PSYC - Psychology (PSYC)
Survey of major topics in psychology (learning, perception, motivation, intelligence, etc.), and an introduction to methods used in psychological investigation.
Statistical principles, including measures of central tendency, variability, relative standing, probability, techniques of regression and correlation, statistical hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and nonparametric statistics with applications in the social sciences.
Survey of a selected topic planned around an area of faculty interest. Course may be repeated for additional credit during the same semester & subsequent semesters as topics vary.
Introduction to life span developmental psychology providing an overview of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development from conception to senescence.
Introduction to basic principles and theories of learning and memory including such topics as habituation, classical and instrumental conditioning, verbal learning, social learning theory, behavior modification, and modeling.
Higher mental processes including such topics as pattern recognition, attention, memory, language perception and production, decision making, problem solving, concept formation and cognitive growth. Behavioral and neuropsychological perspectives are considered.
The basic principles involved in vision, audition, taste, smell and skin senses. Topics include the structure and function of the various sensory systems and related brain areas, measurement of sensory experiences, and perceptual information processing such as perception of color, pattern, movement, depth, music, and speech.
Introduction to neuroanatomy and the brain structures involved in cognitive processes such as memory, attention, language, emotion, and social decisions. Emphasis is placed on achieving an understanding of and practical experience with current methods in the field.
The principles governing human interaction including factors such as group dynamics, leadership, prejudice and propaganda.
Basic neural and endocrine processes and their correlation with behavior.
The major theories of personality and the factors involved in the development of personality.
The nature of mental and emotional disorders including such topics as theories of emotional disorders and the causes and treatment of various disorders.
Survey of the theoretical and empirical foundations of human behavior in industries and organizations. Special consideration is given to applied problems as they relate to improving relationships between individuals and organizations.
Behavioral, emotional, and cognitive contributions to physical health.
Study of the legal system from a psychological perspective. The course will use psychological concepts to facilitate one's understanding of the legal system, policies, procedures, and practices, as well as how psychology factors into the nature of criminal responsibility, victimization, discrimination, and punishment. Topics include, but are not limited to, jury decision making, law enforcement techniques, confessions, and eyewitness testimony.
Attitudes, beliefs, and behavior towards individuals based on group membership. Emphasis is placed on social-psychological empirical findings and relevant theoretical approaches to understanding and reducing intergroup bias.
Introduction to research methods for the study of behavior. Lectures, class discussion, and laboratory exercises drawn from diverse areas of psychology are used to provide practical knowledge and skill in data analysis, experimental design, and writing technical reports.
Introduction to the practical applications of psychology in such areas as mental health, industry, schools, law enforcement, and advertising.
The process by which people adjust to the demands made upon them as a result of living with others. Basic processes of motivation and learning are examined, especially as these relate to the acquisition of the mechanisms of adjustment.
Causes and characteristics of sensory, cognitive, and motor skills and the behavior and potential of exceptional individuals.
Psychological, physiological, and sociological factors in human sexual behavior and attitudes.
Investigation of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral tendencies across species. Topics center on individual differences and social behavior in humans and animals, considered both jointly and separately.
Supervised service learning opportunities with Upstate businesses and industries requiring application of psychological knowledge of human behavior. Course may be repeated for additional semesters with approval of instructor.
An individualized program of study planned in conjunction with a psychology faculty member. Course may be repeated with a different independent study contract description during the same semester and during subsequent semesters.
Intensive study of a selected topic planned around an area of faculty or student interest. Course may be repeated for additional credit during the same semester and subsequent semesters as topics vary.
The formation of testable hypotheses, methodological design, data collection and analysis, critical evaluation and scientific documentation as applied to a particular content area in psychology. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of this course. May be repeated once upon change of topic.
Survey of classic and contemporary methods of assessing personality as accomplished by self-administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological tests. Theoretical foundations for the various methods will also be discussed.
The different approaches to counseling and psychotherapy with emphasis on both theory and technique.
Theory, development, and application of intelligence, achievement, aptitude, and personality assessment measures.
Historical roots of modern psychological theories and a survey of various present-day approaches.
Women's experiences, present day status, life-styles, and the biological and cultural antecedents of women's roles.
Supervised work experience in community agency or hospital. Fifty hours of work for each credit hour are required. Course may be repeated for additional semesters with approval of instructor.
Preparation for the world beyond Upstate, with a special focus on issues pertaining to entrance to and success in graduate school. Some meetings will entail presentations of research findings and project status updates, others will focus on the production and consumption of technical writing in the form of journal clubs, and still others will focus on practical topics such as choosing graduate programs or careers and preparing materials for job or school applications. May be taken twice for credit.