Psychology (PSY)

In this course, students will gain an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Topics may be drawn from historical and current perspectives in psychology.

This course helps prepare students to succeed in the psychology major and plan for their professional life beyond earning a degree in psychology. Topics that are covered include the department curriculum requirements, careers related to psychology, graduate school programs related to psychology, and how to apply to graduate school/jobs.

DESIGNED AS AN IN-DEPTH EXAMINATION OF THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EVIDENCE; COVERAGE GIVEN TO SPECIFIC AREAS OF SUCH AS LEARNING, PERCEPTION, PHYSIOLOGICAL, SOCIAL, OR COGNITION.

Research designs and statistical techniques having the greatest utility for research problems in Psychology.

Research methods covers the logic of experimental design, research ethics, and analysis of experimentally obtained data. Students will also conduct a research study (design, data collection, and analyses) and report their findings in written form.

The student will become familiar with the field of Sport and Exercise Psychology including a variety of issues related to the psychosocial aspects of behavior in sport and exercise contexts. Topics will include, but are not limited to, the history of the field, personality, self-confidence and motivation, goal orientation, developmental aspects of sport and exercise, attention, anxiety and arousal, mood, goal-setting, imagery, aggression, team and task cohesion, leadership and coaching, injuries and negative aspects of sport and exercise.

Students will learn to consolidate, integrate and apply discipline specific knowledge to issues within Psychology and the Liberal Arts. Previously PSY 4990.

This course explores the science of how we make choices, covering topics such as prospect theory, cognitive biases, and game theory. Students will apply critical thinking skills to these psychological concepts, learning how to spot irrationality and make better, more evidence-based decisions.

Review of the historical roots of modern psychological theories. In-depth consideration of the various schools of psychology, such as behaviorism, Gestalt, psychoanalysis, and phenomenological psychology.

STUDENTS ARE GIVEN THE OPPORUNITY TO WORK CLOSELY WITH FACULTY IN RESEARCH OR OTHER SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES.

Selected topics in Psychology. Course provides an opportunity for study in depth of topics not offered in other courses.

Applied practicum in community service agencies.