Undergraduate Courses
PHIL-1110,
Introduction to Philosophy
An introduction to the major areas of philosophy (ethics, theory of knowledge, philosophy of religion, etc.) and to some of the main problems treated within these fields. Selections from contemporary as well as classical authors are studied and discussed. Students are encouraged to develop a disciplined approach to intellectual problems. Emphasis varies with the instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2100,
Methods of Reasoning
This course provides tools for the identification, analysis, and evaluation of the various patterns of reasoning as they occur in the real world. Patterns of reasoning include deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, scientific reasoning, statistical reasoning, and causal reasoning. The course also covers some basic psychology and sociol- ogy of reasoning and belief, and concludes with a critical discussion of science and the scientific method. No prerequisites. (Cross listed as PSYC-2100. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and PSYC-2100.) Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2120,
Introduction to Cognitive Science
This course is an introduction to the new and quickly growing field of Cognitive Science which studies the var- ious aspects of cognition, including reasoning, learning, memory, and perception and action. Cognitive Science is a highly interdisciplinary field of study at the intersection of philosophy, psychology, computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, and anthropology, and the course hosts a number of guest lectures given by experts in these respec- tive fields. No prerequisites. (Cross listed as PSYC-2120. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and PSYC-2120.) Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2130,
Introduction to Philosophy of Science
How does science stimulate philosophical thinking and how has philosophy influenced science? This broad range of interaction is studied with special attention given to the concepts of theory, observation, and scientific method. Special attention is given to issues basic to psychology, in particular, reductionism, behaviorism, functionalism, and cognitivism. (Cross listed as STSH-2130. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and STSH-2130.) Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2140,
Introduction to Logic
Introduction to first-order logic as a tool to be used in engineering, computer science, philosophy, etc., and as procedural knowledge helpful in puzzle-solving environments (e.g., standardized tests). A hands-on laboratory component is included. No previous logic or math presupposed. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2150,
Inspired Lives: Moral Exemplars and
Visionaries We focus on the character and conscience, teaching and deeds of reputed ethical exemplars. Everyday "local heroes" working in obscurity in our communities are highlighted alongside ethical superstars like Mother Teresa, Gandhi, or King. How do exemplars embody and function as models of character development and aspiration? What lessons can we draw from these exemplary lives for our workaday lives and personal reflections. Term: offered upon availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2220,
Philosophy of Technology
How is life within our technosystem different from or similar to other forms of life that humans have lived or are possible? This is the guiding question for the course, with emphasis on environmental ethics and ecology. Readings come from both analytic and existentialist traditions in philosophy as well as current scholarship in psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Alternate years. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2300,
Asian Philosophies
An introduction to the major Asian philosophical traditions. Comparisons between different Asian traditions and between Asian and non-Asian traditions as appropriate. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2500,
Bioethics
This course involves a philosophical analysis of some of the basic moral issues raised by recent and anticipated developments in the areas of biology and medicine. The general question "What are moral problems, and how does one resolve them?" is examined in the context of concrete cases involving issues such as abortion, euthanasia, organ transplants, experimentation on human patients, cloning, genetic engineering, behavior control and modification. (Cross-listed as STSH-2500. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and STSH-2500.) Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2600,
Moral Development
An analysis of psychological research on how our commonsense moral beliefs develop from early childhood through old age and their application to daily problems. A major focus is on the conflict between themes of justice or individual rights and caring compassion and its relation to gender differences (the Kohlberg/Gilligan debate). (Cross listed as PSYC-2600. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and PSYC-2600.) Annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2710,
Sanity, Madness, and Society
An examination of the models of a human being associated with various theories of madness (e.g., the psychoanalytic theory), and of the structure of interpersonal relationships in such settings as the family and 569 PHILOSOPHY mental institutions. The social and ethical implications of saying that someone is mentally ill, together with the claim that there is no such fact as mental illness, are also examined. Readings are drawn from the work of such authors as Laing, Szasz, Goffman, Sartre, Bateson, and Freud. Offered on availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2830,
Comparative Religion
What is religion? What are its origins? What are its essential practices? To answer these questions, different religious traditions-Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto are studied in terms of their concepts of radical defectiveness, the sacred, ways of ultimate transformation, and human perfection. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-2940,
Philosophy Studies
Independent study of a particular topic. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1 to 4 credit hours
PHIL-2960,
Topics in Philosophy
Experimental courses on subjects to be announced in advance. 1 to 4 credit hours
PHIL-4140,
Intermediate Logic
This course is a continuation of PHIL-2140, covering basic metatheory of logic (including formal syntax and seman- tics, model theory, and soundness and completeness of proof systems), applications of logic (including automated theorem proving, deductive problem solving, and the axiomatization of various branches of mathematics), and alternative systems of logic (including sequent systems, dia- grammatic logic, and modal logic). Prerequisite: PHIL- 2140. Spring term every two years. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4220,
Social and Political Philosophy
An exploration of such concepts as freedom, rights, and consent and their interrelationship; and a consideration of their bearing on questions of justice, law, and human welfare. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4240,
Ethics
A critical examination of traditional and contemporary works in ethical theory by considering what these theories have to say about how we should live, what rights and obligations we have, what things are intrinsically valuable. Typically this includes such topics as ethical and cultural relativism, egoism, freedom, and responsibility. Often the focus will be on contemporary issues such as war, abortion, equality, or punishment. Fall or spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4260,
Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence
This course may be roughly divided into two general areas: philosophical problems in AI and philosophical issues that arise because of AI. An example from the first area is the Knower Paradox, a paradox in which an apparently desirable formalism for handling an agent's knowledge leads to inconsistency; an example from the second area is John Searle's attack on so-called "Strong" AI by way of his Chinese Room argument, wherein he claims that because a computer at bottom just manipulates symbols it cannot genuinely understand. Prerequisite: PHIL-2140. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4300,
Environmental Philosophy
While concepts such as quality of life, environment, nature, global ecology, and the like figure heavily in contemporary discussions, they are seldom integrated into an environmental philosophy. The course tries to achieve this integration by understanding some of the religious, mythic-poetic, and scientific dimensions of the man-nature matrix. Some specific environmental problems are examined in order to illustrate the system of values implied by various solutions. (Cross listed as STSH-4300. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and STSH-4300.) Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Term: offered upon availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4310,
Scientific Revolutions
What is progress in science? How has our concept of progress been influenced by science? Are there significant differences between scientific and technological revolutions? These questions are explored in order to shed light on the complex dynamics of academic and industrial research. (Cross listed as STSH-4310. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and STSH-4310.) Prerequisite: PHIL-1110 or PHIL- 2130/STSH-2130. Term: offered upon availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4360,
Philosophical Problems of Space and
Time Relevant aspects of the work of Kant, Leibniz, and Newton; Gauss, Riemann, and Poincare; Faraday, Maxwell, and Einstein. Special attention is given to the historical development of non-Euclidean geometries and the distinction between mathematical and physical geometry. Ultimately, the aim is to clarify the conceptual structure of special and general relativity by showing the problem context in which they evolved. Prerequisite: PHIL-2130 or permission of instructor. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4380,
Philosophy of Mathematics
Basic schools of thought about the nature of mathematical reality are described and critically analyzed. Special topics include artificial intelligence, randomness, and the work of George Cantor on transfinite numbers. Prerequisite: PHIL-1110 or PHIL-2130. Offered on avail- ability of instructor. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4420,
Computability and Logic
A team-based, project-oriented, hands-on introduction to the great concepts and discoveries in logic and computability, including Turing Machines, first-order logic, 570 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS the limitations of computing machines, Godel's incompleteness results, and so forth. A hands-on laboratory component is included. Prerequisite: PHIL- 2140. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4440,
Knowledge, Belief, and Cognition or
Theory of Knowledge An exploration of what it means to know something, of the difference between knowing and believing, and of the relation between a knowledge claim and the evidence on which the claim is based. Students attempt to find philosophical counters to skepticism in respect to memory, knowledge, truth, knowledge of the physical world, of the self, and of other minds. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy. Spring term, alternate years. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4480,
Metaphysics and Consciousness
Daydreams about some tropical paradise ... The smell of freshly baked bread ... The flash of anger when someone cuts you off ...Your seeing of an albino squirrel on the cam- pus green ... We take all of these to involve activities or states of consciousness. But what is this consciousness with which we claim to be so intimately familiar? What are its meta- physical implications and can we reconcile those implica- tions with our current, scientific understanding of the world? Prerequisite: one course in philosophy. Spring term, alter- nate years. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4520,
Existentialism
An examination of the works of such writers as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and Jaspers. Attention is also given to the thought of Husserl and to the phenomenological movement. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy or permission of instructor. Term: offered upon availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4570,
Buddhism
A study of the conditions of human suffering and human perfection according to Buddhism. The course ranges from the original teaching of Buddha to the development of Buddhism throughout Asia, including China, Tibet, and Japan. Buddhist, Chinese, and Western views of the nature of causation, freedom, existence, and human nature are compared. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy or senior standing. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4740,
Philosophy of Law
The course examines the following questions: What is law? What is the relationship between law and morality? Is there a moral obligation not to break the law? Detailed examination is given to the concepts of liberty, justice, responsibility, and punishment. (Cross listed as STSH- 4740. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and STSH-4740.) Prerequisite: one philosophy or STS course or permission of instructor. Offered on availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4750,
Cognition and Education
We think of ourselves pre-scientifically, as "floating observers" in a theater of experience, mentally directing deliberations and willing actions. Educators approach our "aptitudes" in this way. But suppose we are primarily brains, operating as decentralized, parallel processing computational systems? How should we think of ourselves then? If we have multiple (unconscious) intelligencesnot a single understandinghow should education be tailored to serve? We address such questions through cognitive science and philosophy of mind. Prerequisite: one previous course in philosophy or psychology. Offered alternate years. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4800,
Comparative Cognition
What are the fundamental assumptions of cognitive science? Using a comparative approach, this course examines assumptions about the nature of mind, knowledge, self, and reality that underlie contemporary cognitive science from the perspective of traditional Buddhist mind science. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy. Alternate years. 4 credit hours
PHIL-4940,
Topics in Philosophy
Experimental courses on subjects to be announced in advance. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1 to 4 credit hours
PHIL-4990,
Capstone Experience in Philosophy
Students conduct original scholarly projects: original research, theoretical or analytical reviews of the literature, or computer simulations. Working either alone or in groups, students prepare written reports relating to this project, under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: permission of a supervising faculty member. Fall, spring, and summer terms annually. 3 to 6 credit hours
PSYC-1200,
General Psychology
An introduction to psychology. Topics covered vary with instructor but may include physiological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, learning, memory, child and adult development, motivation, personality, psychological disorders, social behavior. Introduction to basic methods of psychological research is a course requirement that can be met in several ways (described during the first class meeting). There is a significant experiential component that varies with the instructor but will include interactive computer stimulations, class demonstrations, group projects. Fall, spring, and summer terms annually.
PSYC-1200,
General Psychology
An introduction to psychology. Topics covered vary with instructor but may include physiological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, learning, memory, child and adult development, motivation, personality, psychological disorders, social behavior. Introduction to basic methods of psychological research is a course requirement that can be met in several ways (described during the first class meeting). There is a significant experiential component that varies with the instructor but will include interactive computer stimulations, class demonstrations, group projects. Fall, spring, and summer terms annually.
PSYC-2100,
Methods of Reasoning
This course provides tools for the identification, analysis, and evaluation of the various patterns of reasoning as they occur in the real world. Patterns of reasoning include deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, scientific reasoning, statistical reasoning, and causal reasoning. The course also covers some basic psychology and sociology of reasoning and belief, and concludes with a critical discussion of science and the scientific method. No prerequisites. (Cross listed as PHIL-2100. Students can- not obtain credit for both this course and PHIL-2100.) Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2120,
Introduction to Cognitive Science
This course is an introduction to the new and quickly growing field of Cognitive Science which studies the various aspects of cognition, including reasoning, learning, memory, and perception and action. Cognitive Science is a highly interdisciplinary field of study at the intersection of philosophy, psychology, computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, and anthropology, and the course hosts a number of guest lectures given by experts in these respective fields. No prerequisites. (Cross listed as PHIL- 2120. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and PHIL-2120.) Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2220,
Human Factors in Design
This course provides a broad introduction to the theories and principles of human performance, man-machine interfaces, and systems designs. It also emphasizes the applications of these theories and principles to the design of controls, work space, data entry devices, training systems, and the human-computer interface. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200 or permission of instructor. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2310,
Experimental Methods and Statistics
This course provides an introduction to basic methods of psychological research and the use of statistics to interpret psychological data. Students participate in several experiments and prepare written reports. Topics include experimental design, data collection and analysis, and communication of results. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2410,
Introduction to Cognitive Engineering
Covers cognitive theory from an applied perspective to understand and predict the interactions among human cognition, artifact (i.e., tools), and task. Cognitive task analysis techniques will be taught and used throughout the course, as will techniques for collecting and analyzing fine-grained behavioral data. Topics covered may include visual search and visual attention, cognitive skill and its acquisition, hard and soft constraints on interactive behavior, human error, soft constraints on judgment and decision-making, and experts and expertise. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2520,
Introduction to Game Design
This course looks at the mathematics of game theory from a psychological perspective, and serves as a primer in video game design. The psychology of players and designers are discussed, as well as the cognitive processes that people use when solving game-related puzzles. Additional topics include logic, human frailty, role playing, artificial intelligence, kinesics, theater, and human-computer interaction. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2600,
Moral Development
An analysis of psychological research on how our commonsense moral beliefs develop from early childhood through old age, and their application to daily problems. A major focus is on the conflict between themes of justice or individual rights and caring compassion and its relation to gender differences (the Kohlberg/Gilligan debate). (Cross listed as PHIL-2600. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and PHIL-2600.) Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2730,
Social Psychology
This is a survey course covering theories, methods, and empirical research on personal and situational factors influencing social behavior. Topics covered include social perception, the construction of social reality, decision making, group influences on behavior, and attitudes. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2800,
Introduction to Sports Psychology
An introduction to psychology as applied to sport, the topics covered include history of sport behavior, principles of learning and their application, anxiety and arousal, motivation, leadership, cohesion, audience effects, aggression, personality assessment, female athletes, youth in sport, coach behavior, and physical activity for all. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2100,
Methods of Reasoning
This course provides tools for the identification, analysis, and evaluation of the various patterns of reasoning as they occur in the real world. Patterns of reasoning include deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, scientific reasoning, statistical reasoning, and causal reasoning. The course also covers some basic psychology and sociology of reasoning and belief, and concludes with a critical discussion of science and the scientific method. No prerequisites. (Cross listed as PHIL-2100. Students can- not obtain credit for both this course and PHIL-2100.) Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2120,
Introduction to Cognitive Science
This course is an introduction to the new and quickly growing field of Cognitive Science which studies the various aspects of cognition, including reasoning, learning, memory, and perception and action. Cognitive Science is a highly interdisciplinary field of study at the intersection of philosophy, psychology, computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, and anthropology, and the course hosts a number of guest lectures given by experts in these respective fields. No prerequisites. (Cross listed as PHIL- 2120. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and PHIL-2120.) Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2220,
Human Factors in Design
This course provides a broad introduction to the theories and principles of human performance, man-machine interfaces, and systems designs. It also emphasizes the applications of these theories and principles to the design of controls, work space, data entry devices, training systems, and the human-computer interface. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200 or permission of instructor. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2310,
Experimental Methods and Statistics
This course provides an introduction to basic methods of psychological research and the use of statistics to interpret psychological data. Students participate in several experiments and prepare written reports. Topics include experimental design, data collection and analysis, and communication of results. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2410,
Introduction to Cognitive Engineering
Covers cognitive theory from an applied perspective to understand and predict the interactions among human cognition, artifact (i.e., tools), and task. Cognitive task analysis techniques will be taught and used throughout the course, as will techniques for collecting and analyzing fine-grained behavioral data. Topics covered may include visual search and visual attention, cognitive skill and its acquisition, hard and soft constraints on interactive behavior, human error, soft constraints on judgment and decision-making, and experts and expertise. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2520,
Introduction to Game Design
This course looks at the mathematics of game theory from a psychological perspective, and serves as a primer in video game design. The psychology of players and designers are discussed, as well as the cognitive processes that people use when solving game-related puzzles. Additional topics include logic, human frailty, role playing, artificial intelligence, kinesics, theater, and human-computer interaction. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2600,
Moral Development
An analysis of psychological research on how our commonsense moral beliefs develop from early childhood through old age, and their application to daily problems. A major focus is on the conflict between themes of justice or individual rights and caring compassion and its relation to gender differences (the Kohlberg/Gilligan debate). (Cross listed as PHIL-2600. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and PHIL-2600.) Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2730,
Social Psychology
This is a survey course covering theories, methods, and empirical research on personal and situational factors influencing social behavior. Topics covered include social perception, the construction of social reality, decision making, group influences on behavior, and attitudes. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-2800,
Introduction to Sports Psychology
An introduction to psychology as applied to sport, the topics covered include history of sport behavior, principles of learning and their application, anxiety and arousal, motivation, leadership, cohesion, audience effects, aggression, personality assessment, female athletes, youth in sport, coach behavior, and physical activity for all. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4110,
Motivation and Performance
This course encompasses a broad spectrum of theories concerned with the biological, psychological, and social components of motivation. Throughout the course, students relate theoretical issues to both recent research evidence and potential practical applications to enhance performance. Group projects, focus group discussions, and interactive guest speakers are used to establish links between theory and performance. Prerequisite: PSYC- 1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4160,
Human Factors Seminar
A comprehensive, project-oriented survey of special topics in human factors. Applied, experimental, and/or field research will be required. Prerequisite: PSYC-2220 or permission of instructor. Offered on sufficient demand. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4170,
Professional Development II:
Leadership Theories This course examines the major theories of leadership, as well as provides the opportunity to apply these theories to actual or symbolic leaders. Students wishing to become an effective manager or leader will benefit from this course, since the focus is on providing students with information about the traits, behaviors, power and influence, and charisma of effective leaders. Prerequisite: ENGR-2050. Restricted to junior and senior engineering majors only. Fall and spring terms annually. 2 credit hours
PSYC-4200,
Industrial and Organizational
Psychology A broad introduction to the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Topics covered include personnel selection, job analysis, training, performance appraisal, work-related attitudes, employee motivation, leadership, decision making, and organizational theory. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4260,
Psychological Tests and Measurements
Methods, techniques, and instruments for measuring individual differences are surveyed. Topics include representative methods of test construction, a critical analysis of representative tests, criteria for evaluating and selecting tests, and the value and limitations of tests. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4320,
Behavioral Neuroscience
This course is an introduction to the role of physiological mechanisms in behavioral processes. There will be detailed examination and discussion of the involvement of biolog- ical systems in feeding and drinking, sexual behavior, sleep and arousal, learning and memory, psychopathology and psychopharmacology. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4340,
Human Sexuality
This course provides biological, cultural, historical, and psychological perspectives of sexuality. Basic information on human development and reproductive physiology is provided. In addition, current topics such as marriage, alternate lifestyles, contraception, and pornography are discussed. Small group focus discussions, media-based discussions, and interactive guest speakers are used to link course material to responsible sexuality and understanding of diversity. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4370,
Cognitive Psychology
The focus of this course is on the flow of information from sensory input to retrieval from long-term memory. Within this framework, topics such as mnemonics, pattern recognition, attention, computer simulation, reasoning, and the relationship between culture and thought are discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4400,
Personality
Modern theories of personality are presented and compared. Using these theories, students analyze the processes by which people cope with intrapsychic, interpersonal, and institutional demands. Evidence on adaptive processes from clinical, field, and laboratory studies is evaluated. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Offered on availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4450,
Learning
The first half of this course is devoted to presentation of traditional theories of learning. Classical and operant conditioning and single-subject methodology are studied in depth. During the second half of the course, students apply their knowledge of operant conditioning principles in the context of a group-based field study. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4500,
Drugs, Society, and Behavior
This course is an exploration of the social and psychological effects of extensive use of pharmacological agents that are salient to daily behavior. There is an emphasis on the effects of addictive drugs such as alcohol, heroin, and cocaine. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4510,
Cognitive Modeling
Cognitive modeling investigates human cognition by developing computational systems that simulate cognitive processes. Cognitive modeling grew out of Cognitive Psychology and Artificial Intelligence. Cognitive models are used in a number of basic and applied domains including Human-Computer Interaction, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Computer-Generated Forces, and Synthetic Characters. In this course, students will develop models in ACT-R (a unified theory of cognition) that simulate recent findings in cognitive psychology. Prerequisites: PSYC-1200 and CSCI-2300. Recommended: CSCI-4150 and/or PSYC-4370 or per- mission of instructor. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4520,
Game Development
This class is a practical primer for anyone interested in a career in the rapidly evolving industry of video gaming. It is an intense, team-based, project-based course in which we will closely follow the actual game development cycle, with each team producing a complete PC game. Students cannot get credit for both this course and CSCI-4520. Prerequisite: PSYC-2520 or CSCI-2300. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4600,
Cognition and the Brain
Perception and thought are considered in terms of processes represented in the brain. The localization and lateralization of function are examined, drawing upon research on the behavioral effects of brain damage as well as brain-imaging studies and other approaches. Examples of topics include object recognition, memory, language, emotion, spatial ability, and motor processes. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4720,
Abnormal Psychology
The definition, history, major schools of thought, and models of the normal and abnormal personality are presented. Disorders are examined within the framework of D.S.M. and competing schools of thought. The description, etiology, treatment, including pharmacologic, and prevention of each of the disorders are considered. Illustrative cases are presented. Students write a paper on a topic, approved by the instructor, that focuses upon the impact of public policies on psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4740,
Psychology and The Law
Since the 1950's, social science researchers have turned their attention to the courtroom, in order to test theories of human behavior in a real world application. Are the basic assumptions underlying the practice of law in this country valid, given what psychologists know about the fundamentals of human behavior? This course will provide students with instruction regarding how the study of psychology can contribute to a better understanding of the legal system. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4750,
Forensic Psychology
A practical introduction to the field of forensic psychology, a domain within psychology concerned with the production and application of psychological knowledge to the civil and criminal justice systems. In this course, we explore the many ways in which psychological principles play an increasingly important role in influencing various processes and outcomes associated with the field of law. Prerequisite: PSYC-4740. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4770,
Psychopharmacology and Behavioral
Toxicology This course is a detailed examination of the neuroscience and psychology inherent to the development of pharmacological agents for treating psychopathology. There is also an exploration of chemicals that are toxic to the brain as manifest by induction of psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4940,
Readings in Psychology
An individually arranged independent study course under the supervision of a member of the Psychology Department. The topic is selected by consultation between student and faculty member. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200 and/or permission of supervising faculty member. 1 to 4 credit hours
PSYC-4960,
Topics in Psychology
An advanced course concerned with selected topics in psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200 or permission of instructor. 1 to 4 credit hours
PSYC-4990,
Undergraduate Thesis
Students conduct original scholarly projects: original research, theoretical or analytical reviews of the literature, or computer simulations. Working either alone or in groups, students prepare written reports relating to this project, under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: permission of a supervising faculty member. Fall, spring, and summer terms annually. 3 to 6 credit hours
PSYC-4110,
Motivation and Performance
This course encompasses a broad spectrum of theories concerned with the biological, psychological, and social components of motivation. Throughout the course, students relate theoretical issues to both recent research evidence and potential practical applications to enhance performance. Group projects, focus group discussions, and interactive guest speakers are used to establish links between theory and performance. Prerequisite: PSYC- 1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4160,
Human Factors Seminar
A comprehensive, project-oriented survey of special topics in human factors. Applied, experimental, and/or field research will be required. Prerequisite: PSYC-2220 or permission of instructor. Offered on sufficient demand. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4170,
Professional Development II:
Leadership Theories This course examines the major theories of leadership, as well as provides the opportunity to apply these theories to actual or symbolic leaders. Students wishing to become an effective manager or leader will benefit from this course, since the focus is on providing students with information about the traits, behaviors, power and influence, and charisma of effective leaders. Prerequisite: ENGR-2050. Restricted to junior and senior engineering majors only. Fall and spring terms annually. 2 credit hours
PSYC-4200,
Industrial and Organizational
Psychology A broad introduction to the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Topics covered include personnel selection, job analysis, training, performance appraisal, work-related attitudes, employee motivation, leadership, decision making, and organizational theory. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4260,
Psychological Tests and Measurements
Methods, techniques, and instruments for measuring individual differences are surveyed. Topics include representative methods of test construction, a critical analysis of representative tests, criteria for evaluating and selecting tests, and the value and limitations of tests. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4320,
Behavioral Neuroscience
This course is an introduction to the role of physiological mechanisms in behavioral processes. There will be detailed examination and discussion of the involvement of biolog- ical systems in feeding and drinking, sexual behavior, sleep and arousal, learning and memory, psychopathology and psychopharmacology. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4340,
Human Sexuality
This course provides biological, cultural, historical, and psychological perspectives of sexuality. Basic information on human development and reproductive physiology is provided. In addition, current topics such as marriage, alternate lifestyles, contraception, and pornography are discussed. Small group focus discussions, media-based discussions, and interactive guest speakers are used to link course material to responsible sexuality and understanding of diversity. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4370,
Cognitive Psychology
The focus of this course is on the flow of information from sensory input to retrieval from long-term memory. Within this framework, topics such as mnemonics, pattern recognition, attention, computer simulation, reasoning, and the relationship between culture and thought are discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4400,
Personality
Modern theories of personality are presented and compared. Using these theories, students analyze the processes by which people cope with intrapsychic, interpersonal, and institutional demands. Evidence on adaptive processes from clinical, field, and laboratory studies is evaluated. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Offered on availability of instructor. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4450,
Learning
The first half of this course is devoted to presentation of traditional theories of learning. Classical and operant conditioning and single-subject methodology are studied in depth. During the second half of the course, students apply their knowledge of operant conditioning principles in the context of a group-based field study. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4500,
Drugs, Society, and Behavior
This course is an exploration of the social and psychological effects of extensive use of pharmacological agents that are salient to daily behavior. There is an emphasis on the effects of addictive drugs such as alcohol, heroin, and cocaine. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4510,
Cognitive Modeling
Cognitive modeling investigates human cognition by developing computational systems that simulate cognitive processes. Cognitive modeling grew out of Cognitive Psychology and Artificial Intelligence. Cognitive models are used in a number of basic and applied domains including Human-Computer Interaction, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Computer-Generated Forces, and Synthetic Characters. In this course, students will develop models in ACT-R (a unified theory of cognition) that simulate recent findings in cognitive psychology. Prerequisites: PSYC-1200 and CSCI-2300. Recommended: CSCI-4150 and/or PSYC-4370 or per- mission of instructor. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4520,
Game Development
This class is a practical primer for anyone interested in a career in the rapidly evolving industry of video gaming. It is an intense, team-based, project-based course in which we will closely follow the actual game development cycle, with each team producing a complete PC game. Students cannot get credit for both this course and CSCI-4520. Prerequisite: PSYC-2520 or CSCI-2300. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4600,
Cognition and the Brain
Perception and thought are considered in terms of processes represented in the brain. The localization and lateralization of function are examined, drawing upon research on the behavioral effects of brain damage as well as brain-imaging studies and other approaches. Examples of topics include object recognition, memory, language, emotion, spatial ability, and motor processes. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4720,
Abnormal Psychology
The definition, history, major schools of thought, and models of the normal and abnormal personality are presented. Disorders are examined within the framework of D.S.M. and competing schools of thought. The description, etiology, treatment, including pharmacologic, and prevention of each of the disorders are considered. Illustrative cases are presented. Students write a paper on a topic, approved by the instructor, that focuses upon the impact of public policies on psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4740,
Psychology and The Law
Since the 1950's, social science researchers have turned their attention to the courtroom, in order to test theories of human behavior in a real world application. Are the basic assumptions underlying the practice of law in this country valid, given what psychologists know about the fundamentals of human behavior? This course will provide students with instruction regarding how the study of psychology can contribute to a better understanding of the legal system. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4750,
Forensic Psychology
A practical introduction to the field of forensic psychology, a domain within psychology concerned with the production and application of psychological knowledge to the civil and criminal justice systems. In this course, we explore the many ways in which psychological principles play an increasingly important role in influencing various processes and outcomes associated with the field of law. Prerequisite: PSYC-4740. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4770,
Psychopharmacology and Behavioral
Toxicology This course is a detailed examination of the neuroscience and psychology inherent to the development of pharmacological agents for treating psychopathology. There is also an exploration of chemicals that are toxic to the brain as manifest by induction of psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200. Annually. 4 credit hours
PSYC-4940,
Readings in Psychology
An individually arranged independent study course under the supervision of a member of the Psychology Department. The topic is selected by consultation between student and faculty member. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200 and/or permission of supervising faculty member. 1 to 4 credit hours
PSYC-4960,
Topics in Psychology
An advanced course concerned with selected topics in psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC-1200 or permission of instructor. 1 to 4 credit hours
PSYC-4990,
Undergraduate Thesis
Students conduct original scholarly projects: original research, theoretical or analytical reviews of the literature, or computer simulations. Working either alone or in groups, students prepare written reports relating to this project, under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: permission of a supervising faculty member. Fall, spring, and summer terms annually. 3 to 6 credit hours
This is not an official course listing. The official Institute course catalog can be found here.