Courses Required for the Psychology Major. Offered Every Spring and Fall.
PSY 101J General Psychology I
An introduction to the study of behavior as a natural science. Among the topics covered are: method of inquiry, physiological foundations of behavior, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, learning and thinking. This course is a prerequisite for all courses in the Department. Prerequisite: ENG 104C or corequisite: ENG 100C. Cr 3.
PSY 102 General Psychology II
A continuation of Psychology 101J. It deals with complex psychological processes such as ability testing, personality, conflict, behavior disorders and therapy, and social and industrial behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 101J. Cr 3.
PSY 201D Statistics in Psychology
A general introduction to the techniques of descriptive, predictive, and inferential statistics. Emphasis is placed on measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, hypothesis testing, and simple analysis of variance. Prerequisite: successful completion of the University’s mathematics college readiness requirement. Cr 3.
PSY 205 Experimental Methodology
Emphasis on the principles, methods, and techniques of experimental psychology. Applications of general methodology and specific techniques to the design of experiments in behavioral research. Prerequisite: PSY 201D; corequisite PSY 206. Cr 3.
PSY 206 Methodology Lab
This course applies the scientific method to selected areas of experimental psychology. Such areas may include animal learning, physiological, sensation-perception, cognition, social-personality, and developmental psychology. Report writing and interpretation of statistical results will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 201; corequisite: PSY 205. Cr 1.
PSY 220 Psychology of the Lifespan
This is a broad introductory course focusing on the theories, research methods, and the status of scientific knowledge about human development across the lifespan. The course focuses on the interplay of psychological and environmental factors in physical, cognitive, social, and personality development from birth through adulthood. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.
PSY 330 Social Psychology
The psychological principles that enter into the social behavior of the individual. Areas of consideration include perception, communication, attitude formation, interpersonal attraction, and group behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.
PSY 333 Psychopathology
The etiology, development, and manifestation of the major forms of mental illness with particular emphasis upon the neuroses and psychoses. Psychological, social, and biological factors that contribute to maladjustment are examined. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.
PSY 350 Psychology of Learning
Experimental findings on the fundamental principles that underlie the acquisition and retention of new behavior. Emphasis is placed on operant and respondent conditioning and the experimental analysis of behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.
PSY 360 Cognitive Processes
A review of contemporary experimental and theoretical work on human information processing. Topics include pattern recognition, memory, attention, decision making, language, problem solving, and creativity. Emphasis will be placed on research methodology and on the interpretation of experimental findings. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.
PSY 361 Sensation and Perception
An examination of perceptual processes and sensory systems. Emphasis is on experimental methodology, research findings, and theoretical interpretations. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.
PSY 365 Physiological Psychology
Basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and endocrinology, and the relationships between nervous system functioning and behavior. Physiological analysis of sensory function, motivation, and learning. Prerequisites: PSY 101J, 102, and BIO 111. Cr 3.
PSY 371 History and Systems of Psychology
A survey of the history of psychological thought from its beginnings in Greek philosophy to modern times. Special attention will be given to the influence of philosophy and natural science on the development of contemporary psychology. The course concludes with a survey of the major systems. Prerequisite: 15 hours in psychology and/or instructor’s permission. This course will satisfy the intensive writing requirement. Cr 3.
Psychology Elective Courses. Offered Regularly.
PSY 323 Psychology of Infancy and Childhood
This is an advanced course where students with a solid background in developmental psychology will explore in detail the psychological issues and events that occur during the course of infancy and childhood. Current research focusing on the interplay of psychological and environmental factors in physical, cognitive, social, and personality development of individuals from conception to puberty will be explored. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and PSY 102, and either PSY 220 or HRD 200J. Cr 3.
PSY 324 Psychology of Adolescence
This advanced course will provide an overview of theories, issues, and research in the study of human development from early adolescence to early adulthood. The interplay of biological and cognitive factors, interpersonal relationships, social structure, and cultural values in shaping the individual’s development will be examined. The role of adolescence in both the individual’s life course and evolution of the culture as a whole will be considered. Prerequisites: PSY 101J, PSY 102, and either PSY 220 or HRD 200J. Cr 3.
PSY 325 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
This is an advanced course in developmental psychology focusing on the adult portion of the lifespan. The course will provide an overview of the major theories, issues, and research in the scientific study of adulthood. The interplay of biological and cognitive factors, interpersonal relationships, social structure, and cultural values in shaping the individual’s development will be examined. Prerequisites: PSY 101J, PSY 102, and either PSY 220 or HRD 200J. Cr 3.
PSY 326 Psychology of Social and Linguistic Development
This seminar explores research addressing infant and child social and linguistic development. The main focus is on brain development, temperament, attachment, linguistic growth, and early social cognition as the basis for children’s emergent social and communicative competence. Students are expected to contribute to discussion and debates each week. Prerequisites: PSY 101J, PSY 102, and either PSY 220 or HRD 200J. Cr 3.
PSY 338 Theories of Personality
A survey of the major contemporary approaches to the study of personality. Different theories are compared, their impact upon current thinking evaluated, and their research contributions assessed. Prerequisites: PSY 101J, 102. Cr 3.
PSY 366 Drugs, Mind, and Behavior
The physiological and behavioral effects of drugs are examined in light of current research. Also considered are theories relating to the use/abuse of drugs, tolerance, addiction, and drug interactions. Prerequisites: P S Y 101J and one semester of biology. Cr 3.
PSY 399 Topics in Psychology: Health Psychology Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.
PSY 400 Independent Research
This course provides junior and senior psychology majors the opportunity to pursue guided reading/research on a topic of their choosing. Each independent study project will be conducted with advice and guidance from the sponsoring faculty m e m b e r. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, completion of independent study application describing the proposed reading/research project, permission of faculty sponsor. Cr 1-3.
PSY 401 Research Apprenticeship
This course provides junior and senior psychology majors the opportunity to develop further insight into the research process through direct involvement with ongoing faculty research. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, completion of independent study application describing the reading/research project and tasks or activities they will be performing, permission of faculty sponsor. Cr 1-3.
PSY 405 Teaching Apprenticeship
This course provides psychology majors the opportunity to assist teaching faculty and to develop deeper understanding of course materials and college teaching. Teaching apprentices are selected by faculty. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, completion of independent study application describing their relevant course experiences and tasks/activities they will be performing, permission of faculty sponsor. Cr 1-3.
PSY 410 Internship/Field Experience
This course provides junior and senior psychology majors the opportunity to apply their psychology training in organizations and community service projects. Currently students may participate in the USM-Hall School Mentor project. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, completion of application describing the tasks or activities they will be performing, permission of faculty sponsor and department chair. Cr 1-3.
Psychology Elective Courses. Offered Occasionally.
PSY 232 Psychology of Adjustment
A study of the development of personality patterns, modes of behavior, life styles, and coping mechanisms considered normal in this society.
Consideration of their value to individual functioning. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.
PSY 235 Psychology of Women
Psychology of women and psychological literature relevant to men and women. Some topics include physiological and personality differences between the sexes, sex-role development, role conflict, women and traditional therapy. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.
PSY 340 Behavior Modification
An introduction to the principles of operant conditioning with emphasis on the application of operant techniques in educational, correctional, and therapeutic situations. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and 102. Cr 3.