UG Course Descriptions

101. Introduction to Psychology 3 cr.
Introduction to fundamental concepts and methods of psychology, examined from both traditional and human science perspectives. Prerequisite for all other psychology courses, unless otherwise specified.

102. Orientation to the Psychology Major 1 cr.
This course serves as an initial orientation for psychology majors. The purpose is to help students learn basic practical information necessary for success as a psychology major (such as APA style), introduce majors to the online portfolio system, discuss departmental goals, and provide a forum to discuss topics such as future careers and graduate school. This course is to be taken immediately after a student declares a major in psychology. May be taken concurrently with PSYC 101.

203. Introduction to Psychology as a Human Science. 3 cr.
This course introduces the student to a variety of non-positivist traditions in Continental philosophy, and their implications for psychology. Prerequisite for PSYC 410, 411, 412, and 413.

220. Brain, Behavior, and Cognition. 3 cr.
The course explores the biological, behavioral and cognitive approaches to psychology, with particular attention to assumptions that underlie each system of thought. The course emphasizes both classical theories and current findings.

221W. Research Methods in Psychology 3 cr.
This course provides an introduction to psychological research, with a primary focus on quantitative methods. Students will learn to be knowledgeable readers of quantitative research reports, to understand and consider ethical issues in research, and to use APA writing style. The course culminates in the development of a formal research proposal. Writing Intensive. Prerequisite: Math 125 or Math 225. Prerequisite for PSYC 321 

225. Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence. 3 cr.
This course focuses on the development of children from infancy through adolescence, addressing social, cultural, biological, cognitive, and existential aspects of child development.

260. Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality 3 cr.
An exploration of psychological perspectives on religious experiences, beliefs, and practices. The course will consider religious/spiritual approaches to phenomena such as meaning-making, self and others, consciousness, relationship, love, suffering, death, faith, reason, Spirit/God/Mystery (by whatever name), socio-political ramifications of doctrine, social engagement and justice, the natural world, meditative/contemplative practices, and personal and cultural transformation. This course fulfills the University Core requirement for the "Faith and Reason" theme area. No prerequisites required.

270. Special Topics 3 cr.
A faculty member presents highly specialized studies. This course may occasionally be a team taught course.
Repeatable.

321. Laboratory in Psychological Research 3 cr.
This course focuses on applied research. Research design, methodology, and ethics will be explored. Students will conduct one or more actual research studies. Prerequisite: PSYC 221W.

324. Perspectives on Disability and Illness 3 cr.
An overview of the impact of the environment and individual experience on issues related to having a disability or chronic illness. The influence of lifestyle occupations, personal attitudes and social justice are used to explore the unique biopsychosocial person-environment interaction when a person of any age experiences disability and chronic illness. Also listed as OCCTH 324.

328W. Psychology of Personality. 3 cr.
Critical examination of major theories of personality. Writing-intensive course.

340W. Social Psychology. 3 cr.
Foundations of social processes, attitudes, values and roles, public opinion, propaganda and communication, personal participation in society. Writing-intensive course.

350. Psychology & Religion. 3 cr.
The aim of this course is to familiarize the student with psychological perspectives on religion and spirituality, and religious and spiritual perspectives on the various mental health professions.

352W. Psychological Disorders. 3 cr.
An examination of the clinical features, topical questions, and main theoretical approaches to abnormal psychology. Writing-intensive course.

370. Psychology of Aesthetic Experience. 3 cr.
Theoretical and empirical explorations of aesthetic experience.

391. Applied Psychology Practicum. 3 cr.
An applied psychology setting provides the opportunity for interacting with clients under the supervision of professionals. Settings have included psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, and schools. Must be a Psychology major with at least 12 credits completed in psychology. By application. Permission of course instructor.

394. Psychology of Language and Expression 3 cr.
Communication as a life-embodied relation of person to world and others. Emphasis is on phenomenological, modern psycholinguistic, and/or post-structuralist approaches.

410. Existential-Phenomenological Psychology 3 cr.
Detailed investigation of selected works or topics in existential-phenomenological psychology, a distinctive approach within the human science model of psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or permission from instructor.

411. Post-structural and Critical Psychology. 3 cr.
This course investigates the social construction of psychological dynamics and social realities, emphasizing the role of taken-for-granted systems such as language and economics. Critical psychology is developed by asking how the fields and practices of psychology are socially constructed, and how psychology in turn nurtures the political environment in which it develops. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or permission from instructor.

412. Psychoanalytic Psychology. 3 cr.
An in-depth examination of the contributions of Freud (and possibly of other psychoanalysts as well), with attention to the difference between Freud's times and cultural context and our own. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or permission from instructor.

413. Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychology. 3 cr.
An in-depth exploration of major theories, concepts, and practices of humanistic and transpersonal psychology, two distinctive approaches within the human science model of psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or permission from instructor.

420. Research Methods in Psychology 3 cr.
Introduction to experimental and qualitative psychological research. Emphasis on reading and evaluating research. Prerequisite: Math 125 or Math 225.

427. Developmental Psychology: Aging and the Elderly. 3 cr.
Development through late adulthood, addressing social, cultural, biological, cognitive, and existential aspects of development. The course is co-taught with Sociology and with the graduate course, Aging and Mental Health. Thus there is an emphasis on the mental health problems of old age, including the dementias, mood disorders, etc. Some practicum experience is typically required in this course.

440W. History and Systems of Psychology. 3 cr.
Survey of the psychologies of previous eras, the development of the modern science of psychology, and the diverse approaches within the discipline today.

445. Forensic Psychology. 3cr.
This course focuses on the interface between psychology and the law. We will explore the different roles of a forensic psychologist: advocate, researcher, and clinician. We will investigate the place of forensic psychology in the criminal justice system. Students will learn to evaluate the interaction between forensic psychology and larger societal issues. Prerequisite: PSYC 203, (PSYC 203 can be taken concurrently) or with permission of course instructor.

453. Psychology of Gender. 3 cr.
This course explores men's and women's existence as gendered beings. The theoretical as well as existential dimensions of gender are thematized, and the biological, social, and personal contexts will be discussed.

454. Psychology of Social/Cultural Diversity. 3 cr.
This course critically explores some of the ways in which psychology understands cultural and/or social diversity and difference.

455. Psychology of Peace and Conflict. 3 cr.
This course examines theories of conflict and violence at interpersonal, intergroup, and international levels. Additionally, theories of peace, and attempts at conflict resolution, management, and control, will also be covered.

457. Independent Studies. 3 cr.
A tutorial course for an exceptional student who wishes to pursue a particular study with a faculty member. For majors only; usually those intending graduate study; advanced coursework completed. Permission of faculty member and either Department Chair or Director of Undergraduate Psychology required.

470. Senior Integrative Project 2 cr.
This course enables students to integrate learning across the curriculum. Students compose a personal portfolio which presents evidence of their development as psychology majors. The course will help students plan future directions in their educational and vocational paths. Prerequisite: Senior status.

480. Psych and Social Engagement: A Service-Learning Seminar 3 cr.
This advanced seminar helps students integrate their studies in psychology by exploring the interrelationship of psychology, social engagement, and service. The course centers on students' participation in a community service-learning project related to the field of psychology.

490. Special Topics. 3 cr.
A visiting professor presents his or her specialty, or a regular faculty member presents highly specialized studies. Repeatable. Prerequisites vary with instructor. Permission of Department Chair or Director of Undergraduate Psychology required for non-majors.

CONTACT US: If you have any questions about the Undergraduate Psychology program, please contact Dr. Lori Koelsch (412.396.1614; koelschl@duq.edu)