Psychology is the science that deals with the brain and human behavior in all its forms:
- psychological,
- cognitive,
- emotional,
- individual,
- and group.
Its methods range from those similar to the ones used in the humanities to those used in the natural sciences. Psychology offers students a perspective which is not only a career in itself but also a useful adjunct to any discipline.
The Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate program that leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a graduate program which leads to a Master of Arts in Gerontology, as well as a certificate option in Gerontology. In these programs, the department prepares students for careers in those areas that make particular use of a knowledge of human behavior and development. These include human resource and personnel positions in industry, direct service work in the social services, and research associate positions in academic and industrial settings. Students are also prepared for pursuing further education in any of the major areas of psychology.
The department faculty members represent a number of theoretical approaches as well as a wide range of content areas. This enhances the student’s opportunity to become acquainted with the full scope of this broad and complex subject. Because of the need to create a combination of courses consistent with their career goals, students are urged to form a continuing relationship with a faculty advisor in the department early in their major.
The interdisciplinary nature of psychology requires familiarity with other fields. Students intending to pursue graduate studies should have a strong background in mathematics and the natural sciences. All psychology majors will benefit from course work in philosophy, physiology, literature, history, the social sciences, and computer science.
Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology from NEIU will develop strong universally applied skills in areas such as statistics, writing and an ability to conduct research. Courses such as PSYC 202 and PSYC 302 Statistics and Research Methods I and II both prepare students to develop skills in these areas through in class assignments as well as required out-of-class meetings with department peer leaders, where students work on projects related to class lectures.
Students have the option of participating in the field experience program. Academic credit may be earned through relevant work at field sites such as human service agencies, community organizations, schools, and business. The experience may include direct work with clients, case management, observation, outreach, tutoring, program evaluation and development, or research. The Field Experience program serves to integrate theoretical concepts with practical experience. Training is jointly supervised by a field supervisor on site and a faculty member on campus. Information about undergraduate field experience may be obtained from the program advisor in the psychology department.
Minors in psychology and in gerontology are also offered.
The following rules apply to the major and minor in psychology and the minor in gerontology: Transfer courses must be approved by the department before being applied to the major or minors. For transfer students, at least one half of the courses applied to the major (22 semester hours) or minors (9 semester hours) must be taken at Northeastern. No more than two courses (6 semester hours) transferred in from junior/ community colleges may be applied to the major or minors. Junior/community college courses may not be used in place of 300-level Northeastern courses. Students who transfer in an approved 3 semester hour course equivalent to General Psychology may complete the major with 43 semester hours, or the psychology minor with 18 semester hours.
The same courses may not be used to fill requirements in two different programs within the department.
Amanda Dykema-Engblade, Ph.D., Professor, Chair Maureen Wang Erber, Ph.D., Professor A. David Farmer, Ph.D., Associate Professor Lisa Hollis-Sawyer, Ph.D., Associate Professor Christopher Merchant, Ph.D., Associate Professor Linda M. Rueckert, Ph.D., Professor Sara Salavati, M.S., Assistant Professor Shannon Saszik, Ph.D., Associate Professor Masami Takahashi, Ph.D., Professor Andrew Gilbert Young, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
PSYC-100. Survey Of Psychology. 3 Hours.
An introduction ot the study of psychology as a dynamic an changing system of interrelated and interacting areas.
PSYC-110. Life Span Development. 3 Hours.
An introductory class on human development across the life spam, from conception to death. Explores the description, explanation, and function of different aspects of development: physical, psychological and social. Designed as a general education course for non-majors, the main purpose of the course is to present the general underlying structures and mechanisms of development. Some of the major theories and research findings will also be covered.
PSYC-200. General Psychology. 4 Hours.
General introduction to the study of psychology as a science. A personalized system of instruction permits flexible scheduling and different rates for fulfilling requirements. The text covers approximately 25-30 units of material. Tutoring and instructional aides are available.
Prerequisite: ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of C and ENGL-102 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-202. Writing Intensive Program: Statistics And Research Methods I. 3 Hours.
The first half of a sequence that is intended to prepare students to be consumers/ producers of research. In this course students will learn basic descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, basic elements of research design and APA style. Students will be required to design a project and write the introduction and method. This is a Writing Intensive course.
Prerequisites: ENGL-101 - 102 and PSYC-200 and (MATH-092 - 499 or MATH-092A - 499Z or MATH-0092 - 4999 or NEIU Math Placement Result 30 - 45 or Accuplacer College Level Math 020 - 120 or Accuplacer Adv. Algebra & Func 237 - 300).
PSYC-210. Parenting. 3 Hours.
Parenting integrates concepts, data and methods from child development, learning theory and applied behavior analysis and utilizes them in the context of a positive parenting philosophy to advance normal child skills development.
PSYC-215. Child Psychology. 3 Hours.
Basic theories, concepts, principles and research data concerning the physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects of development in children.
PSYC-300J. Special Topics In Psychology: Human Neuropsychology. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-300N. Proseminar In Psychology: Psychopathology In Film And Literature. 3 Hours.
PSYC-302. Statistics And Research Methods II. 3 Hours.
This course is the second half of a sequence that is intended to prepare students to be consumers/producers of research. In this course students will learn parametric and nonparametric inferential statistics through three-way analysis of variance, elements of complex experimental and quasi-experimental design, and research elements of APA format. Students will be required to collect data, analyze and discuss results, and write a formal result and discussion section.
Prerequisite: ENGL-102 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-305. Issues Of Ethics And Diversity In Psychological Research. 1 Hour.
This class will examine events that have impacted psychological research in regard to the ethical treatment of human and animal subjects. The examination will include a consideration of how the subjects’ status as a member of a marginalized or vulnerable population has contributed to their victimization. Additionally, the course will include a review of the impact of marginalized populations in higher education in shaping the conversation.
Prerequisite: (100 - 399 or 100A - 399Z).
PSYC-307. Psychological Tests And Measurements. 3 Hours.
Principles and methods of measurement and evaluation: elementary statistical concepts, reliability and validity, interpretation of test results, standards for psychological and educational tests, principles of test costruciton and use of psychological and educational tests.
Prerequisite: PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-308. Laboratory, Research Methods In Psychology: Tests And Measurements. 5 Hours.
Development, construction, scoring, standardization, determination of reliability and validity of simple tests in psychology.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-310. Developmental Psychology. 3 Hours.
Longitudnal study of the development of behavior throughout the life span, including physiological factors and their bearing on the psychological adjustment of the individual in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later maturity.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-311. Psychosexual Development. 3 Hours.
Study of the development of sex diffreneces, from the acquisition of sex role identity in childhood through sex differences in adult personality, cognition and role behavior.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-312. Psychological Development In Women. 3 Hours.
Psychological development and identity formation in women with emphasis on personality , psychosexual and cognitive development.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-100 with a minimum grade of C or WSP-101 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-314. Psychology Of The African American Family. 3 Hours.
The purpose of this course is for students to gain an understanding of how African American families have evolved in America. The experiences of slavery and racism have influenced the development of African American families and the social policies and practices toward them. These have resulted in the proliferation of myths and perceptions of African American families that often emphasize the negative end results of years of discrimination. The goal of this course is to examine the history of African American families, research performed on African American families, issues facing African American families, and interventions offered to African American families.
Prerequisite: AFAM-200 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-316. Laboratory, Research Methods In Psychology: Child Development. 5 Hours.
Examination and application of research techniques and methods used in child and developmental psychology. Students will collect, analyze, interpret and present research data.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and (PSYC-215 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-310 with a minimum grade of C).
PSYC-317. Latino Psychology: Mental Health & The Latino Experience In The USA. 3 Hours.
This course is designed for students to explore and gain an understanding the multiplicity of factors (biological, psychological, environmental and cultural) that impact and shape the mental health of different Latino groups living in the USA. Immigration, stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice are key topics in determining how Latinos view themselves in American culture.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-318. Psychopathology Of Childhood. 3 Hours.
Study of the dynamics of pre-adolescent neurotic disturbances.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-320. Adolescent Psychology. 3 Hours.
Nature of adolescent development and adjustment: physical, intellectural, emotional, and social aspects.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-100 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-110 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-322. Emotional Disturbances Of Adolescence. 3 Hours.
Study of the psychological dynamics and of the problems and conflicts which the adolescent may experience during this distinct phase of his/her life.
Prerequisite: PSYC-310 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-324. Geropsychology. 3 Hours.
This course will introduce students to the study of aging and the progession of gerontology. The course focuses on the physical, psychological, social and cognitive aspects of aging from a number of disciplinary perspectives. Micro (individual's process of aging) as well as macro (scietal) issues of an aging poulation will be examined. The course will also introduce students to a number of controversies and debates in gerentology, many of which have implications for social policy.
PSYC-325. Psychosocial Development And Aging. 3 Hours.
Exploration of behavioral development and of the influence of social and environmental factors on the psychosocial development throughout the life span.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-328. Seminar In Aging. 3 Hours.
Integrated and critical evaluation of problems and issues related to aging; assessment of reseach and of its application to the establishment of programs for the aged.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-330. Psychology Of Personality. 3 Hours.
Contemporary theories of pesonality development and personality dynamics and definitions of the healthy personality.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-331. Laboratory, Research Methods In Psychology: Personality Development. 5 Hours.
Research methods used in the study of "personality." Collection, analysis and interpretation of research data, and reporting results.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and (PSYC-330 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-340 with a minimum grade of C).
PSYC-340. Abnormal Psychology. 3 Hours.
Overview of psychopathology; similarities and differences between "normal" and "abnorma" groups.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-341. Laboratory, Research Methods In Psychology: Clinical. 5 Hours.
Application of the techniques learned in the Statistics and Research Methods courses to actual research topics in the clinical field of psychology. The format is one hour of lecture and four hours of laboratory, in which student actually collect and analyze data. Fulfills department major lab requirement.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and (PSYC-330 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-340 with a minimum grade of C).
PSYC-345. Theories And Methods Of Individual Therapy. 3 Hours.
Overview of various approaches to psychotherapy.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-330 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-340 with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-346. Introduction To Group Psychotherapy. 3 Hours.
Study and application of the underlying principles of several approaches to group processes; e.g., T-groups, growth (Rogerian) groups, rational-emotive groups, Gestalt groups, T.A. groups.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-330 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-340 with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-348. Community Psychology. 3 Hours.
Introduction to the field of community psychology, including its historical context, key theories, research methods, and practical applications. Community psychology extends beyond the traditional individual focus of psychology to examine social, cultural, and environmental influences on both individuals and the larger social systems in which they are embedded. Practical applications of community psychology include a range of prevention and intervention strategies to promote both individual and community-level well-being.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-350. Physiological Psychology. 3 Hours.
Lectures on physiological research techniques; ablation, lesioning, elctro-physiology, and neurochemistry. The neuron, synaptic, electrical and chemical events, sensory physiology, psychopharmacology, memory mechanisms, emotions and vegatative functions are covered.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-351. Laboratory, Research Methods In Psychology: Physiological Psychology. 5 Hours.
Techniques employed in the investigation of brain functions including surgical and testing procedures such as ablation, electrolytic lesions, implants of permanent electrodes, operant conditioning techniques, pharmacological experiments and demostrations.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and (PSYC-350 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-370 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-373 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-375 with a minimum grade of C).
PSYC-352. Introduction To Neuropsychopharmacology. 3 Hours.
Discussion of neuronal synapse and neurotransmitter action, and the physiology and basic chemistry of the better known putative neurotransmitters; overview of the major and minor tranquilizers, the antidepressants, and the hallucinogens; examination of the better known relationships between neurochemistry, psychopharmacology and behavior.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-353. Physiological Bases Of Mental Disorders. 3 Hours.
Physiological and genetic aspects of mental disorders; major theories and current research models with emphasis on current literature and primary sources.
Prerequisite: PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-350 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-354. Seminar In Drug Abuse. 3 Hours.
Lectures, discussions and selected readings concerning the psychological, sociological and physiological aspects of drug abuse.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C or BIO-100 with a minimum grade of C or BIOL-100 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-355. Experimental Psychology Of Zebrafish. 3 Hours.
The course will provide a survey of different experimental psychology methods that are used in animal models to understand the corresponding human behavior. Topics discussed in class will focus on the use of animals in research as model systems to understand the neural circuits that underlie normal and abnormal behavior. During the course students will replicate previous research studies to develop an understanding of some of the common methodological issues and to better understand and interpret data from different sources.
Prerequisite: (100 - 399 or 100A - 399Z).
PSYC-360. Social Psychology. 3 Hours.
Basic principles and research techniques in social perception, attitude formation, group dynamics, interpersonal attraction, and social influence.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-361. Laboratory, Research Methods In Psychology: Social Psychology. 5 Hours.
Application of techniques learned in Statistics and Research Methods to actual research topics in social psychology. Through lecture and laboratory, in which students actually collect and analyze data.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-360 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-364. Theories Of Intimate Relationships. 3 Hours.
The advanced study of the field of intimate relationships. Coursework covers social psychological theories and research on romantic relationships and addresses topics such as attraction, communication, attachment, love, infidelity, jealousy, conflict, and relationship dissolution.
Prerequisite: PSYC-360 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-365. Industrial Psychology. 3 Hours.
An introductory survey of the diverse field of industrial psychology. Personnel selection, business organizations, marketing and advertising, human factors and human engineering, worker-supervisor relations and executive behavior.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-367. Psychology Of Food. 3 Hours.
Food and eating play an important role in how we define ourselves and how we relate to other people. This course will explore many aspects of food and food consumption, primarily through the lens of a social psychological perspective. Topics will include: emotions and food (i.e., food and mood); food and health (e.g., obesity and disordered eating); cross cultural perspectives on food; and contextual cues that influence our eating choices. In short, the course will explore the psychological aspects of why we eat, what we eat and how much (or little) we eat. Note: If course is taken as capstone, the prerequisites needed will include PSYC-302 and at least one course from two Psychology core areas with a minimum grade of C.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-368. Consumer Psychology. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the field of consumer psychology. The course will emphasize a social psychological perspective. The class will focus on theoretical and applied applications of consumer behavior and advertising through the lens of the psychology field. Topics such as persuasion, the psychology of decision-making, motivation, and income/social class will be discussed as they relate to consumer behavior.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-369. Conservation Psychology. 3 Hours.
Students will explore the emerging field of conservation psychology with an emphasis on the psychological characteristics of the relationship between humans and nature, such as environmental values, attitudes, behavior, and decision-making practices. Course topics, including environmental perception, identity, personal morals, ecopsychology, wilderness psychology, domestic nature, managed nature, community dimensions, and environmental education, will be investigated in the context of promoting environmental responsibility.
Prerequisite: (100 - 399 or 100A - 399Z).
PSYC-370. Theories Of Learning. 3 Hours.
Psychological study of the processes of learning, problem-solving, and memory. Major historical theories of learning; demonstration of some basic research techniques.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-371. Neuropsychology. 3 Hours.
Neuropsychology is a upper level course that will examine the neural basis of human behavior, and cognition. Students will examine the different methodologies that are used to characterize the underlying neurological function that drives human behavior and cognition under normal conditions. The course will also cover some clinical applications of neuropsychology to explore and understand causes of cognitive dysfunction and pathology. Topics that are discussed will incorporate research from studies using animal models, but always with emphasis on the connection to humans.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-373. Human Perception. 3 Hours.
Study of how our perceiving and performing systems convert information from the environment and the self to action in everyday life.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-374. Laboratory, Research Methods In Psychology: Perception. 5 Hours.
Research techniques and experiments in perception, cognition and learning.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and (PSYC-373 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-350 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-370 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-375 with a minimum grade of C).
PSYC-375. Cognitive Psychology. 3 Hours.
This course is an introduction to cognitive psychology, the study of human thought, information processing, and consciousness. It covers the following topics normally associated with the study of cognition: pattern recognition, learning and memory, language, reasoning, decision making, cognitive neuropsychology, and artificial intelligence.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-376. Social Neuroscience. 3 Hours.
The purpose of this course is to gain an understanding of how the nervous system affects social relationships, and how social relationships affect the nervous system. Although the main focus is on humans, many of the studies we cover will be on non-human animals. We will focus mainly on the macro-level (i.e. parts of the brain), but some information will also be presented at the micro-level (cellular and chemical).
Prerequisite: PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-377. Visual Neuroscience. 3 Hours.
Visual Neuroscience is an upper level course that will examine how data based and knowledge based processing determines an individual’s visual experience. To better understand the interaction between data and knowledge, students will learn about the different techniques and methodologies that are used to address research questions in visual perception. Students will explore how visual information is encoded at the early synapses in the retina and is processed as neural signals move into cortex. The effect of different conditions on human visual perception will be further examined to understand how data and knowledge interact to determine a single perceptual experience.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-378. Laboratory, Research Methods In Psychology: Cognitive. 5 Hours.
Examination and application of research techniques and methods used in cognitive psychology. Students will collect, analyze, interpret, and present research data.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and (PSYC-350 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-370 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-371 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-373 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-375 with a minimum grade of C).
PSYC-380. Happiness. 3 Hours.
Achieving happiness is one of life's most valuable goals and one of the goals of this class. This class will examine the psychological factors that influence happiness and the diverse philosophical arguments for the value of happiness. Students will engage in projects designed to implement psychological research with the goal of maximizing their happiness.
Prerequisite: (100 - 399 or 100A - 399Z).
PSYC-381. Independent Study In Psychology. 1 Hour.
Special study projects in psychology specifically and individually contracted with the instructor. Arrangements should be made in the term prior to registration.
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-317 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-317A with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-382. Independent Study In Psychology. 2 Hours.
(See PYSC-381 for description.).
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-317 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-317A with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-383. Independent Study In Psychology. 3 Hours.
(See PYSC-381 for description.).
Prerequisite: (PSYC-202 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-301 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-317 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-317A with a minimum grade of C) and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-385. Capstone Seminar. 2 Hours.
The capstone seminar is to be taken in conjunction with the completion of the student’s capstone project. The aim of the course is to provide capstone students with additional, structured contact hours with their advisor/instructor in order to facilitate efficient and superior work.
PSYC-391. Field Experiences In Psychology I. 3 Hours.
Experiential learnin in psychology-related settings (such as psychiatric hospitals and schools) integrating both academic work and on-the-job experience. Arrangements should be made in the term prior to registration.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-393. Seminar In The Teaching Of Psychology. 3 Hours.
Introduces students to the theories and methods of post-secondary teching as relevant to the field of psychology. Students participate with faculty in active teaching activities of an undergraduate psychology course.
Prerequisite: PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-395. History Of Psychology. 3 Hours.
Psychology as a science from Wundt to present day. The course examines systems and describes and evaluates theories.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-396. Senior Seminar In Psychology. 3 Hours.
Research and preparation of papers; provides for individual work by the student, and guidance through criticism by fellow students and faculty.
Prerequisite: PSYC-302 with a minimum grade of C and PSYC-200 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-397. Capstone: Applied Service Learning Lab. 5 Hours.
This capstone course meets the needs and interests of students wishing to seek careers in community settings. Students integrate psychology knowledge and apply it to real world situations and problems as they are immersed in hands-on, community-based learning experiences. Course activities include participation in an agency/institutional setting, reflections on these experiences, and interpretation via an academic/scholarly lens. Students work closely with both a peer-team and with members of a community organization. The capstone project requires on-site volunteer hours and the development and execution of a project specific to the site's needs and demands.
PSYC-401. Gerontology: An Overview. 3 Hours.
Presents an overview of the field of gerontology. It provides an introduction to the demographic, economic and social implications of the growth in the population of older individuals.
PSYC-402. Developmental Processes In Later Life. 3 Hours.
Examines research on how individuals age psychologically throughout adulthood and into advanced old age.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-403. Developmental Processes In Aging:Physiological Aspects. 3 Hours.
In order to understand the aging individual, it is important to understand the normal and pathological physical changes that occur as the person ages. This course is intended to provide students of gerontology with this basic grounding in the physiology of aging and thus is aimed at graduate students with only minimal background in biology. Using a combination of text material and journal readings, it will cover the development changes in all the major biological systems.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-406. Aging And The Family. 3 Hours.
Acquaints students with the research on the inter-generational roles on the nuclear, extended and non-traditional forms of 20th century families in providing physical, emotional, and financial support to members over the life-span in a society that has increasing numbers of three, four, and five generation families.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-408. Research Methods. 3 Hours.
This course introduces research methods and methodological problems encountered in theoretical an applied studies in the field of gerontology and provides guidance in preparing research or program proposals.
Prerequisite: PSYC-402 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-412. Psychopathology And Aging. 3 Hours.
Enables students to differentiate between the psychological characteristics of normal aging in later life and those associated with psychopathology. Differences between chronic mental illness and late onset psychopathology are clarified. Questions of assessment and treatment for these populations are included.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-414. Psychotherapy Of The Elderly. 3 Hours.
This course assists students interested in direct service to develop an awareness of the range of psycho-therapeutic modalities that are effective with elderly clients.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-415. Practicum In Gerontology. 3 Hours.
A supervised practicum, typically 120 clock hours, is required of all students who lack formal experience in working directly with the elderly. It is also recommended for students who have previously worked with this population and whose career objectives make a different type of experience in another setting desirable.
Prerequisite: PSYC-402 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-416. Internship In Gerontology. 3 Hours.
This 120 clock hour supervised field work course is required of all students. Those with no prior experience in gerontology must complete PYSC-415 before registering for this course. The internship site varies according to the interests of the student. The faculty will determine the suitability of the site.
Prerequisite: PSYC-402 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-418. Public Policy And Aging. 3 Hours.
This course will esamine major health care, social, and economic policies that affect the ederly. Students will learn to assess and understand the differential impact on life style and quality of life experienced in old age by individuals of various socioeconomic classes.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-420. Seminar In Proposal Writing. 3 Hours.
This seminar covers the whole process of proposal writing as it applies to either grant or thesis proposals. Student are expected to produce an acceptable proposal as part of the course.
Prerequisite: PSYC-408 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-424. Independent Study In Gerontology. 3 Hours.
This course provides an oppurtunity to specialize in an area of interest not sufficiently covered in either the required or elective courses offered. The plan for independent study (the specific topic, list of possible readings, and plan for a final paper) must be approved in writing by the sponsoring faculty member in the term prior to registration.
Prerequisite: PSYC-402 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-426. Values, Decision Making And The Elderly. 3 Hours.
This course sentisizes students to their own and other's social and personal values pertainin to aging and the aged. It covers the ethical issues and dilemmas that arise for the elderly, their advocates, and caretakers when age is a primary factor in making difficult decisions.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-428. Aging And Cultural Diversity In The U.S.. 3 Hours.
This course familiarizes students with the literature and research-in-progress on variations in the process of aging, attitudes toward aging and the aged, and assistance provided to the aged among various major ethnic groups found in the United States.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-432. Meanings Of Old Age. 3 Hours.
This course explores the range of external perceptions and personal experiences of old age and old people by comparing what research scholars say about aging with the writings of older people themselves. Societal ageism and personal beliefs about aging, old age and old people are considered.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-434. Aging Services Network. 3 Hours.
This course examines the wide range of services and programs fostered by the Older American Act and referred to as the "aging network." Interviews with service providers and onsite observations give students an awareness of the issues involved in designing and implementing programs for older people.
Prerequisite: PSYC-401 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-501. Human Developmental Science Core I. 3 Hours.
This course is an overview of theories and research related to human development, with a focus on conception to adolescence. Students will examine the development of complex human behavior through interactions of the individual with the environment. Students will learn about procedures and methods that can be used to explain and study human behavior in different populations.
PSYC-502. Human Developmental Science Core II. 3 Hours.
This course is an overview of theories and research related to human development, with a focus on emerging adulthood to late adulthood. Students will examine the development of complex human behavior through interactions of the individual with the environment. Students will learn about procedures and methods that can be used to explain and study human behavior in different populations.
Prerequisite: PSYC-501 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-509. Special Topics In Human Developmental Science. 3 Hours.
This course is an advanced examination of contemporary topics in human developmental science. As a seminar class, topics will vary based on the expertise of the faculty teaching the class.
PSYC-510. Research Design And Statistical Analysis I. 3 Hours.
This course will provide students with basic principles of research design and statistical analysis in the areas of human development and behavior. Topics will include core experimental, correlational, and developmental research designs and the foundations and applications of regression and ANOVA. Use of computer-based statistical software packages for data analysis and interpretation is stressed.
PSYC-511. Research Design And Statistical Analysis II. 3 Hours.
This course will provide students with advanced principles of research design and statistical analysis in the areas of human development and behavior. Topics will cover contemporary research designs, specialized research methods, and advanced regression analysis. Use of computer-based statistical software packages for data analysis and interpretation is stressed.
Prerequisite: PSYC-510 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-520. Values, Decision Making For Responsible Conduct In Research. 3 Hours.
Students will learn about the ethics of research. Topics will include ethics related to both human and animal subjects research and ethics related to scientific misconduct in data management and presentation.
PSYC-521. Research Colloquium. 1 Hour.
Students will take two semesters of the research colloquium to actively engage in the research community of the Human Developmental Science program. Students will develop communication skills by presenting research findings that were previously published or reflective of their own body or work.
Prerequisite: PSYC-501 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-502 with a minimum grade of C or PSYC-511 with a minimum grade of C.
PSYC-5901. Thesis Hours. 1 Hour.
This course involves guidance of students writing a master's thesis as part of the requirements for the MA. in Gerentology.
Prerequisite: PSYC-420 with a minimum grade of C.