Psychology (PSYC)

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[1] Courses in Psychology (PSYC)

1100 UCA THRIVE: PERSONAL GROWTH AND WELL-BEING Psychology provides a rich knowledge and skill base related to individual growth and well-being. Participants in this course learn the foundational ideas surrounding mental, social, and emotional well-being. Skills and strategies for maintaining and improving well-being are discussed and practiced. Lecture.

1300 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY Introduction to Psychology presents an overview of psychology as the science of behavior and the biological, cognitive, psychological, social, and cultural influences on behavior. This course is required for majors and minors in psychology and also satisfies three hours of the UCA Core Inquiry and Analysis requirement as a social science elective. Lecture. [ACTS: PSYC1103]

1310 APPLICATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY Participants explore the professional skills used by psychologists and career fields where these skills are frequently applied. Participants in this course develop a general knowledge of major psychological skills and of the various professional pathways frequently followed by psychology majors in areas such as business, counseling, education, healthcare, and research. Prerequisite (may be taken concurrently): PSYC 1300.

2330 PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS Introductory descriptive and inferential statistics. A required course for majors. This is an introductory statistics course. No credit will be awarded in more than one introductory statistics course. Lecture/laboratory; computer work required. Prerequisite: Any 1000-level MATH course.

2331 RESEARCH METHODS Scientific methodology and report writing as applied to major problem areas in behavioral research. Lecture/laboratory; computer work required. Scientific Foundations of Psychology category requirement. Prerequisites: PSYC 1300 and PSYC 2330 (or another approved introductory statistics course).

3301 PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY Techniques of investigation in physiological psychology. Structure and function of all nerves, muscles, and endocrine glands. Investigation of physiological basis for behavior. Biological Foundations category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

3302 SENSATION AND PERCEPTION Study of the sensory processes and related perceptual phenomena. Biological Foundations category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

3311 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY Survey of human mental processes such as thinking, memory, language, attention, and problem-solving. Human cognition will be studied from multiple perspectives: psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, human learning, and computer technology. Learning and Cognition category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

3312 PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING Basic theories and principles of learning. Learning and Cognition category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

3321 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Exploration of theoretical points of view related to development across the lifespan. Individual Differences category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

3322 THEORIES OF PERSONALITY Study of the major ideas of important personality theorists and their theoretical contributions to the science of personality. Individual Differences category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

3323 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY Survey of behavior disorders, ranging from the mild to the severe. The etiology, treatment, and prognosis of the various maladaptive behavior patterns are examined. Individual Differences category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

3335 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY Survey of theory and research on how people perceive, influence, and relate to others. Social Influences category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

3336 INTERGROUP RELATIONS Provides an overview of intergroup relations, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Students learn theoretical frameworks, historical perspectives, and research findings regarding the development and maintenance of intergroup conflict, contact, and cooperation. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

3341 MULTICULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY This course reviews the field of Multicultural Psychology and emphasizes the development of critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and cultural self-awareness. Major topic areas include: worldviews, immigration and acculturation, stereotypes and prejudice, racism, privilege, cultural identity and development, and multicultural competence. Inclusion and Diversity category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300. [UD UCA Core: D, I]

3342 PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN Survey and analysis of theory, research, and special topics that pertain to the psychological experience of women through the lifespan. Focus on integrating psychology of women into traditional approaches to the study of human behavior. Inclusion and Diversity category elective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300. [UD UCA Core: D]

4V80 INDEPENDENT READINGS IN PSYCHOLOGY (Variable credit: 1-3 credit hours.) Readings selected by the student under the direction of the major professor from special areas and topics in psychology. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and chairperson.

4V82 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY (Variable credit: 1-3 credit hours.) Development of a research proposal and the execution of the study under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and chairperson.

4301 PSYCHOLOGY APPRENTICESHIP I Participants apply the scientific method to behavioral research questions in a faculty-led research laboratory and practice the fundamentals of presenting psychological science. Apprenticeship in Psychology category requirement. Prerequisite: PSYC 2331. [UD UCA Core: Z]

4302 PSYCHOLOGY APPRENTICESHIP II Participants apply the scientific methods and/or data-based skills of psychology to behavioral research questions and applied psychology programs and initiatives in a faculty mentored experience. All participants gain experience with the skills involved in disseminating psychological research and application. Apprenticeship in Psychology category requirement. Prerequisite: PSYC 4301. Course may be completed up to 3 times for credit (9 credits total).

4311 PSYCHOLOGY IN CONTEXT Study of contemporary ideas and challenges in psychology and the philosophical and scientific antecedents that shaped modern psychology. Major Capstone category requirement. Prerequisite: PSYC 4301 and senior psychology major. [UD UCA Core: D]

4321 EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY This course examines the mechanisms of human behavior from the perspective of evolutionary theory, including problems of survival, long-term mating, sexuality, parenting, kinship, cooperation, aggression and warfare, conflict between the sexes, status, prestige, and social dominance. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

4323 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY A comprehensive introduction to the field of health psychology. Both theoretical and applied aspects of the work of the health psychologist will be reviewed. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300 or consent of instructor. [UD UCA Core: R]

4324 INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY Survey of psychological principles applicable to business, industry, and other work settings, including individual characteristics of employees, group dynamics, leadership, and effective communication and training. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

4326 MEDIA PSYCHOLOGY As the use of media continues to expand into nearly all aspects of life, understanding the impacts of media use on social perceptions, attitudes, and behavior become essential to understanding the human mind in modern society. This course explores primary theory and contemporary findings in media psychology, with a focus on applying them to modern and near-future media contexts. Prerequisite: PSYC 3335. [UD UCA Core: C]

4327 POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY The scientific study of optimal functioning, which aims to discover and promote factors that allow individuals, communities, and societies to thrive and flourish. The course will examine human behavior that is effective, valuable, and positively contributes to human development. This course takes a holistic and general systems theory perspective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300. [UD UCA Core: R]

4328 SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY Study of the psychological factors that influence and are influenced by performance and participation in sports, exercise, and physical activity. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

4341 DATA ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION An exploration of data analysis tools and applications for answering questions in psychological science. Topics include the creation and management of data sets and application of common statistical techniques and tools used in psychological science. Prerequisite: PSYC 2330 (or another approved introductory statistics course).

4342 PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS Theory and construction of tests, with concern for test selection and use. Prerequisite: PSYC 2330 (or another approved introductory statistics course).

4351 APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS The nature of a variety of behavior analysis techniques for addressing behavior problems in developmental disabilities, abnormal behavior, education, and social behavior. Lecture. Prerequisite: PSYC 3351 [UD UCA Core: C]

4352 ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING Survey of psychological aspects of the adult’s role in contemporary society in relation to self-image, family, and vocation. A consideration of adulthood as developmental as applied to the physical, mental, emotional, and social being. Lecture. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300.

4354 JUDGMENT AND DECISION-MAKING Judgment and Decision-Making presents a survey of current research in psychology, evolutionary theory, and economics on the factors that influence human choice behavior. Course participants will learn the major theories and current research in decision-making and how to avoid common decision-making errors. Prerequisite: PSYC 1300. [UD UCA Core: C, I]

4371 INTRODUCTION TO MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS Exploration of the professional practice of mental health for students interested in entering the field as a licensed psychologist or mental health practitioner. Topics include the history and current status of mental health professions, and ethical principles with a focus on evidence-based practice. Prerequisites: PSYC 3323 and psychology major status, or consent of instructor.

4372 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY Professional Development in Psychology explores the variety of graduate training options and professional careers available to psychology majors. Course participants learn the necessary steps to graduate applications.

4377 STUDY ABROAD IN PSYCHOLOGY Psychology is a discipline with roots across the world so that many psychological topics can benefit from cross-cultural investigations. One example of a course that could benefit from study abroad would focus on the artistic technique of linear perspective, invented in Florence, Italy in the early 15th century. The art and science of the Italian Renaissance encouraged a move from the middle ages in which life on Earth was widely seen as a brief interlude preparing for an eternity in the afterlife to the Renaissance ideal that the individual and the surrounding world were worthy of our attention and admiration. Offered each summer I session. [UD UCA Core: D]