Course Descriptions
PSYC 100
General Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Introduction to psychology: historical origins; methods of investigation; topics such as sensation, perception, learning, cognition, motivation, and emotion; fields such as physiological, development, personality, social, abnormal, testing, applied psychology, and psychotherapy.
PSYC 101
Introduction to Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Introduction to the scientific study of behavior, including an overview of the history of psychology, biological basis of behavior, sensation/perception, consciousness, learning, memory, cognition, language, motivation, emotion, intelligence, development, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, social behavior, and psychological testing.
Majors/minors only.
PSYC 198
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
PSYC 199
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
PSYC 241
Statistical Methods for Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Statistical concepts and methods related to psychological testing and research, including measures of central tendency, variance, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, non-parametric tests, use of computer aids.
Lab required.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: MATH 104, PSYC 100 or 101, 243 or concurrent enrollment.
PSYC 243
Statistical Methods for Psychology Lab
1 Semester Hour
Companion lab course to PSYC 241. Data management and statistical analysis using SPSS.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 241 or concurrent enrollment.
PSYC 251
Brain and Behavior
3 Semester Hours
Biological basis of behavior; structure and function of the sensory and effector mechanisms, neural and endocrine systems, and their underlying physiological substrates.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: NTLS 150, PSYC 100 or 101, or consent of instructor.
PSYC 261
Experimental Methods
3 Semester Hours
Introduces the basic principles of experimental designs. Provides students with fundamental background for planning, conducting, and critiquing experimental research in psychology. Emphasizes scientific writing, including APA style; and data interpretation using inferential, descriptive, and relational statistics. Includes how to generate and test hypotheses, search the scientific literature, the nature of variables, types of measurement, types and assessment of reliability and validity, and ethical issues in empirical research.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PHIL 220; PSYC 100 or 101, 241, 243.
PSYC 265
Nonexperimental Methods
3 Semester Hours
Introduces the basic principles of nonexperimental and quasi-experimental designs. Provides students with fundamental background for planning, conducting, and critiquing nonexperimental, quasi-experimental, and qualitative research in psychology. Emphasizes philosophy of science and scientific writing, including APA style. Methods and designs may include quasi-experimental, correlational, meta-analytic, survey, longitudinal, narrative, participatory action, ethnographic, focus groups, and mixed methodologies. Statistical procedures include those appropriate to these methods and designs.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PHIL 220; PSYC 100 or 101, 241, 243.
PSYC 298
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 299
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 301
Introduction and Overview of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
3 Semester Hours
History of alcohol and other mood-altering drugs in the United States, the myths and stereotypes of alcohol use, the socio-cultural factors that contribute to drug use, and the patterns and progressions of alcoholism and other drug dependency.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 310
Psychology of Sex Differences
3 Semester Hours
Explores sex and sex differences from a biosocial or evolutionary psychology perspective. Examines evolution of sexual reproduction, the two sexes, sexually dimorphic morphology, behavior, and emotion. Identifies and examines different
reproductive strategies employed by males and females (including nonhuman species) and resulting conflicts of interests between the sexes. Particular focus given to sex differences in sexuality, courtship, jealousy, mating systems, and parenting.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 315
Psychology of Women
3 Semester Hours
Women’s biological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning will be reviewed. Topics of special concern to women (e.g., discrimination, sexual harassment, parenting, etc.) will also be discussed.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 319
African and Black Psychology
3 Semester Hours
A biopsychosocial/spiritual review of topics in psychology from an Africentric perspective. A survey course examining and contrasting basic theories, research, and concepts in African psychology and Black psychology. Selected features of the discipline of western psychology are critiqued from an African-centered perspective.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 320
Psychology of Race, Culture, and Ethnicity
3 Semester Hours
Theories and research on psychological, social, and cultural influences in prejudice, racism, ethnic identification, stereotyping, and racial conflict.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 321
Psychology of Marriage
3 Semester Hours
Exploration of theories and research on psychological processes in interpersonal attraction; intimacy, marriage, and family relationships.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 325
Applied Sport Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Explores the relationship of psychological factors to performance in sports. Emphasizes the application of psychological techniques to sport and exercise, including such topics as: personality, motivation, arousal, anxiety, competitiveness, and aggression. Examines psychosocial aspects of team versus individual sports, performance enhancement strategies, and injury avoidance and recovery. Self-assessment and activities facilitate growth and development in personal abilities to enhance performance in a sport and in a variety of non-sport settings.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 330
Forensic Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Examines the interaction of psychology and law. Topics include basic assumptions of law and professional and academic psychology; psychological malpractice; role of mental health experts as expert witnesses, diagnosticians, treatment providers, and advisors in tort law, family law, mental health law, criminal law, and alternative dispute resolution including mediation. Covers fundamental legal procedures, roles of mental health professionals who interact with the legal system, psychological research on legal issues, and common ethical and legal issues related to psychological practices in these areas.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 332
Psychological Disorders
3 Semester Hours
An introduction to the biological, psychological, and social determinants of psychopathology and maladaptive behaviors. Focus on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of these disorders. This course is designed for students not majoring in Psychology.
Not open to majors in Psychology.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 345
Psychology on Film
3 Semester Hours
An investigation of principles and theories of psychology through the analysis of characters in quality, character-based films.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 351
Comparative Animal Behavior
3 Semester Hours
An examination of the ecological and social determinants of the evolution of adaptive behavioral strategies for various classes of behavior across species, including foraging, courtship and reproduction, mating systems, aggression, territoriality, and parenting. Field trips to observe animals.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 352
Developmental Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Research and theories of normal human development from conception through adult maturity, old age, and death. Focus on growth and change in biological, cognitive, and social processes in psychological development. This course is designed for students not majoring in Psychology.
Not open to majors in Psychology.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 357
Language, Literacy, and Community
3 Semester Hours
Study of psychological processes and social structures involved in early reading. Course contains a community-based learning component where students participate in interventions with at-risk children.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 362
Psychology of Religion
3 Semester Hours
Examines the religious experience from a psychological perspective, including methods of developing spiritual awareness, classic writings in the field, and review of empirical research.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 363
Psychology of Death and Dying
3 Semester Hours
Theoretical and empirical research on the psychological nature of death and dying in the human life span process will be fully examined.
Lab required.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 364
Psychology of Death and Dying Lab
1 Semester Hour
Companion lab course to PSYC 363. Observation and data collection from various institutions and community settings related to concerns of illness, health maintenance, dying, death, and funerals.
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 398
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 399
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
Junior standing required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 100 or 101.
PSYC 401
Cognition
3 Semester Hours
Contemporary theories and research regarding cognitive processes: perception, pattern recognition, attention, memory, representation of knowledge, mental imagery, psycholinguistics, concept formation, problem-solving, and reasoning. Explores the application of these theories to study skills, education, neuropsychology, psychopathology, cognitive development, intelligence, and computer models of cognition.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 100 or 101, 251, 261, 265.
PSYC 402
Learning
3 Semester Hours
Systematic theories of learning and problem solving in animals and humans, with a discussion of the relation of such theories to theories of psychopathology, education, and psychotherapy.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 410
Social Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Contemporary theories and empirical research related to person perception, affiliation, interpersonal attraction, group structure and dynamics, social influence, attitude change, aggression, prosocial behavior, and prejudice.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 100 or 101, 251, 261, 265.
PSYC 415
Lifespan Development
3 Semester Hours
Research and theories of normal human development from conception through death, with emphasis on changes in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional processes with age.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 100 or 101, 251, 261, 265.
PSYC 430
Motivation and Emotion
3 Semester Hours
Animal and human research related to needs, desires, feelings, and purposes that arouse and direct behavior.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 431
Human Sexuality
3 Semester Hours
A comprehensive exploration of human sexuality based on a biopsychological approach and including perspectives from neuroscience and behavioral genetics as well as evolutionary, comparative (animal), cross-cultural, social, developmental, clinical, abnormal, and health psychology. Junior standing required. Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 100 or 101, 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 432
Health Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Explores the relationship between behavioral principles/personality and physical health/illness.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 433
Community Psychology
4 Semester Hours
History and principles of human services delivery systems of community mental and physical health in settings affected by poverty, social discord, and dehumanizing factors in urban living.
Lab Required.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 436
Personality
3 Semester Hours
A survey of the major contemporary theories of personality and relevant research and applications related to each theory.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 438
Abnormal Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Causes, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental disorders: schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, childhood disorders, sexual dysfunctions, and other conditions covered in DSM IV-TR.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 442
Psychological Assessment
3 Semester Hours
Basic concepts of measurement theory including reliability, validity, and scaling; developing and standardizing tests, behavioral observation, unobtrusive measures, intelligence tests, personality assessment, including projectives and vocational tests.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 443
Advanced Statistics
3 Semester Hours
Advanced statistical methods using computer statistical packages. Topics include factor analysis, multiple regression, and multivariate analysis of variance.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 445
Research Practicum
3 Semester Hours
Students design and conduct an experiment or other empirical research in a specific area of psychology. Highly recommended for undergraduates considering graduate school.
Consent of instructor required.
Prerequisites: Grade of B (3.0) or higher in each: PSYC 241, 243, 261, 265. Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 452
Evolutionary Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Examination of the biosocial development of adaptive behavioral strategies for various classes of behavior including altruism, intergenerational conflict, courtship, parenting, territoriality, sibling rivalry, aggression.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 455
Neuropsychology
3 Semester Hours
Clinical neuropsychology: brain damage and organic syndromes, diagnosis, and biological therapies.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 456
Psychopharmacology
3 Semester Hours
Study of psychopharmacological prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders; secondary focus on psychopharmaco-dynamics and neurochemistry of drugs which derive their primary effect by acting on the central nervous system.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 457
Psycholinguistics Research
3 Semester Hours
Students participate in on-going studies in the areas of speech, language, and reading under the mentorship of the professor. Students study a current research topic in detail, formulate a research hypothesis, design an experiment, and collect and statistically analyze the data. The final product for the course is dissemination of the research report at a major conference and/or submission of the APA-style manuscript to a major journal.
Prerequisites: Grade of B (3.0) or higher in each: PSYC 241, 243, 261, 265. Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415. Consent of instructor.
PSYC 458
Psychobiology Research
3 Semester Hours
Students participate in on-going laboratory research on the psychobiology of learning and memory. Emphasis is on theoretical and methodological issues, research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Prerequisites: Grade of B (3.0) or higher in each: PSYC 241, 243, 261, 265. Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415. Consent of instructor.
PSYC 462
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Human problems in industry and business: motivation, morale, efficiency, human relations, occupational fatigue and rest, accident proneness, human engineering, and leadership.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 465
Couple and Family Systems
3 Semester Hours
Imparts an understanding of individuals in systems and introduces the practice of therapeutic intervention at the couple and family level. Some of the major approaches are critically reviewed, demonstrated, and practiced. Students explore themselves, their own backgrounds and biases, their ability to work therapeutically at the systemic level, and sensitivities relating to cultural and other difference in people from various backgrounds. Covers ethics and professional issues in working with people in systems. Requires participation in self-development exercises such as role-playing, as well as self, peer, and instructor critiques of one's performance.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 490
Teaching Internship
1-3 Semester Hours
Guided teaching of undergraduate laboratories. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 498
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 499
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 510
Capstone Course: The History and Future of Psychology
3 Semester Hours
Survey of major trends in philosophy and science culminating in the establishment of scientific psychology, with attention to theories and systems that have influenced psychology to the present time. Review and critique of psychology and the biopsychosocial model. Future of psychology and its methods and models. Course fulfills capstone requirement.
Senior Psychology majors only.
Prerequisites: All required courses for the major completed or currently in progress.
PSYC 515
Capstone Seminar
3 Semester Hours
Seminar focuses on a faculty-selected topic to be investigated using the biopsychosocial perspective. The topic of this seminar may be related to the focus of the annual Bellarmine Forum, other major university forum, or a selected issue of
current social importance. Students will review and integrate their learning in psychology. Course fulfills capstone requirement.
Senior Psychology majors only.
Prerequisites: All required courses for the major completed or currently in progress.
PSYC 540
Honors Seminar
3 Semester Hours
For departmental Honors-Eligible students, this seminar examines a faculty-selected topic from one or more of the biopsychosocial perspectives. Students will complete an extensive literature review on the topic.
Senior Psychology majors only.
Consent of Department Chairperson required.
PSYC 545
Honors Research Thesis
3 Semester Hours
Departmental Honors-Eligible students design and conduct empirical research in a specific area of psychology. The completed research report, written in APA style, is the student’s Honors Thesis.
Senior Psychology majors only.
Consent of Department Chairperson required.
PSYC 595
Senior Assessment
0 Semester Hours
Assessment of student learning outcomes in the field of psychology. Includes written examination or some other form of written assessment, completion of survey instruments, senior exit interview, or other forms of end-of-program evaluation. PSYC 595 is offered three times a year (Spring, Summer, and Fall) on a Credit/No Credit basis.
CR/NC grading only.
Lab fee.
Senior Psychology majors only.
Prerequisites: All required courses for the major completed or currently in progress.
PSYC 598
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
PSYC 599
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
Students work individually with a selected professor on a specific area of interest. Students who have completed PSYC 445 may wish to conduct further research independently.
Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each: PSYC 401, 410, 415.
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