1998-2000 UNK Catalog/PSY Courses

PSY Courses

Offered by Department of Psychology
College of Natural and Social Sciences

PSY 192 - Death and Dying - 1-3 hours: Prereq: none
Issues of death and dying are discussed from the perspectives of medicine, psychology, religion, philosophy, law and other fields. Spring only.
PSY 203GS - General Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: none
The fundamental concepts of psychology as derived through the scientific investigation of behavior are described. Students have the option of selecting a class taught with the traditional lecture-discussion method or with the Personalized System of Instruction (P.S.I.) which involves self-pacing and mastery methods.
PSY 210HGS - Issues in Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: none
This course is an introduction to the field of psychology through exposure to unresolved theoretical issues. The student receives a review of psychology by dealing with data, evidence, opinion, fact and values.
PSY 230GS - Human Development - 3 hours: Prereq: none
Human growth and development is surveyed from the prenatal period through old age and death. Emphasis is placed on physiological, cognitive, and social/personality developments at the various age levels.
PSY 231 - Abnormal Behavior and Society - 3 hours: Prereq: none
An introduction to the various models for understanding abnormal behavior, e.g., genetic and developmental models; the descriptions of predominant mental disorders, and major modern treatment interventions. The course addresses these issues from a societal context and is recommended for those majoring in fields other than psychology, such as nursing, health sciences, and criminal justice majors.
PSY 250 - Behavioral Statistics - 4 hours: Prereq: PSY 203GS
The methodology used in scientific research is described along with the special problems that psychologists face in the interpretation of research results. Prior completion of college algebra is recommended. One laboratory each week.
PSY 270 - Experimental Psychology - 4 hours: Prereq: PSY 250
Advanced methods in data collection are presented. Research designs and their appropriateness for specific areas of study are reviewed. One laboratory each week.
PSY 300 - Seminar in Psychology - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 270, declared major in Psychology
An informal review of academic, professional, and career planning issues of a psychology major.
PSY 310 - Learning and Conditioning - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203GS
The concepts and principles of learning are studied in detail. Data from human and animal experimentation are considered. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only, alternate even years.
PSY 310L - Learning and Conditioning Laboratory - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 270
Aspects of conditioning and learning are demonstrated. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 310. Spring only, alternate even years.
PSY 312 - Sensation and Perception - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203GS
Sensory and perceptual systems are examined in detail. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only, alternate even years.
PSY 312L - Sensation and Perception Laboratory - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 270
Sensory and perceptual phenomena are reviewed within a laboratory setting. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 312. Spring only, alternate even years.
PSY 313 - Physiological Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203GS
The relationships between physiological processes and human behaviors are studied. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Fall only.
PSY 313L - Physiological Psychology Laboratory - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 270
The techniques and methodology used in the study of the biological influences on behavior are introduced. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 313. Fall only.
PSY 317 - Biopsychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203GS
Biopsychology deals with the interaction of biology and behavior from the molecular to the molar level. All levels of interaction are investigated. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only, odd years.
PSY 317L - Biopsychology Laboratory - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 270
Biopsychology Laboratory uses the methods of Ethology and Comparative Psychology to investigate the relationship between biology and behavior. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 317. Spring only, odd years.
PSY 318 - Experimental Social Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203GS
An exploration of the theories, methods and research regarding the relationship of the individual to others and to society. Topics include person perception, interpersonal attraction, attitudes, and attitude change, conformity and leadership. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Fall only.
PSY 318L - Experimental Social Psychology Laboratory - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 270
A review of social psychological research methods, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, unobtrusive measures, field studies, behavioral and verbal measurement, the avoidance of bias, and ethical issues in research. Fall only.
PSY 370 - History and Systems of Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
The ideas of individuals who have influenced the development of psychology as a science from the ancient Greeks to the 20th century are reviewed.
PSY 371 - Environmental Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
The relationships between behavior and natural and man-made environments are addressed. Spring only, alternate even years.
PSY 372 - Cross-Cultural Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
Examines psychological processes related to perception, cognition, human development, psychopathology, gender influences and social behavior from a cross-cultural perspective. Current theories, methods and research findings are discussed. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only.
PSY 374 - Psychology of Gender - 3 hours: Prereq: none
Motivational levels, goals, self-concept, and various personality characteristics which differentiate between women and men are studied. Rearing differences between boys and girls and their accompanying behavioral expectations are studied as well as the development of sex differences in intellectual and biological functions. Spring only, odd years.
PSY 376 - Psychology and Criminal Behavior - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
Criminal behavior and rehabilitative efforts will be investigated in light of psychological research, theory and clinical experience. Various potential causes of criminal behavior will be explored. Psychology's role within the legal system will also be addressed.
PSY 399 - Psychology Apprenticeship Programs - 1-3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
Students assist faculty members as research assistants, as classroom discussion leaders, as proctors in PSI courses, or in preparing special lectures or programs. Departmental permission required. PSI proctoring is recommended for those students preparing to take the Graduate Record Exam.
PSY 403/803P - Motivation - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
The principal issues, methods, and theories of motivation are thoroughly examined. Offered on demand.
PSY 406/806P - Theories of Personality - 3 hours: Prereq: none
Personality theories from Freud to contemporary theorists are discussed. Prior completion of PSY 370 is recommended. Spring only.
PSY 407/807P - Psychopathology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203, PSY 270
Current theoretical models and research are applied toward understanding the descriptions and causes of the predominant mental disorders. The course is based on the diagnostic system employed by most mental health professionals.
PSY 407L/807L - Psychopathology Laboratory - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 270
The methodology used in the study of common psychopathological patterns is reviewed and applied in original group projects. Ethical considerations in this research area are emphasized. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 407.
PSY 408 - Introduction to Clinical Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203GS, PSY 407, junior standing
The student will be introduced to the various professional activities and settings of clinical psychologists (psychologists trained to independently assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorder). Special emphasis will be given to psychotherapeutic interventions. Fall only.
PSY 408F - Field Experience in Clinical Psychology - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 203, junior standing
Students will visit a clinical facility for three hours a week and process their learning experiences in a one hour weekly lab. Opportunities to interact with patients and staff are included. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 408. Permission of instructor required. Fall only.
PSY 410/810P - Industrial Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
The application of the concepts of psychology to people at work is addressed. Topics include personnel selection and appraisal, motivation, job satisfaction, employee development, industrial engineering, and advertising. Spring only, alternate years.
PSY 415/815P - Group Dynamics - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
Theory and research on group behavior and the relationship of group dynamics to applied situations are covered. Spring only.
PSY 416/816P - Eastern Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
The psychological aspects of various Eastern philosophical traditions including Sufism, Yoga, Taoism, and Buddhism are examined. The psychology of Zen is emphasized. Experiential as well as theoretical approaches are used. Fall only.
PSY 417/817P - Humanistic Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
The tenets and methods of humanistic psychology, its historical roots, theoretical concepts, and how it is distinguished from Psychoanalysis and Behaviorism are reviewed. Group discussion format is used. Spring only.
PSY 430/830P - Memory and Cognition - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203GS
Topics concerning intellectual functioning are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the information processing approach to the study of mental life. Topics include perception, attention, consciousness, memory, problem solving, and language. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only.
PSY 430L - Memory and Cognition Laboratory - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 270
The methodology used in the study of cognitive processes is reviewed. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 430. Spring only.
PSY 450/850P - Psychometrics - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
Basic measurement concepts, the selection, administration, and interpretation of standardized tests are reviewed. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only, even years.
PSY 450L/850L - Psychometrics Lab - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 203
Must be taken concurrently with 450/850. Practical experience in test construction and the application of concepts such as norms, standardization, reliability and validity. Prior completion of PSY 250 is recommended. Spring only, even years.
PSY 453/853P - Developmental Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203GS
The psychology of child development is studied. Special emphasis is placed on experimental findings related to the development of physical, intellectual and cognitive functioning, and the development of personality. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Fall only.
PSY 453L - Developmental Psychology Laboratory - 1 hour: Prereq: PSY 270
Methods of studying children and adolescents are investigated. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 453. Fall only.
PSY 455/855P - Adolescent Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
Adolescent development is comprehensively reviewed. The intellectual, physical, and social/moral development of adolescents is discussed, along with the special problems of young adults. Spring only, even years.
PSY 462/862P - Adult Development and Aging - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
The changes in physical, cognitive and social/personality development during adulthood are addressed. Spring only, odd years.
PSY 465/865P - Psychopharmacology - 3 hours: Prereq: none
The pharmacological, physiological, and psychological effects of hypnotics, euphoriants, phantasticants, excitants, and inebriants are discussed. Prior completion of PSY 203, background in physiological psychology, or background in biology is recommended. Spring only, even years.
PSY 470/870P - Neuropsychology - 3 hours: Prereq: PSY 203
The relationship between human brain function and behavior is investigated. Topics include cerebral asymmetry, sensory and motor systems, functions of the association cortex, and the rationale of neuropsychological assessment. Prior completion of PSY 313 is recommended. Spring only odd years.
PSY 475 - Practicum - 3 hours: Prereq: 24 completed hours of psychology coursework, permission of the department chairman
This course gives the student the opportunity to gain experience in the application of psychological principles in various settings.
PSY 475G - Practicum in Gerontology - 3 hours: Prereq: Completion of 15 hours in the minor, permission of the director of the gerontology program
This course gives the student the opportunity to work with professionals in the field of aging. Includes 120-180 actual contact hours during the practicum experience.
PSY 480/880P - Advanced Seminar in Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: At least 12 completed hours of psychology coursework, Junior/Senior/Graduate standing, permission of the instructor
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in one of 13 designated areas of psychology. Taught in seminar format. Topics will be announced during the preceding semester. Offered on an irregular basis.
PSY 493 - Readings in Psychology - 1-3 hours: Prereq: 24 completed hours of psychology coursework, permission of the department chairman
The student designs a set of readings in a chosen area of psychology. The work is completed under the supervision of the department chairman.
PSY 499 - Research in Psychology - 3 hours: Prereq: 24 completed hours of psychology coursework including PSY 270, permission of the department chairman
The student engages in a research project of his/her own design. The project is supervised by a psychology faculty member.

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