Courses in Psychology

Courses

PSY 201. Principles Of Psychology. 3 Hours.

A survey of significant theory, issues, methods of inquiry, and applications in all areas of psychology. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Social and Behavioral Sciences (IAI Code: S6 900).

PSY 212. Brain and Emotion. 3 Hours.

This course investigates the underlying theories of emotion, cultural understandings of emotion, and the brain mechanisms of emotion. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

PSY 241. Multicultural Psychology. 3 Hours.

This course provides an overview of the multicultural issues relevant in psychology, including culturally relevant styles of communication, values from different cultures, racial identity development, the development and impact of oppression, discrimination, and racism, power and privilege, and other issues relevant in explaining and understanding human behaviors. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

PSY 301. Orientation and Entrance Assessment. 0 Hours.

Brief orientation to the major and pre-curriculum evaluation of undergraduate-level knowledge and skills within the discipline of psychology. Required for all psychology majors during their first semester of upper-division enrollment. Course Information: Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 302. Research Methods In Psychology. 4 Hours.

The experimental method in psychology, including philosophical background and introduction to research strategies, designs, and descriptive statistics. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 303. Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. 4 Hours.

Overview of basic descriptive and inferential statistics with special emphasis on hypothesis testing and alternatives. (Strongly recommended for students planning to pursue graduate study.) Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent and completion of mathematics general education.

PSY 305. Careers in the Helping Professions. 2 Hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to various careers in the helping professions. The course involves a comprehensive approach to career planning that incorporates self-assessment, career exploration, and self-marketing techniques. Students will identify, evaluate, and prepare for their future academic and career paths. Course Information: Prerequisites: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 310. Special Topics in Psychology. 4 Hours.

Selected topics of special interest in the area of psychology at a 300 level that may vary from semester to semester. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent. May be repeated if topics vary. Students may register in more than one section per term.

PSY 311. Cognitive Psychology. 4 Hours.

Overview of selected topics in memory, information processing, perception, problem solving, and artificial intelligence. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 314. Sensation and Perception. 4 Hours.

This course studies how the brain makes sense of sensory inputs. Students will learn how the anatomy and physiology of the eye, ear, and related parts of the brain allow people to understand speech, perceive color, see motion and depth and recognize faces. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 315. Psychoactive Drugs. 4 Hours.

Major classes of drugs that affect psychological processes and behavior; issues of drug use in treatment of mental disorders; drugs as a social problem. Course Information: Designated Writing Course. Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 321. Life-span Developmental Psychology. 4 Hours.

Cognitive, emotional, and social development across the life span; determinants of individual differences and principles of mental and physical health throughout life. Course Information: Designated Writing Course. Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 322. Child Development. 4 Hours.

Development of intelligence, language, and cognition; physical growth and social and personal development in newborns, infants, and toddlers and in early and middle childhood. Emphasis on child-rearing practices. Course Information: Designated Writing Course. Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 323. Adolescence. 4 Hours.

Important changes in adolescents’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and social characteristics will be examined. This includes understanding the contexts in which adolescents develop, such as family, peer groups, and school. How scientists study adolescent development and the theories they use to guide their research will also be covered. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 324. Exceptional Child. 4 Hours.

This course addresses exceptionalities as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It includes an introduction to the categories of eligibility which include: learning disabilities, attentions deficit hyperactivity disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, cognitive disabilities, pervasive developmental disorders, and speech, hearing, visual and physical impairments.

PSY 326. Family Psychology. 4 Hours.

Covers the five primary aspects of family psychology: family as a system; developmental family behavior; family of origin concepts and how they affect the family; relationships, dating, courtships, and marriage; and family dysfunctions. Course Information: Designated Writing Course. Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 327. Educational Psychology. 4 Hours.

Topics in psychology relevant to teaching: educational objectives, student characteristics and development, the learning process, and evaluation of learning. Course Information: Designated Writing Course. Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 331. Social Psychology. 4 Hours.

Survey of major theories and selected areas of research in social psychology. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 332. Sport Psychology. 4 Hours.

Overview of psychological theory and research as it relates to sport and exercise at the individual and group levels. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 333. Positive Psychology. 4 Hours.

This course will explore concepts and research related to positive psychology. Well-being will be examined in the context of motivation, flow, love, creativity, and spirituality. While such study will include the major theoretical approaches to positive psychology, an equally significant focus will be on the application of this information to everyday life experiences. Course Information: Prerequisites: PSY 201.

PSY 335. Health Psychology. 4 Hours.

This course will assist students in developing knowledge of the field of health psychology. It examines the relationship between biological, psychological, and social factors as they interact with and affect health. Course Information: Prerequisites: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 336. Psychology of Eating Disorders/Obesity. 4 Hours.

This course surveys topics related to eating disorders and obesity, including etiology, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Specific focus is given to the dispositional, social, and cultural factors associated with the development and maintenance of disordered eating patterns. Implications for psychological and physical health are examined. Course Information: Prerequisites: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 337. Psychology of Music. 4 Hours.

This course explores multidimensional aspects of human behavior from both psychological and musical perspectives. It covers theories on the evolutionary origins of music, musical development, music and the brain, music and emotion, the role of music in our everyday lives, social influences on musical tastes, composers with psychological disorders, and a brief introduction to music therapy. Course Information: Prerequisites: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 339. Psychology of Gender. 4 Hours.

Gender issues cut across many areas of psychology. This course provides an overview of how biological and cultural factors influence the development of gender roles, identities, and stereotypes of masculinity and femininity and how these affect out lives at the personal, social, and institutional levels. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 341. Industrial-Organizational Psychology. 4 Hours.

This course will examine the various issues relevant to industrial and organizational psychology, including job analysis, personnel selection, organizational behavior, and occupational health and stress. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201.

PSY 351. Abnormal Psychology. 4 Hours.

Theories, research, and classification systems relevant to abnormal behavior. Emphasis on current diagnostic and descriptive systems. Course Information: Designated Writing Course. Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 352. Multicultural Counseling. 4 Hours.

This course will examine the various multicultural issues relevant to counseling and clinical psychology, and the importance of providing culturally-competent psychological services to diverse populations. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent.

PSY 410. Advanced Topics in Psychology. 4 Hours.

Selected topics of special interest in the area of psychology, at the 400 level, that may vary from semester to semester. Course Information: May be repeated if topics vary. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisites: PSY 201 and PSY 302 or equivalents.

PSY 412. Introduction To Biopsychology. 4 Hours.

Introduction to the biological bases of behavior. Topics include structure and function of the nervous system, sensory processing, sleep, reproductive behavior, language, and mental disorders. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 302 or equivalent.

PSY 413. Psychology of Learning and Memory. 4 Hours.

Explores the question of how humans and animals learn, store and recall information. Major theories of memory will be covered with an emphasis on cognitive models of memory systems, biological underpinnings, and disorders of memory. Designated Writing Course. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 302, or equivalents.

PSY 416. Psychology Of Motivation. 4 Hours.

Explores four constructs that define human, rather than nonhuman, motivation including needs, cognitions, emotions, and external events that arise from genetic, physiological, psychological, interpersonal, and cultural sources. The emphasis is on theoretical as well as practical issues that overlap among varying psychological fields. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 302 or equivalent.

PSY 422. Race, Culture & Psychology. 4 Hours.

This course illustrates the interconnections between culture and psyche, including by comparing various cultural perspectives on concepts such as time, psyche, morality, mental illness, gender, etc. Special attention is given to the cultural construct of “race” and how we each maintain and perpetuate ideas and inequities surrounding race through our daily actions. Designated Writing Course. Course Information: Prerequisites: PSY 201 & PSY 302 or equivalents.

PSY 423. Controversies in Psychology. 4 Hours.

This course explores controversial issues related to human psychology. It enhances student awareness of assumptions of psychology as a discipline, presents alternative assumptions, and emphasizes applications of different assumptions, for research and daily life. Students will acquire an enhanced cognitive toolkit for taking contrasting perspectives on human mind and behavior. Designated Writing Course. Course Information: Prerequisites: PSY 201 & PSY 302.

PSY 433. Political Psychology. 3,4 Hours.

Both political science and psychology study how individuals interact with their environment, other individuals and groups. We will use theories and findings from both disciplines to gain deeper insights into political processes and decisions. Likely topics include stereotyping, trust, schemas, heuristics, media effects, social identity, and political tolerance. Course Information: Same as PSC 412. Undergraduates are restricted to 3 credit hour sections; graduates are restricted to 4 credit hour sections.

PSY 441. Theories of Personality. 4 Hours.

Major theories of personality and determinants of individual differences. Course Information: Designated Writing Course. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 302, or equivalents.

PSY 452. Introduction to Clinical Psychology. 4 Hours.

Systematic examination of major perspectives, techniques, skills, and career options related to the field of clinical psychology. Course Information: Designated Writing Course. Prerequisite: PSY 201, PSY 302, and PSY 351 or equivalent.

PSY 453. Psychological Foundations for Helping. 4 Hours.

Preprofessional introduction to therapeutic processes for students considering counseling or clinical psychology careers. Includes systematic training in fundamental helping attitudes and skills. Course Information: Prerequisites: PSY 201 and PSY 302.

PSY 454. Theories of Psychotherapy. 4 Hours.

Systematic examination of the theories, research, and diagnostic and treatment issues regarding various types of abnormal behavior. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201, PSY 302, and PSY 351 or equivalents.

PSY 457. Behavior Modification: Principles and Techniques. 4 Hours.

Concepts and techniques involved in the assessment and modification of behavior within an operant conditioning model. Includes the collection of baseline data, the control of reinforcements and punishments, and the monitoring of changes in target behaviors. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 302 or equivalent.

PSY 458. Psychological Tests and Measurements. 4 Hours.

Basic theories of psychological tests and of test construction and interpretation. Includes representative tests and examines contemporary issues in testing. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 302, or equivalents.

PSY 466. Working with Victims of Sexual Assault and Abuse. 3 Hours.

Provides the 40 hour training required of all professionals and volunteers interested in working for agencies that deal with victims of sexual assault and abuse. Includes information and training in counseling, advocacy, and hotline skills. Course Information: Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: PSY 201, PSY 302 and PSY 351, or equivalents.

PSY 467. ECCE: Specialized Internship Applied Learning. 1-2 Hours.

Seminar for psychology majors who wish to complete more intensive internship placements in a mental health, social service, child care, or law enforcement agency for university credit. Requires program approval, concurrent enrollment in IPL 300 during each semester of placement activities, and 150 hours of on-site work for every three hours of combined IPL 300/ PSY 467 course credit. Applications for specialized placement should be filed with the program no later than one month prior to placement semester. Up to 6 credit hours of combined IPL 300/ PSY 467 credit may be used to fulfill upper-division UIS requirements. Course Information: Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: PSY 201 or equivalent and psychology major with at least 12 upper-division hours in psychology at UIS and permission of instructor. This course fulfills an Engaged Citizenship Common Experience requirement at UIS in the area of Engagement Experience.

PSY 471. Senior Seminar. 4 Hours.

An integrative capstone experience for psychology majors involving the development of individual portfolios reflecting student learning within the discipline. Students will prepare evidence of learning within five dimensions of psychology and will complete the psychology exit exam. Course Information: Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 302, all required concentration courses, and senior status.

PSY 480. Senior Research Project. 1-4 Hours.

Selected (empirical) research project researched, developed, designed, and written by the student with faculty supervision. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 4 hours with approval. Prerequisite: PSY 201, PSY 302 and PSY 303.

PSY 481. Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Advocacy. 3,4 Hours.

Covers the history, comparative perspectives, legal framework, responses to child maltreatment, the skills necessary to do the work, and other pertinent issues pertaining to child maltreatment and child advocacy. The approach of the course will be from a variety of diverse, professional perspectives. The course is designed for students majoring in public administration, criminal justice, psychology, social work, sociology, legal studies or other areas where knowledge of child maltreatment and advocating for children might be necessary or beneficial. Course Information: Same as CCJ 481, PAD 481, TEP 481, and SWK 481.

PSY 482. Global Child Advocacy Studies. 3,4 Hours.

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to recognize child advocacy issues around the world. The course is designed for students majoring in public administration, criminal justice, education, social work, nursing, psychology, legal studies, or other areas where knowledge of child maltreatment and advocating for children will be necessary. Multidisciplinary approaches to advocacy in different countries throughout the world will be presented and discussed.

PSY 483. The System’s Response to Child Maltreatment. 3,4 Hours.

This course focuses on the responses of professionals to allegations of child maltreatment. The purpose of this course is to expand the student’s knowledge and skills in the prevention, identification, investigation and criminal justice response to child maltreatment. The course is designed for students who are likely to pursue a profession in which they will be a mandated reporter and knowledge of child maltreatment and advocacy is critical.

PSY 484. Childhood Trauma: Risk and Resiliency. 3,4 Hours.

This course examines the psychological effects of trauma on children. Specifically, the impact of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and neglect, war, terrorism, and natural disasters are explored. The concepts of resilience and post traumatic growth are discussed to discover why many affected children successfully traverse their trauma. Additionally, interventions and treatment for trauma in childhood are considered. Course Information: Prerequisites: PSY 201, 302, and 321 or 322. Same as PAD 484.

PSY 490. Independent Study in Psychology. 2-4 Hours.

Selected topics by agreement with a member of the psychology faculty; topics, methods of study, and means of evaluation to be negotiated between student and faculty member. Course Information: May be repeated if topics vary. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 302 or equivalent. Restricted to Psychology. A maximum of 4 hours may be used for psychology electives.

PSY 499. Tutorial. 1-12 Hours.

Intended to supplement, not supplant, regular course offerings. Students interested in a tutorial must secure the consent of the faculty member concerned before registration and submit any required documentation to him or her. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours if topics vary. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 302 or equivalent. Restricted to Psychology. A maximum of 4 hours may be used for psychology electives.