Psychology (PSYC)

Introduction to psychology: historical origins; methods of investigation; topics such as sensation, perception, learning, cognition, motivation, and emotion; fields such as physiological, development, personality, social, abnormal, testing, applied psychology, and psychotherapy. University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Understanding Human Behavior

Instructor consent required.

Statistical concepts and methods related to psychological testing and research, including measures of central tendency, variability, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, non-parametric tests, and use of statistical software programs. Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. University Core fulfilled: Foundations: Quantitative Reasoning.

Introduces the basic principles of common psychology research methods and designs. Provides students with fundamental background for planning, conducting, and critiquing research in psychology. Emphasizes scientific writing, including APA style, and data interpretation using descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include: hypothesis testing, searching scientific literature, variables and measurement, reliability and validity, and ethics in the conduct of empirical research. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 1000 and PSYC 2001 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 and 2001 at LMU.

Biological basis of behavior, structure and function of the sensory and effector mechanisms, neural and endocrine systems and their underlying physiological substrates. Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU.

Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU.

Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. Instructor consent required.

Explores sex and sex differences from a biosocial or evolutionary psychology perspective. Examines evolution of sexual reproduction, the two sexes, sexually dimorphic morphology, behavior, and emotion. Identifies and examines different reproductive strategies employed by males and females (including nonhuman species) and resulting conflicts of interests between the sexes. Particular focus given to sex differences in sexuality, courtship, jealousy, mating systems, and parenting. Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only.

Through lectures, exercises, films and demonstrations, students will learn about the current psychological perspectives on gender in diverse contexts and the research methods used by psychological scientists to understand the role of gender in people's lives. A critical feature of class discussions will center on how the cultural diversity of our contemporary society shapes gendered experiences in various contexts such as friendships, romantic relationships and intergroup relations as well as school practices such as discipline. Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU Junior or senior standing required.

A biopsychosocial/spiritual review of topics in psychology from an Africentric perspective. A survey course examining and contrasting basic theories, research, and concepts in African psychology and Black psychology. Selected features of the discipline of western psychology are critiqued from an African-centered perspective. Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only.

The study of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) including the diagnostic criteria and defining characteristics of ASD, underlying brain and cognitive/social mechanisms, life course perspectives, and evidence-based interventions. Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. University Core fulfilled: Flag: Engaged Learning.

An introduction to the biological, psychological, and social determinants of psychopathology and maladaptive behaviors. Causes, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental disorders such as: schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, childhood disorders, sexual dysfunctions, and other conditions covered in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only.

Cognitive science focuses on the core questions about what minds are, what they are for, and how they work. As an interdisciplinary field, cognitive science integrates perspectives from psychology, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, and neuroscience. Key topics may include memory, language, decision making, perception and emotion. Students will complete a project that integrates findings from at least three of the key contributing disciplines to Cognitive Science.

Explores the scientific investigation and advancement of theory pertaining to processes underlying the biological basis of human behavior. This course will examine pertinent topics within the fields of psychology, biology, chemistry, neuropharmacology, biochemistry, and the clinical sciences (e.g., neurology and neuropsychiatry) to provide a comprehensive introduction to behavioral neuroscience. Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics

Research and theories of normal human development from conception through adult maturity, old age, and death. Focus on growth and change in biological, cognitive, and social processes in psychological development. Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only.

Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only.

Prerequisite: TR in PSYC 1000 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 1000 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor consent required.

Contemporary theories, research, and the neural bases of cognitive processes: perception, attention, memory, knowledge representation, problem-solving, and reasoning. Explores the application of these theories to study skills, neuropsychology, psychopathology, and computer models of cognition. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 OR grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only. Required for Psychology majors.

Contemporary theories and empirical research related to person perception, affiliation, interpersonal attraction, group structure and dynamics, social influence, attitude change, aggression, prosocial behavior, and prejudice. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002, and PSYC 2003 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002, and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only. Required for Psychology majors.

This course explores the question of how the brain creates what we see, smell, hear, touch and taste. We will survey the field of sensation and perception by first examining the various methods used in the field. We then delve into each sensory system, with an emphasis on visual and auditory systems, and discuss the relationship between our physical world, nervous system, and various perceptual phenomena. Students will be exposed to traditional psychophysical methods, current experimental research, and recent findings from neuroscience. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002, and PSYC 2003 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002, and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only.

The study of history, theories, prevention and interventions from the field of psychology focused on trauma and resilience. Topics include various kinds of trauma, risk and resilience factors, and how trauma affects individuals (e.g., development, neurological impacts, and traumatic stress responses). There is a focus on examining cultural and ecological factors as they pertain to risk and resilience. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 or grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only.

Theory, research, and application of clinical assessment and intervention for psychological disorders and behavior change. Topics include history and fundamental principles of clinical psychology, clinical interviewing and psychological testing, major theoretical models and intervention techniques, clinical science and treatment research, career/professional issues, and ethics. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 OR grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only.

The community psychology course introduces students to the rigorous academic discipline of community psychology, the theoretical approach to community-based interventions and its emphasis on research and action. Students will gain an understanding of the role, functions, and responsibilities of a community psychologist working with and within community organizations. The course stresses student engagement in transformative action, allowing them to integrate practical experience with community psychology research and theory. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 OR grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only. University Core fulfilled: Flag: Engaged Learning.

A survey of the major contemporary theories of personality and relevant research and applications related to each theory. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 OR grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only.

Building on lower division statistics and research methods Psychology requirements, this course further investigates research designs and statistical analyses psychologists use to understand, predict, and influence human behavior. Students will conduct an empirical research study in a topical area of psychology and present results in APA-style written, oral, and/or poster presentations. Highly recommended for students considering graduate study in psychology. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 OR grade of C(2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. University Core fulfilled: Flags: Engaged Learning.

Examination of the biosocial development of adaptive behavioral strategies for various classes of behavior including altruism, intergenerational conflict, courtship, parenting, territoriality, sibling rivalry, aggression. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 OR grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only.

Introduction to an understanding and assessment of individuals with neurological disorders such as traumatic brain injury, dementia, cerebrovascular disorders, brain tumors, etc. An emphasis is placed on neuropsychological testing and neurological/non-neurological (e.g., education, ethnocultural variables, etc.) factors that affect test performance and interpretation. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 OR grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only.

Introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. Neurological diseases and disorders are described from a clinical perspective, including an understanding of the clinical population and underlying causes, disease mechanisms, genetic testing, diagnostic imaging and treatments. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 OR grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only.

Guided teaching of undergraduate course(s). May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 OR grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only. Instructor consent required.

This course is for students who are research assistants (RAs) in faculty research. It provides an engaging, in-depth opportunity to learn the ethics, methods, and principles of psychological research. It is designed to flexibly accommodate a student either over several semesters (taking 1-2 semester hours in any combination one semester at a time up to a maximum of 4 semester hours) or in one semester (for the full 4 semester hours). A formal agreement between the student and faculty member shall define the academic expectations and workload and incorporate specific requirements for a writing assignment related to the research on which the student works that will serve as a formal basis for the grade. Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 or grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only. University Core fulfilled: Flag: Engaged Learning. Permission of a full-time faculty member who agrees to serve as the student's supervisor, mentor, and evaluator required.

Seminar focuses on a faculty-selected topic to be investigated using the biopsychosocial perspective. The topic of this seminar is selected by the faculty member from within his or her area of expertise. Students are expected to broadly review and integrate their learning in psychology across the curriculum. This course fulfills the capstone requirement. Prerequisites: All required courses for the major completed or concurrently completed with capstone. Senior Psychology majors only.

Assessment of student learning outcomes in the field of psychology. Includes written examination or some form of written assessment, and/or other forms of end-of-program evaluation. There are no class meetings; this involves an ungraded exam/survey that occurs toward the end of the semester. Prerequisites: All required courses for the major completed or currently in progress. Open only to senior Psychology majors in their final semester. Credit/No Credit only. PSYC 4195 is offered two times a year (Fall and Spring).

This is an opportunity for Honors-eligible students to complete a substantive research project to quality for Departmental Honors. Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 OR TR PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002 , PSYC 2003 OR TR PSYC 2003, and permission of department chairperson. The student must also obtain the written approval of the faculty supervisor the semester prior to starting Honors in Psychology. Senior Psychology majors only.

Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002, and PSYC 2003 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002, and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only.

Prerequisites: TR in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002, and PSYC 2003 OR Grade of C (2.0) or higher in PSYC 2001, PSYC 2002, and PSYC 2003 at LMU. Juniors and seniors only. Open to Psychology majors and minors only. Instructor consent required.