2007-2008 Undergraduate Academic Catalog - Plymouth State ...

CoursesPS 3250 Cognitive Development 3 creditsAn overview of research and theory concerningcognitive processes in school-aged individuals,with emphasis on applications to classroomand other learning environments. Fall of evenyears. Prerequisite(s): PS 2010 or PS 2050.PS 3260 Perception3 creditsA survey of the underlying physiologicalprocesses, anatomical structures and informationprocessing capacities of the visual,auditory, taste, smell, cutaneous, organic vestibularand kinesthetic sense systems. Springs.Prerequisite(s): PS 2010.PS 3280 DevelopmentalPsychobiology 3 creditsProvides students with a detailed description ofhow genetic and environmental factors influencethe neurological development of infantsand young children. Addresses topics such asthe development of the nervous system, behaviorgenetics, neuroanatomy, nerve cell function,sensory processes, pathological developmentand research methodology used in the neurosciences.Fall of odd years. Prerequisite(s): PS2010 or PS 2050.PS 3340 Personality 3 creditsPsychoanalytical, existential, social, behavioraland self theories and how they relate tothe development and assessment of behavior.Falls and Springs. Prerequisite(s): PS 2010.PS 3370 Psychology of Loveand Sex3 creditsExamination of human sexuality and intimaterelationships from the psychological point ofview. Topics include: human sexual response,sexual behavior through the life-span, sexualdysfunction and therapy, interpersonal attraction,communication between partners, successand failure in marriage. Unscheduled.Prerequisite(s): PS 2010 or PS 2050.PS 3460 Industrial/OrganizationalPsychology3 creditsA survey of applications of psychological principlesto the work place. Topics include the role ofthe psychologist in industry; personnel testingand evaluation; the social context, e.g., motivation,attitudes and leadership; and human factorsin job design, e.g., working conditions andsafety. Falls. Prerequisite(s): PS 2010.PS 3530 Creativity 3 creditsThe nature of problem-solving and creativity,theories of creativity, personality characteristicsof the creative person and explorationof methods used to increase creativity, suchas brain-storming. Perspectives integrated:ARTS, SCIE, SPSY. Springs. Prerequisite(s):PS 2010 and junior status. (INTG)PS 3560 Adulthood and Aging 3 creditsMajor developmental transitions between adolescenceand the end of life. Physical, cognitive,personality, social and occupational development.Special topics covered are stress, changinglife styles and death. Falls. Prerequisite(s):PS 2010 or PS 2050.PS 3600 Biological Psychology 3 creditsThe neuroanatomical and physiological basisof physical movement, arousal, hunger, thirst,emotion, sleep, learning and memory. Falls.Prerequisite(s): PS 2010.PS 3700 Psychology and Law 3 creditsApplies knowledge of psychological variables tovarious aspects of the law including eyewitnesstestimony, jury selection, police interrogations,repressed memories and the role the psychologistplays in the legal system. Falls and Springs.Prerequisite(s): PS 2010.PS 4010 History and Systems 3 creditsThe major trends of thought which haveshaped the development of psychology asa science. The unifying theoretical systemsand concepts which shape and structurecontemporary psychology. Falls and Springs.Prerequisite(s): PS 2010.PS 4320 Abnormal Psychology 3 creditsThe categories, causes and methods of treatmentof the major forms of psychopathology:neurosis, psychosis, personality disorders,addictions, sexual deviations, psychophysiologicalproblems. Falls and Springs. Prerequisite(s):PS 2010.PS 4330 Community MentalHealth3 creditsA comprehensive survey of community mentalhealth as an applied and scientific discipline,emphasizing how community mental healthworks to prevent mental health problems andaddress the needs of diverse populations. Falls.Prerequisite(s): PS 4320.PS 4350 Treatment of PsychologicalDisorders3 creditsSurveys the major treatment methods foraddressing psychological disorders; cognitive-behavioral,group, humanistic, psychiatric/medical,psychodynamic and systemicapproaches are covered using a bio-psychosocialperspective. Springs. Prerequisite(s):PS 3340 or PS 4320.PS 4360 Internship inPsychology 3 or 6 creditsThe undergraduate internship provides supervisedfield experience at a site related to the student’sdegree and option. Students participatein unpaid service in the community (100 hoursfor three credits or 200 hours for six credits)and attend class meetings. Students mustapply for permission in the semester priorto their registration for this course. Studentsare required to pay a liability insurance fee.Prerequisite(s): permission of the instructor.PS 4400 Psychology Seminar 3 creditsCurrent topics in psychology. Topics selectedand determined by students’ backgrounds andinterests. For psychology majors only. May berepeated for credit. Falls and Springs.PS 4440 PsychologicalMeasurement 3 creditsFocus on the theoretical principles guidingthe assessment of psychological attributes.Application to the construction, use and evaluationof intelligence, achievement, personality,attitude and vocational measures. Falls.Prerequisite(s): PS 2010 and (PS 3140 or MA2300).PS 4800 Advanced Research Seminar inPsychology3 creditsStudents conduct individual research projectsunder the supervision and guidance offaculty. Considers advanced topics in statistics.Springs. Prerequisite(s): PS 2010, PS 2100, PS3140, PS 3150.PS 4910 Independent Study 1–3 creditsAdvanced readings and research with conferencesand oral examinations. Providesadvanced students with background and specializedknowledge relating to an area in whichan appropriate course is not offered or relatingto a special individual interest. Consentrequired of the instructor who will supervisethe independent study and the DepartmentChair. With permission.PS 4940 Independent Research inPsychology 1–3 creditsWith the assistance and supervision of amember of the Psychology Department faculty,students design, execute, analyze andwrite a report on an original experimentalresearch project. Repeatable for a maximumof six credits. Prerequisite(s): permission of theinstructor.PY – PhilosophyPY 1010 Ultimate Questions 3 creditsExplores some of humanity’s biggest questions,such as: Does God exist? What are we, and dowe survive the death of our bodies? Are rightand wrong mere matters of social convention?What’s the basis of a government’s authority,and could a world government solve humanity’sbiggest challenges such as war, globalinequality and environmental degradation?Students become aware of a rich diversity of300 Plymouth State University Academic Catalog 2007–2008