MSSU Department of Psychology
Course Listings


GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
Psy 100 (F,S)
3 hours credit

Introductory course stressing the importance of the psychological mechanisms underlying all human behavior. Satisfies the CORE Curriculum requirement.
 

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY-HONORS
Psy 100 (F)
3 hours credit

The same topics as general psychology above. Designed and specially taught for honors students. Other students permitted with consent of instructor.
 

CAREER AND LIFE PLANNING
PSY 105
1 hour credit

Materials and methods to help students investigate their present life-styles including concrete methods of decision making and goal setting. Concentrated career/vocational choice sessions will help students determine and appropriate career. Offered during the second half of each semester. No credit toward psychology major.
 

COLLEGE ORIENTATION
PSY 120 (F,S)
1 hour credit

A requirement for all incoming freshmen. Provides a small group setting for open communication between students in an informal situation. Content focuses on practical knowledge necessary for academic survival, advisor assignment and current issues of concern. Regular course withdrawal procedures do not apply. No credit toward psychology major or minor.
 

PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT
PSY 221 (F,S)
3 hours credit

Selected principles of adjustment, ways of improving adjustment and research of practical value. Some emphasis on assertion skills.


APPLIED BEHAVIORISM

PSY 382 (S)
3 hours credit

Techniques of modifying human behavior through principles developed by learning psychology. Emphasis on design and implementation of behavioral strategy in the laboratory, as well as practical settings. Prerequisite: Psy 100.

 

TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 298 (DEMAND)
1-3 hours credit

Special topics in psychology not normally included in other courses. Prerequisites to be determined by the department.
 

CHILD DEVELOPMENT
PSY 300 (F,S)
3 hour credit

This course covers development from conception to late childhood, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.  Theories and methods of developmental psychology will be discussed.  The couse material will include a variety of individual and group activities. Prerequisite: Psy 100. No credit will be given if Psy 305 has been completed.
 

ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 301 (F,S)
3 hours credit

This course covers adolescent development, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.  Theories of adolescent development will be presented, as well as the contextual influences of family, peers, school, and culture.  The course material will include a variety of individual and group activities. Prerequisite: Psy 100. No credit will be given if 305 has been completed.
 

THE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD
PSY 302 (F,S)
2 hour credits

A series of awareness experiences which deal with the added complexities an exceptional child presents to a regular classroom teacher. Includes characteristics of the exceptional child, resources in the community and legislation which determines school policy. Prerequisite: Psy 300, Psy 301, or Psy 305.
 

CHILD & ADLOESCENT DEVELOPMENT
PSY 305
4 hours credit

Aspects of human development during conception, infancy, childhood, transescence and adolescence will be examined, including, physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Emphasis will be given to theoretical frameworks and their practical implications. Cross-cultural variety will be included wherever appropriate. Prerequisites: Psy 100. No credit will be given if Psy 300 or Psy 301 have been completed.
 

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
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PSY 310 (F,S)
2 hours credit

Psychological problems involved in education and the practical application of psychological principles of teaching.  Special emphasis on the learner, the learning process, and the learning situation. Prerequisite: Psy 100.
 

APPLIED STATISTICS FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND NATURAL SCIENCES
PSY 320 (F,S)
3 hours credit

The course includes descriptive and inferential techniques. The analysis and interpretation of data are emphasized. Prerequisites: Psy 100 (or permission) and Math 125, 130, or 131.
 

COMPUTERS IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
PSY 325 (F,S)
3 hours credit

Application of computers in behavioral sciences with an emphasis on statistical analysis, data collection and report generation. Prerequisite: Psy 320.
 

EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY  (writing intensive)
PSY 330 (F,S)
5 hours credit

The research process is the foundation for knowledge in the field of psychology. Laboratory course that stresses the acquisition of basic skills in conceiving and carrying out research, as well as analyzing results and writing reports in a professionally acceptable manner. Prerequisite or corequisite: Psy 325.
 

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 341 (F)
3 hours credit

Introduction to the scientific study of social thinking (how we view ourselves and others), social influence (including conformity, persuasion, and group influence), and social relations (including prejudice, aggression, attraction, and altruism).  
Prerequisite: Psy 100.
 
 

HUMAN SEXUALITY
PSY 343 (DEMAND)
3 hours credit

Surveys current research and theory related to human sexuality. Human sexual behavior and attitudes will be viewed from biological, psychological, historical and cultural perspectives. Prerequisites: Psy 100.
 

CONDITIONING AND LEARNING
PSY 486
3 hours credit

Learning theories and research in the field of learning.  Topics include Non-Associative Learning.  Classical Conditioning, Instrumental Learning, Stimulus Control of Behavior, Punishment, Avoidance Behavior, and Cognitive Processes.  Prerequisite:  Psy 320.

JUNIOR SEMINAR
PSY 390 (S)
1 hour credit

For Junior Psychology majors. Information & experiences helpful in making decision about and preparing for careers, emphasizing preparation for either graduate school or baccalaureate level employment. Corequisite or Prerequisite: Psy 320.
 

SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
PSY 411 (F, EVEN)
3 hours credit

Includes classical and modern psychophysical techniques. The physiology of various sensory systems, e.g. vision and audition, are examined in order to appreciate the nature of perception. Prerequisite: Psy 100.
 

MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION IN EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGY
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PSY 412 (F,S)
2 hours credit

This course explores theories and problems of measurement and learning assessment.  Contemporary and classical approaches to measuring achievement in the educational setting are examined. Prerequisite: Psy 310 or consent of instructor.
 

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
PSY 415 (F, Odd)
3 hours credit

Research in animal behavior from a phylogenetic and ontogenetic perspective.  Includes theoretical approaches, ethological methods, ethical concerns, sensory capacities, learning, cognition, and social behavior of animals.  Field observations and experimental research for each topic.  Field trips are planned to supplement lectures and discussions. Prerequisites: Psy 100 and Bio 101 or permission of the instructor.
 
PSYCHOLOGY IN FILM
PSY 481
3 hours credit

An advanced course in psychology examining the use of psychological concepts in feature films, many of which are "classic" films.  Readings will accompany each film and address the significant concepts illustrated.  Topics addressed in the class will include:  psychodynamic perspectives on dreams, personality, and defense mechanisms, existentialism, identity, adolescent and adult development, and selected topics in clinical psychology. Prerequisite: Psy 100 and 6 additional hours of psychology or permission from instructor.

THEORIES OF PERSONALITY
PSY 422 (S)
3 hours credit

Survey of major contemporary theories of personality, issues of personality assessment and current research. Prerequisite: Psy 100 and junior standing.
 

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 432 (S)
3 hours credit

Recognition and classification of the systems of mental disorders, specifying causes and possible therapeutic techniques. Extensive use of the American Psychiatric Associations's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Prerequisite: Psy 100.
 

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 435 (F, Odd)
3 hours credit

Survey of history, current methods, guild issues, and future developments of clinical practice. Seminar format with considerable student participation. Prerequisites: Junior standing and 15 hours of psychology.
 

PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 442 (S)
3 hours credit

Structure and function of the nervous system from the individual neuron to the behavior of the organism. The biological basis of movement, sleep, homeostasis, sexual behavior, emotion, learning, language and abnormal behavior will be examined from an ontogenetic and phylogenetic perspective. Prerequisite: Psy 100.
 

MEMORY, AND COGNITION
PSY 443 (F)
3 hours credit

Designed to acquaint the student with the major issues and current research finding in the area of memory and cognitive processes. General topics include sensory, short-term and long-term memory; psychology and law; and artificial intelligence.  Prerequisite: Psy 330.
 

PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RESOURCES
PSY 450 (S)
3 hours credit

An interdisciplinary approach to traditional areas of human resource management/organizational psychology, including group interaction, communication, interviewing, compensation and benefits, and legal environment. Experimental and theoretical methods will be used. Prerequisite: Psy 100 or MM350 or permission of instructor.
 

HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 452 (S)
3 hours credit

Historical antecedents and their effects on contemporary scientific psychology. Prerequisite: Psy 330 or consent of instructor. 

ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS
PSY 460 (Demand)
3 hours credit

Advances the research skills in psychology beyond what is learned in Psy 330. Students will conceive, design, gather, and analyze the data and write up a naturalistic observation, a survey or an experiment of their own choosing.. Students will function as sole investigators or as members of a team. The final research project can serve as a pilot study for the students' senior thesis as well as provide a project for presentation at a professional research conference. Prerequisites: Psy 330 or permission of the instructor.
 

PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT
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PSY 470 (Demand)
3 hours credit

Examines classical and contemporary theories and practices in psychological measurement.  Students apply measurement theory in the construction of an original instrument and extablish the properties of relability and validity.  Prerequisites:  12 hours of psychology studies including Psy 320.
 

SENIOR THESIS (writing intensive)
PSY 481  (F,S)
3 hours credit

Students design and conduct research projects resulting in a written thesis and an oral presentation . Prerequisite: Psy 330 and Senior Standing. 

LEADERSHIP TRAINING
PSY 495 (F, S)
2-3 hours credit

A required course for selected Orientation Leaders.  This course is designed to cover organization of classroom materials, time-management, decision-making, problem-solving, and interpersonal relating in an on-site experience with small groups of freshman students.  Student leaders may repeat this course for a maximum of 3 credits.  This course will not fulfill requirements for a major or minor in Psychology.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 498 (Demand)
1-3 hours credit

Designed to give advanced instruction in some area not covered in other courses.  For upper division majors. Prerequisites to be determined by department.

INDEPENDENT STUDY
PSY 499 (Demand)
1-3 hours credit

Course structured by advisor with approval of department head. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in major field. Registration must be approved by advisor and department head.