PSY 100 Psychology as a Career
1 credit
This course is designed for psychology majors, as well as students who are considering a change of major to psychology. Students will develop an understanding of themselves in addition to developing an appreciation for the extensive options available to a graduate with a psychology degree.
PSY 101 General Psychology
3 credits
An introduction to the science of psychology through a survey of the biological, intra-psychic, and social bases of behavior. Major topics include cognition, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, personality, behavior disorders, and social elements of behavior.
PSY 105 Human Development
3 credits
A survey of the changes that occur during the entire lifespan as people develop: physical, motor, cognitive, moral, and social-emotional. Developmental theory and research data are critically considered. Application of existing knowledge about the variables that affect the course of development is emphasized.
PSY 111 Interpersonal Skills
3 credits
(Also SWK 111)
A general purpose skill development course that enhances assertive behavior, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and group member skills for effective teamwork in organizational environments. Consideration is given to multicultural variables that influence human relations skills. Teaching methodology includes lecture-discussion and interactive exercises.
PSY 151 General Psychology Lab
1 credit
A laboratory section that accompanies the general psychology course with the emphasis on interactive hands-on activities via computer simulations, application of ideas and theories presented in PSY 101, and the development of beginning research skills.
PSY 202 Social Psychology
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105
An investigation of the influences of social factors on individual behavior, the role of social cognition when people interact, interpersonal and group dynamics, and application of social-psychological research data to various situations.
PSY 204 Special Topics
1-3 credits
A course allowing for instruction in areas not included in the regular psychology curriculum.
PSY 210 Statistical Techniques for Research Data Analysis
3 credits
(Also CRJ 214, HOS 214, SWK 210)
Prerequisite:Appropriate math placement test score or MAT 001 with a grade of C or higher
An interdisciplinary introduction to the basic principles of data analysis with an emphasis on application. Students are expected to apply these principles to data analysis in their respective areas of study. The applied focus is on the computerized application of summary statistics, one-/two-/multi-sample tests, linear models, association tests, randomness/normality tests, and probability distributions as used across a variety of community and organizational settings. Other techniques may be added as appropriate for specific disciplines.
PSY 211 Abnormal Psychology
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101or PSY 105
This course explores the major types of psychopathology to include anxiety disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, organic brain disorders, substance-related disorders, somatoform disorders, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, mental retardation, adjustment disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, impulse control disorders and delirium, dementia and amnestic disorders. Emphasis is given to the issues surrounding classification, etiology, and treatment.
PSY 222 Human Sexuality
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105
A consideration of the physical, cultural, and intrapersonal aspects of sexuality in light of how they affect the growth and occurrence of sexual behavior. The conceptual core of this course is the idea that human sexual behavior follows the same rules and is directed to many of the same ends as other human behavior.
PSY 301 Drugs and Behavior
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105
An examination of the relationship between brain chemistry and behavior. Special attention is paid to drug use/abuse and the application of drugs to the treatment of psychological disorders.
PSY 302 Introduction to Clinical Counseling
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105, and 308
A survey course designed to acquaint the student with the general principles of psychological counseling and psychotherapy. In addition, examples of counseling approaches from the psychodynamic, behavior and learning, cognitive, humanistic, and selected recent models are discussed. A brief introduction to group counseling, family therapy, and crisis intervention is also included.
PSY 306 Tests and Measurements
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 and 105
A critical analysis of principles underlying the construction, administration, and interpretation of a broad range of general intelligence, special aptitude, achievement, and personality tests. Attention is given to the benefits and limitations of tests.
PSY 308 Theories of Personality
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 and 105
A survey of major theories of personality functioning, covering such areas as the nature, determinants, development, structure, motivational bases, and dynamic operations of the human personality. Examples of theories from the following areas are treated: psychodynamic, behavior and learning, cognitive, humanistic-phenomenological, trait, and Eastern. Each theory is critically analyzed in terms of its assumptions, logical cohesiveness, research support, and applications.
PSY 311 History and Systems of Psychology
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105
A survey of development of modern psychology from its physiological and philosophical roots to the present status of various contemporary theories and systems.
PSY 312 Experimental Psychology
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 and 210
An examination of the various methods of data collection and interpretation with emphasis on the design of experiments and the use of elementary statistical methods in the analysis of data. It involves both lecture-discussion and actual experience with collecting, analyzing, and reporting data.
PSY 314 Positive Psychology
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105
Positive psychology focuses on the strengths within the individual versus the more traditional focus of pathology. A comparison between past psychological theories and this more contemporary theory of psychology will be explored. The course will teach students how to evaluate, understand, and how to identify strengths within themselves and others. Additionally this course will offer the opportunity to learn how to utilize these identified strengths in order to reach greater levels of happiness, accomplishment and satisfaction.
PSY 321 Applied Behavior Modification
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105
A focus on practical techniques derived from theory and research in learning. Emphasis is on assessment, intervention, and evaluation in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
PSY 322 Childhood Psychopathology
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105
A survey of a broad range of psychopathological disorders which can affect children and adolescents. Attention is given to description, assessment, and theoretical and empirical explanations for and treatment of the disorders.
PSY 331 Neuroscience
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105 and BIO 100 or 101
An examination of the data and theories which help us to understand the connections between our bodies and our actions. The anatomical, physiological, and chemical correlates of a wide range of human activities, from simple reflexes to complex decision making and thinking, is examined. The issue of brain damage and recovery from it is also considered.
PSY 340 Field Experience
1-3 credits
(Psychology major only)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 and 105 and permission
Exposure to the realities of work through experiences in settings where psychological services are being provided.
PSY 341 Cognitive Psychology
3 credits
This course examines the underlying basis for human skills in learning, perception, attention and memory, language, problem solving, and decision-making. The focus is on current knowledge about the processes, structures, and mechanisms that contribute to human cognition. Some application of this knowledge to fields such as law, education, and clinical psychology will be included.
PSY 342 Research Methods
3 credits
(Also HOS 342, SWK 342)
Prerequisite: CRJ 214 or HOS 214 or PSY 210 or SWK 210
This course presents the basic principles and methods of social science research. Students are introduced to techniques for critical analysis of the professional practice literature and how, as consumers, they can incorporate research findings in practice. Students also acquire knowledge and skills for applying research in their practice. Similarities between the research and problem-solving processes are identified, beginning with conceptualization of the research question, followed by determination of the appropriate design and methodology, and concluding with qualitative and quantitative data analysis and presentation of findings. Professional values and ethics, as well as sensitivity to human diversity, are subsumed within the conduct of research.
PSY 360 Practicum in Research I
1-3 credits
(Also CRJ 360, SWK 360)
Prerequisite: Permission
Introduction to the practice of developing research skills in the major. Perform, under supervision, various tasks associated with the research process. Tasks may include collection of data, development materials, literature searches, data analysis, report preparation, or other activities.
PSY 362 Practicum in Research II
1-3 credits
(Also CRJ 362, SWK 362)
Prerequisite: PSY 360 and permission
A continuation of PSY 360, a further practice of developing research skills in the major will be explored. Perform, under supervision, various tasks associated with the research process. Tasks may include collection of data, development materials, literature searches, data analysis, report preparation, or other activities.
PSY 397 Internship
1-3 credits
Planned and supervised work experience in psychology. A faculty mentor supervises the experience and evaluates fulfillment of the planned objectives. Internships are unpaid experiences.
PSY 402 Senior Seminar in Psychology
2 credits
(Psychology majors only)
A forum for discussion for graduating seniors. Completion of a project that demonstrates the student's ability to integrate and apply acquired knowledge in psychology is required.
PSY 404 Special Topics in Psychology
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105
Discussion of modern theory and research in psychology as applied to general and specific areas of study. A subtitle indicating the specific subject is added each time the course is offered.
PSY 411 Preparation for Research
1 credit
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or 105, 210, 312 or PSY/SWK 342
Identification of an issue, performance of a literature search, and statement of a research question or hypothesis. Development of a research study to test the idea, including working out the required methodological aspects.
PSY 412 Data Collection and Report
Preparation
2 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 411
Implementation of the research study, collection of the data, and analysis of it. Writing a complete report of the research, with appropriate conclusions.
PSY 414 Independent Study
3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission
A course designed by the student with an instructor's guidance to allow students of superior ability to pursue a topic of interest not available through regular courses.
PSY 422 Law and the Helping Profession
3 credits
(Also SWK 422)
This course examines the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Codes that guide helping professionals in their practice with clientele. Attention is directed toward assisting the helping professional recognize the legal duties and responsibilities within their professional lives. Particular emphasis is placed on the children's code, mental health/developmental disabilities, protective services, care records, mandatory reporting, abuse, domestic violence, and professional conduct.
PSY 497 Internship
1-3 credits
Planned and supervised work experience in psychology. A faculty mentor supervises the experience and evaluates fulfillment of the planned objectives. Internships are unpaid experiences.