PSY 111 Introductory Psychology (3) I, II, S
Introduction to the methodologies and basic concepts in the study of behavior. Intended to give the nonmajor an overview of the science of psychology and to serve as a foundation for further study in psychology for the major.
PSY 211 Introductory Statistics (3) II
Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics include frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and regression. Inferential statistics include z-test, t-test for independent and correlated samples, analysis of variance, and nonparametric tests. This course does not fulfill any of the requirements of the psychology major.
PSY 270 Personal Growth and Development (3) OD
Encourages students to explore, expand, and deepen their understanding of themselves. Activities are structured to provide opportunities for self-discovery, either working alone or with others in pairs or small groups.
PSY 271 Developmental Psychology (3) OD
An overview of psychological, emotional, social, and physical patterns of behavior related to the following stages: prenatal, infancy, and early childhood; late childhood; adolescence; early adult years; middle adult years; and late adulthood. P: PSY 111. This course does not fulfill any of the requirements of the psychology major.
PSY 272 The Psychology of Separation and Loss (3) OD
Discussion of the insights and scholarly research on the ramifications of separation and loss, as well as strategies for coping with these events. Areas of concern include death and dying, the loss of relationships, the loss of physical and cognitive abilities, employment loss, and loss of self-esteem. P: PSY 111.
PSY 313 Research Methods and Statistics I (3) I, II
This course will teach and apply the statistics and research methods utilized in non-experimental psychological research. The content covered in this course will provide a strong foundation for understanding psychology as a science and will include application of course material using statistical software. P: PSY 111.
PSY 315 Research Methods and Statistics II (3) I, II
This course will teach and apply the statistics and research methods utilized in experimental psychological research. The content covered in this course will provide a strong foundation for understanding psychology as a science and will include application of course material using statistical software. P: PSY 111, 313; CO: 316.
PSY 316 Research and Statistics II Laboratory (1) I, II
This laboratory is designed to allow you the opportunity to apply the knowledge learned in lecture. It focuses on research ethics, conducting experimental studies, and writing research reports using APA style. By the end of the semester, you will have designed, implemented, analyzed, and reported on a unique research project. P: PSY 111, 313; CO: 315. Certified Writing Course
PSY 326 Undergraduate Internship in Psychology (3-4) I, II
Provides advanced students with opportunities for field experience in clinical/counseling and human services. Carried out in cooperation with Omaha-area agencies that can provide adequate professional supervision of students. Experiences vary depending upon the characteristics of the student and the agency. In addition to placement time, there is a required discussion session on campus. May be repeated to a limit of eight hours. P: PSY major; Jr. stdg.; IC.
PSY 341 Infant and Child Development (3) I, II
Development of the child from conception through late childhood. Covers such topics as emotional, physical, motor, cognitive, and social development, as well as issues encountered in child-rearing. Students enrolled in this course are required to volunteer 16 hours during the semester with children in placements arranged by instructor. P: PSY 111.
PSY 342 Adolescent and Adult Development (3) II
Examines the second part of the lifespan. Human development in adolescence, young adulthood, midlife, and late adulthood is explored through discussion of various topics including: physical changes, cognitive development, social and personality development, the transition to adulthood, sexuality and relationships, marriage, parenthood, work and retirement, stress and coping, and death and dying. P: PSY 111.
PSY 343 Psychology of Personality (3) I, II
Principles and theories of personality with emphasis on their scientific study. P: PSY 111.
PSY 344 Social Psychology (3) I, II
Exploration of the social factors that influence individual behavior. Areas of social influence covered include attitude change and persuasion, conformity, aggression, altruism, and attribution. P: PSY 111.
PSY 351 Abnormal Psychology (3) I, II
Survey of psychological disorders of adulthood with emphasis on the clinical description of each disorder, explanatory theories, research on etiology and treatment, and issues in prevention. P: PSY 111.
PSY 352 Health Psychology (3) I, II
Explores the psychological factors involved in health and illness. Topics include stress, disease and personality, patient compliance, health transactions, medical decision-making, and training of health professionals. P: PSY 111.
PSY 353 Industrial Psychology (3) I
An overview of industrial (personnel) and engineering (human factors) psychology. Topics include methodology, employee selection, testing validation procedures, performance appraisal, training, legal issues, and selected human factors topics. P: PSY 111. Certified Writing Course.
PSY 360 Career Development in Psychology (3) OD
Designed to assist psychology majors in the process of achieving an employment, graduate school or professional school placement. Involves students in realistic planning through the exploration of occupational information and in the development of application and interview skills. P: PSY Major; Jr. stdg.
PSY 361 Neuropsychology (3) I
An introduction to how the neurological organization of the brain influences the way people think and act. Discussion focuses primarily on dysfunctional systems. Topics include motor disorders, agnosias, attention, memory, and developmental disorders. P: PSY 111.
PSY 363 Psychology and the Law (3) I
Examination of the interface between psychology and the law in criminal and civil issues. Topics include juvenile justice, civil commitment, the duty to warn, rights of victims and the accused, competency to stand trial, the insanity defense, use of confessions, eyewitness reliability, and use of expert witnesses. P: PSY 111. Certified Writing Course
PSY 367 Contemporary Trends in Psychology (3) OD
Our dynamic society gives rise to psychological issues of current importance. The flexibility of this course will permit exploration of current topics. May be repeated to a limit of six hours. P: See prereq. listed in the Schedule of Courses.
PSY 369 Organizational Psychology (3) II
An overview of organizational psychology. Topics include motivation, leadership, group processes, organizational stress, job satisfaction, communication processes, decision theory, power, and organizational effectiveness, development, change, and theory. P: PSY 111.
PSY 374 Human Sexuality (3) I
An empirical basis for understanding human sexuality; examination of personal sexual values and standards in the context of the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural components of human sexuality. P: PSY 111. Certified Writing Course. Not open to students enrolling as auditors.
PSY 376 School Psychology (3) II
This course is designed to be an introduction to the application of psychology in the school systems. School-related issues, including those applying to systems and individuals, will be discussed.
PSY 377 Psychology and AIDS (3) OD
A study of the psychological aspects of HIV/AIDS, its impact on our health care systems, and society in general.
PSY 423 Psychological Assessments (3) II
This course provides content in two key areas associated with the development and use of psychologicial tests and assessments. The course begins with basic psychometric issues issues such as reliability and validity. The course also focuses how various types of tests and assessments are used in clinical, school, and work settings. These include personality assessment, cognitive ability assessment, aptitude and ability testing. P: PSY 111.
PSY 424 History and Systems of Psychology (3) I, II
Survey of some historical antecedents of modern psychology and a review of major contributors to psychology and their particular historical contexts. P: PSY 111. Certified Writing Course.
PSY 426 Evolutionary Psychology (3) I
The course examines the mechanisms of the human mind through the lens of evolution. Human behavior is influenced by psychological mechanisms and adaptations that evolved to cope with the challenges of survival and reproduction, and understanding these procedures can unify diverse areas of psychology. P: PSY 111.
PSY 428 Multicultural Issues in Psychology (3) I, II (same as BKS 428)
Explores gender, ethnic, and cultural factors that influence the beliefs, values, behaviors, and experiences of individuals. Provides a fundamental understanding of one's own culture and behavior through exploration of a variety of cultures. P: PSY 111. International and Global Studies Course (Core B)
PSY 431 Cognitive Psychology (3) I
Survey of current psychological views of human information processing including such topics as attention, perception, short-term memory, long-term memory, reasoning, and problem solving. P: PSY 111.
PSY 433 Motivation and Emotion (3) I
Surveys research and theories related to human motivational processes, goal pursuit, and approaches to emotional states such as anger, happiness and sadness. Relevant research will focus on biological, psychological, and environmental influences on motivation and emotion. P: PSY 111.
PSY 434 Learning: Basic Processes (3) I, II
Explores experimental paradigms of learning. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, discrimination, generalization, and extinction of learned responses. P: PSY 111.
PSY 436 Sensation and Perception (3) II
Focuses on the psychological impact of physical stimulation. The processes whereby humans derive meaning from visual, auditory, tactual, olfactory and gustatory stimulation are discussed. P: PSY 111.
PSY 437 Physiological Psychology (3) I, II
Examines biological bases of behavior with emphasis on mechanisms of neuron function and general neuroanatomy. Sensory function, motor control, and current information regarding the physiology of learning and memory are also discussed. P: PSY111.
PSY 463 Forensic Psychology (3) II
Surveys the intersection of mental health practice and the law. Focuses on what clinical forensic psychology has to offer legal processes and how the law may dictate the interests of and research conducted by practicing psychologists. P: PSY 111.
PSY 464 Developmental Psychopathology (3) OD
Introduction to the variety of psychopathological disorders that occur during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Conditions studied include attachment disorder, autistic disorder, conduct disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and dissociative identity disorder. P: PSY 111, 341, 351; Jr. stdg.
PSY 465 Advanced Behavioral Research (3) OD
A comprehensive research course that directs students to integrate classroom research concepts with hands-on experience through existing research programs. Students can address issues that are unique to the application of research principles. Especially recommended for majors planning graduate study. P: 315, 316; IC.
PSY 471 Crisis Intervention (3) I, S
Offers an introduction to the front-line interventions and basic therapeutic techniques used in crisis management. Skills are taught through their applications to specific crises including battering, sexual assault, substance addiction, suicide, and bereavement.
PSY 472 Group Dynamics (3) OD
An exploration of the social psychological aspects of group dynamics as they apply to all types of small groups. Topics covered include group goals, team development, group cohesion, leadership, decision-making, and dealing with diversity. P: PSY 111.
PSY 473 The Psychology of Gender (3) OD (same as WGS 473)
This course examines the topic of gender- the behaviors and attitudes that relate to (but are not entirely congruent with) biological sex. A critical review of gender research is at the center of this class. We review empirical articles on sex, gender-related behaviors taken from the areas of psychology, sociology, biology, biochemistry, neurology, evolution, and anthropology to generate an overall picture of gender from a psychological perspective. P: PSY 111.
PSY 474 Undergraduate Internship in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3-4) OD
Field experience in industrial-organizational psychology for upper-level students. Students are placed in Omaha-based organizations. Past placements have offered experience in employee selection, performance appraisal, training, compensation, affirmative action, test construction and validation, and various legal aspects of industrial-organizational psychology. May be repeated to a limit of eight hours. P: PSY major Jr. stdg., IC, PSY 353.
PSY 481 Drugs and Behavior (3) I
This course will provide an overview of psychotropic drugs, both legal and illegal. Topics will include basic psychopharmocology, physiological brain effects, historical and current drug and drug-war American culture, social impacts and controversial issues related to drug use and abuse. PSY 111
PSY 491 Honors Seminar (3) I
Selected senior students, under the direction of the faculty member, will address some aspect of a topic that has current prominence in the field of psychology. Students will do an extensive reading of the literature, discuss their findings with the group, and then produce a quality paper on the topic. Participants will be selected by the faculty of the Department of Psychology. P: IC; Sr. stdg. Certified Writing Course
PSY 495 Directed Independent Study (1-3) I, II, S
Provides the student an opportunity to design a course of study in a particular area of interest in psychology. The content may be applied or academic in nature, and the student is required to work with a faculty member in the design and implementation of this course of study. May be repeated to a limit of six hours. P: PSY major; Jr. stdg.; IC.
PSY 497 Directed Independent Research (1-3) I, II, S
Provides the student an opportunity to explore a particular area of interest. This exploration might be in the form of empirical research or library research. The content will be agreed upon by the student and a faculty member in the Department of Psychology. May be repeated to a limit of six hours. P: PSY major; Jr. stdg.; IC.
PSY 540 Professional Orientation and Ethics in Counseling (3) I, II, S (Same as COU 540)
A survey of the counseling process including the role of the counselor, characteristics of clients, helping and referral skills, and theories of counseling. P: Sr. stdg.
PSY 590 Counseling Significant Losses (3) I (Same as COU 590)
A survey of the counseling process including the role of the counselor, characteristics of clients, helping and referral skills, and theories of counseling.