1a. IntroSUS 2003 - University of Maryland University College

PSYC 307 Special Topics in Psychology:Natural Science Theme (1–3)Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Seminar discussion of topics of currentinterest. The areas explored may extend or augment those coveredin more general topical courses. May be repeated to a maximumof 6 credits when topics differ.PSYC 307C Computers and Psychology (1)Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A broad discussion of the various waysin which the fields of computing and psychology intersect. Thegrowing field of “cyberpsychology”—the study of how people usethe Internet to obtain and process information, build relationships ata distance, and learn in a virtual environment—is explored. Clinicaland educational applications of computers are addressed, as aredata collection and analysis. Class participation is emphasized.PSYC 307D Improving Memory andThinking (1)(Formerly PSYC 309D.) Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A presentationof methods of improving memory and thinking as outcomes ofbasic theory and research. Assignments include workshop activitiesand critical review of relevant research.PSYC 307G Parapsychology (1)Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An introduction to parapsychology andexperimental methods used in that field. Topics include the historyof parapsychology, superstition and science, ESP in the laboratory,evidence for life after death, and reincarnation. Rival explanationsfor phenomena are considered critically.PSYC 307H Sleep and Dreams (1)Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An introduction to the clinical, cultural,and research aspects of sleep and dreams. Topics include historicaland theoretical approaches to sleep and dreams, sleep deprivationand disorders, biological rhythms, typical dreams, and dreaminterpretation.PSYC 307S Psychology of Humor (1)(Formerly PSYC 309S.) Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A presentation ofthe theory and research on the concept of humor. Topics includepersonality and the development of a sense of humor, as well as therelationship between humor, health, and psychotherapy.PSYC 307X Substance Abuse: AnIntroduction (1)(Formerly PSYC 309X.) Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An introductionto the study of drug abuse. Topics include the causes, symptoms,and defenses for substance abuse, as well as prevention and treatment.Biology, personality, life style, and relationships with families,peers, and communities are reviewed. Drug abuse is comparedto other social problems, including self-destructive, highrisk,and sabotaging behavior. How different cultures respondto drug abuse is also addressed. Practice exercises, observations,interviews, and media summaries supplement class discussions.PSYC 308 Special Topics in Psychology:Social Science Theme (1–3)Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Seminar discussion of topics of currentinterest. The areas explored may extend or augment those coveredin more general topical courses. May be repeated to a maximumof 6 credits when topics differ.PSYC 308A Creative Problem Solving (1)Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An investigation of psychological theory,research, and practical applications of creative problem solving.Emphasis is on learning successful problem-solving techniques forpersonal growth and job enrichment. Students may receive creditfor only one of the following courses: PSYC 308A or PSYC 309A.PSYC 308B Sexual Prejudice andDiscrimination (1)(Formerly PSYC 309B.) Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An overview ofpsychological and social research and theory, covering variousways in which sexist thought and practice are manifested in society.Topics include foundations of sexism, overt sexism, subtle andcovert sexism, and outcomes and reduction of sexism.PSYC 308E Cultivating Executive Skills (1)Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A presentation of relevant behavioral andmanagerial science theory, research, and real-world applications ofleadership training. Focus is on applied executive skills. Issues ofworkplace diversity, technology, and effective use of humanresources are also covered.PSYC 308H Psychology of Motivating Peopleat Work (1)(Formerly PSYC 309H.) Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An examinationof successful strategies for motivating people in work settings.Basic theories of work motivation are covered. Focus is on identifyingmanagerial and personal motivational strategies in organizationsthrough review of relevant research and case studies.217