Psychology

An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior with particular emphasis on personal development, mental health, and interpersonal relationships. Topics covered will include theories of personality, stress, health and coping, abnormal psychology, therapy, personal adjustment, memory, motivation and emotion, gender and sexuality, psychosocial and moral development, interpersonal relationships, social and organizational behaviors, and careers within psychology.

PSYC 200 — Lifespan Development. 3 hours.

This course gives an overview of theory and research on human development in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains from conception to death. For non-majors only.

PSYC 202 — Educational Psychology. 3 hours.

Same as EDUC 249.

PSYC 203 — History and Systems of Psychology. 3 hours.

A history of the field of psychology with particular emphasis on the theoretical development from the prescientific era to the present time. Prerequisite: PSYC 101, 211 or 212.

PSYC 211 — Child Developmental Psychology. 3 hours.

A study of human physical, intellectual, emotional, perceptual, social, and personality development from conception to puberty. It is recommended that 211 precede 212 if both courses are taken.

PSYC 212 — Adolescent and Adult Developmental Psychology. 3 hours.

A study of human physical, intellectual, emotional, perceptual, social, and personality development from puberty to death. It is recommended that 211 precede 212 if both courses are taken.

PSYC 214 — Early Adolescent Development. 3 hours.

Same as EDUC 214. Does not apply to Psychology major or minor.

PSYC 222 — Psychology of Human Communication. 3 hours.

Same as COMM 103.

PSYC 233 — Group Dynamics. 3 hours.

Same as COMM 233.

PSYC 241 — Statistics. 4 hours.

Same as MATH 241.

PSYC 320 — Sports Psychology. 3 hours.

Same as EXSS 320.

PSYC 321 — Social Psychology. 3 hours.

This course considers the social factors that operate in influencing the behavior of the individual. Emphasis is given to the description and evaluation of the methods of measurement and techniques of investigation for the social psychologist. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC 323 — Human Diversity. 3 hours.

This course seeks to enhance understanding of an individual's identity, development, and culture from the perspectives of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, socioeconomic level, and disabilities.

PSYC 324 — Industrial/Organizational Psychology. 3 hours.

A survey of the theory, research and strategies used in business, industry, and government in the following areas: (1) personnel selection, assessment and training; (2) human engineering, motivation, work efficiency, and job satisfaction; (3) organizational structure and dynamics; (4) leadership and supervisory training; and (5) employee counseling. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC 331 — Basic Research and Statistics. 4 hours.

A survey or the methods of gathering, interpreting, and communicating research data. Topics include measurement and scaling techniques; naturalistic observation, case study, survey, correlational and experimental methods; non-parametric statistics, test, and single-factor analysis of variance; report-writing, graphical reporting of data, and bibliographical sources; and computer data and database searches.

PSYC 332 — Advanced Research and Statistics. 3 hours.

The study of advanced experimental methods and designs, the application of parametric statistics through three-factor analysis of variance, bibliographical sources and report writing, and the use of computers in research. Research experiences are included. Prerequisite: PSYC 331.

PSYC 343 — Learning and Behavior Modification. 4 hours.

A survey of the basic types of learning and the variables that influence the learning process. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical and applied aspects of human behavior change. Laboratory experiences are included. Prerequisite: PSYC 203; PSYC 331 is recommended.

PSYC 345 — Physiological Psychology. 3 hours.

This course acquaints students with the neurological and glandular bases of learning, sensation, perception, and behavior. Laboratory experiences are included.

PSYC 346 — Cognitive Psychology. 3 hours.

An in-depth study of the mental structures, processes, and strategies that enable one to process the vast amount of information encountered each day, and to respond in an appropriate manner to the demands of daily living. Topics will include the history and methods of cognitive psychology, cognitive development, attention, perception, memory, cognitive learning, concept formation, language, thinking, reasoning, problem solving, and creativity. Theory, research, lab demonstrations, and applications will be included. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, 203.

PSYC 361 — Theories of Personality. 3 hours.

A study is made of the conceptualizations of personality that are acceptable to the various theoretical positions. Also, consideration is given to the many factors that affect the personality development of the individual. Emphasis is placed on what is considered normal personality. Recommended prerequisite: PSYC 203.

PSYC 362 — Psychological Testing. 3 hours.

The assessment of human characteristics such as mental abilities, attitudes, aptitudes, learning disabilities, vocational interests, and personality traits and abnormalities. Emphasis is given to how psychological inventories are constructed, utilized, and evaluated. Students will take and interpret various tests. Prerequisites: four psychology courses; PSYC 361 is recommended.

PSYC 365 — Crisis Intervention. 3 hours.

Same as SOWK 365.

PSYC 398 — Psychology Seminar. 1 hour.

This course is required of all Psychology majors in either their junior or senior year. It includes a series of lectures, panel discussions, guest speakers, and field trips covering issues such as vocations in psychology, graduate programs, application strategies, current issues, and ethics. Offered in the fall semester.

PSYC 433 — Quantitative Research Project. 1-3 hours.

A departmentally approved experimental research project designed, conducted, analyzed, and reported by the student. Fall enrollment in the course is expected, though the project continues through spring semester. Prerequisites: six Psychology courses, including PSYC 331, 332.

PSYC 461 — Counseling Process and Technique. 3 hours.

A study of the process of psychological counseling with emphasis on effective counselor characteristics, the initial session, facilitative relationship, goals, strategies, termination, ethical issues within counseling, and the development of a personal counseling model. Application will be made to interest areas such as crisis intervention, pastoral counseling, marriage and family counseling, social work, and personnel services. Prerequisites: four Psychology courses.

PSYC 467 — Psychotherapy. 3 hours.

A survey of the major concepts and practices in contemporary psychotherapy and counseling. Emphasis will be given to psychoanalysis; individual psychology; transactional analysis; and person-centered, existential, gestalt, rational-emotive, reality, and behavior therapies. Attention will be given to the development of effective therapist characteristics and a personal therapy model. Prerequisites: four Psychology courses, including PSYC 203, 361.

PSYC 468 — Abnormal Psychology. 3 hours.

A comprehensive study of the various types of personality and behavioral abnormalities, including their etiology, symptoms, dynamics, and treatment. A comparison is made between normal and maladaptive functioning. Prerequisites: four Psychology courses including PSYC 203, 361.

PSYC 474 — Group Counseling. 3 hours.

As paraprofessionals, scores of psychology graduates lead therapy groups in state hospital, community hospital, and agency settings. Therapy group goals, leadership techniques, and treatment and evaluation strategies will be explored. The practices and effectiveness of various models representing the major schools of thought in psychology will be compared. Attention also will be given to the history and varieties of self help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Prerequisites: seven Psychology courses; PSYC 461, 467 required; 233 recommended.

PSYC 478 — Professional Issues. 1 hour.

A study of (1) mental health services, including history, agencies, practitioner roles, professional organizations, and credentialing; (2) principles of referral, advocacy, and case management; and (3) professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities in professional counseling, especially as related to Illinois law.

PSYC 479 — Supervised Practicum. 3-5 hours.

The student will work 16 hours per week in an approved agency under the supervision of a professionally trained staff member. This will be arranged according to the interests of the student. Open only to senior Psychology majors.