Course Descriptions

Psychology

PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology 3 cr. (GE7) A survey of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Topics studied include development of normal and abnormal behavior, learning, biopsychology, development, memory, personality, cognition, therapy, and social psychology. This course is a Prerequisite(s) to most other psychology courses.

PSY 201 Dynamics of Adjustive Behavior and Mental Health 3 cr. Presents the principles of behavior adjustment. It is concerned with how socially relevant behavior is learned, what the motivating functions are, and how they operate in life. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 241 Introduction to Statistics 3 cr. Examination of basic concepts in measurement, scaling, binomial and normal distribution, descriptive and inferential statistics, and hypothesis testing. Introduction to statistical tests for research, with special emphasis on t-test and chi-square. Prerequisite(s): MATH 103 (or higher) or departmental approval and PSY 111.

PSY 242 Research Methods in Psychology 3 cr. A study of the scientific method as it is used in the investigation of problems in psychology. A variety of types of research methodologies, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of their use. Ethical implications of the use of various methodologies will also be discussed. Prerequisite(s): PSY 241 or department approval.

PSY 252 Child Psychology 3 cr. Overview of theories of human development from conception through childhood including physical, cognitive, language, social, and selfhelp skills in family, school, and community settings. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 255 Child and Adolescent Psychology 3 cr. Overview of theories of human development from conception through adolescence including the physical, cognitive, language, social, and educational aspects of the individual development. Special emphasis will be given to the individuals learning capabilities. This course cannot be applied towards the Psychology or Addiction Studies majors, minors or concentrations. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 270 Abnormal Psychology 3 cr. A survey of the classification, symptoms, and etiology of psychological disorders. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 297 Practicum 2 cr. Participation in individual, group, and family counseling in an agency or hospital involved in addiction counseling. Grading Basis: S/U. Prerequisite(s):PSY 111.

PSY 313 Industrial Organizational Psychology 3 cr. This course will examine human behavior in industrial and organizational settings. Psychological principles are applied to selection, placement, and training. The effectiveness of individuals and groups within organizations, including leadership and control, conflict and cooperation, motivation, and organizational structure and design, is examined. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 338 Professional Relations and Ethics 3 cr. Study of Federal Confidentiality Laws and ND Commitment Law and process in order to protect the rights of the client. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 344 Dynamics of Addiction 3 cr. Emphasizes the history of drugs of abuse, theories and controversies regarding chemical dependency, and multidisciplinary approaches to treatment. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 349 Psychopharmacology 3 cr. An introduction to behavioral pharmacology, including the basics of pharmacology, psychology, and neuroscience needed to understand drugs of abuse. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 352 Adolescent Psychology 3 cr. Study of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral parameters of adolescence from preteen to young adulthood. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 365 Evolutionary Psychology 3 cr. Examines the important aspects of human behavior as it is explained as a result of natural selection. The course will focus on a number of topics including sex differences, mate selection, selfishness and altruism, homicide and violence. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 375 History and Systems of Psychology 3 cr. Examines the historical development of the science of psychology. Special emphasis is placed upon cultural context and its influences on the developing systems of psychology. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 376 Social Psychology 3 cr. An interdisciplinary approach to the study of behavior of individuals in relation to social stimulus situation. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111 and SOC 101.

PSY 379 Psychology of Adult and Aging 3 cr. Overview of theories of human development from young adulthood through old age focusing on demands of personal adjustment, family, work, retirement, and community life. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111; recommended: PSY 252 or 352.

PSY 391H Honors Seminar 3 cr. Topics of research interest to the psychology faculty will be presented to those that are enrolled in the University’s Honors Program.

PSY 394 Independent Study 1-4 cr. Election of a topic and a course of study. Must be approved by a psychology staff member and the psychology chair. Student must be a psychology major and have 12 semester credits.

PSY 410 Cognitive Psychology 3 cr. Examines the research dealing with the processing of sensory information, attention, short term and long term memory, decision making and problem solving, as well as related topics. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 411 Introduction to Personality Theories 3 cr. Examines the basic concepts of personality development as viewed by the psychoanalytic, learning, humanistic, and traittype theorists. Special emphasis is placed on the comparison of various perspectives. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 413 Theories and Practice of Psychotherapy 3 cr. Aimed at the development of a balanced view of the major concepts of various therapies and an awareness of practical applications and implementation of techniques used by the various therapists. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 420 Family Dynamics 3 cr. Examines theories and research in psychology as they relate to the understanding of family structure, process, development, and change. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111 and 413.

PSY 423 Introduction to Counseling 3 cr. Study of the theories of counseling and application of these principles for dealing with behavioral problems in agencies, schools, or hospitals. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 424 Advanced Counseling 3 cr. Further study of counseling theory with students being required to develop a workable methodology of their own. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 435 Theories of Learning 3 cr. Examines the basic concepts of learning theory as viewed by the more prominent theorists in the area. Emphasis is placed on the comparison of the various perspectives within historical contexts. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 460 Sensation and Perception 3 cr. Focus on the principles of our sensory systems and the laws which govern the sensory processes. The course includes research and theories on the visual system, auditory system, chemical senses, and the skin senses. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 465 Physiological Psychology 3 cr. An introduction to the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of behavior, including learning, reinforcement, eating and drinking, sleep, sexual behavior, and mental disorders. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 473 Behavior Modification 3 cr. Description of behavioral principles and procedures for assessment and treatment that can be used by helping professionals to enhance behavioral development. Class projects are required. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 476 Group Dynamics 3 cr. Actual group experience in a lecture/lab format. Readings and written assignments focus on organizing groups and skills required of group facilitators. A problem solving/personal growth group meets each week. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111.

PSY 485 Practicum 15 cr. Participation in one of the North Dakota consortia to provide experience in the addiction field. This is a 4.5 month, full time experience, where the student actively participates as an addiction counselor in training. Course restricted to psychology or addiction studies majors. Grading Basis: S/U.

PSY 486 Practicum 15 cr. Participation in one of the North Dakota consortia to provide experience in the addiction field. This is the second part of the nine month practicum experience required for licensure as an addiction counselor. The course involves a 4.5 month, full time experience, where the student actively participates as an addiction counselor in training. Course restricted to psychology or addiction studies majors. Grading Basis: S/U.

PSY 490 Senior Research Paper 3 cr. Students will formulate an original research topic and write a paper on that topic. Restricted to psychology majors and senior status.

PSY 491 Senior Seminar in Psychology 2 cr. Overview of psychology as a discipline and a synthesis of biological and psychological factors in human behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSY 111, 241, senior status and psychology major.

PSY 494 Directed Behavioral Research 1-4 cr. This course provides students with the practical applications of research designs. Although a resulting publication is not required for the course, it is a desired outcome. Students will need to work with a faculty sponsor on a specific research project. Prerequisite(s): PSY 241 and PSY 242 or consent of instructor.