Psychology

PSY 150. Introduction to Psychology (3)

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The content focuses on the exploration of major theories and concepts, methods, and research findings in psychology. Topics include the biological bases of behavior, ethics involved in research, perception, cognition, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapeutic approaches, and applied psychology. Students are required to spend approximately 2.5 hours during the term in research-related activities. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.)

PSY 230. Introduction to Human Sexual Behavior (3)

Prerequisite: ANTH 150, PSY 150 or SOC 150. Introductory overview of human sexual function and sexual behavior. Emphasis on the historical and religious background of the prevailing attitudes toward sex in our culture as well as to current sexual practices from the perspective of contemporary social science. Additional topics include sexual values and ethics, love, legal aspects of sexual behavior and eroticism in American culture. (Cross-listed with ANTH and SOC 230.)

PSY 250. Physiological Correlates Human Behavior (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Passing grade in AAS, AFRS, CHS, or ENGL 098 or eligibility for the lower division writing requirement. Designed for students majoring in Psychology. Development of a greater understanding of the relationship between human behavior and human physiology. Includes basic information about the anatomy and function of the nervous and endocrine systems. Students are required to spend approximately 1.25 hours during the term in research-related activities.

PSY 301. Pre-Professional Development in Psychology (1)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Course is required for Psychology majors. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 150. This course, required of all Psychology majors, should be taken as early as possible after declaring Psychology as one’s major. Students will learn about career options for Psychology majors, preparation for various post-B.A. career options and preparation techniques for graduate-level (master’s and higher) education. While the course is designed for Psychology majors, students contemplating Psychology as a major are encouraged to enroll. (Credit/No Credit only)

PSY 310. Abnormal Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150, PSY 250; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. Survey of mental disorders, including biological, psychological and social/cultural determinants, as well as psychosocial and pharmacological interventions. This course fulfills the 300-level Clinical/Personality Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors.

PSY 312. Psychological Aspects of Parenthood (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Analysis of motivations and skills necessary for parenthood and the effect of various parental attitudes and practices on the development of the self. Historical presentation of changes in parenting styles, cross-cultural views of parental practices and current information on the results of deviations in parental care. Examination of alternate family styles—single parenting, communal living arrangements and reconstituted families. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (IC)

PSY 313. Developmental Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. In the context of examining the development of the whole child, relevant aspects of physical, social, cognitive, linguistic and emotional change are highlighted as part of development from birth to adolescence. Emphasis on the study of the underlying processes and influences on human development. Cultural contexts of development, key changes, continuity and individual differences are examined. Includes evaluation of selected theories, contemporary issues and practical applications. This course fulfills the 300-level Developmental Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors.

PSY 320/L. Statistical Methods in Psychological Research and Lab (3/1)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; “C” or better in MATH 140 or equivalent. Corequisite: PSY 320L. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Analysis of statistical decision-making procedures used in psychological research. Lab: Considers problem-solving techniques and computational methods needed to analyze data obtained in psychological experiments. 3 hours lecture-discussion, 2 hours lab per week.

PSY 321/L. Research Methods in Psychology and Lab (3/1)

Prerequisites: PSY 320/L; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite: PSY 321L. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Study of principles and techniques used to design and evaluate psychological research using simple and advanced research designs. Lab: Includes use of various research methods in psychology research projects. 3 hours lecture-discussion, 3 hours lab per week.

PSY 327. Infancy and Early Childhood (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150 or CADV 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. Relevant aspects of physical, social, cognitive and emotional change are highlighted as part of human development from conception to early childhood (8 years). Emphasis on study of the underlying processes and influences on human development. Cultural contexts of development, key changes, continuity and individual differences are examined. Includes evaluation of selected theories, contemporary issues and practical applications. This course fulfills the 300-level Developmental Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors. (Cross-listed with CADV 327.)

PSY 335. Middle Childhood (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150 or CADV 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. This course examines developmental changes in the middle childhood years (7-12 years). Emphasis is on current research and major theories associated with middle childhood development. Cultural contexts of development, key changes, continuity and individual differences are examined. This course fulfills the 300-level Developmental Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors. (Cross-listed with CADV 335.)

PSY 345. Social Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. Survey of phenomena that affect individual behavior. Topics include attitudes, affiliation, aggression, altruism, person perception, liking, social interaction, social influence and group dynamics. This course fulfills the 300-level Social Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors.

PSY 351. Behavioral Psychology and Therapy (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150, PSY 250; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. The focus of this course is on how we learn certain behaviors, why we behave as we do and how human behavior can be modified. Topics include basic concepts, research methods used to study adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, assessment procedures, intervention strategies and outcomes, self-management and ethical considerations in practice. This course fulfills the 300-level Clinical/Personality Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors.

This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) Exam.

PSY 352. Motivation (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Explores basic and acquired motivations that provide the energy to arouse and direct the individuals interactions with society. Discusses research methods in the social sciences. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (IC)

PSY 356. Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3)

Prerequisite: PSY 150. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. An introduction to the major applications of psychology in various organizational and job settings. Representative topics include job selection and training, job enrichment, motivation, team collaboration, leadership, knowledge sharing, environmental design, consumer psychology, psychometrics, social networking and human factors. Consideration is given to individual student work interests and to the application of psychological principles to help advance student career objectives.

PSY 361. Adolescence (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150 or CADV 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. Analysis of the physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes from puberty to adulthood. Examines contemporary youth culture from a historical and cross-cultural perspective. Discusses evaluation of age norms and deviant development. Project involving some aspect of adolescent development is required. This course fulfills the 300-level Developmental Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors. (Cross-listed with CADV 361.)

PSY 365. Introduction to Gerontology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. Study of the changes occurring with age as a result of alterations in physical conditions, economic status, role changes, etc. and the accompanying psychological effects. Students may engage in volunteer activities or advocacy work in community agencies for persons over 55, or in research in memory, quality of life issues, physical health, exercise, etc. This course fulfills the 300-level Developmental Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (IC)

PSY 367. Cognitive Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. Analysis of the mechanisms by which people gather and process information from the environment. Basic phenomena of perception and cognition are discussed with an emphasis on experimental studies on such topics as pattern recognition, attention, memory, language, reasoning and problem solving. This course fulfills the 300-level Cognitive Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors.

PSY 369. Applied Cognition (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes, such as learning, memory, attention, problem solving and language. Applied cognitive psychology describes contemporary cognitive theory from the perspective of its application in support of human performance in real-world domains, such as medicine, legal practice, aviation and business, among many others. This course fulfills the 300-level Cognitive Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors.

PSY 382. Principles of Human Factors (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite/Prerequisite for Psychology majors only: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSY 301. Overview of the interdisciplinary field of human factors, a professional specialization that considers how best to accommodate human needs in real world systems. Focuses on cognitive, perceptual, behavioral and physiological principles as they relate to the design of devices, products and systems in order to enhance human performance and satisfaction. Representative topics include principles of information processing, human characteristics and limitations, environmental stressors, user safety and applied research techniques. This course fulfills the 300-level Cognitive Psychology Cluster requirement for Psychology majors.

PSY 406. Developmental Psychopathology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 313; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Study of disorders diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adolescence (e.g., autism, mental retardation, communication disorders) and the empirically validated interventions appropriate for each population. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 2 hours lecture-discussion per week.

This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) Exam.

PSY 409. Advanced Sport Psychology (3)

Prerequisite: Score of 8 or better on Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Not available to students who have taken KIN 409. Recommended Preparatory: KIN 306 and/or PSY 150, PSY 301. Addresses the evolution of sport psychology as a science, including the psychological variables associated with successful performance in sport and physical-activity settings. Kinesiology majors receive upper division elective credit toward the Kinesiology degree in options that allow electives. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. (Cross-listed with KIN 409.)

PSY 427. Introduction to Psychological Testing (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 320/L; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Basic concepts of psychological measurement as applied to the construction, evaluation and use of group and individual tests of intelligence, aptitude, interest and personality are studied. Demonstrations of the administration, scoring and interpretations of standardized tests are provided. Available for graduate credit.

PSY 442. Communication and Conflict Resolution (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Sharing of information and meanings in both verbal and nonverbal communication. Strategies of communication for active listening and sending of effective messages in many different contexts—couples, parent-child, group and workplace. Examines differences in communication style as a function of gender, age, social class, position of dominance, etc.

PSY 453. Psychological Aspects of Human Sexuality (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to human sexuality. Examines sexual behaviors and attitudes in contemporary society, and includes the physiological basis of sexual function and dysfunction.

PSY 454. Clinical Psychology (4)

Prerequisites: PSY 310; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Survey of varied approaches to psychotherapy and examination of assessment methods used in research and decision making in clinical settings. Historical development of the field of clinical psychology and related disciplines, and such current professional issues as graduate programs, ethics and delivery of mental health services to the community are explored. Students are expected to complete 20 hours of fieldwork in an agency related to their career objective.

PSY 455. Ethical, Professional and Legal Standards in Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Upper division or graduate status in Psychology; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Ethical issues relevant to teaching, research, and application of psychology are reviewed, with an emphasis on the principles of the American Psychological Associations ethics code and related professional standards and guidelines. Available for graduate credit.

PSY 457. Behavioral Approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorder (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 351; Completion of Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L. This course covers behavioral approaches to assessment and treatment of individuals with and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.

PSY 459/S. Methods of Behavior Analysis and Seminar (3/2)

Prerequisite: PSY 351; Corequisite: PSY 459S. This course examines the logic, procedures and various uses of behavioral science methodology. A variety of single subject research designs will be examined, with the strengths and weaknesses of each identified. Issues related to treatment fidelity, social validity and ethical use of behavioral methodology also will be discussed. Seminar: Students will receive hands-on experience using behavioral methodology and will develop a research study on a topic of their choice using best practice guidelines. The goal of this course is to prepare future applied researchers and behavior analysts to measure and evaluate the outcomes of a broad range of behavioral interventions. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours seminar.

PSY 460. Counseling and Interviewing (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 310; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Intensive study of current approaches to individual counseling and psychotherapy, particularly for students seeking preparation for graduate programs. Format allows students to present research findings, discuss current theories and experience therapy situations through role play and supervised counseling.

PSY 471AA-ZZ. Advanced Inquiry in Clinical/Personality Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L; Any course from required Clinical Cluster (PSY 310, PSY 351, PSY 353, PSY 370 or PSY 380); Score of 8 or better on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Recommended Corequisite (when offered): Corresponding PSY 471AA-ZZ Seminar. This course provides advanced study of areas of current interest in sub-areas of Clinical/Personality Psychology. Topics within sub-areas listed below may change each semester. Students will demonstrate knowledge of statistics and research methods obtained in prerequisite courses. Letters indicate sub-areas within Clinical/Personality Psychology. Each may be taken one time for credit. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 3 hours lecture.

PSY 471AAS-ZZS. Advanced Inquiry in Clinical/Personality Psychology Seminar (2)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L; Any course from required Clinical (PSY 310, PSY 351, PSY 353, PSY 370 or PSY 380); Score of 8 or higher on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Corequisite: Corresponding PSY 471AA-ZZ Lecture. For Psychology and Psychology Honors majors only. This course is optional, but requires concurrent enrollment in lecture. It provides advanced study of areas of current interest in sub-areas of Clinical/Personality Psychology. Topics within sub-areas listed below may change each semester. Includes student presentation of written and oral reports based on relevant topics from current literature, and intensive student-led discussions of selected research and application of theories. Students will demonstrate knowledge of statistics and research methods obtained in prerequisite courses. Letters indicate sub-areas within Clinical/Personality Psychology. Each may be taken one time for credit. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 2 hours seminar.

PSY 473AA-ZZ/S. Advanced Inquiry in Neuroscience and Seminar (3/2)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L; Score of 8 or better on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Corequisite: Corresponding PSY 473AA-ZZ Seminar. This capstone course provides advanced study of areas of current interest in sub-areas of Neuroscience. Topics within sub-areas listed below may change each semester. Seminar: Includes student presentation of written and oral reports based on relevant topics from current literature, and intensive student-led discussions of selected research and application of theories. Students will demonstrate knowledge of statistics and research methods obtained in prerequisite courses. Letters indicate sub-areas within Neuroscience. Each may be taken one time for credit. Satisfies the capstone requirement for Psychology majors. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours seminar.

PSY 475AA-ZZ/S. Advanced Inquiry in Developmental Psychology and Seminar (3/2)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L; Any course from required Developmental Cluster (PSY 313, PSY 327, PSY 335, PSY 361 or PSY 365); Score of 8 or better on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Corequisite: Corresponding PSY 475AA-ZZ Seminar. This capstone course provides advanced study of topics of current interest in sub-areas of Developmental Psychology. Topics within sub-areas listed below may change each semester. Seminar: Includes student presentation of written and oral reports based on relevant topics from current literature, and intensive student-led discussions of selected research and application of theories. Students will demonstrate knowledge of statistics and research methods obtained in prerequisite courses. Letters indicate sub-areas within Developmental Psychology. Each may be taken one time for credit. Satisfies the capstone requirement for Psychology majors. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours seminar.

PSY 479AA-ZZ. Advanced Inquiry in Social Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L, PSY 345; Score of 8 or better on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Recommended Corequisite (when offered): Corresponding PSY 479AA-ZZ Seminar. This course provides advanced study of topics of current interest in sub-areas of social psychology. Topics within sub-areas listed below may change each semester. Students will demonstrate knowledge of statistics and research methods obtained in prerequisite courses. Letters indicate sub-areas within social psychology. Each may be taken one time for credit. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 3 hours lecture.

PSY 479AAS-ZZS. Advanced Inquiry in Social Psychology Seminar (2)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L, PSY 345; Score of 8 or higher on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Corequisite: Corresponding PSY 479AA-ZZ Lecture. This course is optional, but requires concurrent enrollment in lecture. It provides advanced study of topics of current interest in sub-areas of social psychology. Topics within sub-areas listed below may change each semester. Includes student presentation of written and oral reports based on relevant topics from current literature, and intensive student-led discussions of selected research and application of theories. Students will demonstrate knowledge of statistics and research methods obtained in prerequisite courses. Letters indicate sub-areas within social psychology. Each may be taken one time for credit. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 2 hours seminar.

PSY 485AA-ZZ/S. Advanced Inquiry in Research and Analysis Methods and Seminar (3/2)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L; Score of 8 or better on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Corequisite: Corresponding PSY 485AA-ZZ Seminar. This capstone course provides advanced study of areas of current interest in sub-areas of Research Methods in psychology. Topics within sub-areas listed below may change each semester. Seminar: Includes student presentation of written and oral reports based on relevant topics from current literature, and intensive student-led discussions of selected research and application of theories. Students will demonstrate knowledge of statistics and research methods obtained in prerequisite courses. Letters indicate sub-areas within Research Methods. Each may be taken one time for credit. Satisfies the capstone requirement for Psychology majors. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours seminar.

PSY 487H. Honors Psychology Proseminar (1)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L with a B+ or better. PSY 487H provides an advanced study of topics of current interest in sub-areas of psychology. Topics will cover a survey of each of the sub-fields from the four main clusters of the major: clinical/personality psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology. By the end of the course, students will understand the various stages of psychological research, from development of a research question to integration of findings into everyday practice. This will be accomplished through active reading, discussion, and presentation in this seminar-style course. (Credit/No Credit only)

PSY 488AA-ZZ. Advanced Inquiry in Cognitive Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L; Any course from required Cognitive Cluster (PSY 304, PSY 367, PSY 369 or PSY 382); Score of 8 or higher on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Recommended Corequisite (when offered): Corresponding PSY 488AA-ZZ Seminar. This course provides advanced study of topics of current interest in sub-areas of cognitive psychology. Topics within sub-areas listed below may change each semester. Students will demonstrate knowledge of statistics and research methods obtained in prerequisite courses. Letters indicate sub-areas within cognitive psychology. Each may be taken one time for credit. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 3 hours lecture.

PSY 488AAS-ZZS. Advanced Inquiry in Cognitive Psychology Seminar (2)

Prerequisites: PSY 301, PSY 320/L, PSY 321/L; Any course from required Cognitive Cluster (PSY 304, PSY 367, PSY 369 or PSY 382); Score of 8 or higher on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam. Corequisite: Corresponding PSY 488AA-ZZ Lecture. This course is optional, but requires concurrent enrollment in lecture. It provides advanced study of topics of current interest in sub-areas of cognitive psychology. Topics within sub-areas listed below may change each semester.  Includes student presentation of written and oral reports based on relevant topics from current literature, and intensive student-led discussions of selected research and application of theories. Students will demonstrate knowledge of statistics and research methods obtained in prerequisite courses. Letters indicate sub-areas within cognitive psychology. Each may be taken one time for credit. Available for graduate credit with consent of student’s graduate advisor. 2 hours seminar.

PSY 492H. Honors Professional Development (1)

Restricted. Instructor permission required. Prerequisites: completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparation: PSY 301. Addresses issues associated with becoming a professional in Psychology. Discussion of time management, study skills, decisions about one’s prospective career, discussion of activities that can strengthen competitiveness for a variety of career goals, presenting at professional conferences, writing a statement of purpose, preparing a curriculum vita, among other topics. Available for graduate credit. (Credit/No Credit only)

PSY 493SOC. Professional Development in the Social Sciences II (1)

Prerequisites: PSY 250, PSY 492H; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Students learn, in detail, what it is like to be in a graduate program. Prepares students to be successful while in their graduate program by preparing them to write applications for Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals for work with human and animal subjects, writing for publication, and applying for financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, and other sources of funding. (Credit/No Credit only)

PSY 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Psychology (1-4)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Experimental courses in psychology, with course content to be determined.

PSY 497C. Proseminar in Psychological Research (3-3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. Introduction to psychological research and writing through supervised individual projects and fieldwork. 6 units maximum may be taken for credit.

PSY 499A-C. Independent Study (1-3)

Prerequisites: PSY 150; Completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 301. 6 units maximum may be taken for credit.

PSY 500. Seminar in Professional Development (1-1)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology. Advanced undergraduate students may enroll by permission of the instructor and will be graded using the same standards as for graduate students. Addresses issues associated with being in master’s programs in Psychology and being a professional in the social sciences. Students receive direct research experience and learn the skills needed to advance to a doctoral program. Topics include current research in psychology, writing applications for an Institutional Review Board (IRB), writing for publication, writing a statement of purpose, presenting research at conferences, applying to doctoral programs, scholarships, internships, fellowships and teaching opportunities. Students attend scheduled seminars on course topics, and serve outside the course as a research intern to a professor in the Department of Psychology. 1 hour seminar. (Credit/No Credit only)

PSY 512. Seminar in Developmental Psychology (3)

Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Psychology. Advanced undergraduate students may enroll by permission of the instructor. Undergraduate students will be graded using the same standards as for graduate students. Offers an examination of critical issues and theories in the study of human development. Discussion of selected topics in child and/or adolescent development, including empirical findings and broader applications.

PSY 524/L. Multivariate Analysis Computer and Lab (3/1)

Prerequisites: PSY 420/L. Corequisite: PSY 524L. Analysis of multivariate research data in psychology using packaged computer programs. Covers standard techniques with applications in psychology. Choice of analytic technique is discussed, as are methods of screening data to assure appropriateness of techniques. Lab: Provides direct experience with computing facilities for conducting multivariate analysis and computational methods extending statistical analysis provided by computer output. 3 hours lecture-discussion, 2 hours lab per week.

PSY 525AA-ZZ. Advanced Psychological Measurement (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology; Instructor permission. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 427. Advanced undergraduate students may enroll by permission of the instructor. Undergrads are graded using the same standards used for graduate students. This course focuses on the theory and practice of advanced psychological measurement as applied to the construction, evaluation and use of group and individual tests. Letter designations (AA-ZZ) represent different offerings of the course. However, each topic includes discussions of classical test theory, item analysis, reliability, validity, factor analysis, modern test theory, ethics and qualifications necessary to conduct psychological measurement and assessment. Students are required to demonstrate obtained skills as part of a final project. Each letter designation (AA-ZZ) may be taken once for credit. 3 hours seminar per week.

PSY 534/S. Latent Variable Analysis and Seminar (3/2)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology; Instructor consent. Corequisite: PSY 534S. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 420/L, PSY 524/L. Advanced undergraduate students may enroll with permission of the instructor and will be graded using the same standards as for graduate students. Introduction to path models and models hypothesized to be generated by latent (unmeasured) variables. Topics will include path and simultaneous equations models and various latent variable models (e.g., confirmatory, multiple-group, higher-order, mean structure factor analytic models). Parameter estimation, hypothesis testing and other statistical issues will be addressed. Students are required to demonstrate obtained skills as part of a final project.

PSY 540. Seminar in Social Psychology (3)

Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology. Advanced undergraduate students may enroll by permission of the instructor. Undergraduate students will be graded using the same standards as for graduate students. Examines current research and theory in social psychology. Representative topics include attitudes, aggression, altruism and helping, attraction and intimacy, applied social psychology, attribution, culture, conformity and obedience, gender, intergroup relations, persuasion, prejudice and discrimination, self, social cognition and stereotypes.

PSY 550. Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Behavior Technicians (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology or Special Education and instructor consent. This course is an introduction to the principles of learning and how these principles relate to applied behavioral analytic interventions. Topics include an in-depth examination of operant and respondent conditioning, evidence-based practice, measurement, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation and reporting, professional conduct, and scope of practice. Students will learn to read, interpret, and discuss interventions. Students will role-play various components of interventions in preparation for fieldwork competency assessment. This course prepares students to be eligible to sit for the Board Certification exam for Registered Behavior Technicians.

PSY 551A. Becoming a BCBA: Professional and Certification Issues (1)

This course will introduce students to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, which has developed eligibility standards to take the BACB Certification Examinations, Renewal and Recertification Standards to maintain certification, Guidelines for Responsible Conduct for Behavior Analysts, Professional Disciplinary Standards with appeal procedures, procedures to approve continuing education providers, and professionally developed and maintained certification examinations.

PSY 552. Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)

This course is an introduction to basic characteristics, processes, concepts and terminology in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the learning principles on which ABA is based. Topics include philosophy and assumptions of ABA, choosing and defining target behaviors, positive and negative reinforcement, schedules of reinforcement, extinction, positive and negative punishment, imitation, motivating operations, functional relations, stimulus control, discrimination and generalization, and verbal behavior. Students also learn to interpret and discuss articles from the behavior analytic literature, as well as use self-management techniques.

PSY 553. Measurement and Experimental Evaluation of Behavior (3)

In this course, students will learn how to design and evaluate experimental interventions, as well as measure, display and interpret results of experimental behavioral interventions. Ethical considerations in the use of behavioral interventions also will be discussed.

This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam.

PSY 555. Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology; instructor consent. Advanced undergraduate students may enroll with instructors permission. This course focuses on ethical issues and the primary methods used for behavioral assessment in application of behavior analysis Students learn to interpret and conduct preference assessments, reinforcer assessments, indirect and descriptive assessments, and functional analyses. Various methods used to collect, graph and interpret data are discussed. Students learn to conduct and write comprehensive functional behavior assessments.

This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam.

PSY 557. Behavior Change Procedures and Systems Support (3)

This course will focus on procedures for behavioral analysts working with students with learning, behavioral, emotional and/or peer relationship problems. Topics include using reinforcement, punishment, extinction, prompting, shaping, chaining, incidental teaching techniques, direct and precision teaching, discrete trials, contingency contracts, token economy, and providing behavior analysis services in collaboration with others. Students also learn to synthesize and analyze research on effective behavioral change and management practices, and to apply the knowledge to classroom and school situations.

This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam.

PSY 558. Topics in Behavior Analysis (3)

In this course, students will learn applications of behavior analytic theories, procedures and methods as it pertains to special populations (e.g., children with autism, geriatrics, learners with developmental disabilities). Specific behavioral challenges and research in the selected topics will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based practices and procedures to eliminate or minimize challenges, teach and increase appropriate behaviors. Given the focus on application, students will be required to conduct and complete a comprehensive written project utilizing behavior analytic principles.

This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam.

PSY 581. Teaching of Psychology (3-3)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. This course focuses on the theories, skills, preparation and practices required for serving as an instructional aide in Psychology courses. Topics include course preparation, skills for fostering student learning, theories of assessment, effective strategies for improving student writing, using technology in the classroom, diversity, sensitivity and treatment of special populations, as well as ethical and legal issues faced in the classroom. An emphasis will be made on both traditional and recent educational research findings and their implementation for effective teaching. Students attend scheduled seminars on course topics and serve outside the course as a teaching aide to a professor in the Department of Psychology. Available for graduate credit with consent of students graduate advisor. May be taken for a maximum of 6 units. 1 hour seminar, 2 hours by arrangement each week. (Credit/No Credit only)

PSY 591A. Seminar in Cognitive Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology. Advanced undergraduate students may enroll by permission of the instructor and will be graded using the same standards as for graduate students. Offers an in-depth examination of current research and theory in cognition. Representative topics include attention, perception, learning, memory, language, problem solving, creativity, reasoning, decision making and intelligence.

PSY 594A-Z. Tutorial in Psychology (1-4)

Prerequisite: Admission into the graduate program or instructor consent. Tutorial content varies by instructor and related areas of faculty specialty. Sections meet in small groups for reading and discussion to cover topics such as cognition, social psychology, traumatic stress, mental disorders and substance dependence, clinical neuropsychology and human factors design. May be repeated for credit.

PSY 595A-Z. Experimental Topics Psychology (1-4)

Prerequisite: Admission into the graduate program or instructor consent. Advanced examination of selected studies in psychology with course content to be determined. Topics are presented from a psychological perspective encompassing theory, contemporary research, and intervention alternatives. Course content varies by instructor and related areas of faculty specialty. Courses include such topics as cognition, social psychology, traumatic stress, mental disorders and substance dependence, pediatric psychology, clinical neuropsychology and human factors design.

PSY 600. Ethical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Multidisciplinary Teams (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology; Instructor consent. This course focuses on ethical and professional research and practice of behavior analysts and professionals in the field of psychology. Emphasis is placed on ethical guidelines established by Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and American Psychological Association (APA) through analyzing cases that address working with individuals, families and multidisciplinary teams.

This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam.

PSY 610A, B. Advanced Psychopathology (3, 3)

Prerequisite: PSY 310. State-of-the-science review of the principal methods for assessing psychopathology in children and adults. Discussion of the empirical and theoretical basis of the current DSM. PSY 610A covers child and adolescent psychopathology, while PSY 610B covers adolescent, adult and geriatric populations. Both courses include key issues in retrospective assessment, family history and cultural influences. For each symptom classification, current theoretical and empirical treatment approaches are presented, including the psycho-pharmacological approach.

PSY 611. Developmental Psychopathology and ABA Interventions (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology; Instructor consent. This course focuses on psychopathology and applied behavior analytic (ABA) interventions across human development. Emphasis is placed on psycholopathology and empirically validated interventions to address the behavioral excesses and deficits of each disorder.

This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam.

PSY 612. Advanced Developmental Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 313 or equivalent; Classified graduate status. Examination of current approaches to critical issues and theories relevant to an understanding of developmental processes. Discusses applications of results of these current approaches for psychological service to children.

PSY 620. Advanced Psychopathology (3)

Prerequisite: PSY 310. Recommended Preparatory: Admission to a master’s-level graduate program in Psychology. Advanced description of psychopathology in children and adults including mental disorders identified in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Examination of the biological, psychological and social/cultural determinants of mental disorders, as well as the empirically validated psychosocial and pharmacological/biological interventions for mental disorders.

PSY 624/L. Advanced Psychological Assessment and Lab (3/1)

Corequisite: PSY 624L. Recommended Preparatory: PSY 310, PSY 427. Practical implementation of psychological assessment tools including cognitive, academic, emotional, social, psychological and behavioral measures used in human assessment. Students will learn how to administer and score a range of standardized instruments and how these measures are interpreted and reported to stakeholders.

PSY 625C/L. Child/Adolescent Psychological Assessment and Lab (3/1)

Prerequisite: Admission to a master’s-level graduate program in Psychology (Clinical, General Experimental or Human Factors). Corequisites: PSY 427, PSY 625CL. Theory and practice of individual assessment of intelligence and personality in non-clinical children and adolescents, as well as those referred for diagnostic assessment of attention, cognitive, learning and/or social-emotional adjustment issues. Supervised practice in test administration, evaluation, integration of data from multiple sources and communication of results. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab per week.

PSY 625D/L. Adult Psychological Assessment and Lab (3/1)

Prerequisites: PSY 427; Admission to a master’s-level graduate program in Psychology (Clinical, General Experimental or Human Factors). Corequisite: PSY 625DL. Theory and practice of individual assessment of intelligence and personality in non-clinical adults and with those referred for diagnostic assessment of attention, cognitive, learning, and/or social-emotional adjustment issues. Supervised practice in test administration, evaluation, integration of data from multiple sources and communication of results. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab per week.

PSY 628. Fundamentals of Psychotherapy (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 460; Instructor consent. Comprehensive review of representative theories of psychotherapy and behavioral readjustment with an evaluation of the assumptions underlying these theories. Emphasis on group work in a community mental health setting. (Some sections are reserved exclusively for M.A. students in the classified graduate programs.)

PSY 629. Philosophy and Concepts of Behavior Analysis (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology; Instructor consent. This course focuses on advanced understanding of the philosophy, theories, science, and concepts of applied behavior analysis. Students will demonstrate competence in the history and philosophy of behaviorism, theoretical approaches to understanding behavior, and interpretation of behavior in terms of the concepts and principles of behavior analysis. This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam.

PSY 640. Advanced Social Psychology I (3)

Extensive coverage of major research and theories advanced in contemporary social psychology, with emphasis on individual behavior as a function of social variables. Topics include interpersonal attraction, person perception and attributional processes, attitude formation and change, social motivation, aggression and altruism.

PSY 650. Organizational Behavior Management (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology; Instructor consent. Students will learn how the principles of behavior are applied in organizational settings to assess and change behavior of individuals working together to achieve common goals. Students will be introduced to evidence-based performance management at the systems and individual case levels and evidence-based staff training and supervision practices. This course serves in a series of courses that prepares students to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam.

PSY 655A-Z. Fieldwork in Psychological Services (1-5)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Taught as an academic, University-based experience designed to accompany students supervised practica, fieldwork and/or internship. Course content varies as a function of the practicum setting (e.g., hospital, community agency) and client age level (e.g., children, adolescents, adults). May be repeated (up to four semesters) and taken for varying number of units (1-5).

PSY 660. Seminar in Counseling (3)

Prerequisites: PSY 460; Instructor consent. Recommended Corequisite: PSY 660T. Some sections are reserved exclusively for M.A. degree students in classified graduate programs. Examination of current theoretical approaches to counseling with emphasis on applications to individual and group, children, adolescents and families.

PSY 690A. Advanced Sensation and Perception (3)

Prerequisites: Classified graduate status; Instructor consent. Critical review of current literature, theories, methods and problems concerning sensory and perceptual processes.

PSY 692A. Seminar in Research Methodology (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology; Instructor consent. This course focuses on advanced research methods in psychology, including review of the scientific approach, research designs and measurement, and threats to validity. Emphasis is on critical analysis of research in terms of the research objective, the adequacy of research design and the justifications for the conclusions.

PSY 696. Directed Clinical Research (3-3)

May be repeated once for credit.

PSY 697ABA. Directed Comprehensive Studies/Exams (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology; Instructor consent. This course is the culminating experience in the Master of Science program in Applied Behavior Analysis. Directed Comprehensive Studies includes two parts: oral comprehensive examinations and written comprehensive examinations.

PSY 697C. Directed Comprehensive Studies (3)

Directed Comprehensive Studies

PSY 698C. Thesis or Graduate Project (3)

Prerequisites: Classified graduate status; Instructor consent. Course may be repeated once.

PSY 698D. Graduate Culminating Project (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology; instructor permission required. In this culminating graduate course, students demonstrate their mastery of the behavior analytic skills necessary to become competent Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Students will be expected to apply the knowledge and experiences they gained in their prior behavioral clinical graduate coursework to new cases. Students will be given hypothetical clinical cases and assessment results and expected to write conceptually, ethically, and methodologically sound functional behavior assessments. Students also will be given hypothetical functional behavior assessment results and expected to develop evidence-based, cost-effective written treatment plans with appropriate citations, which include, but are not limited to, methods to evaluate interobservor agreement, treatment integrity, and treatment effectiveness. (Credit/No Credit only)

PSY 699A-C. Independent Study (1-3)

Prerequisites: Written proposals for independent study in areas of special interest to the advanced student must be submitted for departmental approval prior to registration.