Psychology

An introduction to the basic concepts, methods, theories and applications of psychology. Survey of the major areas of psychology such as the scientific method, biological basis of behavior, sensation, perception and consciousness, conditioning and learning, memory and cognition, personality and mental disorders. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall, Spring.

Developmental transitions from infancy through adolescence. Emphasis on biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors affecting change and stability across this age span. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall, Spring.

Study of adult life with emphasis on mid-life change and stability. Topics include methodology, theories, and research related to adult changes in cognition, personality, and socioemotional life from 20 to 70 years of age. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Spring.

Social factors of human behavior; social cognition, interpersonal influences, and relations; group process; interplay of individuals, groups, and society. Prerequisites: PSYC 100. Spring.

Historical development of psychology as a science and profession; emphasis on mind-body dualism, rationalism-empiricism, experimental-clinical, structuralism-functionalism, behaviorism, humanism, psychoanalysis, and Gestalt psychology. Prerequisites: PSYC 100; Junior Standing. Corequisite for Psych majors: PSYC 314X. Fall.

Junior writing requirement for all psychology majors. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, Junior standing. Co-requisite: PSYC 314. Fall

Analysis of extant theories and their contribution to understanding individual differences in behavior and emotions. Prerequisites: PSYC 100; PSYC 221 or PSYC 222, Junior standing. Fall.

A survey of classic and contemporary issues regarding the psychology of music. Topics include: music origins, music and social behavior, auditory sensation and musical perception, neuroscience of music, physiological and emotional responses to music, and musical acquisition. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Spring as needed.

Diagnosis, classification, and etiology of behavior disorders using the DSM criteria. Nature of psychopathology in relation to relevant biological, behavioral, and socio-cultural variables. Critical analyses of psychopathology in understanding prevalence rates, stigmas, and treatment patterns.  Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and Junior Standing. Spring.

Psycho-educational aspects of the teaching-learning environment. Application of psychological theories to education, psychological processes, and psycho-social variables relating to learning and assessment of performance. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and PSYC 221 or PSYC 222. Fall, Spring as needed.

Introductory statistics course from the perspective of the social sciences. Purpose and application of procedures in research analysis are emphasized. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation and regression, probability, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, MATH 110 or MATH 115 (preferred), and Junior Standing. Fall.

Fundamental techniques of research design and methodology in psychology. Topics include description, observation, and measurement of behavior; ethics, correlational and experimental designs. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 375, and Junior Standing. Spring.

Experimental and theoretical aspects of information processing and cognitive processes. Topics include memory, attention, knowledge, sensation & perception, language, decision-making, problem solving, and intelligence. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and Junior or Senior Standing. Spring.

Introduction of behavior applications to contemporary medical and health related issues. Topics include: how ‘mind’ and body communicate to one another, the role of stress in relation to the immune system and, ultimately, one’s health. Other factors will be discussed as they relate to health and disease. Prerequisites: PSYC 375, PSYC 380, and Senior Standing (or permission of instructor.) Spring.

Contemporary issues regarding psychotherapeutic approaches to treating psychological disorders. Theories and research in clinical assessment and treatment. Discussion and demonstrations of therapeutic approaches as relevant to specific issues in counseling.  Prerequisites; PSYC 340 and Senior Standing (or permission of instructor). Fall.

Study of principles and techniques of psychological assessment and testing, including test construction, norming, and issues of reliability and validity. Major tests of intelligence and personality will be discussed. Critical examinations of tests’ construction and development also covered. Prerequisites: PSYC 375,  PSYC 380, and Senior standing. Fall.

Examines structures and functions of the human nervous system as the foundation of behavior. Topics include anatomy and physiology, intra- and intercellular communication, the biological basis of movement, sleep, disorders, memory, and perceptual systems. Prerequisites: PSYC 375, PSYC 380, and Senior Standing. Fall.

Senior level ‘capstone’ course in which students complete an original investigation regarding a topic in psychology, resulting in a comprehensive APA-style paper / research proposal. In addition, students will complete research ethics and compliance training, culminating in certification, as well as a professional portfolio based on their academic / career goals following graduation. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 375, PSYC 380; Senior Standing. Co-requisite: PSYC 480Z. Fall.

Senior writing requirement (SEWS) for students completing PSYC 480. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 375, PSYC 380, Senior Standing. Co-requisite: PSYC 480. Fall.

Students design, conduct, and present an original empirical study. This course is intended for advanced students who, upon completion of PSYC 480, have designed an empirical study and have completed CITI certification. May be repeated. Prerequisites: PSYC 480, PSYC 480Z, and Permission of Faculty. Spring as needed.

Clinical field placement within a facility offering psychological services. Field placement of 60 clock hours per credit hour. LMU retains ultimate control and supervision of the practicum. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor / Program Director. As needed.

Seminar and supervised internship experience for students enrolled in the Counseling / Practice concentration. It involves 60-120 clock hours, during the senior year with an approved agency or organization offering psychological services. LMU retains ultimate control and supervision of the internship. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 375, PSYC 380, Senior standing, and Permission of Instructor. Corequisite: PSYC 498Z. Spring

Senior writing requirement (SEWS) for students completing PSYC 498 as part of the Counseling / Practice concentration. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 375, PSYC 380, Senior Standing. Co-requisite: PSYC 498. Spring.