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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog | 20253

PDF of Psychology Courses

Psychology Courses

All Psychology Courses

PSY 1010 Stress and Coping (2 credits)

Focuses on the development of personal skills related to health and lifetime achievement. Topics include stress management, self-motivation, study skills, interpersonal relationships, and overcoming common anxieties. [BSU Focus: Performance and Participation]
Common Course Outline

PSY 1100 Introductory Psychology (4 credits)

This course will provide you with a general introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and cognition. The course provides a survey of major topics in psychology, approaches to gathering and evaluating evidence about the causes and correlates of behavior, construction and evaluation of psychological theories, and how psychological knowledge is, or can be, applied to the ¿real world." [Core Curriculum Goal Area 5]
Common Course Outline

PSY 2200 Human Sexuality (4 credits)

This course is a survey of issues and attitudes associated with human sexuality. Emphasis will be placed on the social, cultural, and individual differences in sexual and reproductive attitudes, values, and behavior. Students will be introduced to common sex-related issues and to the particular concerns of gender and sexual minorities. This course will also engage students in real world issues and provides opportunities to develop the expertise and practice the skills required to make informed choices about sexuality for themselves and their families. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 7]
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PSY 2217 Psychopathology and Wellness (4 credits)

Survey of psychopathology and wellness in children, adolescents, and adults. Examines assessment, diagnosis, and current research into the causes and treatment of psychological disorders. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100.
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PSY 2227 Learning and Cognition (4 credits)

An introduction to behavioral and cognitive theories of behavior change and associated applications in animal training, education, and applied psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 1100.
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PSY 2490 Disability and Ableism (4 credits)

This course will examine disability and disability experiences from a combination of social psychological and disability studies disciplinary perspectives. The primary objective being to provide students an opportunity to think critically about disability from a variety of different perspectives and to develop self-reflexivity when it comes to their own feelings about disability and disabled people. This course encourages the consideration of disability as a social, historical, political, cultural, and environmental phenomenon and emphasizes the subjectivity of disabled people as a historically marginalized minority group. At the same time, this course is primarily grounded by social psychological theory and methodology will consider disability-related phenomena that fall under the auspices of social psychological theory and practice including: prejudice, stereotyping, stigma, attitudes, attributions, self and social identity, social representations, and collective action; will critically pull from the extant body of literature on the social psychology of disability. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 7]
Common Course Outline

PSY 2870 Careers in Psychology (4 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the field of psychology. Students will investigate potential careers in psychology and apply APA ethical principles. They can also expect to build skills in information literacy, APA format and style, and presentations.
Common Course Outline

PSY 2925 People of the Environment: Psychology Perspective (4 credits)

This class will provide an opportunity for students to reflect on concepts presented in class and apply them to their own life. The emphasis will be on using social scientific approaches to design and implement effective, ethical, research-based programs that address environmental problems. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 10]
Common Course Outline

PSY 3210 Death and Culture (4 credits)

Death is a universal human experience shaped by the attitudes of any given culture. Examines death and dying in various cultural contexts and the accompanying psychological research into death attitudes and processes. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 8]
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PSY 3237 Lifespan Development (4 credits)

A review of theories and research on the psychological, physical, and environmental factors influencing adjustment and development across the lifespan. Prerequisite: PSY 1100.
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PSY 3332 Multicultural Counseling Skills (4 credits)

This course is a practical, skills-based introduction to the development of interpersonal awareness, beginning counseling techniques, and crisis intervention techniques. The purpose of this course is to learn and foster basic counseling and crisis intervention skills. You will learn basic listening skills in the first half of the course, followed by advanced listening and influencing skills in the second half. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100.
Common Course Outline

PSY 3337 Group Processes (4 credits)

This course focuses on the examination and practical application of principles and dynamics underlying group behavior from a psychological perspective. By participating as a member of a group, you will gain firsthand knowledge of the group processes that are at play in everyday situations. Group meetings and presentations are aimed toward raising individual consciousness about issues related to collective functioning (e.g., group development, cohesion). Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100 and PSY 3401, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 3367 Social Psychology (4 credits)

The scientific study of dynamic personal and situational factors that interact to produce complex social and psychological phenomena. Topics include social cognition and perception, self and social identity, group processes, aggression and altruism, attitudes, social influence, intergroup conflict, and applied social psychology. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to think about how research in social psychology can be used to explain and improve global and local current events and situations in your own life. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100.
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PSY 3387 Topics in Psychology (1-4 credits)

An in-depth study of topics of current interest in psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 1100.
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PSY 3388 Health Psychology (4 credits)

This course provides an overview of the major theoretical perspectives and constructs related to the field of health psychology. Students will review readings on theory, research, and practice in understanding and improving health behavior. Health, wellness, and illness are addressed from biological, psychological, social, and cultural viewpoints. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100.
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PSY 3401 Basic Statistics for Research (4 credits)

This is an introductory course into statistics for the behavioral sciences. Students will learn how to collect, organize, analyze, interpret, and present data. The theoretical background behind statistical methods will be provided along with opportunities for practical application. The statistical procedures covered within the course will include measures of central tendency, variability, and shape; t-tests; correlation; linear regression; chi-square tests; and one-way analysis of variance. The use of statistical software to facilitate these procedures will also be covered. Instructional emphasis for the course will be on which statistical procedure is appropriate for given circumstances. Prerequisite(s): Completion of Core Curriculum Goal Area 4.
Common Course Outline

PSY 3402 Research Methods (4 credits)

This course is an overview of the methods used in the study of psychology and the methods of sharing findings from those studies. Students will be introduced to current research methods, including basic principles of research design, data collection, and data analysis and interpretation. Students will also learn how to search and integrate current literature into a review using APA format and style. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100 and PSY 3401.
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PSY 3437 Cognitive Psychology (4 credits)

This course is about cognitive process from different psychological theories. The goal of this course is to understand how the mind works. Since the mind lies behind of our thoughts, dreams, decision, having a good understand of mind will help us gain a better understanding of ourselves and those around us. Through the course, we will look at theoretical and empirical approaches to understand the core concepts such as perception, attention, memory, knowledge, reasoning, and decision making. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100.
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PSY 3456 Community Psychology (4 credits)

This course is designed as an introduction to community psychology. It will familiarize students with the history and context of the development of community psychology as a field. Students will be exposed to theories in the field and to potential implications for research, practice and policy. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100.
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PSY 3500 Psychology of Aging (4 credits)

This course provides students with an overview of issues relevant to adult development and aging from biological, psychological, social and clinical perspective. Topics will explore the nature of aging and its relevance in psychology, which include, but are not limited to, perception, memory, ageism, personality, mental and psychical health, and death and dying, etc. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100.
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PSY 3636 Positive Psychology (4 credits)

This course introduces students to the rapidly growing field of positive psychology. Positive Psychology encompasses the study of positive experiences, positive character traits, positive relationships, and the institutions (education, work, family, leadership) and practices that facilitate their development. This course reviews the history of positive psychology, empirical support for the field, measurement, and implications of deliberately attempting to increase happiness and well-being. Throughout the course students will engage in experiential learning and practical exercises to increase well-being, which will inform their theoretical and empirical understanding of important questions in positive psychology.
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PSY 3688 American Indian Psychology (4 credits)

This course will provide an overview of the psychology of American Indians; Indigenous people hold a unique place in North America history and continue to live in a settler-colonial society. However, they are often misrepresented and misunderstood in contemporary society. This course will explore an Indigenous psychological perspective as it relates to topics such as epistemology, research methodologies, identity development, colonialism and oppression, historical/intergenerational trauma, health and wellness, and resistance and resilience. Furthermore, we will examine strength-based cultural approaches to wellness and healing in American Indian communities. [Nisidotaading Course Requirement]
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PSY 4242 Psychology of Women and Gender (4 credits)

This course is designed to explore the psychology of women and gender using from a feminist social psychological perspective. Students will use intersectional theory to investigate how women's experiences differ based on other privileged and/or marginalized identities (like race, class, sexual identity, and disability). Topics in the course will include the ways gender is constructed and socialized; the female-deficit model perspective in psychological research; mental and physical health issues unique to gender minorities; and, how sexism and misogyny shapes the lived experiences of cisgender women, transgender women, and non-binary people. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100, PSY 2200, PSY 3402, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4243 Queer Psychology (4 credits)

This course is designed to explore the psychology of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and groups using feminist and queer theoretical perspectives. Students will investigate how psychology has historically and contemporarily defined queer and transgender identities, how 2SLGBTQ+ individuals' experiences differ based on other privileged and/or marginalized identities (like race, class, sexual identity, and disability), and ways of working toward queer liberation. Topics in the course will include the ways sexuality and gender are constructed and socialized; the impact of heteronormativity and cisnormativity in psychological research; mental and physical health issues unique to gender and sexual minorities; and, how homophobia and transphobia shape the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ people. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100, PSY 2200, PSY 3402, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4247 Adolescent Development (4 credits)

An introduction to issues and theories of development dealing with adolescence and emerging adulthood. The course reviews the principles, theories, research and application of cognitive, emotional, personality, social and physical development. The course also examines how adolescents develop the knowledge, skills, and personality characteristics that allow them to become successful adults. Prerequisite(s): PSY 3401, PSY 3237
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PSY 4325 Forensic Psychology (4 credits)

This course addresses the application of psychological research, theory, or practice to the legal system or legal issues; as well as the impact of the law on psychological practice. Topics include policing and investigative psychology, psychology as it informs civil and criminal court cases, correctional psychology, psychology of victims and victim services, and psychological practice as governed by the law. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100, junior or senior status, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4328 Behavioral and Cognitive Intervention (4 credits)

This course examines cognitive and behavioral theories including applied behavioral analysis. Therapeutic application of behavioral and cognitive/behavioral principles to human problems in various settings is practiced. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100 and PSY 2227.
Common Course Outline

PSY 4340 Humans and Other Animals (4 credits)

This course provides an examination of the various ways humans interact with other animals. Topics include the human-animal bond and pet ownership; animal-assisted interventions; animal use, abuse, and neglect; and animals in research. Social and cultural factors are emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior status, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4347 Psychological Measurement (4 credits)

This course is an examination of the theoretical and practical considerations involved in the construction, administration, and interpretation of psychological tests to measure such factors as personality, ability, and pathology. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100, PSY 3401, PSY 3402.
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PSY 4357 Industrial and Organizational Psychology (4 credits)

Presentation and analysis of theoretical, technical, and applied aspects of psychology in work settings. Topics include: human resources activities (selection, training and evaluation of personnel), work motivation, job satisfaction, leadership, organizational structure, group/team communication, working conditions. Prerequisite: PSY 1100.
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PSY 4403 Advanced Statistics and Research Design (4 credits)

This is an advanced course on behavioral statistics and research design. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they learned in PSY 3401 Basic Stats and PSY 3402 Research Methods as well as to explore the material in more depth. Topics will include measurement, central tendency, variance, probability, inferential statistics (z-test, t-test, and ANOVA), correlation, regression, chi-square and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite(s): PSY 3401 and PSY 3402, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4408 Human Services Program Management (3 credits)

Theories and techniques of managing human service agencies including planning, administration, evaluation and grant writing. Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 3401, PSY 3402, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4447 Research Laboratory (1-4 credits)

Supervised, original research in selected areas. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 3401, and PSY 3402, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4450 Behavioral Neuroscience (4 credits)

A neurological study of behavior focusing on the neurons, neurotransmitters, neuronal circuits, and basic biology of the nervous system. The beginning of the course will focus on building an understanding of the structure and function of nerve cells, and neuro and hormonal chemical transmission within the nervous system. The rest of the course will focus on how these biological processes lead to normal and pathological behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100.
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PSY 4459 Sensation and Perception (4 credits)

An in-depth introduction, including the topics of the nervous system, electrochemical and neurochemical bases of behavior, vision, audition, somatic and chemical senses, movement, emotion, and cognition. Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 3401, and PSY 3402, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4467 Personality Theories (4 credits)

Personality psychology is the area of psychology that studies individuals' characteristic patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior, and their underlying psychological mechanisms. This course serves as an introduction to the major theories of personality in psychology. We will discuss the major theories, the people and environments that created them, and critically discuss their strengths and limitations. In addition to learning relevant content, you will practice your skills in literature review and technical writing. PSY 1100, PSY 2217, PSY 3401, and PSY 3402, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4487 History and Systems of Psychology (4 credits)

This course examines contemporary issues and theories in psychology and their historical developments. It is a survey of the philosophical, physiological, methodical, and historical origins of psychology, and how each influenced each other, the field, and science in general over time. The goal of the course is to review the major approaches within the field, looking more in depth at how each emerged and emphasizing the driving rationale and context. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the major.
Common Course Outline

PSY 4490 Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination (4 credits)

This course considers the social psychological phenomena associated with social oppression. Social oppression refers to a relationship between two social categories in which one benefits from the abuse and exploitation of the other. Starting with racism as a foundation, we address historical and structural factors that constitute racism and move to connect to other intersecting identity experiences throughout the course. This course primarily uses social psychological perspectives and research methods to identify specific intergroup phenomena under consideration are stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination (SPD). Within SPD phenomena, we consider the causes, consequences, and factors for increasing/decreasing the expression of each SPD phenomena; we focus on both perpetrators' and targets' experiences within SPD phenomena; and we pay special attention to the psychology of privilege as a critical factor in the perpetuation of SPD phenomena. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100, PSY 3367, or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4567 Sexual Violence Prevention (4 credits)

This course addresses root causes of sexual violence and how sexual violence can be prevented. Research on how and why sexual violence occurs is shared, as well as research about how systems (criminal justice, university, legal) influence outcomes for survivors and perpetrators of sexual violence. Evidence-based prevention models are shared, and prevention interventions for sexual violence in a variety of settings are discussed. Prerequisite(s): PSY 1100, Junior or Senior Status
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PSY 4587 Advanced Topics in Psychology (2-4 credits)

In this course, we will explore the influence of culture on human cognition, emotion, and behavior by comparing and contrasting Western and Eastern culture. We will also discuss how this knowledge of cultural behaviors can be applied in other areas, e.g., health care, parenting, and counseling.
Common Course Outline

PSY 4588 Multicultural Psychology (4 credits)

The purpose of this course is to examine cultural processes as a defining characteristic of what it is to be human, and as a central variable in psychology. This course is intended to provide students with a better appreciation of the myriad of ways in which culture determines psyche and behavior, and to enhance their awareness of the countless variations in human behavior across cultures. In this course, we will examine the goals and nature of multicultural and cross-cultural psychology. In this course, we will consider current theories and research on culture, race, and ethnicity. Topics covered in the class range from culturally relevant styles of communication, values from different cultures, racial identity, power and privilege, and issues around health. This course will help prepare students to grapple with issues of multiculturalism in the modern diverse society. Prerequisite(s): senior standing in the major or consent of instructor.
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PSY 4917 DIS Tchg Assoc | (1-2 credits)

Directed Independent Study | Teaching Associate
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PSY 4970 Internship in Psychology (6-12 credits)

Supervised community and campus internships in human service and research settings. Two hundred hours of internship work experience are required for 6 credits, four hundred hours for 12 credits. Prerequisites: PSY 2870, senior status, and completion of core courses for the psychology major and any elective courses related to the internship.
Common Course Outline