Course Descriptions
Psychology Courses
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PYC 1000 Introduction to Psychology
PYC 1000 Introduction to Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the methods and principles of psychology as science, including overview of historical foundations, psychobiology, social interaction, development, learning, motivation, perception, sensation, and personality. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.
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PYC 1100 Psychological Research Seminar
PYC 1100 Psychological Research Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
This course introduces students to the application of the scientific method to understanding behavior, mental, or social processes. Students are introduced to psychological research and research ethics. This is the first course in a two-course sequence. This course is designed to help prepare students to carry out an authentic research project as part of the second course in the sequence. Successful completion of this course is a pre-requisite for PYC 1101 Psychological Research Project. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
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PYC 1101 Psychological Research Project
PYC 1101 Psychological Research Project
Credit Hours: 2
This course is designed to give students experience conducting a research project in psychology. The course will be taught as a laboratory in the model of a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in which students learn to do research by actively carrying out an original research study. Successful completion of PYC 1100 is a pre-requisite for this course. PYC 1000 is also a pre-requisite for this course, but it may be taken concurrently. This course is normally offered every winter semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 1100 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 2010 Research Methods I
PYC 2010 Research Methods I
Credit Hours: 3
Study of introductory issues of psychological research methodology. Topics covered include fundamentals of scientific psychology, sampling, research ethics, research question development, quantitative and qualitative data collection tactics, and a review of basic statistics used to interpret data collected by the tactics discussed in the course. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- STA 2250 (Minimum Grade of D, May be taken concurrently) OR
- MTH 2140 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 2020 Research Methods II
PYC 2020 Research Methods II
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the principles of (primarily) experimental methodology, statistical inference, critical evaluation of published research, and effective communication of research findings. Lecture topics include a review and expansion of the material from PYC 2010. In addition, research projects require students to participate in the design of experiments with computational software, the collection and analysis of data, and the communication of findings in appropriately formatted research reports. This course is normally offered every winter semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2010 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- STA 2250 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) OR
- MTH 2140 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 2500 Developmental Psychology
PYC 2500 Developmental Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the purpose and methods of lifespan developmental psychology. This course surveys normal developmental changes in childhood, adolescence, maturity and old age in diverse contexts; analyzes problems in adjustment to life experiences; and examines influences of heredity and environment on the development of the person. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.
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PYC 2550 Child Development: Infancy through Adolescence
PYC 2550 Child Development: Infancy through Adolescence
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the developmental processes in infancy through middle childhood and adolescence. This course focuses on the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional changes; planned observation and interpretation of the child's development. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 2560 Adult Development and Aging
PYC 2560 Adult Development and Aging
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the developmental processes in late adolescence through mature adulthood, including physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes; planned observation and interpretation of development. This course is normally offered once every other year.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 2600 Social Psychology
PYC 2600 Social Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Study of social-psychological theories to understand human thought and behavior as they influence and are influenced by others in actual or implied social and cultural situations. This course explores contemporary studies of attitudes, communication and group influences on perception, emotion, motivation, conformity, cooperation, competition, altruism, aggression, prejudice, and attribution. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.
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PYC 2620 Introduction to Leadership
PYC 2620 Introduction to Leadership
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to leadership is a highly-interactive seminar that guides participants in exploring their inner and outer worlds. Students will gain a deep understanding of the personal and group dynamics that shape their ability to become successful and engaging leaders. By taking part in the various course activities, self-reflections, assessments, role plays, and discussions, students will enhance their capacity to lead families, organizations, and communities. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.
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PYC 2650 Psychology of Environment
PYC 2650 Psychology of Environment
Credit Hours: 3
Application of psychological principles and methods to define the interaction between the social, natural and built environment. This course focuses upon psychological theory, research and data regarding critical factors affecting people in their environment, and offers a basis to assist the architect in the design and planning of the human environment. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
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PYC 2750 Human Sexuality
PYC 2750 Human Sexuality
Credit Hours: 3
Study of approaches to sexuality in order to promote a deeper understanding of the central role which sexuality plays in human life. Aspects of sexuality include evolutionary, genetic, physiological, hormonal, developmental, emotional, dynamic, interpersonal, legal and cultural. Particular emphasis is placed on appreciating functional explanations for many common and uncommon behaviors associated with human sexuality. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
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PYC 2900 Current Topics in Psychology
PYC 2900 Current Topics in Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth analysis of a particular topic in psychology, selected on a rotating basis. Topics such as marriage, women and mental health, aging, substance abuse and others will be presented.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3070 Biopsychology
PYC 3070 Biopsychology
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the relationships between the nervous system and behavior. This course focuses on the physiology of the nervous system, neural transmission, and neural mechanisms of motivation, emotion, psychopathology and higher brain functions. This course and its companion laboratory course are offered on a rotating basis with other psychology courses that fulfill the major requirement Basic Processes with Lab.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2010 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- STA 2250 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3080 Biopsychology Laboratory
PYC 3080 Biopsychology Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
This is a research-based laboratory designed to give students first-hand experience at designing, conducting, evaluating and writing about experimental research. Students are required to use scientific methodology to develop group projects within areas of animal behavior and neuroscience, using rodents as laboratory models. This laboratory course and its companion lecture course are offered on a rotating basis with other psychology courses that fulfill the major requirement Basic Processes with Lab.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2010 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2020 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 3070 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- STA 2250 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3090 Perceptual and Cognitive Processes
PYC 3090 Perceptual and Cognitive Processes
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the theoretical and empirical developments related to the perception and organization of sensory phenomena, human cognition, language comprehension and production. This lecture course and its companion laboratory course are offered on a rotating basis with the other psychology courses that fulfill the major requirement Basic Processes with Lab.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2010 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- STA 2250 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3100 Perceptual and Cognitive Processes Laboratory
PYC 3100 Perceptual and Cognitive Processes Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
This is a research-based laboratory designed to give students first-hand experience at designing, conducting, evaluating and writing about experimental research. Students are required to use scientific methodology to develop group projects inspired by research findings within areas of perceptual and cognitive psychology. This laboratory course and its companion lecture course are offered on a rotating basis with the other psychology courses that fulfill the major requirement Basic Processes with Lab.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2010 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2020 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 3090 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- STA 2250 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3140 Learning and Behavior
PYC 3140 Learning and Behavior
Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces students to the principles and theories of learning, behavior, and motivation. This course focuses on classical and operant conditioning from a behavioral perspective and includes the following topics: historical perspectives of learning theories, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, reinforcement schedules, avoidance, and observational learning. This lecture course and its companion laboratory course are offered on a rotating basis with the other psychology courses that fulfill the major requirement Basic Processes with Lab.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2010 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- STA 2250 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3150 Learning and Behavior Laboratory
PYC 3150 Learning and Behavior Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
This is a research-based laboratory designed to give students first-hand experience designing, conducting, evaluating, and writing about experimental research. Students are required to use scientific methodology to develop group projects within areas of learning, using human and non-human animal laboratory models. This laboratory course and its companion lecture course are offered on a rotating basis with the other psychology courses that fulfill the major requirement Basic Processes with Lab.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2010 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 2020 (Minimum Grade of D, May be taken concurrently) AND
- PYC 3140 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
- STA 2250 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3400 Family Development and Parenting
PYC 3400 Family Development and Parenting
Credit Hours: 3
Study of families and parenting in a diverse and changing world. This course critically analyzes family theories, diversity of family structures, roles of men, women and children, family developmental crises, family communications and family stressors. Topics include advanced techniques of parenting and child guidance, approaches to family support and parent education, and environmental parenting approaches for evaluating and supporting parenting relationships across the lifespan. This course is normally offered every winter semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3410 Psychology of Personality
PYC 3410 Psychology of Personality
Credit Hours: 3
Survey course of the major theories of personality including psychoanalytic, socio-cultural, behavioristic, and humanistic points of view. Emphasis is on the origin, structure, and dynamics of personality. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3420 Abnormal Psychology
PYC 3420 Abnormal Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Comprehensive exploration of causative factors, symptomatology, assessment, and treatment of varieties of psychological disorders. Consideration is given to varied theoretical and applied approaches for analyzing and treating difficulties. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3430 Health Psychology
PYC 3430 Health Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to the field of health psychology. The course will explore the relationship between psychological theory and research as it applies to health beliefs, health behavior, and interventions, all within the context of cultural values leading to behavioral tendencies. Through weekly readings and discussion, three units focus on basic concepts and the biopsychosocial model; well-being, stress, and illness; and applied interventions, prevention and psychological aspects of health care. Particular attention will be drawn to variations by gender and culture in these discussions. In addition, through presentations we will explore applied health psychology and the role of health psychologists. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3500 Psychology of Religion
PYC 3500 Psychology of Religion
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the intersection between religion and psychology especially as interpreted by the psychodynamic and humanistic schools of thought. Topics include faith development, conscience and superego, the notion of healthy human behavior, origin of the ideas of God, quest for meaning, and moral development. (Also offered as RELS 3500.) This course is normally offered once every two years.
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PYC 3540 Sex Differences and Sex Roles
PYC 3540 Sex Differences and Sex Roles
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to human sex differences resulting from cultural factors acting on biologically based dispositions. This course explores many influences, social, political, genetic, hormonal - which cause men and women to behave differently. This course is normally offered winter semesters.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 3700 Industrial and Organizational Psychology
PYC 3700 Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
This course surveys major topics in I/O psychology, including motivation, stress, job satisfaction, selection and placement, job design, performance appraisal, organizational structure, and training and development. Emphasis is on understanding research and practice at the levels of the individual employee, work group, and organization. This course is normally offered every winter semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4120 History and Systems
PYC 4120 History and Systems
Credit Hours: 3
Survey of the history of psychology from the ancient Greeks to the present. General theoretical systems of psychology including Associationism, Structuralism, Behavioralism and its offshoots. Gestalt theories, Phenomenalism and Existentialism, Psychoanalytic and related schools. Hormic and Holistic Psychologies. This course is normally offered fall semesters.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4200 Psychological Testing and Measurement
PYC 4200 Psychological Testing and Measurement
Credit Hours: 3
Nature of psychological tests, standardized procedures, types of scales and scores, norms, reliability, validity. Survey of standardized tests such as intelligence, aptitude, achievement, clinical, personality, interests and values. Social, ethical, legal and other issues in psychological testing. This course is normally offered every winter semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4400 Cross-Cultural Socialization
PYC 4400 Cross-Cultural Socialization
Credit Hours: 3
Cross-cultural exploration of forces involved in the socialization process, drawing on research from anthropology, biology, and psychology. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4510 Psychology of Death and Dying
PYC 4510 Psychology of Death and Dying
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the psychology, biology, physiology of death. This course also examines current concerns, medical and psychological, regarding the care and treatment of a terminal patient. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4620 Leadership Capstone
PYC 4620 Leadership Capstone
Credit Hours: 3
This capstone seminar will involve student discussions, exercises, role plays, structured experiences, and interactive service learning projects as methods of learning about the theories and practices of leadership. This course provides an in depth look at how to apply leadership theories to real life situations and integrates learning from students' previous coursework to gain competency in exhibiting leadership in any situation where a student may choose to lead and serve in their professional, personal or community life. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 2620 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently) OR
- LEAD 2000 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4630 Psychology of Trauma
PYC 4630 Psychology of Trauma
Credit Hours: 3
The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the effect of psychological trauma at both the individual and societal levels. Students will become familiar with the nature and impact of a wide variety of traumatic experiences. This course will cover responses to trauma, trauma-related psychological disorders, resilience, sociocultural influences on trauma responses, crisis intervention, clinical interventions for trauma and PTSD, and the societal impact of trauma. We will discuss issues related to professionals in helping fields and advocacy for greater public awareness of trauma. This course will also explore careers in trauma psychology and prevention of violence. Through readings, case studies, and media featuring leading theorists, researchers, and clinicians, students will gain an understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals, and the intergenerational transmission of both trauma and resilience within families. This course will examine a range of traumatic experiences and their differential impacts across different racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation groups, as well as within other marginalized communities. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of cultural competence in working with trauma survivors across helping professions. This course will normally be offered every Winter semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4640 Comparative Psychology: Animal Behavior
PYC 4640 Comparative Psychology: Animal Behavior
Credit Hours: 3
Comparative Psychology is the study of behavior across species, with a particular focus on animal behavior and cognition (including human animals). Topics include evolution of behavior, communication, social behavior, learning, memory, spatial cognition, tool-use, problem solving, metacognition, and consciousness. The course includes instruction on animal observation research methods. Students complete a short observational study. Class lectures will be augmented by four visits to the Detroit Zoo during class times for animal observations. Schedule will be communicated to students in advance and may be changed due to weather. Students are responsible for their own transportation. This course is normally offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4730 Basic Practicum
PYC 4730 Basic Practicum
Credit Hours: 1 TO 5
Provides opportunities for psychology majors in junior and senior years to work within applied settings to gain clinical, developmental, family life education, and/or experimental experience. It must be arranged through a sponsoring faculty member. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4890 Group Dynamics
PYC 4890 Group Dynamics
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an overview of the theory, concepts and research on small groups. The course will consist of lecture, discussion and activities that will clarify the basic processes of groups. This course is normally offered irregularly.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4950 Special Projects
PYC 4950 Special Projects
Credit Hours: 1 TO 4
A special course under the direction of a faculty member for students proposing special interests in research areas. Students must obtain written permission of the faculty member and the chairperson of the Psychology Department.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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PYC 4990 Advanced Issues in Psychology
PYC 4990 Advanced Issues in Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Seminar in the instructor's area of research and expertise.
Prerequisites:
- PYC 1000 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)