognition, attitudes, aggression and helping. Prerequisite: 6 hours of PSyc.

PSYC 327 INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3) Theories, psychological con­cepts and research applied to industrial and organizational settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102.

PSYC 341 [540] ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3) The relation­ship between the physical and social environment and behavior, i.e., places, spaces and people. How man/woman construes, interprets, com­prehends, feels about the environment, and how the environment func­tions as a reflection of human needs and values. Topics include envi­ronmental design, crowding, privacy, human territoriality, personal space. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102.

PSYC 350 PERSONALITY (3) Introduction to the theoretical perspectives and research aimed at understanding personality processes and individ­ual differences in thought, emotion, and behavior. Perspectives may include psychoanalytic, dispositional, biological, learning and humanistic. Prerequisite: 6 hours of PSYC.

PSYC 361 [542] ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (3) Disordered personal reactions to life, Organic and functional phenomena plus therapeutic techniques. Prerequisites: 9 hours of PSYC or consent of instructor.

PSYC 381 [581] READINGS IN PSYCHOLOGY (1-2) A survey of relevant research literature under the guidance of a staff member who will direct the students' research. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. Prerequisite: 9 hours of PSYC and consent of instructor.

PSYC 383 PROCTORING IN PSYCHOLOGY (3-6) Students serve as teaching apprentices or proctors in a course which they have already completed (such as Introduction to Psychology), and which they must relearn to 100 percent mastery. Students will manage the learning and evaluate individual progress of the members of the class assigned to them. The experience includes guidance, support and motivation of the assigned students, all in a supervised situation. Only 3 credits may be earned in one semester. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. For 6 credits, students must serve as a proctor for two separate cours­es. Graded SIU. Prerequisites: successful completion of five or more psy­chology courses or: introductory, educational and child, or adolescent psychology, and principles of education and be a junior or a senior plus permission of instructor. NOTE: Psychology majors and minors will not receive psychology elective credit for this course.

PSYC 403 [503] INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3) An advanced course reviewing historical and current changes in the areas of infancy and childhood. Physical, cognitive and social emotional development will be covered in depth. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of research theory construction and methods. Not open to those who successfully completed ECED 413. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or PSYC 204.

PSYC 404 [504] ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY (3) Physical, emotional, intellectual development during adolescence; social development and heterosexuality; adolescent personality; problems of adjustment; juve­nile delinquency. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or PSYC 204.

PSYC 405 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING (3) The changes in learning, emotions, personality and social behavior, and the impact of culture and attitude on the aging process. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or PSYC 204.

PSYC 411 [511] TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS (3) Psychological and educational testing and evaluation. The construction, administration, interpretation and use of the various evaluative devices of aptitude and achievement. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102 and PSYC 212.

PSYC 419 DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHOLOGY (3) Diverse theories and topics explored by both traditional and modern psychology, drawn from a range of philosophical and cultural perspectives: psychodynamic and behaviorist approaches, and existential, positive, transpersonal and mind-body psychology. Prerequisites: 6 units of PSYC.

PSYC 429 MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING (3) This course will pro­vide a conceptual, theoretical and practical overview of multicultural counseling. It will integrate the knowledge of the various techniques and methods of helping to work with clients from diverse cultural back­grounds in a counseling setting. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102 and PSYC 205.

PSYC 430 SYSTEMS AND TECHNIQUES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY Review and application of current theoretical approaches to the help relationship. Prerequisites: PSYC 205 and PSYC 361.

PSYC 431 [531] GROUP DYNAMICS (3) Intensive study of group in action with emphasis upon reciprocal group influence of behavior. Prerequisite: 6 hours of PSYC.

PSYC 432 [532] CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY (3) Comparison of psychological behavior and theory in Western and non-Western cultures. Prerequisite: 6 hours of PSYC.

PSYC 433 GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY INTERNSHIP (3) Supervisory experience in use of group intervention techniques. Students will counsel groups of troubled adolescents. Supervision will focus on both group and individual dynamics. Prerequisite: PSYC 431, admission to HonorsClinical Track.

PSYC 435 INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY (3-6) Placement in a community service agency to familiarize students with its current practices. Supervised client contact will be provided. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits, but only 6 credits can apply to the major; the other 6 credits will be used as general electives. Prerequisites: 23 hours of psychology, minimum PSYC GPA 3.00 and consent of instructor.

PSYC 439 [539] THE INITIAL INTERVIEW (3) Clinical observation and practicum experience. Focus on interviewer and interviewee dimensions. and relationship with patients. Use of tapes, seminars, and individual supervision. Prerequisites: PSYC 205, and admission to Honors Clinical Track.

PSYC 447 [547] SEX DIFFERENCES; PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTlVES (3) Sex role/personality development is examined from various perspectives: social, cultural, evolutionary and biological. Changing conceptions with regard to women, their roles and self-concepts, are emphasized within the overall context of sex differences and similarities in behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or PSYC 204.

PSYC 449 [549] PSYCHOLOGY OF LESBIAN CULTURE (3) Impact ( culture on development of a lesbian identity within a psychological framework. Prerequisites: 6 credits in PSYC or WMST or consent of instructor.

PSYC 451 [551] INTRODUCTION TO THE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD  Children with atypical physical, mental, social and emotional development, including physically handicapped, mentally retarded, gifted, and emotionally disturbed children. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or PSYC 204

PSYC 453 [553] ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION (1-2) Readings, lectures and seminars relating to psychological emergencies and the modes of intervention during psychological crises. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. Graded SIU. Prerequisites: PSYC 205, PSYC 454 concurrent, admission to Honors Clinical Track.

PSYC 454 INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOTHERAPY (4) Techniques of psychotherapeutic intervention. Students will see patients in psychotherapy under intensive supervision. Seminars and individualized readings. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 453 concurrent and admission to Honors Clinical Track.

PSYC 457 GENDER IDENTITY IN TRANSITION (3) Psychological consequences of changing definitions of feminity, masculinity and personhood will be examined using recent theories of gender identity formation. Concepts such as androgyny, sex-role transcendence and future shock will be related to psychological adaptation to social change.    Prerequisite: PSYC 447 or consent of instructor.                                                                  

PSYC 460 [560] ETHOLOGY AND COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3) A survey of the major behavioral adaptations in non-human and human species within the framework of evolutionary theory, ethology and experimental psychology. Three hours of lecture a week. Prerequisites: 9 hours of PSYC or consent of instructor; BIOL 115.

PSYC 461 [561] COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3) The nature of the cog­nitive processes, an analysis of the organization of cognitive abilities, and problems in cognition. Theoretical viewpoints will be explored, including those of Piaget, J. P. Guilford, Ausubel, Lewin, Skinner. A comparison among theories will be made as they relate to the think­ing processes. Prerequisite: 9 hours of PSYC or consent of instructor; BIOL 115.

PSYC 465 [565] PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3) An introduction to the physiological bases of behavior. The topics to be considered are basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, sensory and motor systems, motivational systems, and "higher order" behavioral systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 9 hours of PSYC or consent of instructor; BIOL 110.

PSYC 467 [567] MIDLIFE DEVELOPMENT (3) A study of adult behavior between the ages of 18 and 60. The developmental stages of young adulthood, adulthood and middle age will be discussed along with topics pertinent to each of the levels such as leaving and becoming emancipated ­from the family; the transition and adjustment to marriage and work; and bridging the gap between ideals and actual fulfillment. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or PSYC 204.

PSYC 470-479 [570-579] SPECIAL TOPICS (1-3) Survey and critical evaluation ­of modern literature pertaining to selected problems in psychol­ogy.  May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

PSYC 486 [587] ADVANCED EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN (3) Analysis of variance, multiple comparisons, nonparametrics, general problems related to sampling, experimenter effects, SPSS analysis, reading of the experimental literature. Honors approval or consent of instructor. prequisites: PSYC 212 and PSYC 314.

PSYC 491 [591] INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION IN PSYCHOLOGY An opportunity for especially qualified students to undertake research problems according to their interest and training under the direction of a staff member. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits, but only 6 credits can apply to the major; the other 6 credits will be used as general electives. Prerequisites: PSYC  314 and consent of instrructor.

PSYC 494 [594] TRAVEL AND STUDY ABROAD IN PSYCHOLOGY Selected topics, issues, programs, projects and/or facilities related to the field of psychology. Locations and topics to be selected by depart­ment and instructor sponsoring the program. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. There is no foreign language skill requirement.

PSYC 497 HONORS SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY (3) Issues of current and historical interest in psychology, examined from clinical, developmental, experimental and other relevant points of view. Seminar format,­ including discussions, based on readings from primary sources and group projects. Prerequisites: completion of the first year of departmental Honors in Psychology (Junior Year) and special permit.

PSYC 499 SENIOR THESIS IN PSYCHOLOGY (4) Independent research on special problems in psychology or closely related fields. Prerequisites: PSYC 314, PSYC 486, Honors approval.