Courses
| Course Name/Number | Description | Credits | Requirements | ||||||||
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PSYC 100
Introduction to Psychology |
Introduction to the basic concepts of psychology. Emphasis on interpretation of psychological data, biological bases of behavior, perception, learning, individual differences, personality, behavior pathology and social psychology. | 4 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 200
Child Developmental Psychology |
The study of age-related cognitive, social and emotional behavior focusing on theories of development during infancy and childhood. This course is recommended for students planning to teach in elementary or secondary schools. Prerequisites: PSYC 100. | 3 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 204
Diversity and Pluralism: An Interdisciplinary Perspective |
An analysis of race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexual orientation in society. The goal of the course is to have students understand the sociocultural nature of human identity and diversity. In addition, the course will explore ways of enhancing communication across the boundaries that divide groups in a pluralistic society. Small-group discussion of course material will take place throughout the semester. Note: Also listed as SOCY 204 and MLL 204. Students may receive credit in only one department; the course may not be repeated in another department. | 3 | SS | C | |||||||
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PSYC 205
Before We Were Born |
A multidisciplinary analysis of prenatal human development, including psychological and biological theories of human development; neural development; prenatal behavior, perception and learning; developmental and genetic disorders; effects of maternal conditions on prenatal development. | 3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 210
Psychology of Learning |
Basic problems in the psychology of learning: reinforcement and patterns of reinforcement, extinction, generalization and discrimination, verbal learning, transfer of training, retention and forgetting, and concept learning. | 3 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 215
Paraprofessionals in the Residential Community |
This course is for students who are paraprofessionals in the Residential Life Office. The course will examine developmental tasks and critical issues facing college students. College student development theory, helping and peer counseling skills, examination of personal ethics and responsibility, conflict resolution and group development will be the focus of this course. Prerequisites: This course requires special permission from the Residential Life Office for registration. | 3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 230
Psychology and Culture |
Building on students’ familiarity (from PSYC 100) with basic concepts and research methods in contemporary American psychology, this course explores the ways in which these ideas are related to cultural variation, both internationally and within the United States. The findings of crosscultural research are examined in four major fields of psychology: cognitive, developmental, personality and social. Implications are considered for interpretation of personal experience and for applications of psychology in professional practice and public policy. PreReq: PSYC 100 or consent of the instructor |
3 | SS | C | |||||||
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PSYC 255
Psychology of the Black Experience |
A survey of selected psychological theories and research pertaining to black people. Includes an introduction to black psychology. | 3 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 285
Abnormal Psychology |
Mental, emotional and personality disorders. Classification of abnormal behavior, its causes and treatment. PreReq: PSYC 100 |
3 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 292
Special Topics in Psychology |
Students should refer to the course description(s) appearing in the Schedule of Classes. PreReq: PSYC 100 |
1-3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 304
Adolescent Psychology |
Concerned with the period of human development from puberty to maturity. Topics include theoretical perspectives, cross cultural differences, physiological growth and cognitive development, selected social issues and selected problem areas, including drug abuse, sexual behaviors and delinquency. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology or consent of the instructor. |
3 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 305
The Exceptional Child |
This course will examine development and behavior of various types of exceptional children. Consideration is given to children who are sensorially impaired, mentally disabled, brain-damaged, learning disabled, gifted and to other atypical children. PreReq: PSYC 200 |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 306
Lifespan Human Development |
An introduction to human development through the lifespan. The course is designed specifically for nursing students and covers theoretical perspectives and empirical research on development from the prenatal period through senescence, with consideration of practical implications. Issues in physical, social, cognitive and affective development are examined. PreReq: PSYC 100 |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 307
Psychology of Aging |
An examination of psychological changes associated with aging. Topics include physiological, cognitive, affective, behavioral and social changes. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 308
Child Maltreatment |
Psychological aspects of child maltreatment will be covered. Issues to be discussed include history, definitions, causes and correlates, prediction, treatment, prevention and developmental effects of abuse of children. PreReq: PSYC 200 or 285 |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 316
Language and Thought |
Introduction to empirical and theoretical literature on a variety of topics dealing with language behavior and higher
mental processes.
PreReq: PSYC 200 or 210 |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 317
Cognitive Psychology |
Introduction to human information processing, including such topics as concept formation, pattern recognition, attention, memory and problem-solving. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 320
Psychological Assessment |
Basic principles of the construction, standardization and interpretation of psychological tests. Emphases on intelligence, personality and interest tests. PreReq: PSYC 331 or PSYC 100 and STAT 121 |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 324
Introduction to Interviewing Techniques |
An introduction to the interview as an information-gathering technique in research, in the clinic and in industry. Students
receive supervised experience in interviewing skills.
PreReq: PSYC 285 or 380. PSYC 331 recommended |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 330
Child Development and Culture |
The influence of culture on child development will be examined from several perspectives. Issues examined include the influences of group; differences in family organization, how styles of parenting affect children’s socio emotional development, how language and communication practices affect cognitive development, national differences in cultural tradition reflected in the pattern of educational and other institutions, and implications for the participation of minority cultural groups in American education. PreReq: PSYC 200 |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 331
Experimental Psychology: Design and Analysis I |
Design and analysis of singlevariable experiments and quasi-experiments. This course emphasizes the design, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of psychological research. PreReq: PSYC 100 and a mathematics placement above MATH 099 |
4 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 332
Experimental Psychology: Design and Analysis II |
Design and analysis of experiments, including multi-factor problems. Students perform experiments, apply statistical methods in data analysis and write scientific reports. PreReq: Completion of PSYC 331 with a grade of “C” or better |
4 | |||||||||
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PSYC 333
Laughter and Humor |
Laughter and Humor is a wide ranging, interdisciplinary science course dealing with some of our species’ most common, potent and ancient behaviors. Laughter and humor will be examined from evolutionary, historical, philosophical, psychological, literary, musical, acoustic and neurological perspectives, to understand their place inhuman nature and everyday life. Class participation and self-examination are emphasized and novel descriptive techniques are used to discover order and meaning in our laughter and social relationships PreReq: PSYC 100 |
3 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 335
Physiological Psychology |
Physiological and neurological bases of behavior. Emphasis on physiological bases of sensory, motivational, emotional and cognitive processes. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology or consent of instructor |
3 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 340
Social Psychology |
Analysis of theories and research in the scientific study of human social phenomena, focusing on the relationship between the social environment and individual behavior. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology or consent of instructor |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 342
The Psychology of Aggression and Anti-social Behavior |
Topics include theories of violence and aggression; the classification, treatment and modification of anti-social behavior; and the development of conscience and pro-social behavior. PreReq: PSYC 285 or 340 |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 345
Introduction to Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy |
This course focuses on clinical interviewing; intellectual and personality assessment; the diagnosis and classification of psychopathology; and theories, techniques and research concerning a variety of therapeutic approaches (including psychodynamic, Gestalt, person-centered and cognitive/behavioral.) PreReq: PSYC 285 and junior/senior standing |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 355
Comparative Psychology and Ethology |
Introduction to the biology of behavior emphasizing the adaptive and evolutionary significance of species-typic behavioral systems in animals. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology or consent of instructor. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 356
The Psychology of Sex Differences |
An examination of the psychology and biology of sex differences. The major focus of the course is an examination of the psychological and social factors that lead to the development of sex differences and similarities in behavior. While physiological and animal data are discussed where appropriate, the primary concern is the consideration of the human organism. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 357
Psychology of Women. |
The course will discuss psychological models of the female personality (psychoanalytic, social learning, cognitive development and gender schema perspectives); sexuality; gender roles; gender bias in psychological research; and psychological research on such topics as women’s achievement, mental health and interpersonal relationships. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology or consent of instructor. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 360
Psychology of Motivation |
Study of theory and experimentation concerned with the concepts of drive and reward and their effects on perception, learning and behavior. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 370
Sensation and Perception |
An examination of basic phenomena in sensory psychophysics and perception. Anatomy and physiology of sensory systems, methodological issues and perceptual theories are considered. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology or consent of instructor. |
3 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 375
Neuroanatomy |
This course is a self-paced, clinically oriented introduction to human neuroanatomy. Students learn the basic structures of the brain and spinal cord and how to diagnose and localize the site of various neuropathologies. PreReq: PSYC 100 or BIOL 100. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 380
Personality |
A comparative survey of the major theories of personality, preceded by a discussion of theory construction and evaluation and including an examination of some of the empirical research generated by the theories. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology or consent of instructor. |
3 | SS | ||||||||
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PSYC 382
Child and Adolescent Psychopathology |
The course covers assessment, causality and treatment of specific DSM-IV disorders of childhood and adolescence (e.g., autism, depression and suicide, anorexia nervosa, conduct disorders). Differences in theories of causality of disorders are linked to assessment and treatment. Models of intervention such as psychotherapy, behavior therapy, family therapy and primary prevention are discussed. PreReq: PSYC 285 |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 385
Health Psychology |
The course presents a comprehensive review of the role of behavioral variables in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, etiology and treatment of disease. Special attention is paid to behavioral variables in coronary heart disease, hypertension and cancer. Other topics include pain management, the treatment of obesity and alcoholism and the management of the dying patient. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 387
Community Psychology |
This course assesses the current status of theory, research and action by psychologists as they grapple with the difficult, often values-related social and psychological problems in communities (e.g., mental illness, discrimination, unemployment). Major topics include prevention of psychological and medical problems in high-risk populations, development of alternative human-service models and resources in the community, and the establishment of effective social and mental health policies. PreReq: Seven credits in psychology. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 390
Neuropsychopharmacology |
An examination of the basic principles of how drugs affect the central nervous system and behavior. Topics include pharmacokinetics, drugs as treatments for behavior disorders, drugs with abuse potential, and the neurochemistry of mood and cognition. PreReq: PSYC 210, 285 or 335. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 393
Special Topics in Psychology |
Students should refer to the course description(s) appearing in the Schedule of Classes. | 1-3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 397
Research Experience in Psychology |
Active involvement in psychological research under the direct supervision of a faculty member. PreReq: Permission of instructor |
1-3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 398
Applied Psychology Internship |
This course gives students the opportunity to gain academic credit for structured practical experiences relevant to psychology. The internship site may be on or off campus. PreReq: PSYC 100 and permission of instructor. |
1-3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 399
Cooperative Education in Psychology |
This course provides a means for students intending to pursue careers in psychology to acquire academic credit while they are employed in a position related to psychology. The number of credits assigned, which will not exceed three per semester, will be based upon the instructor’s assessment of the intellectual and scientific level of the employment and its contribution to the professional development of the student. The grade assigned will be based on the quality of a written report and on the instructor’s appraisal of the student’s performance. The instructor may be guided in part by an evaluation provided by the student’s employment supervisor. PreReq: Junior/senior standing and permission of instructor. |
1-3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 400
Seminar in Developmental Psychology |
Selected topics in developmental psychology. PreReq: PSYC 200 and 332. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 406
Advanced Behavior Pathology |
Selected areas and topics in abnormal psychology are examined. The course emphasizes current research on key conceptual issues in behavior pathology such as classification of disorders and the combined and interactive influences of biological, psychological and social factors in the determination of behavior pathology. A variety of conditions are covered, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, traumatic stress disorders and schizophrenia. PreReq: PSYC 285 and 332. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 407
Advanced Child Psychology |
An in-depth critical examination of theory and research in selected aspects of children’s cognitive and social/emotional development. The course includes consideration of applications of basic research findings to real-world contexts and issues. PreReq: PSYC 200 and 332. |
3 | WI | ||||||||
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PSYC 409
Development and Education |
The aim of the course is to apply insights derived from research and theory in developmental psychology to problems of education. PreReq: PSYC 200 and 332. |
3 | WI | ||||||||
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PSYC 410
Seminar in Learning |
Contemporary issues in learning. Topics such as the selection of behavior by its consequences, contingencies of reinforcement, the relation between behavioral and cognitive approaches, and verbal behavior will be treated through primary readings. PreReq: PSYC 210 and 332. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 415
Seminar in Cognitive Psychology |
Selected topics in human cognition. PreReq: PSYC 317 and 332. |
3 | WI | ||||||||
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PSYC 437
Contemporary Social Issues: Making a Difference |
This advanced seminar focuses on community psychology approaches to making a difference in contemporary social issues. Approaches related to prevention, group empowerment, urban areas and social policy will receive special focus. Course requirements include active and prepared participation in classroom discussion, thought papers based on assigned readings, and an in-class presentation and final paper in an area of interest to the student. PreReq: PSYC 332. |
3 | WI | ||||||||
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PSYC 440
Seminar in Social Psychology |
Selected topics in social psychology. PreReq: PSYC 340 and 332. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 446
Industrial/Organizational Psychology |
A general survey of industrial psychology, including such topics as personnel selection and evaluation, job satisfaction, environmental factors and current research on individual behavior in complex organizations. PreReq: PSYC 210 or 340 and PSYC 332. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 448
Developmental Neuroscience |
This course begins with an examination of the history of embryology and developmental thought, and it moves on to contemporary topics in neuronal proliferation, differentiation, migration, axon outgrowth, trophic interactions, synapse formation, regeneration, naturally occurring neuronal death and behavior development. The behavioral relevance of techniques, findings and theory in neuroembryology is emphasized. PreReq: PSYC 335 or a 300-level biology course and PSYC 332. |
3 | WI | ||||||||
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PSYC 450
Seminar in Comparative Psychology and Ethology |
Examination of special topics dealing with the scope, aims and methods of the comparative, phylogenetic approach to the study of behavioral mechanisms. PreReq: PSYC 355 and 332. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 460
Seminar in Motivation and Emotion |
Selected topics and current issues in motivation and emotion. PreReq: PSYC 332, 360 and permission of the instructor. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 463
Eating: Normal and Abnormal |
This course examines the psychological, physiological and cultural determinants of human eating behavior. Topics include the development of food preferences and eating habits, eating disorders, (e.g. anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating), overeating/obesity, the nature of hunger/satiety, evolutionary perspectives and the effects of aging. PreReq: PSYC 332 or permission of the instructor. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 470
Seminar in Perception |
Selected topics in sensory-perceptual research will be examined. Emphasis may vary over given sensory systems and may focus on developmental, applied or other variables that determine perception and its importance for behavior. PreReq: PSYC 370, 335 or a 300-level biology course and PSYC 332. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 480
Seminar in Personality Study |
Selected theoretical and research topics in the study of personality. PreReq: PSYC 332 and 380. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 485
Seminar in Behavior Pathology |
Selected theoretical and research topics in the study of behavior pathology. PreReq: PSYC 285 and 332. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 490
Independent Research Project or Independent Reading in Psychology |
Students will be required to present the results of their research orally at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor required. PreReq: Psyc 332 |
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PSYC 493
Advanced Topics in Psychology |
A detailed examination either of a major area of psychological research (such as cognitive science) or of a specialized topic within one of these areas (such as nonlinear dynamics in behavior and cognition). PreReq: 15 or more credits in psychology (including PSYC 332) and permission of instructor. |
3 | |||||||||
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PSYC 498H
Honors Thesis Research |
All honors students will design and carry out an original research investigation under the supervision of a faculty member thesis advisor. PreReq: PSYC 332, 397 or 490 and permission of instructor. |
4 | |||||||||
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PSYC 499H
Honors Thesis |
Continuation of PSYC 498H. In addition to submitting a written honors thesis, students must present their research either in poster or oral format at an appropriate venue (e.g. Psychology Department Colloquium, UMBC Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day, professional/scientific conference). | 4 | |||||||||
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