College of Letters & Sciences
Laurentide Hall
  1. UW-Whitewater College of Letters and Sciences
  2. Departments
  3. Psychology
  4. Course Descriptions

Psychology

Resources

Contact Information

Elizabeth Olson
Department Chair & Associate Professor 
Phone:  262-472-5400
Location: Laurentide Hall 1221
Meg Waraczynski
Master Advisor & Professor
Phone: 262-472-5415
Location: Upham Hall 368
Angie Grove
Department Assistant
Phone: 262-472-1026
Location: Laurentide Hall 1223

Course Descriptions

  • INTRODUCTION TO THE PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR
    Psychology 101, Credits: 1

    Introduction to the Psychology Major outlines academic emphases and requirements within the major and introduces students to a breadth of psychological careers. Students will learn basics of APA style, become familiar with paths to graduate school and psychology-related careers, and plot their own course of study in the major.

  • PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN ADJUSTMENT
    Psychology 104, Credits: 3

    Focuses on the processes of decision-making, conflict resolution, and value judgments. Emphasis will be on understanding practical methods for handling interpersonal relationships. Effective use of coping devices for college students and others will be studied. Enhancing the psychological resources for personal change and growth will be stressed.

  • PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN
    Psychology 202, Credits: 3

    Inquiry into the psychology of women with an emphasis on theory and research. Study of gender differences in behavior and personality from intrapsychic and sociocultural viewpoint. Personality development and life stages of women.

  • INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 211, Credits: 3

    A survey of contemporary psychology covering human development, intelligence, abilities, sensation, perception, motivation, emotion, learning, personality structure, disordered behavior, social psychology, and the physiological bases of behavior. Includes an overview of current theory, research methods, and controversial issues in the field.

  • BASIC STATISTICAL METHODS
    Psychology 215, Credits: 3

    An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include preliminary concepts, frequency distribution, graphic methods, measures of central tendency and variability, percentiles, probability, normal distribution, correlation analysis, sampling theory, parametric and selected non-parametric hypotheses-testing procedures. Lectures are supplemented by computational laboratory sessions.

  • RESEARCH METHODS
    Psychology 216, Credits: 5

    A laboratory course in the methodology of psychological research with emphasis on design, measurement, and statistical analysis appropriate for testing hypotheses in perception, learning, memory and other areas of general psychology. Students design and conduct experiments and write reports.

  • SPECIAL STUDIES
    Psychology 296, Credits: 1-3

    Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in degree.

  • INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
    Psychology 301, Credits: 3

    A survey of the biological and physiological bases of human and animal behavior, with particular attention to the following: Basic principles of the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the nervous system; sensory and motor systems; sleep; circadian rhythms; sexual behavior; emotion and stress; motivation; learning, memory, and language; neurological disorders; psychopathology.

  • THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF EMOTION
    Psychology 302, Credits: 3

    Explores the biological function of emotion, the physiological, neural, and psychological structure of emotion, and the biological mechanisms by which emotion interacts with other aspects of human behavior. Understanding of how scientific researchers explore the biology of behavior, and skills in reading, summarizing, and critiquing primary literature will be developed.

  • LEARNING AND CONDITIONING
    Psychology 303, Credits: 3

    Studies the basic processes of how organisms modify their behavior. Topics include classical and instrumental conditioning, reinforcement, extinction, punishment and avoidance, generalization and discrimination, and biological constraints on learning.

  • PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY
    Psychology 304, Credits: 3

    An introduction to the study of the uniqueness of the individual. Emphasis will be on research methods and on theories as well as on some of the more important characteristics on which individuals differ.

  • PSYCHOLOGY OF PERCEPTION
    Psychology 305, Credits: 3

    A study of how sensations emerge from physical energies falling upon sense receptors and get organized into the percepts we call events, objects and object properties of the real world including our self image. Topics include illusions, hallucinations, and normal experiences with all the senses, especially touch, hearing, and vision.

  • POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 321, Credits: 3

    This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of human flourishing including ideas such as hope, mindfulness, love, humor, wisdom and purpose. Students will gain an understanding of the current research into positive traits, experiences, and institutions and learn to apply evidence-based strategies for improving well-being in their lives.

  • INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL, COUNSELING, AND SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 327, Credits: 3

    A survey course designed to offer a comprehensive overview of clinical, counseling, and school psychology professions. Examines roles, activities (assessment, diagnosis, consultation, intervention, and prevention), and current issues in the professional fields.

  • LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT
    Psychology 330, Credits: 3

    This course provides an examination of the biological, cognitive, social and emotional development of humans from conception to death. The course emphasizes typical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands as well as the role of cultural difference in the developmental process. The theories and principles of human development are examined in light of contemporary research.

  • PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
    Psychology 345, Credits: 3

    An introductory survey of psychopathology covering the clinical syndromes included in the diagnostic classification system of the American Psychiatric Association. Current research regarding causal factors, treatment, and outcomes supplement descriptions of maladaptive patterns of behavior.

  • COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 351, Credits: 3

    Course will explore processes of thought, attention memory, language, and problem-solving. Students will explore various theories of cognition from traditional psychological theories (i.e., linguistic vs. image based thought) to the current computer-based models (i.e., artificial intelligence) and examine relevant evidence to help us gain insight into the workings of the human mind.

  • SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 355, Credits: 3

    The study of the individual (thus psychological) in social contexts (thus sociological), emphasizing such topics as interpersonal attractions, prejudice, leadership, formal and informal social roles, conflicts, brainwashing, social power, social influence, persuasion, stereotyping, conformity, obedience, group effectiveness, self-perception, and validation in social interaction of beliefs, values, attitudes, self-concepts.

  • HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 383, Credits: 3

    In this course, students will study the inter-relationship between psychology and health. Students will gain an understanding of the mind-body connection in the context of evidence-based approaches to disease prevention and wellness promotion through the lens of the biopsychosocial model.

  • DIRECTED RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 394, Credits: 3

    Students, under faculty supervision, participate in some or all phases of research projects, literature search, design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of research reports. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in the psychology major or minor. Topics vary from term to term. Department Consent required.

  • PSYCHOLOGY OF EMOTION AND MOTIVATION
    Psychology 407, Credits: 3

    Motivation is fundamental to human behavior, and emotion is intricately involved in motivational processes as both cause and effect. This course offers an introduction to the psychological bases of and interrelations between human emotion and motivation.

  • COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 412, Credits: 3

    Comparative psychology is the study of animal behavior. Studying animals helps us understand what makes us uniquely human, and it also illuminates many areas of cross-species similarity. This course will examine the research on topics such as animal reasoning, language, and social behavior.

  • ADVANCED AND MULTIVARIATE DATA ANALYSIS FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES
    Psychology 416, Credits: 3

    An introduction to multifactorial and multivariate data analyses commonly used in life sciences such as psychology and biology. Analyses include analysis of variance and covariance, multiple analysis of variance and covariance, multiple regression, foundations of structural equation modeling (path analysis and latent factor analysis), discriminant analysis and logistic regression.

  • FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 420, Credits: 3

    An examination of the history, foundations, legal/ethical, and role and function issues in school psychology. Particular attention will be focused on the exploration of specific models of school psychological service delivery, including direct intervention and school-based consultation with education and agency professionals. Instructor Consent required.

  • CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 426, Credits: 3

    This course examines the relationship between culture and psychological processes. We will explore theories and research in various areas (e.g., self, socialization, cognition, motivation, emotion, and well-being) from the perspective of culture. We will discuss the implications of cultural similarities and differences in these areas for the scientific study of psychology, and for our personal lives in a diverse society.

  • PSYCHOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD
    Psychology 431, Credits: 3

    An in-depth overview of the core theories, scientific methods, and major research findings for studying young children. Multiple aspects of early child development, including neurological/cognitive and social/emotional development from infancy through middle childhood, are considered. The approach to these topics is scientific, with an emphasis on recent research findings in developmental psychology.

  • PSYCHOLOGY OF ADOLESCENCE
    Psychology 432, Credits: 3

    An examination of the biological, cognitive, social, and emotional development of humans from puberty to young adulthood, with particular attention to theory and research on key developmental tasks including identity, autonomy, intimacy, and sexuality development. Includes an emphasis on the influence of sociocultural contexts on development.

  • PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS
    Psychology 440, Credits: 3

    Demonstrates the principles of psychological measurement. Demonstrates contents and uses of specific tests of mental ability, achievement, personality, interests, and special abilities. Field work: Group examination of regional schools' testing program - analysis of tests of this program.

  • PRINCIPLES OF BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
    Psychology 444, Credits: 3

    A survey of the various methods used in behavior modification programs. The background and theory of specific techniques will be carefully considered. The variables to be reviewed in establishing a sound program will be presented and evaluated.

  • HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 475, Credits: 3

    An overview of major psychological theories and theoretical issues designed to assist the advanced student in organizing and integrating his knowledge of factual content in psychology and in completing a strong foundation for graduate study.

  • SCHOOL VIOLENCE AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT
    Psychology 480, Credits: 3

    Advanced undergraduate students who have professional and/or scholarly interests in understanding variables associated violence and crisis management in public school setting. Emphasizes: Psychological, developmental, and risk correlates of childhood aggression; critical examination of prevention and intervention models considered most effective and useful in the school setting; in depth understanding of crisis prevention and response models.

  • ADVANCED HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 483, Credits: 3

    An examination of how scientific knowledge of the biopsychosocial components in health and disease are applied to the development of prevention and interventions programs for physical disease and disability as well as the promotion of health. Includes attention to theory, assessment, and prevention and intervention techniques with an emphasis on their ethical and evidence-based applications in diverse populations.

  • INTERVIEW AND PSYCHOTHERAPY TECHNIQUES
    Psychology 486, Credits: 3

    A review of the literature on interview techniques as a method of assessment and as a method of helping. Students will observe and discuss demonstrations conducted by faculty members. In addition, students will conduct, role-play, tape, and analyze interviews themselves.

  • FIELD TRAINING IN PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 487, Credits: 3

    In this course students are placed in a supervised field experience in a selected agency or institution along with a classroom component. The course emphasizes application of psychological concepts and research in an applied setting.

  • FAMILY THERAPY
    Psychology 489, Credits: 3

    Concepts, theories, and research in family therapy will be reviewed. Students will role-play family problems and treatment skills. This course does not qualify a student to practice family therapy, for which an internship and/or clinical placement and graduate degree are necessary.

  • WORKSHOP
    Psychology 490, Credits: 1-6

    Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in degree.

  • SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY
    Psychology 494, Credits: 1-3

    Variable topics. Group activity. An advanced course of study in a defined subject matter area emphasizing a small group in intense study with a faculty member. Repeatable, with permission of the Psychology Department, for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree.

  • SPECIAL STUDIES
    Psychology 496, Credits: 1-3

    Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings. Repeatable, with permission of department, for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree.

  • EXCHANGE STUDY
    Psychology 497, Credits: 0.5-12

    Variable topics. See Schedule of Classes. Repeatable.

  • INDEPENDENT STUDY
    Psychology 498, Credits: 1-3

    Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable in combination with PSYCH 498R, for a maximum of 6 units in major and 12 units in degree..

  • INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
    Psychology 498R, Credits: 1-3

    Limited to students in the Undergraduate Research Program or to students whose faculty-recommended project meets departmental expectations for undergraduate research. Repeatable, in combination with PSYCH 498, for a maximum of 6 units in major and 12 units in degree.

  • SENIOR THESIS
    Psychology 499, Credits: 3-6

    Students engage in a critical review or an experimental study of a topic of interest to them under the supervision of an honors thesis committee of the psychology department. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in the major.



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