The Behavioral Sciences Department is devoted to the systematic study of human behavior with an emphasis on a scientific approach to real-life problems.
This department offers the following majors and minors:
The Psychology major focuses on the general study of human behavior with an emphasis on human interaction in real-world settings. Examining both theoretical models of behavior and the contexts in which these models are applied, students will be versed in the major theories of the discipline with an emphasis on hands-on interaction via research and internships. Students will learn to do psychological research, discuss ethical issues regarding therapy and research with human subjects, and learn about core areas in Psychology: Child Development, Social Psychology, Personality Theories, Learning Theory and Cognitive Psychology. Additionally, students will be able to take courses in emerging fields such as Health Psychology and Cross-Cultural Psychology. This concentration provides students with the necessary background to pursue graduate work in Psychology, social work or related fields.
The Intergroup Relations and Conflict major is an interdisciplinary course of study that focuses on the ways individuals and groups relate to each other, the development of prejudice and intergroup conflict, and ways to resolve conflict. Both psychological and sociological theories are included to integrate individual and aggregate level analyses of these issues. Classes include such topics as: attitude formation, the development of prejudice and hatred, how prejudice leads to genocide, intergroup processes of consensus development and conformity, and methods of changing prejudice and resolving intergroup conflicts. This concentration provides students with the necessary background to pursue graduate work in Psychology (as well as other social science programs), teaching in this content area, and working in more applied areas such as law or non-governmental organizations (NGO’s).
Courses
The Behavioral Sciences Department focuses on the systematic study of human behavior with an emphasis on a scientific approach to understanding real-life problems. Students have outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning, with a variety of practica and internships.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDY: THE UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY
The major in Psychology provides students with the necessary foundation for graduate study in Psychology as well as a general understanding of the human condition which can serve as a basis for many other careers. Psychology courses include intensive study of the methods and findings of behavioral research as well as a review of the major theories in the discipline. The major also provides an excellent foundation for graduate training in social work, education, management, counseling, special education, rehabilitation, law, and other human services.
PREREQUISITES
PSY 100, SOC 101, MAT 107; two laboratory sciences from NSC 110, 120, 130, 150, 160, 170.
COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR
PSY 223, one from each of the following groups: PSY 226 or 227; PSY 246 or 224; PSY 221 or 222; PSY 233 or 236; PSY 245 or 290 (when the topic is Health Psychology), four semesters of PSY 295; three electives chosen from PSY 221, 222, 226, 227, 228, 232, 233, 236, 240, 243, 245, 246, 253, 290, 296, 297, 298, or 299.
COURSES FOR LOWER DIVISION UNDERGRADUATES
PSY 100 — INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY - 3 CREDITS
This is a survey course in which all of the major areas of psychological study are described. Topics include: brain function, sensation and perception, child development, emotion, personality, learning, moral development, social behavior, and psychological disorders. Emphasis is placed on understanding basic psychological processes, an introduction to the major theories in psychology and relating course content to daily experiences.
COURSES FOR UPPER DIVISION UNDERGRADUATES
PSY 221 — SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY - 3 CREDITS
An exploration of group influence on human behavior. Topics include intergroup behavior, attitude formation, prejudice, conformity, persuasion, altruism, and aggression.
Prerequisite: PSY 100
PSY 222 — PERSONALITY THEORIES - 3 CREDITS
ClassicaClassical and modern theories of personality formation are examined in this course. Classical and modern psychoanalytic theories, behaviorism, biological, cognitive, humanistic and existential theories of personality will be studied. Theories are compared and contrasted in order to clarify their implications for personality formation.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 223 — RESEARCH METHODS - 4 CREDITS
This course covers basic experimental design and research, paradigms used in psychology. Included are issues of reliability, validity, and ethics issues involved in conducting human research. A project is required.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 224 LEARNING THEORIES – 3 credits
This course focuses on the acquisition of behavior, operant and classical conditioning, animal and human behavior change.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 226 — DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY I - 3 CREDITS
The human life cycle is explored from conception through childhood. Emphasis is placed on social, cognitive, and emotional growth and their interactive relationships.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 227 — DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY II - 3 CREDITS
The life cycle from adolescence through death is explored including physical, emotional, cognitive and social changes.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 228 — GROUP DYNAMICS - 3 CREDITS
This course emphasizes the workings of small groups and organizations, examining group form, structure, and process. Examples will be taken from therapy groups, classrooms, juries, and political meetings. Students explore their own group experiences as well as the organization and process of the class.
Prerequisite: PSY 221.
PSY 232 — ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR - 3 CREDITS
Formal organizations such as companies, schools, religious institutions, and governments can be understood through principles of social psychology and management theories. The focus is analysis of specific institutions using contemporary management and social psychological theories, examining work performance, leadership, goal attainment, and work environments.
Prerequisite: PSY 221.
PSY 233 — ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY - 3 CREDITS
An exploration of modern conceptions of abnormal behavior and psychopathology. Included are discussions of the history, definitions of pathology, biological and environmental causes of pathology, and the available treatment for the various disorders.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 236 — TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS - 3 CREDITS
This course covers how various psychological constructs are measured including measures of personality, intelligence, and other traits and abilities. Test construction and issues of reliability and validity of are examined. Hands-on assignments are conducted in some of these areas.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 240 — PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION - 3 CREDITS
This survey course focuses on religious issues from a psychological perspective. The historical and theoretical developments of the study of religious thinking are traced based on research in the psychology of religion. Psychological models of religious change, commitment, moral behavior, and the healthy and unhealthy religious personality are discussed.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 245 — PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY - 4 CREDITS
An examination of the relationship between physiology and behavior. Topics include: the role of integrative activities, receptor and effector processes in relation to neuromuscular structure and function, the biological bases of behavior and human cognitive processing, the brain and psychopharmacology. This course includes laboratory work.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 246 — COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY - 3 CREDITS
This course offers an overview of cognitive processes. These include concept formation, attention, memory, imagery, language, problem solving, and thinking. Topics may also include an historical review of the topic and treatment strategies for cognitive problems.
Prerequisite: PSY 223.
PSY 253 — HUMAN SEXUALITY - 3 CREDITS
An overview of the physiology, psychology and sociology of human sexuality. Emphasis is on psychosocial aspects of sexual attitudes and behaviors, sexual dysfunction and treatment of sexual dysfunctions.
Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.
PSY 290 — SELECTED TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY - 3 CREDITS
Includes, but not limited to: Cross Cultural Psychology, Health Psychology, and the Exceptional Child.
PSY 291 — PSYCHOLOGY OF PREJUDICE - 3 CREDITS
This course exams the definition, causes and outcomes of prejudice. Included is a study of attitude change and ways in which prejudiced beliefs, opinions and behaviors may be altered. This course satisfies the Upper Division Service learning requirement. As such, students will help organize and facilitate the annual Prejudice Awareness Summit.
PSY 295 — PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR - 1 CREDIT
A weekly colloquium with a major focus on career development for psychology students. In addition to presentations by current faculty covering topics such as careers in psychology, applying to graduate school and preparing for interviews; frequent outside speakers make presentations on a wide variety of topics including: autism, family relations, health, stress, coping, serious disorders, educational therapy, music therapy, and more.
PSY 296 — PRACTICUM - 1-3 CREDITS
Involves field placement (six hours per week) and requires a written product. Several settings are available involving children or adults. Credits are awarded based upon a minimum of 2 hours of face-to-face contact in a setting per week per credit. With Department Chair approval, up to six Practicum credits may be taken by a student during the student's tenure as a Psychology major. Prerequisite: At least junior status.
PSY 297 — SENIOR HONORS THESIS - 3 CREDITS
Open to advanced students with permission of the department chair. Students should apply late in the Spring Semester of their junior year or in the first 10 days of the Fall Semester of their senior year. Work involves conducting research or participating in a project with a faculty member. See department chair for paper requirements.
Prerequisite: 3.5 GPA.
PSY 298 – ADVANCED RESEARCH SEMINAR – 3 CREDITS
This course involves participation in research. Under supervision of the instructor, students will help conduct a review of the literature, develop a research design for the project, create the research instruments, collect data, input data into statistical software and analyze results.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in this course requires permission of the instructor.
PSY 299 — INDEPENDENT STUDY - 1-3 CREDITS