Course Descriptions
1301. General Psychology 3 hours
A general introduction to the basic concepts of psychology.
2303. Foundations of Psychology 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301
An introduction to psychology as a scientific discipline as well as a profession. This course will survey the fundamentals of research, the various areas of career specializations, the central conceptual issues, and basic library skills in psychology.
2341. Dynamics of Mental Health 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301
A study of the values, attitudes, and conditions which contribute to a healthy
personality. The course includes dealing with stress, interpersonal skills, and social aspects of adjustment.
2348. Human Sexuality 3 hours
The physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of sex will be reviewed.
2392. Introduction to Counseling 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301
A study of the principles, theories, and dynamics of the helping process.
2420. Statistics 4 hours
Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or MAT 1301 or a passing score on the Texas Wesleyan University Mathematics Placement Test
A survey of descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in the
interpretation of data. Laboratory required.
3303. Infant and Child Development 3 hours
An overview of the study of infant and child development involving an
examination of the transition from infancy to childhood. Cognitive, physical, social, and emotional changes as well as relationships within the family and with peers will be the focus of this course.
3304. Social and Emotional Development 3 hours
A study of the social and emotional development of the individual through
the life cycle with particular emphasis on the pre-school and school years.
3305. Adolescent Development 3 hours
The developmental changes, biological, cognitive, and social, from middle
childhood through adolescence will be examined. Topics of discussion will
include puberty, cognitive transitions, adolescents in the family, importance
of peers, sexuality, and self-identity.
3308. Adult Development and Aging 3 hours
A study of theory and research on human development from adolescence
through aging and death. The physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and
personality factors will be considered.
3309. Death and Dying 3 hours
A study of the psychological factors involved in the death and dying process.
3315. Social Psychology 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301 and 2303
An introduction to the basic principles of social cognition, social influence,
and social behavior.
3318. Group Dynamics 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301 and 2303
A psychological study of group processes including an integration of theory,
research, and applied methods needed to understand and work with groups.
3351. Applied Research Methods (POL 3351, SOC 3351) 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 2420 and 6 hours in major field
An introduction to the fundamentals of designing, conducting, and
evaluating psychological, sociological, and organizational research in
applied settings.
3353. Tests and Measurements 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Principles and methods of psychological and educational testing, assessment, and evaluation.
3362. Psychology of Learning 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Basic processes of learning in humans and animals are studied. Specific
emphasis will be given to classical and operant conditioning and social
learning theory. Laboratory experience.
3370. Drugs, Alcohol, and Human Behavior 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301 and 2303
A study of the effects of alcohol and other drugs on human behavior.
3372. Crisis Intervention 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301 and 2303
A study of major strategies of working with people in crisis situations.
3375. Cultural and International Issues in Psychology 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301 and 2303
The similarities and differences in the science and practice of psychology
across cultures and national boundaries are examined. Theoretical and
methodological issues from the perspectives of cultural, cross-cultural, and
indigenous psychology are studied.
3406. Introduction to Neuroscience (BIO 3406) 3 hours
Prerequisite: BIO 2423 or PSY 1301 or consent of instructor
A study of the structure and function of the brain, including memory,
emotion, left/right brain differences, and the effects of drugs and disease.
Three hours of laboratory per week.
4315. Attitudes and Social Influence 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301 and 2303
A study of social and psychological influences on human behavior
including attitudes and their measurement.
4325. Sports Psychology (KIN 4325) 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301
A study of basic psychological principles applied to teaching and coaching
individual and team sports. Basic techniques using motivation, behavior
modification, visualization, relaxation training, and concentration will be
discussed.
4331. Organizational Psychology 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
An introductory study of the influence of individual and group psychology
on organizational effectiveness (religion, business, educational, etc.) and the influence of the organization on the individual.
4351. Experimental and Research Methods 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, 2420, and junior standing
A study of the rationale and methodology of experimental psychology and
its relationships to other research methods.
4362. History and Systems of Psychology 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, 2420, and junior standing
A study of the emergence of psychology as a science emphasizing both the
continuity of ideas and the changes in those ideas as psychology has
evolved. The various schools of thought in psychology will be examined.
4364. Psychology of Cognition and Memory 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
An examination of the psychology of thinking, including theory and
research on attention, memory, problem solving, and the acquisition of
knowledge. Implications for the learning of complex cognitive skills, such
as reading, will be considered. Laboratory experience.
4366. Psychology of Personality 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
A survey of the major theoretical perspectives, assessment procedures,
change strategies, and findings of personological research.
4375. Abnormal Psychology 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
A study of various theories, research, and treatment methods of maladaptive behavior.
4380. Counseling Internship 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Supervised practice in counseling. Students must complete 150 clock hours of experience to receive credit.
4382. Research Internship 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Supervised research experience. Students must complete 150 clock hours of experience to receive credit.
4384. Teaching Internship 3 hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Supervised experience in teaching psychology at the college level.
Students must complete 150 clock hours of experience to receive credit.
4395. Psychology Seminar 3 hours
Prerequisite: 12 hours of psychology and consent of instructor
Special topics in psychology will be studied under the direction of members
of the psychology department faculty. Students should be in their last 45
hours of class work.
