Psychology
Note: This page contains all of the regular courses taught by this department. Not all courses are offered every year. Check the searchable schedule to see which courses are being offered in the upcoming semester.
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology
Credit: 0.5
Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. In this introductory course, which is a prerequisite for all of the other psychology courses, you will explore a variety of areas in which psychologists conduct research. For example, you will study the biological foundations of behavior, sensory and perceptual processes, cognition, learning and memory, developmental psychology, personality and social psychology, psychological disorders, and variability in behavior related to culture. The course is for first-year students and sophomores. Multiple sections are offered every semester.
PSYC 150 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
Credit: 0.5
In this course students will learn the basics of research in psychology. Students will participate in research projects conducted across different areas of psychology which might involve observation and interviewing, psychological tests and measures, physiological measures, and computerized tasks. Students will learn about issues of reliability and validity in psychological research, as well as ethical issues associated with psychological research. Students will learn techniques for descriptive statistical analysis of their data, and they will communicate their research findings both orally and in writing, using the writing style of the American Psychological Association. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 (or AP score of 5). This course is designed for first-year and sophomore students and is typically offered every semester.
PSYC 200 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
Credit: 0.5 QR
In this course, students will learn to conduct a variety of statistical tests that are commonly used in psychological research. In addition, the skills of choosing the appropriate statistical tests for particular research designs, and writing and interpreting the results of statistical analyses, will be emphasized. The computer statistical package SPSS will be used. Psychology majors have preference. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and PSYC 150. This course is typically offered every semester.
PSYC 301 Cognitive Psychology
Credit: 0.5
The goal of this course is to enlighten students about human thinking processes. This course will cover research and theories regarding basic cognitive processes such as cognitive neuroscience, object perception, attention, memory, problem solving, and intelligence. Emphasis will be on the study of laboratory research, with discussion of how the findings relate to real-world issues, such as eyewitness testimony. Students should gain an understanding of general cognitive processes that apply to all humans, as well as a perspective on individual differences in cognition and how they may merge with our understanding of clinical disorders. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102 or NEUR 112. This course is typically offered once a year.
Instructor: Payne
PSYC 303 Learning and Motivation
Credit: 0.5
This course is concerned with the basic theories and principles underlying the concepts of learning and motivation as they apply to animal and human behavior. A thorough review will be made of the theoretical issues, experimental methods, and findings relevant to the processes of learning and motivation. A major part of the course will be concerned with how the fields of learning and motivation have been applied to real-world issues (e.g., drug addiction and behavioral therapies). Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102 or NEUR 112. This course is typically offered once a year.
Instructor: Millin-Lipnos
PSYC 306 Psychology of Language
Credit: 0.5
One thing that makes our species unique is our amazing capacity for language and complex symbol use. This course will cover basic theory with respect to the evolutionary origins of language, cognitive neuroscience of language, basic psycholinguistics theory and application, non-human communication research, and issues of social cognition and language, as well as special cases and conditions in which language capacity or development is disrupted. By the end of the course, students will have gained a heightened awareness of just how complex language use really is, and a richer appreciation of the far-reaching impact that it has on their everyday lives. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102 or NEUR 112. This course is typically offered every other year, or as faculty schedules permit.
Instructor: Payne
PSYC 321 Abnormal Psychology
Credit: 0.5
This course provides students with an introductory overview of the nature, causes, and treatment of adolescent and adult mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and organic mental disorders. Included there will be discussion of critical issues and controversies in this field, such as the definition of abnormality and the labeling of abnormal behavior.
Instructor: Lopez
PSYC 322 Adult Development
Credit: 0.5
This course provides an overview of developmental issues related to adult life and an in-depth examination of some current theory and research in adult development and aging. We will cover the psychological, social, and biological dimensions of adult development, including personality, learning and memory, family psychopathology, and some clinical interventions from emerging adulthood through the lifespan. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102. This course is typically offered every other year.
Instructor: White
PSYC 323 Child Development
Credit: 0.5
This course focuses on normal human development from conception through adolescence. Biological and social influences on development are considered with an emphasis on their interaction. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102. This course is typically offered every year.
Instructor: Krieg
PSYC 324 Educational Psychology
Credit: 0.5
This course involves the study of cognitive, developmental, and motivational processes that underlie education. We also examine teacher behavior and other applications of psychology to education. Research and theory on student learning, motivation, and development provide the core readings for the course. Individual and group differences as applied to learning environments will be addressed. Other topics include multicultural education, achievement motivation, special education, public policy with respect to education, education outside of schools, and recent trends in schools and education. Students will develop their own teaching philosophy. Connections among a variety of disciplines (e.g., history, sociology political science) will be stressed, as well as links to the real world beyond the classroom. This course is appropriate for those interested in teaching, coaching, or mentoring. Prerequisite:PSYC 100 or PSYC 102.
Instructor: White
PSYC 325 Social Psychology
Credit: 0.5
Social psychology is the systematic study of social behavior. In general, it examines how we are affected by our social environment: how we perceive and interpret the behavior of others and the social situation, how we respond to others and they to us, and the nature of social relationships. Application of social psychological theory and methodology is encouraged through participation in small-scale laboratory or field observational studies. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102. This course is typically offered every year.
Instructor: Fenigstein
PSYC 326 Theories of Personality
Credit: 0.5
This course introduces students to major approaches to understanding both consistencies in individual behavior and differences among individuals. Students will learn about historical and modern approaches to the study of personality with an emphasis on empirical research. The course will consist of lectures, in-class activities, and class discussions. Students will hone their skills in the areas of critical evaluation of research, written and oral communication, visual literacy, and quantitative reasoning. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102. This course is typically offered every other year.
Instructor: Corker
PSYC 327 Cross-Cultural Psychology
Credit: 0.5
There are approximately seven billion people in the world. And yet most of the theories that we use to explain psychological functioning have been based on limited samples drawn from the West. In this course, we will examine in greater detail the impact of culture on human behavior and review issues such as the role of culture in the concept of the self, the cultural influences on social behavior, the association of culture and cognition, and the measurement and experience of cross-cultural psychopathology. By integrating research from various social science disciplines (such as anthropology and sociology), students should gain a wider appreciation of the influence on culture on everyday experiences, while simultaneously understanding that culture is not a static or homogenous entity. Prerequisite: PSYC 102 or PSYC 100. This course is typically offered every year.
Instructor: López
PSYC 328 Latino Psychology
Credit: 0.5
Latino psychology is a new, vibrant, and emerging field that is geared toward understanding the
experiences of the largest minority group in the U.S. either U.S. born and/or U.S. residing Latinos. Unlike cross‐cultural psychology, its focus is less on the intercultural group differences and more on intracultural differences and similarities across Latino subgroups. More specifically, this course will focus on understanding the core experiences of Latinos in the U.S. while also revealing the heterogeneity of this group. Students will begin this course by reviewing the history of Latino psychology. Following this, topics to be explored with include a review of demographic variables (such as immigration/migration, socioeconomic status, language, gender, race and sexuality), and interpersonal variables (such as psychological acculturation, ethnic identity, cultural values and perceived discrimination), and how these variables often operate in conjunction when trying to understand Latino mental health. A special focus of the class will also be on the assessment of Latino psychopathology, such as the Latino cultural idioms of distress ataques de nervios, nervios and susto. No prerequisites.
Instructor: Lopez,Irene
PSYC 330 Health Psychology
Credit: 0.5
Health psychology addresses the cognitive, social, and emotional factors related to health and illness, with an emphasis on the prevention and modification of health-compromising behaviors. A biopsychosocial approach is used to address topics such as: promotion of good health and prevention of illness; the recovery, rehabilitation, and psychosocial adjustment that correspond with health problems; and the role of stress and coping in illness. Prerequisites:PSYC 100 or PSYC 102. This course will be offered every other year.
Instructor: White
PSYC 342 Clinical Psychology
Credit: 0.5
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the field of clinical psychology. Through readings, videos, discussion, and in class role-plays you will be exposed to the major therapeutic orientations in psychology (including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered therapy) as well as newer schools of interventions (including feminist therapy, multicultural counseling, and community psychology). In addition, we will cover other areas in clinical psychology, such as testing and assessment, and the difficulties involved in the assessment of others. A special area of focus in this course will be forensic psychology. Case studies from the instructor's experience as a therapist will be used throughout the course to further highlight the material. This course is best suited for students who are considering applying to graduate school in clinical psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102. Recommended but not required: PSYC 321. This course is typically offered every other year.
Instructor: López
PSYC 344 Human Sexual Behavior
Credit: 0.5
This course examines the biological, psychological, and social bases of human sexuality. Topics include the physiology of sex functions, variations of sexual behavior, nature and treatment of sexual malfunctions, sexual identity and attitudes, differences in sexual behavior, and the social dynamics of sexual interaction. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102.. This course is typically offered every year.
Instructor: Fenigstein
PSYC 346 Psychology of Women
Credit: 0.5
Psychological research about women is examined critically in this course. Topics such as gender differences, gender stereotypes, eating disorders, and violence against women will be addressed with particular attention to the effects of sociocultural factors. A variety of learning tools (e.g., conducting projects, analyzing research articles, engaging in discussion, taking exams) will be used by the class. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102. This course is typically offered every year.
Instructor: Murnen
PSYC 348 Adolescence
Credit: 0.5
This course will provide students with an overview of important issues in adolescent psychology, from early adolescence to young adulthood. The major physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developments that occur during this transitional period will be covered. Influences on adolescent development such as family, peers, school, work, and culture will also be explored. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 102. This course is typically offered every other year.
Instructor: Krieg
PSYC 350 Psychology in Context
Credit: 0.5
This course will focus on the application of psychology to social settings and social services. We will examine a selection of social problems and the influence of social systems on individuals. In addition to regular class meetings, students will spend six out-of-class hours each week at a local community agency (e.g., Knox County Head Start). Students will integrate these service experiences with course-related material. Prerequisites:PSYC 100 or PSYC 102. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors. This course is typically offered every year in the fall.
Instructor: Krieg
PSYC 402 Research Methods in Cognition
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course is designed with three specific goals: (1) to provide an understanding of basic research and design; (2) to cover basic issues in the field of cognitive psychology; and (3) to give students hands-on experience with some of the classic experiments in the field. The course will include lectures and discussion, as well as laboratory exercises in which students will participate in computerized experiments, collect data, and learn how cognitive psychologists make inferences about mental processes using observable performance measures. The course also requires students to create their own research proposal and present it in class.Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and PSYC 301, or PSYC 306. This course is typically offered every year.
Instructor: Payne
PSYC 403 Research Methods in Learning and Motivation
Credit: 0.5 QR
This methods course provides students with the critical skills for understanding and conducting behavioral research in animal subjects. Students will be actively engaged in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Students will also learn about designing research projects, making valid conclusions, critiquing journal articles, and writing a scientific paper.
Instructor: Millin-Lipnos
PSYC 421 Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course explores the methods used in life-span developmental psychology research. Among the issues addressed are: ethics of research with children and the elderly, developmental research designs, developing measures, and data analysis. Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and either PSYC 322 or 323 or 348. This course is typically offered every other year.
Instructor: Krieg
PSYC 422 Research Methods in Personality
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course will examine a variety of methodologies used by psychologists who conduct research in the area of personality and individual differences. The course includes lectures, discussions, and assignments designed to give students hands-on experience in designing research, collecting and analyzing data, and relating their work to larger theories. During the course, students will also learn how to design research that is ethical, how to critically evaluate research, and how to write professional reports in the style developed by the American Psychological Association.
Instructor: Corker
PSYC 423 Research Methods in Social Psychology
Credit: 0.5 QR
Social psychology attempts to understand the ways in which our thoughts and behavior are affected by others. This course will examine the principles, methods, and problems of research in social psychology. Using a variety of formats, ranging from lectures, to discussion of research, to class and field demonstrations, students will become familiar with the ways in which research ideas are generated, critical evaluation of relevant research literatures, research design and methodology, data collection procedures using both laboratory and naturalistic settings, statistical analyses, and ways of presenting research consistent with journal publication.
Instructor: Fenigstein
PSYC 424 Research Methods in Cross-Cultural Psychology
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course is designed to train students in the skills needed to conduct cross-cultural research studies in psychology. The format will be primarily that of a lab-oriented seminar, though lecture also will be included. Through discussion and hands-on research activities, students will develop and refine their ability to generate and test cultural hypotheses, to collect and analyze relevant data, and to report and critique cross-cultural research findings. Topics to be covered include experimental design, questionnaire construction, naturalistic observation, content analysis, computer-based statistical analysis, and American Psychological Association writing style. Course requirements include two data-collection projects with lab reports, in-class presentations, and a final exam.
Instructor: López
PSYC 425 Research Methods to Study Gender
Credit: 0.5 QR
Science is a valuable tool for understanding the world, but when dealing with the issue of gender, it has often been applied in flawed ways. A feminist critique of science has helped us understand both the limits and the possibilities of examining issues related to gender from a scientific perspective. In this course we will consider the application of feminist theories and methods to understanding psychological issues related to gender. You will critically analyze various research articles, conduct two class research projects and prepare written reports of the results, and develop your own proposal for a piece of independent psychological research related to gender.
Instructor: Murnen
PSYC 426 Research Methods using Qualitative Approaches
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course will introduce students to qualitative methods in psychological research. Topics will include data collection methodologies (e.g., interviews, focus groups, participant observation), coding strategies (e.g., thematic coding, content analysis, grounded analysis), ethics, and writing. As part of the course, students will be required to design, conduct, analyze, and write up a qualitative study.
PSYC 449 Theory and Research on the Self
Credit: 0.5
Our sense of self provides meaning and coherence to our lives, but the processes involved in the creation, structure, and functioning of the self are only beginning to be understood. This course is designed as a seminar examining recent psychological theory and research on the self. We will explore the problem of self-perception and self-knowledge, the development of self-conceptions, and the role that the self plays in our perceptions and interactions with the social world. We will also ask questions about the ways in which people evaluate themselves, and enhance and protect their self-esteem. Finally we will examine the way in which the self is woven into our social lives, and the relation between the private and the public self.
PSYC 450 Advanced Research in Psychology
Credit: 0.25-0.5
Students conducting advanced research in psychology will work with a faculty member and possibly a small group of students to conduct research in the faculty member’s research area. Students will critically analyze published research in the topic area; and collect, analyze and write reports on data they have collected with a small group of students. Students will be expected to work independently and collaboratively, and there will be an emphasis on effective written and oral communication. Students who enroll in two semesters of advanced research on a particular topic can substitute this experience for a research methods course (on that topic; e.g., two semesters of advanced research in personality counts the same as one semester of research methods in personality). Prerequisites: PSYC 150, PSYC 200, and permission of the instructor.
PSYC 475 Psychology Senior Seminar
Credit: 0.5
The psychology senior seminar is a required course for senior psychology majors. Each section will have a different topic, but in every seminar students will read and discuss psychological literature, write and discuss critiques of research articles, develop a review paper on a topic in psychology, develop a research proposal on a topic in psychology, and make a formal oral presentation to the class. Classes will be limited to 10-12 students. Prerequisites: Senior psychology major status. Offered every fall.
PSYC 493 Individual Study
Credit: 0.25-0.5
Individual study in psychology allows students the opportunity to pursue research on a topic of special interest. The course is designed in consultation with a faculty mentor. The level of credit can range from .25 to .5 unit of credit, and students can take more than one semester of individual study. Typically, only juniors or seniors may pursue this option. To enroll, a student must first identify a member of the Psychology Department who is willing to mentor the project. The student must give the department chair a written description of the project, including the nature of the proposed work and a list of references. The project should include reading and reviewing scientific literature and will likely entail a research project in which original data are collected. It is expected that the student and faculty member will meet, on average, once a week during the course of the individual study. The final project will likely be a paper written in the style of the American Psychological Association. Additional assignments may be required as well, for example, a public presentation. The amount of work required for the individual study should approximate that required of other 300-level psychology courses. It is possible for students to pursue a group project, but more work will be expected for the completed project, and each student will write her or his own individual paper.
PSYC 497Y Senior Honors
Credit: 0.5
This is a program for senior candidates for honors in psychology, culminating in a senior honors thesis. The course will consist of a research project in some area of psychology. A student who wishes to conduct an honors project must meet each of the following three criteria: (1) the student must have a GPA of 3.5 in psychology and an overall GPA of 3.3; (2) the student must have participated in a psychology-department-approved research experience (which might be research in a research methods course, independent study, or summer lab work); and (3) the student must have completed a minimum of 4 units in psychology and have taken the appropriate core courses for the proposal before the senior year. It is also recommended that the student have had exposure to calculus and other courses within the Natural Sciences Division.
Instructor: Department Chair