An introduction to the scientific study of human thinking, feeling, and behaving. Research from a variety of major areas is surveyed, including topics in biological, cognitive, and social psychology. The course emphasizes the strengths of scientific psychology, as well as the difficulties inherent in humans studying humans.
Individual study and research under direction of department faculty.
Permission of the Instructor and Department Chair
A detailed, critical, scientific analysis of the effects of the major categories of psychiatric drugs, for the treatment of depression, mania, anxiety, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders. The course first focuses on understanding the research strategies that are used in the evaluation of psychiatric drugs. Then it uses this understanding to critically evaluate the research that has actually been done. Research comparing drug treatment to psychological treatment is also reviewed.
PSYC course; BIOL course
An examination of human development throughout the life span, investigating the physical, cognitive and social changes that occur as we both age and reach cultural milestones (marriage, retirement, etc.). Genetic, cultural and other influences on development will be discussed, along with the research methods psychologists use to separate and understand these influences. Students will learn how to optimize healthy development, and acquire new understanding of the developmental stage of others.
Recommended but not Required Prerequisite:
PSYC 115
A study of the various ways in which persons' lives can be warped or crippled by psychological problems. The origin, nature and diagnosis of mental disorders will be studied.
An introduction to the concepts and assumptions of several approaches to psychotherapy, counseling and behavior change including such theories as cognitive-behavioral, existential-humanistic, psychodynamic, multicultural and Christian counseling perspectives. The course objectives are to provide students with knowledge of basic counseling skills and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the various therapeutic approaches.
Focuses on basic human cognitive functions such as attention, perception, memory, problem solving, reasoning, decision-making, and language comprehension and production. Students will study foundational theories and historical experimental findings in the field of cognitive psychology, explore recent research trends (including findings from neuroscience and neuropsychology) and relate their understanding of cognitive psychology to their own personal experiences.
This course surveys social psychology, which is the area of psychology that scientifically studies the manner in which individuals' thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are influenced by and influence others. Students will examine psychological research and theories about the social dimensions of human cognition, action, and emotion. Topics include the nature of the social self, how persuasion occurs, how love relationships form and last, why prejudice is so persistent, and why sometimes people fail to help those in need while others become inspiring exemplars of caring and courage.
The functioning of the neuron and nervous system will be explored, particularly as related to human behavior. Anatomical and physiological considerations regarding selected functions, including vision, audition, sleep, emotion, stress, memory, learning, and various disorders will be examined.
The basic course in statistical inference oriented toward the elements of description, estimation, and the testing of hypotheses. Topics include probability distributions, confidence intervals, tests of means, proportions, and differences, correlation and regression, analysis of variance, and chi-square tests of qualitative data. Principles are applicable to both social and physical sciences.
A beginning study of experimental and research methodology in contemporary psychology. Specific examples from different areas of psychology are used to teach the student basic concepts and methods of observation, measurement, hypothesis formation, experimental design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation and generalization. Laboratory projects provide hands-on experience with an emphasis on experiments.
Individual study and research under direction of department faculty.
Permission of the Instructor and Department Chair
An examination of the relationship between psychology and Christianity, including basic assumptions, methods of inquiry, and areas of possible agreement and conflict. This course will compare psychological and Christian perspectives on topics such as guilt, self-worth, values, morality, self-change, counseling, human nature, evil, and sex. It will evaluate how psychology can influence Christianity, how Christianity can influence psychology, and how people have attempted to integrate psychology and Christianity.
This course will explore the cognitive, emotional, and social lives of children, as they interact with their multiple environments (family, peer groups, school, and community networks). Students will learn research and theory that informs our understanding of children, and will also investigate practical ways of applying this knowledge to improve children's lives, through in-class activities, visits from local professionals, and a weekly service-learning commitment.
An in-depth study of behavior modification and assessment, its major assumption and issues, basic principles and methods, and applications. In addition, the student is required to design and carry out behavior modification projects under direct supervision of the instructor.
A consideration of fundamental conceptual and technical issues in psychological measurement. These issues include scaling, classification, reliability, validity, and utility. The DSM diagnostic system will be evaluated critically, along with a general discussion of issues of diagnosis and assessment in applied settings. A number of measures commonly used in applied and research settings will be surveyed.
This course will focus on the theory and techniques of developing and maintaining authentic interpersonal relationships from the viewpoints of humanistic psychology, communication skills training, and family systems theory. Topics include communication barriers, effective listening, self-disclosure, assertiveness skills, conflict resolution, family systems, and interpersonal patterns. Functional and dysfunctional aspects of intimate relationships will be studied. Students will participate in experiential lab sessions and self-analytic work.
An interdisciplinary approach to basic social science research methods. The course introduces students to the several research methodologies used within the social sciences. Students participate in all stages of a research project.
A study of the human strengths and virtues that enable people to thrive, this course surveys the emerging field of Positive Psychology, focusing on major theories and latest research findings. This course will examine research on topics such as happiness, purpose and meaning in life, growth through adversity, forgiveness, humility, and humor. Students will read and discuss research, try out and analyze practical ways of promoting psychological wellbeing, and design and carry out a research project.
Supervised field experience in settings where psychology is practiced or applied.
Junior Standing; Instructor permission
Students will be involved in carrying out one or more empirical research projects currently being conducted by the supervising faculty member. Students will meet regularly with the faculty member, read relevant research articles and collect, enter, code, or analyze data. Required application and recommendation forms for this course are available from the supervising faculty member or on the Psychology Department's website at: www.augie.edu/dept/psych/research.html. Preference will be given to students who plan to apply to graduate school.
PSYC 271; Approval of Supervising Faculty Member
Students will be involved in carrying out one or more empirical research projects currently being conducted by the supervising faculty member. Students will meet regularly with the faculty member, read relevant research articles and collect, enter, code, or analyze data. Required application and recommendation forms for this course are available from the supervising faclty member or on the Psychology Department's website at: www.augie.edu/dept/psych/research.html.
PSYC 271; Approval of Supervising Faculty Member
Special Topics in Psychology.
Individual study and research under direction of department faculty.
Permission of the Instructor and Department Chair
This discussion-based seminar will explore some of the most important recent advances in psychology. Students will read a selection of best-selling books popularizing research conducted by top scholars in various areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive, developmental, social, clinical). In addition, students will read original research articles upon which the books were based. Discussions will center on critical evaluation of the research, and how to apply research findings to students' intended careers and personal lives. Must have completed 3 PSYC courses prior to taking PSYC 400.
JR or SR standing; At least 3 PSYC courses.
Psychology majors may complete an independent research project under the supervision of a Psychology faculty member.
PSYC 271; Approval of Supervising Faculty Member. Recommended (Not Required) Prerequisite:
PSYC 393