Undergraduate Psychology Courses

Undergraduate Courses

PSH 110 Principles of Psychology (A,S)

An introduction to the scientific study of mind and behavior. Research methods in the field as well as landmark and current research studies and theories will be discussed. Topics such as sensation and perception, biopsychology, learning, memory, social, and abnormal will be explored. Participation in actual research studies to complement course topics required. 3 Cr.

PSH 202 Introductory Statistics for Psychology (A,M)

Covers evaluation of experimental and non-experimental results. Analysis and interpretation of data using traditional inferential and descriptive techniques. Students who have received academic credit for other statistics courses (e.g., ECN 204, HLS 488, MTH 243, PLS 303, or SOC 200, or transfer credit for an elementary statistics course at another institution) will not receive credit for this course. Psychology majors and minors do not need to take PSH202 if they have passed an equivalent statistics course. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PSH 203 Statistics Laboratory (A)

Introduces students to the use of common statistical software to calculate descriptive and inferential statistics used in the field of psychology. Students will learn to enter and manipulate raw data, perform statistical tests, interpret statistical output, graphically represent results, and produce reports of analyses in APA format. 1 Cr. Every Semester.

PSH 301 Research Methods in Psychology (A)

Students learn to use the scientific method to answer questions about behavior, critically evaluate problems and findings, and learn the process of research in psychology. In this writing-intensive course, students will research, develop, and organize ideas towards composing a major research paper--or an equivalent amount of writing in a number of smaller papers--with the opportunity to receive feedback to inform future writing. 4 Cr.

PSH 318 Pers and Profess Development for Psy Majors (B)

Prepares Psychology majors to develop meaningful personal and professional direction for life after graduation by applying psychological content and skills to career and life goals. Through research, assignments, and workshops, students will develop personal and professional skills and explore how the psychology major can be relevant to various career trajectories. 3 Cr.

PSH 322 Learning and Behavior (A)

Surveys learning theory and research in both human and nonhuman animals. Covers research methods and history of the scientific study of learning. Discusses theoretical approaches to learning including behaviorism and associationism. Focuses on classical and operant conditioning. 3 Cr.

PSH 331 Personality (A)

Application of scientific methods to the study of personality. Topics include research methods and assessment, as well as some of the following substantive approaches: traits, behaviorism/situations, brain anatomy and chemistry, genetics, evolution, psychoanalytic, attachment theory, cross-cultural, and phenomenological perspectives on personality. Emphasis is on research findings and interpretation, but some clinical application is included where appropriate. 3 Cr.

PSH 332 Social Psychology (A)

An examination of the ways in which social factors affect the thoughts, motivations, and behaviors of individuals. Topics covered include: the self, social perception, social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, stereotyping and prejudice, social influence, interpersonal attraction, group processes, helping behavior, and aggression. Current research, theories, methodologies, and applications are emphasized. 3 Cr.

PSH 334 Abnormal Psychology (A)

This course offers a theoretical and empirical framework for understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a range of psychological disorders. Relevant legal, ethical, and diversity issues will also be discussed. 3 Cr.

PSH 336 Clinical Psychology (A)

Provides an empirical overview of clinical psychology, emphasizing the appraisal of assessment strategies and modalities of treatment. Includes research, professional, and ethical issues in clinical psychology. 3 Cr.

PSH 337 Science of Sleep (A)

This course introduces students to the biological, psychological, social/environmental bases of sleep. Through readings, in-class activities, classroom discussions, lively debates, videos, and lectures, we will examine the the normative process of sleep as well as sleep disorders. We will explore each area of sleep across diverse perspectives and seek to understand inequities and disparities related to sleep. 3 Cr.

PSH 341 Biopsychology (A)

Covers the biological bases of behavior, including neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, neurotransmitter systems, and the biological bases of vision, hearing, emotions, learning, memory and various diseases and mental illnesses. 3 Cr.

PSH 342 Animal Behavior (A)

Introduction to the scientific study of animal behavior. Topics include: history of study of animals, evolution, scientific method, genetics, communication, foraging, predation and antipredatory behavior, reproduction, mating systems, parental investment, and social behavior. 3 Cr.

PSH 351 Cognitive Processes (A)

Examines the basic processes of cognition, including perception, attention, memory, language, decision making, and problem solving. Also focuses on the experimental methods involved in the scientific study of cognitive processes. 3 Cr.

PSH 352 Sensation and Perception (A)

An introduction to how the five senses directly influence how we interact with our world, including how we take in information from our environment and how we interpret that information. Topics will range from physiology, including mechanisms of neural transduction, transmission, and processing, to cognitive and behavioral topics, including interpretation of visual illusions and the localization of sound. 3 Cr.

PSH 384 Child Psychology (A)

An exploration of human growth and development from conception through early adolescence. Major theories of development, common research methods, and current empirical findings will be evaluated. Physical, cognitive, emotional and social development will be discussed as well as the genetic and prenatal influences on development. 3 Cr.

PSH 385 Lives Across Cultures (A)

This course introduces human development, from cradle to grave, within a cultural context. Lives Across Cultures will examine physical, cognitive, and socioemotional change and stability across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on identifying universal and culturally-specific changes over time. This course is also designed to take an applied approach to development by examining opportunities for intervention and services available at different stages of life. 3 Cr.

PSH 390 Topics in Psychology (A)

Topics vary according to instructor and/or student interest. Considered an elective - relationship to degree/program. 3 Cr.

PSH 397 Health Psychology (A)

Presents the combination of educational, scientific, and professional contributions of psychology to the promotion and maintenance of health, the prevention and treatment of illness, the identification of causes and correlates of health and illness, and the analysis and improvement of the health care system. Focuses on the examination of how biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence individual behavior related to promoting health, preventing illness, and coping with illness. 3 Cr.

PSH 398 Research Experience ()

Provides and introductory experience to conducting research in Psychology. Arranged in consultation with a faculty mentor. Students apprentice in the mentor’s laboratory. Typical experiences include discussion and review of the pertinent literature, input to the design of research studies, running of subjects, data analysis, or dissemination of results. 1-6 Cr. By Arrangement.

PSH 402 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (A)

Survey of theory, research, and applications of psychological principles to the world of work. Topics include personnel selection, job analysis, performance management, training and development, work motivation, job attitudes, stress, leadership, and teams. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PSH 403 Advanced Research Experience in Psychology (A)

Note: for majors only. Students will apply principles learned in PSH 301: Research Methods, by conducting research in a specific area of psychology. In this experiential and writing-intensive course, students will implement and interpret the results of their unique research project culminating in a complete APA style research paper. Students will receive feedback with the opportunity to incorporate this feedback into their final paper to inform their future writing. 3 Cr.

PSH 405 Psychology of Sustainability Issues and Practices (A)

Psychology of Sustainability Issues and Practices will explore the many facets of the inter-relationship between human nature and the potential impact of future generations. Theories and research concerning environment-behavior relationships will be addressed in light of current environmental issues such as overconsumption, waste, environmental hazards, pollution, crowding and noise. Methods of achieving a sustainable relationship with our environment will be reviewed and evaluated. 3 Cr.

PSH 406 Child Life Theory and Practice (B)

This course is designed for those interested in learning more about the profession of Child Life and aspects of pediatric healthcare. Topics covered include Child Life theoretical foundations, assessment, preparation, play, coping, patient and family-centered care, grief and loss, and the role of Child Life within the interdisciplinary medical team. Attention is given to understanding children and teens in the context of their development as it relates to interventions in medical settings. Swing course PSH 506. 3 Cr. Odd Fall.

PSH 410 Psychology and the Law (A)

An overview of how psychology is applied to the criminal justice system, how case law shapes this application and how legal decisions affect the direction of psychological research. Psychology and law is a vibrant area of research within the larger discipline of psychology. This is an interdisciplinary course for students who are interested in criminology, psychology and/or legal issues. 3 Cr.

PSH 424 Positive Psychology (A)

Examines human flourishing, factors linked to happiness, meaning, and sense of purpose in life, and the scientific study of these areas. Also covered are methods to define and measure virtue, positive emotions (joy,gratitude), and positive traits (grit, optimism). Effectiveness of techniques for fostering happiness and life purpose (e.g., via the PERMA model [ Positive emotions, engagement, relatinships, meaning , and achievement]) is also reviewed. 3 Cr.

PSH 425 Motivation (A)

Survey of motivational theories and research focusing on biological, social, cognitive, and emotional processes that initiate, energize, and direct behavior. Topics include intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, need for achievement, growth motivation, self-efficacy and goal setting as well as the application of theories and research findings to various life domains. 3 Cr.

PSH 431 Close Relationships (A,W)

This capstone course explores approaches to the study of close relationships across various areas of psychology (developmental, clinical, social, biopsychology, neuropsychology, personality) as well as related disciplines (e.g., anthropology, ethology, counseling, communications) in a writing-intensive, low-enrollment seminar. 3 Cr.

PSH 433 Psychology of Gender (A,W,Y)

This course examines psychological research related to both men’s and women’s issues in order to evaluate the behavior, biology, and social context in which both women and men function. Topics include: sex roles, gender identity development, gender stereotypes, relationships, sexuality, and sex differences. 3 Cr.

PSH 436 Psychology of Aging (A)

This capstone course involves the study of aging from many areas of psychology, all examined from a gerontological perspective, in a writing intensive, low enrollment seminar. Students experience an overview of the psychology of aging, including topics such as research methods in aging; physical changes associated with age, including the psychological impact of physical change; memory changes; retirement; and death and bereavement. 3 Cr.

PSH 438 Talk to Me: Conducting Interviews and Focus Groups (A)

Priniciples of Psychology. This course introduces students to qualitative methods used in the psychological and social sciences. Qualitative methods involve collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., spoken word, text, video, audio, etc.) to understand concepts, attitudes, perceptions, and/or experiences. Through lecture, classroom activities and practice, students will learn how to develop relevant questions based on existing literature, conduct observations, create interview guides, run interviews and focus groups, and summarize results in meaningful ways through coding and theming of textual data. 3 Cr.

PSH 441 Clinical Neuropsychology (A)

This capstone course introduces human neuropsychological function and disorders in a writing intensive, low-enrollment seminar. Emphasizes methods of neuropsychological investigation and the links between specific brain regions/structures and higher psychological functions. Explores disorders of emotion, motor and social behavior, speech, memory, and visual-spatial abilities associated with organic brain impairments, including Alzheimer's disease, head trauma, stroke, and other neurologic, psychiatric, and medical illnesses. 3 Cr.

PSH 442 Psychology of Eating (A)

This capstone course provides an in-depth look at the field of the eating in a writing-intensive, low-enrollment seminar. Topics include: theories and biological mechanisms of hunger, determinants of food preferences and choices, effects of food on behavior, eating disorders, overeating and obesity. 3 Cr.

PSH 445 Psychopharmacology (A)

Covers the effects of psychoactive substances on the central nervous system, behavior, and mood, with emphasis on the role of neurotransmitter systems and receptor sites in the mechanism of drug actions. Includes the pharmacology of recreational drugs as well as those used in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. 3 Cr.

PSH 446 Cognitive Development (A)

This capstone course explores the development of cognitive processes during infancy and childhood across various areas of psychology in a writing- intensive, low-enrollment seminar. Important theoretical claims, past and present empirical findings, and research methods of relevant topics including perceptual development, memory, language, and social cognition will be critically evaluated. 3 Cr.

PSH 451 Cognitive Neuroscience (A)

This capstone course, in a writing-intensive, low enrollment seminar, introduces human cognitive neuroscience. It includes study of cortical functioning, methods of investigation, and the neural basis of cognitive processes, along with principles of neural plasticity and the role of emotion in cognition. 3 Cr.

PSH 468 Practicum in Teaching Psychology (B)

Allows students to experience the basic aspects of teaching psychology courses, which may include conducting review sessions, assisting in evaluation, developing tutorial techniques or class lecture, supervising lab sessions, etc. Elective. 1-6 Cr.

PSH 480 Principles of Assessment (A)

Explores methods of assessing people's cognition, emotion, and behavior. Allows students to develop an understanding of assessment procedures, test design, test interpretation, and to become familiar with important intellectual, personality, employment, and neuropsychological tests. 3 Cr.

PSH 482 Community Psychology (A)

Examines the discipline of community psychology, which deals with theory and practice in the prevention of socioemotional disorders and promotion of psychological well-being. Includes historical background of community psychology (e.g., the community mental health movement), the role of stressful life events/life transitions in adjustment, issues and programs in promotion of social competence, and social policy applications of psychology. 3 Cr.

PSH 483 Applied Behavior Analysis (A)

Covers the application of conditioning and learning principles and procedures to the assessment and treatment of human behavior problems. Examines both child and adult applications in the home, classroom, and institutional settings. 3 Cr.

PSH 484 Adolescence (A)

This course provides an empirical survey of the literature on adolescence. It focuses on the biological, cognitive, and social changes experienced as individuals move from early to late adolescence. The course explores how the social contexts of family, peers, and schools influence developmental processes of early, middle, and late adolescence. It also considers adolescent sexuality, delinquency, and substance use and abuse. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PSH 486 Psychological Disorders of Children (A)

This course offers a theoretical and empirical framework for understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a range of psychological disorders in childhood and adolescence. Relevant developmental, legal, ethical, and diversity issues will also be discussed. 3 Cr.

PSH 488 Developmental Disabilities (A)

The course will include topics such as: (a) types of developmental disabilities; (b) diagnosis and assessment procedures; (c) causes and prevention; (d) support services and issues across the lifespan; and (e) general treatment approaches and care practices used today and historically. 3 Cr.

PSH 493 Applications in Developmental Disabilities (A)

This course is designed especially for students who are majoring in psychology or related fields. In this course students will be introduced to developmental disabilities and related disorders. Students will learn how to apply behavioral principles and procedures to assess and teach a person with developmental disabilities a new behavior. 1 Cr. Spring.

PSH 494 The Social Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination (A,I,W)

This capstone course is designed to familiarize you with basic psychological research on intergroup relations, prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, and the experience of stigma, in a writing-intensive, low-enrollment seminar. 3 Cr.

PSH 496 Meditation and Mindfulness (A)

This writing-intensive, low enrollment seminar critically examines meditation and mindfulness from the following perspectives: philosophical, methodological, biological, cognitive, health, clinical, interpersonal, and societal. Students will critically evaluate the literature on a topic of their choice pertaining to meditation and mindfulness. Course requires a minimum grade of B-(for General Education/Major/Minor/Certification) Cross listed with PSH 596. 3 Cr.

PSH 498 Psychology Internship (A)

Supervised applied experience in a psychology related field with an appropriate organization or agency. Internship goals include the application of classroom theories to practical and professional work experience, preparation for entry-level employment or graduate school. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PSH 499 Independent Study in Psychology (A)

Provides theoretical and/or empirical investigations into special topics in psychology. Arranged in consultation with the instructor. 1-6 Cr. By Arrangement.