May 03, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Psychology


Matthew Dykas, Chair
402 Mahar Hall
315-312-4013
www.oswego.edu/psychology
Directory of Professors  

Psychology—the scientific study of human and animal behavior and how such knowledge can be applied—is useful in many contexts, including health care, education, business, industry, sports and law. SUNY Oswego’s Psychology Department offers a superior program taught in an exciting atmosphere.

The Department of Psychology offers both a major BA and a minor in psychology. In both programs, students explore psychological science and behavior from the viewpoint of objective research.  Through the application of scientific reasoning and methodology to the study of complex psychological subject matter, our majors acquire the analytical and critical thinking skills valued in the contemporary career marketplace. The rigorous curriculum also provides graduates with the strong, broad background in the field required for admission to graduate programs in psychology or related fields.

The Psychology Department also offers a multidisciplinary BA/MBA program jointly with the School of Business. The program is designed to prepare Oswego psychology graduates for careers in business. At the conclusion of the program students receive a BA in Psychology, a minor in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration.

The Psychology/Human Computer Interaction (HCI) program is another multidisciplinary program offered jointly by the Department of Psychology and the HCI Program that is designed to allow students who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in HCI to complete both degrees in a shortened time frame. Students receive a BA in Psychology and a MA in Human Computer Interaction upon successful completion of the program.

All students enrolled in Psychology Department major programs are encouraged to engage in hands-on work in their area of interest. Students may elect to work on research projects with individual faculty or to pursue advanced research or independent study of their own. The department has excellent resources to support research in comparative and physiological psychology, evolutionary psychology, perceptual processes, human and animal learning, social psychology, experimental psychology and statistics, human factors, cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, gender and sexuality, psychology and law, health psychology and multicultural psychology.

Several faculty have federally funded and unfunded research projects that students can become involved with including the areas of infant perception, cardiovascular reactivity, and other areas of ongoing investigation.

The Department of Psychology is very proud to be home to an active chapter of Psi Chi, the national honors society in Psychology, as well as an active Psychology Club that is open to all interested students.

Because of very heavy student interest in the programs offered by the Department of Psychology, admission of first-year students and both internal and external transfer students may be restricted. Consult the Admissions Office (315-312-2250) or the Psychology Department Office (315-312-4013) for current admissions requirements.

The Department of Psychology cosponsors the following programs. The department has a representative-advisor to consult with those interested in the Cognitive Science program and to advise psychology majors who wish to build an elective sequence in this area.

Cognitive Science Major – B.A. Degree 
Cognitive Science Major – B.S. Degree  

Linguistics Major – B.A. Degree 
Philosophy-Psychology Joint Major – B.A. Degree  
 

The Graduate Advanced Certificate Program - Interdisciplinary Trauma Studies - is cosponsored by the Psychology Department.

Programs

Major

Minor

Honor Requirements for Major

Courses

Psychology

  • PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Psychology is the science that studies behavior and mental processes, and studies the profession that applies that science.
     

    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 111 - Seminar in Psychological Science


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course provides a broad introduction to the psychology major at SUNY Oswego. It familiarizes students with the Psychology Department faculty and their respective areas of expertise. It also provides students with a solid understanding of the requirements, options, and possibilities available for psychology majors. The course consists of a short introductory sequence, followed by a series of seminars from faculty members in each breadth area highlighting the content, courses, and directions each area provides. Seminars are supported by short assignments designed to enhance interest in the major, familiarize students with current scientific literature, and highlight faculty research interests.

    Prerequisites: PSY 100.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 1

  • PSY 200 - Lifespan Development Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Survey of the current theories and research that describe and explain the changes in behavior that take place across the lifespan.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166.
    Offered: Fall, Summer
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 201 - Drugs & Behavior


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course will introduce students to the psycho-(bio)logy of drug and alcohol use. Students learn about legal and illicit substances, their common uses, differences between abuse and dependence, and available treatments. The knowledge learned in this course will prepare students to critically evaluate scientific literature in the substance use field.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis.
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 202 - Memory and Cognition in Everyday Life


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of memory, problem solving and decision making. The focus will be to link the cognitive psychology research to applications that will help students to improve memory, problem solving and decision making, and to recognize and avoid the impediments to successful memory, solving and decision making in their daily lives. This course will give students the knowledge that will help them with critical thinking in all aspects of their lives, including their diverse career goals. The course will also be a foundation for any additional coursework in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, or human factors.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis.
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 203 - Canine Cognition and Behavior


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Canis Familiaris is the first domesticated animal. This course will introduce you to the study of dog psychology and what the latest discoveries tell us about how dogs think, learn, and feel about us. This course will build on concepts learned in PSY100, including perception, learning, cognition, and emotion, applying those concepts to a non-human animal. Understanding how these systems work in a non-human will allow students to better understand these systems in humans.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis.
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 280 - Analysis of Psychological Data


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Basic techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics, their applications to research in psychology and how to efficiently communicate statistical results in written format using APA writing style.
    Prerequisites: PSY 100 or COG 166, or instructor permission.

    Note: Laboratory course.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 4
  • PSY 290 - Research Methods in Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course involves critical consideration of the basic research methods used in psychological research. Emphasis is on designing, running, analyzing and communicating studies in diverse areas of psychology as a means for understanding the logic of research methodology.
    Prerequisite: PSY 280 or instructor permission.

    Note: Laboratory course.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 4
  • PSY 302 - Learning


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course is designed to be an advanced topical course within the specific area of learning. Students will utilize their methodology skills attained from PSY 290 to examine the area of learning from both the practical and theoretical standpoints. Students will be responsible for in-depth readings of original research in several specific areas of learning.

    Note: If you took PSY 302 you cannot take this course.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 303 - Biopsychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    An examination of the physical and biological mechanisms that underlie or are associated with specific behaviors and experiences including aggression, perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, psychopathology, development, and the action of psychoactive drugs.

    Note: If you have taken PSY 403 you cannot take this course.
    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166.
    Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 305 - Cognition


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This area of psychology is guided by the information processing approach in its examination of how people think. Topics include attention and memory, problem solving, decision making, and logical reasoning.

    Note: If you have taken PSY 405 you cannot take this course.
    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 310 - Topics in Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Varied topics in psychology.

    Note: Variable credit one to three, may be repeated four times for a total of 15 credits.
    Prerequisite: PSY 100
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 320 - Developmental Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course provides a comprehensive introduction to developmental psychology and to the scientific study of developmental processes during the period from conception through adolescence. As such this course will present theory, research, and applied topics as they apply to prenatal development, infancy, childhood and adolescence. Topics will include major theories and themes in developmental psychology, developmental research methods, physical development, socio-emotional development, cognitive development, language development, moral development, and contexts for development to include culture, family and peers. The emphasis in this class is on discovering the many different biological, maturational, and experiential factors that influence development.

    Note: Students who have taken PSY 322, PSY 323 or HDV 322 or HDV 323 may not take this course.
    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166
    Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 330 - Educational Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    A study of psychological principles and research as applied to classroom organization, teaching, and learning.

    Prerequisite: PSY 320 or HDV 322 or HDV 323; or instructor permission.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 340 - Social Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Introduction to the social determinants of individual and group behavior with an emphasis on current theory and research.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 343 - Health Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    A comprehensive introduction to the field of health psychology, including coverage of basic research methods, current findings with respect to psychosocial variable and disease risk, and critical analysis of the dissemination of these findings to the public.  
     

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166
    Offered: Summer
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 344 - Psychology of Women


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    In this course, traditional and contemporary theories on the psychology of women are examined. Historical and current research on the psychosocial development of girls and women are discussed and critiqued.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 345 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course describes and explains psychological aspects of work-related behavior, providing students with the skills necessary to effectively address the issues that impact human behavior in the workplace. Students will examine how psychological theories, methods, and research apply to the workplace.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 346 - Sport Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course examines the behavioral, perceptual, cognitive, and affective aspects of sport participants, coaches, officials and spectators.  Psychological concepts will be presented and applied to all aspects of sport and exercise.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 350 - Abnormal Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Examines the origins and symptoms of emotional and behavioral disorders. Prevention and treatment will be examined, along with cultural and historical influences on our understanding of disorders.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166.
    Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 361 - Psychology of Language


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Survey of the major research findings in the psychology of language with special emphasis on the psychological processes involved in language acquisition and adult language comprehension and production.

    Note: Students that have completed PSY 310, Psycholinguistics, cannot take this course.
    Prerequisite: PSY 100 or COG 166.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 399 - Independent Study


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Individual study and research.

    Note: Credits 1 to 12, may be repeated 5 times for a total of 12 credits.
    Prerequisite: Minimum 60 credits and 3.0 GPA and instructor permission.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis.
  • PSY 401 - Perception


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Examines contemporary theories and research which account for our abilities to sense and interpret light, sound, and other forms of stimulation.

    Note: Laboratory course.  If you have taken PSY 301 you cannot take this course.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 4
  • PSY 402 - Learning


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course is designed to be an advanced topical course within the specific area of human learning. Students will utilize their methodology skills attained from PSY 290 to examine the area of learning from both the practical and theoretical standpoints. Students will be responsible for in-depth readings of original research in several specific areas of learning. In addition, students will be involved in the basic methods of data collection, experimental design, data analysis, and report writing within the area of learning.

    Note: If you have taken PSY 302 you cannot take this course.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 4
  • PSY 403 - Biopsychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    An examination of the physical and biological mechanisms that underlie or are associated with specific behaviors and experiences including aggression, perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, psychopathology, development, and the action of psychoactive drugs.

    Note: Laboratory course.  If you have taken PSY 303 you cannot take this course.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 4
  • PSY 405 - Cognition


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This area of psychology is guided by the information processing approach in its examination of how people think. Topics include attention and memory, problem solving, decision making, and logical reasoning.

    Note: Laboratory course.  If you have taken PSY 305 you cannot take this course.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 4
  • PSY 407 - Human Factors Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course will provide an in depth review of the application of psychology to the design, development, and assessment of systems, products and information. Students will be provided with an understanding of human abilities, the user centered design process that accounts for those abilities, and methodologies for assessing usability. Through the review of case studies human factors issues related to human-computer interfaces, control design, workspace design and the needs of special populations (e.g. elderly) will be studied.

    Prerequisite: PSY 100 and 290 and upper division standing.
    Offered: Fall
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 410 - Advanced Topics in Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Course description is dependent on topic. Contact department for description.

    Note: Repeatable up to 15 credit hours.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and upper division standing.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 411 - Introduction into Neural Networks


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Introduction to Neural Networks’ provides a rigorous introduction to the principles of neural function in the context of network and connectionist network theories.  A variety of approaches will be considered as an explanatory model for human behavior more broadly, and how they might support a range of cognitive phenomena.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and PSY 305, or instructor permission
    Equivalent Course: COG 411
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 423 - Psychology Adulthood & Aging


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course is designed to be a topical course that will cover a broad scope of normative psychological, cognitive, social, and biological development from adulthood through old age. Theories of adult development and aging will be presented. Students will read and discuss empirical articles from the primary literature.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and PSY 200 or PSY 320, or Instructor Permission.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 424 - Social Cognition


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Social Cognition is the study of information processing about ourselves, others, and social groups. This course provides a detailed introduction to topics and theories in Social Cognition, with a focus on empirical findings in the field. Students will familiarize themselves with classic and contemporary theories and methods in Social Cognition. Sample topics in the course include social judgment, automaticity, attitudes, and stereotypes.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and PSY 340; or instructor permission.
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 426 - Development and Interpersonal Relationships


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    The principal goal of this course is to achieve an advanced understanding of how interpersonal relationships develop over the course of the lifespan, from the cradle to the grave. Using both attachment theory as the main conceptual framework and work from a variety of other related research traditions (e.g., family systems theory, social cognition, peer relations, developmental psychopathology, child maltreatment), we will examine how different types of social relationships e.g., child-parent relationships, romantic relationships, friendships) emerge throughout development and how the quality of these relationships effect broad and specific aspects of personal functioning and overall well-being.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and 320; or instructor permission.
    Offered: Fall
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 428 - Cognitive Development


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course is designed to be a depth course that will cover a broad scope of normative cognitive development from infancy to adolescence.  Theories of cognitive development and theories within subfields of cognitive development will be presented.  Students will read and discuss empirical articles from the primary literature to gain an understanding of the current issues, methodologies and knowledge base in this area of psychological science.

    Prerequisite: PSY 200 or PSY 305 or PSY 320; or instructor permission.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 433 - Primate Cognition


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This seminar will provide a comprehensive introduction to the study of primate cognition from an evolutionary and comparative perspective. Students will develop a more evolutionarily grounded understanding of cognition and social behavior from learning about our nonhuman primate cousins.
     

    Prerequisite: PSY 290, and PSY 305 or PSY 320
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 435 - Cognitive Systems


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course provides an introduction to and survey of developing areas of research and theorization in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science, with an emphasis on extending and applying those areas to other domains in Psychology. Potential topics include complex and dynamical systems, self-organization, situated cognition, joint action, and simulation.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and 305; or instructor permission.
    Equivalent Course: COG 435
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 441 - Theories of Personality


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    A study of the major classic and current theories of personality and human behavior with an emphasis on the contributions to general psychology. It enables students to acquire an in-depth understanding of concepts and principles that they can use to unravel mysteries of human behavior and see how these influences relate to our understanding of psychopathology (abnormal psychology) through an examination of personality research.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 or permission of instructor
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 444 - Emotion


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of emotion (or affect) from a variety of perspectives and explores how psychology explains the origins and functions of emotion. It examines how a person’s cognition and culture, broadly construed, can influence their emotional experiences and expressions. Students are introduced to a variety of approaches for measuring emotions that they could utilize for their capstone and independent research projects.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 or instructor permission
     
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 450 - Topics in Abnormal Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Topics in Adnormal Psychology

    Note: Repeatable up to 9 credit hours.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and PSY 350
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 451 - Advanced Topics in Abnormal Psychology: Trauma and Loss


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course examines the study of the psychology of trauma and loss as it impacts human behavior. The nature of trauma and grief and the types of loss people experience when they encounter traumatic experiences, psychological theories of trauma and loss, cultural and historical issues relevant to traumatic loss experiences, as well as some of the methods used to study these reactions will be covered.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and 350, or instructor permission.
    Offered: Summer
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 452 - Introduction to Trauma Studies


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Intermediate and advanced concepts of the psychophysiology and neurobiology of the trauma response and current research on evidence-based trauma assessment and intervention with civilian and military populations are examined. Research on clinical criteria, cultural, historical and contextual factors for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, other Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, and related comorbid disorders are explored within the most recent diagnostic framework of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5, 2013).

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and 350, or instructor permission.
    Offered: Spring, Fall, Summer
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 454 - Trauma and Self-Care: Compassion Fatigue


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course is designed for students who wish to learn of methods used to work with and coach professionals and volunteers working with the traumatized. These practitioners are especially vulnerable to developing compassion fatigue or other negative consequences of their work. This course is designed to guide students in the theoretical background preparation needed to be in a position (once further qualified) to treat those practitioners requiring counseling and therapy who already have compassion fatigue and related problems. The course will focus specifically on the assessment and treatment of work-related Acute Stress Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, clinical depression, substance abuse, and profound burnout in the context of the transformation toward wellness. This course will not train students to do the counseling.

     

    Prerequisite: PSY 290, and PSY 350 or CPS 310; or instructor permission.
    Offered: Spring
    Credit: 3

  • PSY 455 - Trauma and the Military: Focus on Combat Stress


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course focuses on the effects of trauma that are specific to men and women who have served in the military. General information about military-related traumatic experiences, as well as information specific to veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq is provided. Topics will include historical and contemporary perspectives on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma, and treatment modalities such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. A course on trauma and the military with a focus on combat trauma will be important to inform students on the nature of combat-related trauma and interventions for military veterans with PTSD.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290, PSY 350 or CPS 310 or instructor permission
    Offered: Spring
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 456 - Trauma & Children


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course provides a broad introduction to the impact of various traumas on children (ages 0-12) from an integrated model of psychology. Students will learn how trauma impacts all levels of a child’s individual development, as well as how trauma influences the systems in which children live and function. A review of resilience literature and related psychological disorders will be included as well. Although the focus of this course is on foundational literature and current research in these topic areas, a brief introduction to assessment, treatment models, service delivery systems, and basic treatment strategies will also be provided. The material presented will focus on current scientific and practice literature, as well as case examples and clinical experiences of professionals.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290; PSY 200 or 320 or HDV 322 or 323; and PSY 350; or instructor permission.

    Offered: Summer
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 459 - Ethno Cultural Aspects of Trauma


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Trauma is a universal experience and training students to be competent in awareness of service delivery and policy decisions regarding trauma-affected populations is a critical need for the public health infrastructure. Given the changing demographics of the U.S. population, it has become increasingly important to understand how racial and ethnic identity influences the perception, onset and manifestation of trauma. This course Ethno-Cultural Aspects of Trauma will examine the psychological effects of racial and ethnic identity on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Students will look at the general ideas of identity development and its effects on PTSD symptomology from a psychological basis.

    Note: Repeat once total of 6 credit hours.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and 350, or instructor permission.
    Offered: Fall
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 461 - Brain Injury and Psychopathology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This seminar provides an overview of neurological and behavioral correlates of mild traumatic brain injury and co-morbid psychopathology. Topics include: pathophysiology of injury, brain plasticity, and co-morbid conditions such as anxiety/stress disorders, mood disturbances, and cognitive impairments. Etiology and treatment, along with broader impacts to society, will also be explored.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and PSY 303 or 350; or instructor permission.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis.
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 463 - Cognitive Neuroscience Seminar


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Cognitive Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between the brain and cognitive processes. Through the review of current research in cognitive neuroscience and case studies of patients with neurological damage, the brain mechanisms underlying cognition will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the higher cognitive processes such as pattern recognition, memory, language, and consciousness.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and PSY 305 and either PSY 303 or 403; or instructor permission.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 465 - Neurobehavioral Toxicology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course will cover basic issues in developmental and behavioral toxicology, examining environmental toxicants that act primarily on the nervous system. We will examine how developmental and behavioral effects are studied, and explore hypothesized and established neural and behavioral mechanisms of action. Both human and animal behavior will be compared, and the validity of those comparisons discussed. Finally how the field impacts public policy decisions will be examined from the standpoint of making policy decisions and communicating hazard and risk to the public.

    Note: Course may be repeated for a total of 12 credits.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and either PSY 303 or 403.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis.
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 470 - Evolutionary Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Evolutionary Psychology uses the principles of human biological evolution to study psychological processes. This course provides a detailed introduction to evolutionary theory and its application to psychological phenomena. Topics include natural and sexual selection, with applications to perception, survival, long- and short-term mating, aggression and violence, cooperation, parenting, kinship, and others.

     

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and PSY 303 and PSY 305
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3

  • PSY 471 - Advanced Statistics in Psychological Science


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Building on the foundation of statistical analyses students have learned from PSY 280, Analysis of Psychological Data, students will strengthen and enhance their knowledge about those statistical analyses, as well as extend their repertoire to more complex statistical models.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 or instructor permission.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 472 - Advanced Research Methods in Psychological Science


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course will introduce students to a variety of laboratory-based research methods used in the psychological sciences by providing hands-on experiences as a primary method of instruction.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and (PSY 303 OR PSY 305), or instructor permission.
    Offered: Fall
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 473 - Hormones and Behavior


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    The endocrine bases for human behavior, as well as some comparative animal models. Topics will include the overview of the endocrine system and neuroendocrine and endocrine principles, it’s role in differentiation, development and behavior, as well as discussion of current issues including reproduction, parental responsiveness and investment, aging, mood and emotion, psychiatric disorders, pheromonal communication and aggression.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 475 - History and Current Systems in Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Traces psychology from its roots in philosophy and biology, through the period of “schools” (e.g., structuralism, behaviorism, Gestalt) into the multifaceted discipline of the current era. Selected contemporary approaches to psychology will be compared and evaluated both in historical context and from a more functional, problem-solving point of view.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and senior standing.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 475H - History and Current Systems in Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Traces psychology from its roots in philosophy and biology, through the period of schools (e.g., structuralism, behaviorism, Gestalt) into the multifaceted discipline of the current era. Selected contemporary approaches to psychology will be compared and evaluated both in historical context and from a more functional, problem-solving point of view. Explores the conceptual and epistemological problems associated with the nature of psychology, such as the following: the scientific status of certain psychological theories, e.g., the Freudian theory of personality; the issue of mind versus brain; and the reduction of psychological concepts to those of physics.

    Note: This course is co-taught with PHL 496 Joint Seminar in Philosophy-Psychology. Students may not take both courses for credit.
    Prerequisite: Psychology Honors Program and senior standing.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 480 - Advanced Topics in Research Methods: Advanced Psychological Statistics


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Topics include multiple regression, analysis of variance, factor analysis, and some multivariate techniques. Use of computerized statistical packages to plan, execute, and interpret complex analyses.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 or instructor permission.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 485 - Prevention Science & Practice


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course provides a foundation in prevention science and practice as it relates to psychology. Students will learn how psychologists develop, examine, and implement systematic practices to reduce unhealthy/maladaptive behavior and to promote healthy/adaptive behavior. Students will also participate in an off-campus practicum to learn about prevention science first-hand.

    Note: Course may be repeated for a total of 12 credits.
    Prerequisite: PSY 290 and instructor permission.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis.
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 490 - Research Seminar


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    An experience in a student conducted research project supervised by a faculty member. Activities will include either field studies or laboratory experiments.

    Prerequisite: PSY 290 or instructor permission
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 1 to 3
  • PSY 490H - Capstone Honors Research Seminar


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This course provides the student with the opportunity to execute a specialized research project started in PSY 290 or a 400-level depth course under the guidance of a member of the psychology department joined by two committee members. The committee must consist of at least one full-time, tenured or tenure-track, SUNY Oswego Psychology Department faculty member. A copy of the final paper (APA style) must be submitted for approval to the student’s committee, and must be filed in Department files.

    Prerequisites: PSY 280 and PSY 290.

    Note: Course may be repeated once for credit.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3

  • PSY 491 - Capstone Laboratory Research


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    The laboratory research capstone in psychology provides students with a culminating experience in psychology integrating both an applied practical experience in the laboratory conducting research under the supervision of a faculty mentor and a writing component in the form of a senior thesis.

    Prerequisite: Senior standing; all core courses; and instructor permission.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 496 - Capstone Senior Thesis in Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    This capstone is offered as a seminar style course that provides instruction and mentoring on the capstone thesis, analysis of the current articles on a broad area of psychology (according to the instructor’s expertise and student proposals), and strengthening of writing through peer-feedback. A formal presentation at the end of the term is required.

    Prerequisite: Senior standing, all core courses, all breadth courses, and at least one of two depth courses taken in sequential order with a minimum grade of C-before moving on to the next course, and instructor permission.
    Offered: Not on a regular basis
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 497 - Practicum in Teaching


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Students will receive supervised experience teaching introductory psychology. Requirements include attending the supervisor’s lectures, teaching a one-period discussion section, holding office hours to meet with students, and participating in a weekly seminar addressing teaching skills and methods. Students will also assist in grading papers and constructing test questions. Students will be evaluated on their teaching performance and log of teaching activities.

    Note: Advisement recommendation: Minimum GPA of 3.0
    Prerequisite: Instructor permission and upper division standing.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 3
  • PSY 498 - Capstone Internship in Psychology


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    The internship capstone in psychology provides students with a culminating experience in psychology integrating both an applied practical experience in the field and a writing component in the form of a senior thesis. 

    Note: Variable credit zero to 12, not repeatable. Registration is facilitated through the EXCEL Office and is offered as needed.
    Prerequisite: 2.5 GPA, senior standing, and instructor permission.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
  • PSY 499 - Independent Study


    2019-2020 Catalog Year:

    Individual study in the field of psychology under the direct supervision of a department faculty member.

    Prerequisite: Senior standing and instructor permission.
    Offered: Fall, Spring
    Credit: 1 to 3