2017-2018 Undergraduate General Catalog


300

PSYC 305 Psychology and Christianity

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. This course also includes an introduction to the psychological study of religion and religious experience. Topics will include dimensions of religiousness, psychological explanations for conversion and spiritual experience, theories of the role of religion in human experience, and the relationships between religion and health.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PSYC 115; RELI 110

PSYC 310 Child Psychology

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.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

PSYC 270

PSYC 325 Behavior Modification and Assessment

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.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PSYC 115

PSYC 332 Psychological Measurement and Diagnosis

This course will focus on conceptual and technical issues involved in psychological assessment. Methods used by psychological professionals to understand and quantify human behavior, abilities, and traits will be explored. Topics covered will include the development of good psychological measures, how assessment information should be used, and how to critically evaluate existing psychological measures. A number of measures commonly used in clinical and research settings will be examined.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

PSYC 270; PSYC 232

PSYC 335 Human Relations

This course will focus on basic helping skills employed in psychotherapy from a theoretical integrative perspective. These skills are useful across the spectrum of professional fields. Using a three-stage approach, students will develop skills in the problem exploration, insight building, and action phases of personal change. Students will participate in experiential lab sessions, discussions and self-reflective work. Recommended (but not required) pre-requisite: PSYC 235.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PSYC 115

PSYC 345 Sensation and Perception

This course examines the operation of human sensory systems and major principles of perception by focusing on how the human brain receives and processes information from our environment. It explores how physical stimuli are transformed into signals that can be understood by the nervous system. Topics include vision, audition, taste, smell, touch, and basic psychophysics, the methods by which sensations and perceptions can be measured and some of the philosophical issues underlying the study of perception.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PSYC 115

PSYC 350 Social Science Research Methods (W)

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.

Credits

4

Cross Listed Courses

GOVT 350; SOCI 350

PSYC 355 Positive Psychology

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.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PSYC 115

PSYC 391 Practicum

Supervised field experience in settings where psychology is practiced or applied.

Credits

2- 4

Prerequisites

Junior Standing; Instructor permission

PSYC 393 Directed Research I

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.

Credits

1- 3

Corequisites

PSYC 271; Approval of Supervising Faculty Member

PSYC 394 Directed Research II

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.

Credits

1- 3

Prerequisites

PSYC 271; Approval of Supervising Faculty Member

PSYC 397 Topics:

Special Topics in Psychology.

Credits

3

PSYC 399 Independent Study

Individual study and research under direction of department faculty.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Permission of the Instructor and Department Chair