Stephen F. Austin State University

PSY 133
General Psychology

Survey of fundamental principles of behavior, including physiological, perceptual, developmental, learning, motivational, cognitive, social, historical, and methodological perspectives.

PSY 143
Psychology of Adjustment

Applications of basic psychological principles to human adjustment and growth, including development, self-concept, coping with stress, abnormal behavior, social influence, and interpersonal relationships, including love and intimacy.

PSY 153
Human Sexuality

Psychology of sexual behavior as related to social conduct.

PSY 198
Effective Learning

Study of the acquisition of procedural knowledge through the application of human learning theory, cognitive behavior modification and developmental psychology. Generalization and transfer of this knowledge will be emphasized. May not be taken for credit toward a major, 2nd major, or minor in Psychology

PSY 200
Scientific Literacy in Psychology (WE & 4 credits)

4 semester hours, 3 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory per week. Topics include information literacy and APA writing, ethics, introductory concepts in psychological statistics and research methods, and interpretation of data tables and graphs. Foundation course for psychological statistics and research design, preparing students to be better consumers of psychological science. Prerequisite: PSY 133.

PSY 310
Industrial Psychology

Comprehensive study of the use of applied psychology in the areas of business and industry. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSY 311
Social Psychology

Study of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals relate to and are influenced by the presence of others. Topics include conformity, aggression, interpersonal attraction, close relationships, social cognition, attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice, and group and intergroup behaviors. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSY 330
Psychological Statistics (4 credits)

4 semester hours, 3 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory per week. Application of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques in processing behavioral data. Includes normative techniques, parametric and nonparametric applications. PSY 330L is a corequisite for this course. Prerequisite: PSY 200. Course fee: $40.

PSY 341
Experimental Psychology (WE & 4 credits)

4 semester hours, 3 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory per week. Research methods, emphasizing use of experimental control, and analysis of data for reporting experimental results in the psychological study of human and non-human behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 330 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor. Course fee: $40.

PSY 350
Biopsychology

Examination of relationships between behavior and underlying physiological mechanisms. Aspects covered include neural conduction, sensory receptor mechanisms, learning and memory, and other aspects of higher cortical functioning in both humans and animals. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSY 351
Sensation & Perception

Overview of how humans and other animals sense and perceive the world around us. All the senses will be discussed, with a focus on vision. Coverage includes psychophysical and physiological research and how perception applies in our daily lives. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSY 360
Cognitive Psychology

Introduction to current theory and research in the psychology of thought with an emphasis on human information processing system.Topics include perceptual processes, attention, memory, language, categorization, imagery, problem solving and decision making. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSY 361
Principles of Behavior Modification

Principles and research on and use of behavioral techniques in clinical, academic, correctional, and industrial settings. Areas covered include behavioral management of children's disorders, self-management skills enhancement, productivity enhancement, and other interventions. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above.

PSY 375
Abnormal Psychology

Theories and research on the incidence, classification, etiology, and treatment of abnormal behaviors. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSY 376
Lifespan Development

Examination of development from conception to death. Coverage includes theories and current research on the domains of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, with a focus on how biological and environmental factors interact to influence development in these domains. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSY 385
Psychology of Aggression

Perspectives on the development of human violence. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSY 400
Positive Psychology

Focus on strengthening and optimizing positive dimensions of personal life, particularly in the areas of interpersonal relationships, work and leisure. Includes topics such as self-efficacy, optimism, hope, cultural values, motivation, personal strengths and virtues. Prerequisites: Advanced standing.

PSY 410
Performance Management

Focus on conducting effective performance improvement projects in organizations. Topics include identifying performance targets worthy of change, developing measurement systems and tracking performance, behavior and performance analyses, behavior change strategies, and evaluation of organizational impact. Prerequisite: Advanced standing.

PSY 420
History & Systems of Psychology (WE)

Survey of the historical background of psychology, emphasizing its philosophical origins and evolution of the psychological point of view. Contributions of major schools of psychology to modern psychology also emphasized. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

PSY 425
Psychology & Law

Study of how psychological research contributes to a greater understanding of the legal system. Topics include an introduction to the legal system, psychology of police, criminal investigations, forensic assessments, the trial process, sentencing phase and corrections. Prerequisite: Advanced standing.

PSY 428
Comparative Psychology

Introduction to the study of the behavior and cognition of diverse species. Topics include problem-solving, language, consciousness, perception, memory, reasoning, emotions, culture, and social complexity of animals. Basic methods of animal observation in non-experimental settings also covered. Prerequisite: Advanced standing.

PSY 475
Special Problems (1-4 credits)

Individual research on a topic agreed upon before registration by a student and supervising faculty member. May be repeated under a different topic area for a maximum of eight hours credit. Prerequisites: Advanced standing, consent of instructor, and overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

PSY 497
Research Seminar (WE)

Capstone course. Students design, conduct, analyze, and write up research for publication/presentation. Prerequisite: Advanced standing and grade of C or better in PSY 341. Course fee: $40.

PSY 498
Topics in Psychology

In-depth study of a topic, such as Sports Psychology, Health Psychology, Human Factors, Ecological Psychology, or Existential Psychology. Topics announced prior to registration. May be repeated under a different topic area for a maximum of six hours credit. Prerequisites: Advanced standing or consent of instructor.