Psychology

An introduction to the scientific study of behavioral and mental processes. Topics include the neurobiological basis of behavior; perception; development; learning; memory and thinking; motivation; personality; normal and abnormal behavior; psychotherapy; and social factors in behavior.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

This course focuses on the diversity of the population of the United States with an emphasis on North Carolina. Students are introduced to the concepts of prejudice, discrimination, oppression and social and economic injustice and to the processes by which these are imposed upon some populations based on age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender, sex, and/or sexual orientation. Methods to combat prejudice, discrimination, and oppression and to restore social justice will be considered.

This course focuses on the diversity of the population of the United States with an emphasis on North Carolina. Students are introduced to the concepts of prejudice, discrimination, oppression and social and economic injustice and to the processes by which these are imposed upon some populations based on age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender, sex, and/or sexual orientation. Methods to combat prejudice, discrimination, and oppression and to restore social justice will be considered.

This course is a study of human characteristics and changes from conception to death. At each developmental stage, major topics covered are physical and motor change, cognitive development, emotional and personality growth, and social development. 

The understanding of gender roles from a psychological viewpoint. Topics included are a critique of the psychoanalytic view of gender differences, the effects of body states on personality, psychophysiological dysfunctions of the reproductive system, differences between male and female brains, differences in the way male and female infants behave, how sexual identity develops, and self-esteem, achievement motivation, and changes in the roles the different sexes play during their lifetimes.

A field experience in psychology involving exploration of psychology-related careers in community agencies, mental health services, business, government or educational settings which provides students with exposure to the profession of psychology. Attendance at a biweekly seminar and completion of written assignments is required.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will participate or assist in the execution of an original research project that will culminate in a product (e.g., paper, poster, or presentation). A research proposal form completed by the student and faculty mentor is required for registration.

The first semester in this two-course sequence is an introduction to the history, methods, data collection, statistical analysis, and ethics of general experimental psychology. Research studies will be developed, executed, analyzed, reported in American Psychological Association (APA) style, and presented. Measures of central tendency and deviation, linear and function-free correlation, hypothesis testing, survey designs, and nonparametric techniques will be covered.

The second semester in this two-course sequence will continue the study of research methodology, data collection, statistical analysis and ethics of experimental psychology. Research studies will be further developed, executed, analyzed, reported in American Psychological Association style, and presented. The designs covered include independent group-,between subject-, and within subject-designs along with the various forms of analysis of variance (ANOVA, Two-way ANOVA, and Repeated Measures ANOVA).

This course is designed to assist students in preparing themselves to enter the profession of psychology. Through a progressive series of applied assignments, students will examine psychological research on career decision making and job satisfaction; evaluate their own strengths, interests, and values; set career and life goals; identify and plan a strategy to prepare themselves for careers and/or graduate training; enhance professional self-presentation skills; examine issues of ethical conduct in applied psychological settings; and otherwise prepare themselves to enter the workforce as psychology majors.

This course focuses on the typical physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development of humans from conception to adolescence. Theories and research findings will guide understanding of the multiple influences on the behavior of infants, children, and teens. 

An introduction to the psychological and educational issues associated with the major exceptionalities. Topics covered include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Giftedness, and Communication Disorders. 

Formerly titled Abnormal Psychology, this course is a study of the major forms of behavioral pathology and current therapies. Topics covered include anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, affective disorders, schizophrenic disorders, and chronic brain syndromes.

An examination of the principles of classical and operant conditioning including reinforcement, stimulus control, extinction, and the application of these principles in a variety of settings, including the control and modification of one's own behavior. 

Health Psychology is concerned with the interface between health and psychology, between behavior and wellness/illness. It looks at physiological and psychological functioning, and studies the interrelationship between mind, body and culture/environment. In the course we look at both US and world health issues and examine such topics as health behaviors, stress and coping, illness prevention, wellness promotion, public policy, and the biopsychosocial model and emphasizes a multi-disciplinary perspective. 

A survey of the functional anatomy of the nervous system. Special emphasis on current views of the contributions of various subsystems to psychological phenomena.

A study of the visual and auditory senses and how they function. How needs, desires, expectations, and previous experiences influence perception. Understanding of the principles of psychophysics. The course also focuses on cognitive factors in perception. 

Presents a survey of Industrial/Organizational psychology using concepts, case studies, theories, research and direct applications to the study of people within the world of work. A balance between industrial and organizational concepts will guide the class through examining psychology at work and understanding what I/O psychologists who work in applied settings do. Topics will include: job analysis, assessments in employment, job attitudes, performance appraisal and management; and motivation, occupational health, leadership and organizational theory. 

An advanced standing internship in psychology involving the application of knowledge and skills in community agencies, mental health services, business, government or educational settings which provides students with exposure to and experience in the profession of psychology. Attendance at a biweekly seminar and completion of written project assignments and a culminating project is required.

An introductory practicum course where students are taught via initial classroom training and video modeling the basic concepts of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and discrete trial teaching (DTT) to work one-on-one with a preschool child with autism. Students will apply learned concepts in order to handle common behaviors and maintain mastered skills of their assigned child. All practicum hours are on campus and attendance is a significant part of grade.

An advanced practicum course providing students with an opportunity to build on applied behavioral analysis (ABA) techniques taught in Introductory Autism Practicum to work with preschool children with autism. Students will be expected to apply ABA techniques to make significant behavior changes and use discrete trial training (DTT) to teach new skills. Students are expected to know how to implement a variety of behavior protocols and read and interpret data. All practicum hours are on campus and attendance is a significant part of grade.

A two or three-hour practicum course working with children with autism participating in Meredith Autism Program's Inclusive Preschool Classroom. Students will work on assisting these children to participate within a classroom setting while working to build their communication, group and social skill repertoires. Some of these areas include: responding to a teacher for group instruction, generalizing learned skills, and playing appropriately and interacting with same age neurotypical peers. Students will facilitate goals, collect data, and assist children through the classroom routine while implementing behavior management strategies as needed. Students will gain knowledge in age appropriate skills for all domains for the developmental age range of children in the classroom (ages 3-5) while learning how to modify activities according to the need of the child with autism.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

A study of the theories and research relevant to interpersonal influence, the ways in which an individual is influenced by other people. Included topics: attitude change, conformity, interpersonal attraction, self consistency, aggression, altruism, and social cognition. 

This course is a comprehensive overview of the psychological aspects of aging. Topics include research methods, theories of aging, and age-related changes in sensation/perception, memory, cognition, personality and late-life psychopathology. Emphasis will be on pathways to successful aging in the context of a shifting balance of gains and losses in psychological and physical functioning.

Play Therapy & Play- Based Intervention is a course designed to introduce students to play therapy and play-based interventions. Through an ecological theoretical lens, students will learn the requisite knowledge required to intervene with children (and families) facing a variety of complex life challenges. This course will not certify any student to practice as a therapist of any sort. However, students will gain the most basic knowledge to intervene with children in human services settings

Play Therapy & Play- Based Intervention is a course designed to introduce students to play therapy and play-based interventions. Through an ecological theoretical lens, students will learn the requisite knowledge required to intervene with children (and families) facing a variety of complex life challenges. This course will not certify any student to practice as a therapist of any sort. However, students will gain the most basic knowledge to intervene with children in human services settings. 

A consideration of major contemporary theories of personality and the evaluation of these theories in the light of research findings. 

Introduction to the basic concepts and techniques of counseling as applied in clinical and educational settings. Intensive class interaction is expected. Observation, interviewing, role playing and videotaping are used in the course. A variety of theories are introduced. 

Trauma & Crisis Intervention will provide foundational understanding of the impact of psychological trauma including the neurophysiological alterations associated with trauma with a special attention and focus on Trauma Informed Care (TIC). The ABC Model of Crisis Intervention will serve as the framework for introducing foundational knowledge & skills required to intervene with individuals who are experiencing psychological crises. 

This course introduces students to Substance Use Disorders and Addiction treatments by examining co-occurring psychiatric disorders as the norm with substance use disorders and addictions. With DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, the 2014 ACA code of ethics, and 2016 CACREP standards integrated throughout the course, students will gain a foundation of understanding and explore treatment options in the field. Students will conceptualize treatment of substance use disorders, build knowledge of common clinical work integrated in addictions counseling, and ascertain ethical and advocacy related challenges encountered by social work professionals. 

The focus of this course is the historical genesis of current concerns in psychology. Particular emphasis will be placed on the seminal work of the late 19th- and early 20th-century psychological pioneers. 

A survey of the major theories and empirical findings in the field. Emphasis is placed on the active strategies and thought processes used in remembering, speaking and understanding language, reading, concept learning, and problem solving.

A course focused on a special topic in psychology. Topics will be chosen in accord with faculty and student interest. Intended for students of demonstrated maturity, usually indicated by upper class standing. Topics may include current trends in research and/or professional issues. A description of the topic will be included in the registration schedule for the upcoming semester.

Students who have mastered skills needed in Intermediate Autism Practicum can enroll in this course. Students will read data provided by a discrete trial teaching (DTT) team and analyze trends in learning. Students will take raw data and graph the data to present to assigned consultant for review. Students will continue to provide weekly one-on-one teaching with their assigned child. All practicum hours are on campus and attendance is a significant part of grade.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and the faculty mentor is required for registration. The project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the psychology faculty.

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a written thesis and a presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and the faculty mentor is required for registration.

An advanced examination of the influence of the presence or perceived presence of others on an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they intersect the workplace. A focus on attitudes and attitude change, group processes, social cognition/judgment and decision-making, social influence and leadership, and social-psychological research methods. 

An advanced study of psychological-testing theory and practice, focusing on the nature of psychological constructs, testing theory, individual differences, judgment and decision making in testing, and appropriate methods of test construction and deployment including statistical methods and psychometrics.