Psychology


Psychology 1061 (formerly C060): Psychology as a Social Science
3 credit hours

An examination of human behavior from the perspective of four major areas. The course begins with the study of human development from infancy to adulthood, proceeds to a consideration of the individual existing within social groups, and then examines the study of personality and psychopathology. It finishes with a discussion of the application of psychological knowledge to areas of societal concern, including psychological therapy, health psychology, and organizational/business psychology. Note, this was formerly Psychology C050, and credit will not be given for both this course and Psychology C050.



Psychology 1071 (formerly 0070): Psychology as a Natural Science
3 credit hours

An examination of human and animal behavior from a natural science perspective, providing the student with a sound basis in the biological determinants of behavior. The course begins with a foundation in neuropsychology, including brain processes, behavior genetics, and evolutionary psychology. It continues with an examination of sensation and perception, the processes that provide us with information about the world and that allow us to interpret that information. The study of basic processes of learning, motivation, and emotion is followed by the study of cognitive psychology, including higher learning processes of memory, thinking, and problem solving. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0051, and credit will not be given for both this course and Psychology 0051.



Psychology 1110 (formerly 0115): Current Issues in Psychology
3 credit hours

Individual treatment of issues regarding the inner workings of human behavior. Each offering deals with a specific aspect of behavior and motivation pertaining to life in today's society.



Psychology 1110 (formerly 0115): Current Issues in Psychology: East and West: A Social Psychological Comparison
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Asian Studies 3000)

This course is an introduction to the social psycholocial study of culture with a focus on the differences and similarities of eastern and western cultures. In this course we will explore the importance of culture on social behavior, take a look at how psychologists study cross-cultural differences, and then examine research on current issues including patterns of social behavior, communication, helping behavior, aggression, conformity, and intimacy, among others.



Psychology 2196 (formerly W123): Scientific Thinking in Psychology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071, Statistics 2101, Statistics 2102, the psychology science requirement, and a minimum of two upper-level psychology courses

An examination of the scientific method and its application in psychology and other fields. It covers topics such as the philosophical foundations of scientific method, the logic of research methods, specific methodologies and their uses and limitations, the evaluation of research, and research ethics. A major goal of the course is development of the ability to critically evaluate scientific and other information. Students will design, conduct, and evaluate research, do literature searches and learn to write in scientific style. Note, this was formerly Psychology W200/Psychology W100.



Psychology 0144: Aggression and Violence
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 or Psychology 1071

An introduction to research and thinking about aggression, violence, and cruelty. The evolutionary, physiological, developmental, sociocultural and psychodynamic perspectives on aggression by individual humans and other species will be examined.



Psychology 0151: Theories of Personality
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061

A comparison of major approaches to the study of personality and of how individuals differ from each other and the styles they use in navigating life circumstances and relationships.



Psychology 0152: Principles of Behavior for Everyday Life
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 or Psychology 1071

A consideration of the notion that, while behavioral principles are commonly recognized as useful for dealing with problematic behavior such as children's tantrums and aggression, or adults' smoking or overeating, it is less obvious that the same principles are operative in everyday situations, often without being explicitly arranged. In addition, they can be used proactively to improve our capabilities and quality of life. The main focus of this course will be upon the analysis of everyday situations and upon proactive programs based upon behavior analysis, drawing upon a broad range of examples that include newspaper accounts, magazine articles, child-rearing manuals, comic strips and cartoons, as well as upon journal articles that make the everyday role of these principles especially clear.



Psychology 0160: Systems of Psychotherapy
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061

A seminar for advanced students in psychology who want to study the art of counseling. The main focus will be on practicing and discussing our attempts to be of assistance to others who ask for help. Students will be required to role-play, and counseling situations and theories will be discussed. The course will provide practical experience for students who hope to be professional counselors and for those who hope to learn more about ways of helping friends and family.



Psychology 0161: Developmental Psychopathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061

An overview of various psychological disorders of childhood. Reviews the features, etiology, and treatment of children who differ from "normal" children. Hyperactivity, conduct disorders, delinquency, depression, autism, learning disabilities, mental retardation, physical disorders, and eating disorders.



Psychology 0162: Introduction to Psychoanalysis
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061

The development of Freud's system as a personality theory, treatment technique, and method of inquiry. While Freud is the primary emphasis, dissenting theorists such as Jung, Adler, Sullivan, and Erikson are also discussed. Gives the student a working understanding of psychoanalytic concepts and their place in contemporary psychology and society.



Psychology 0164: Drugs and Addiction
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 or Psychology 1071

A course that focuses on the history of drug abuse, the effects of drugs of abuse on the nervous system, behavioral effects of drugs, societal ramification of drug abuse, and treatments for addiction.



Psychology 0165: Memory and Brain
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 or Psychology 1071

A course whose major aims are: (a) to impart strategies to optimize learning and memory; (b) to inform about fundamental properties of brain function; and (c) to provide the latest neuroscientific data on methods to maximize brain function and cognition. In this course students will learn empirically developed techniques for making the most of their study time to assimilate and remember new information. They will learn some basic facts about how the brain functions along with various means to optimize brain function. Demonstration exercises and questionnaires will be weekly activities in the course. Among the topics to be covered are basic mechanisms of registration, retention, and retrieval; relationships among stress, memory, and brain function; nutrition and cognition, exercise and brain function, drugs and the brain, brain mechanisms in sleep affecting memory, mood effects on memory, and diseases affecting memory. Neuropsychological assessments of learning and memory administered during the first and last course meeting will likely show significant improvement in students' ability that may generalize to performance in other university courses.



Psychology 1174 (formerly 0184): Psychology of Food
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 or Psychology 1071

The course will consider the complex relationship between humans and what they eat. The course will consider the psychology of food at all levels of psychology, from perception (e.g., how smell, sight, sound, feel, and taste influence flavor) to cognition (e.g., how memory influences how much we eat), development (e.g., how food preferences develop), and psychopathology (e.g., what are the causes of eating disorders). The course is open to nonmajors who are interested in learning about psychology and how it can help us understand everyday behaviors.



Psychology 0201: Foundations of Developmental Psychology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061

An analysis of human development across the life span. The role of genetic factors, maturation, learning, and socio-cultural factors in the development of motivation, cognitive functions, social and emotional adjustment. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0131.



Psychology 2401 (formerly 0210): Foundations of Social Psychology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061

A look at the function of the individual in social groups and the mutual influences of one upon the other. Processes of communication, persuasion, attitude formation and change, aggression, the structure and function of small groups, and the measurement techniques employed in examining these phenomena. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0141.



Psychology 2402 (formerly 0215): Foundations of Industrial and Organizational Psychology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061

A survey of the application of psychological theory, techniques, and research to industry. Selection, training, motivation, job satisfaction, job evaluation, performance measurements, leadership, and other topics. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0170.



Psychology 2201 (formerly 0220): Foundations of Psychopathology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061

A survey of the principal forms of emotional and behavioral disorders; their causes, symptoms, course, and treatment. Childhood disturbances, schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and suicide Note, this was formerly Psychology 0150.



Psychology 2101 (formerly 0230): Foundations of Cognitive Psychology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: For majors, Psychology 0070; for non-majors, Psychology C060 or permission of instructor

A survey of recent research and theory in the areas of verbal learning and cognitive processes. Learning and retention of verbal materials, thinking and problem solving, and the relationship between language and thought. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0108.



Psychology 2102 (formerly 0240): Foundations of Evolutionary and Comparative Psychology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071

A course that introduces the student to cognition and social behavior from an evolutionary and comparative perspective. The cognitive portion of the course presents the methods employed and results obtained during field observations and laboratory experiments on animal cognitive processes. The social behavior portion will focus on social behaviors found in wild animals with special attention to those also seen in humans. Evolutionary theory, especially as it applies to social behavior, will be presented and the course will overview the methods and findings of the field called evolutionary psychology, which presently investigates, selected aspects of human cognition and social behavior.



Psychology 2103 (formerly 0250): Foundations of Learning and Behavior Analysis
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: For majors, Psychology 1071; for non-majors, Psychology 1061 or permission of instructor

An examination of theories and experiments that interpret and explain acquisition, activation, and direction of human and animal behavior. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0105.



Psychology 2501 (formerly 0260): Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: For majors, Psychology 1071 and Psychology science requirement; for non-majors, Psychology 1061 or permission of instructor

A survey of the evolution of behavior and the roles of nervous and endocrine systems that underlie this behavior. Methods and findings of animal research, with application of these to general problems in psychology. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0103.



Psychology 2502 (formerly 0265): Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: First level Core Science and Technology (SA) course

A look at the role of the brain in cognition. Neural basis of perception, language, learning, memory, thinking, and creativity. Neural pathology and the consequences for behavior. Neuropsychological assessment techniques. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0104.



Psychology 2104 (formerly 0280): Foundations of Sensation and Perception
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: For majors, Psychology 1071 and Psychology science requirement; for non-majors, Psychology 1061 or permission of instructor

An exploration of the nature of fundamental sensory processes. Theory and experiments bearing on significant perceptual phenomena surveyed from both physiological and experimental viewpoints. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0111.



Psychology 3301 (formerly 0301): Phases of Development: Infancy
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 and Psychology 0201

A course in which students focus on a particular phase of development, infancy, for an entire semester. This phase of development presents unique changes and challenges for the developing person. For the scientist, the phase poses unique theoretical perspectives and special methodological challenges. Up-to-date information and directions for future study, application and research are emphasized.



Psychology 3304 (formerly 0304): Personality, Social and Emotional Development
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 and Psychology 0201

A course that addresses many questions. How do we develop as unique individuals? How do we come to relate to others and ourselves? How do we come to feel the way we do about the people we know and the many important things in our lives? Using contemporary research and theory, these core questions are examined. Among the topics to be studied are the development and significance of early attachment relationships, the development of a sense of self, changing family relations, the progression from external to internal self-control, the emergence of prosocial and anti-social behavior, moral development, the development of romantic relationships, and the nature of changing relationships with peers and loved ones. Students will acquire an understanding of the role of early experiences in development, the nature of emotional vulnerability and personality resilience, and the extent to which some behaviors are continuous or discontinuous over time.



Psychology 3305 (formerly 0305): Cognitive and Language Development
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 and Psychology 0201

A discussion of theory and evidence concerning how children acquire adult competence in thinking and language. Development is covered from infancy to adolescence. We will consider a wide array of domains and processes in cognitive development, including number, space, theory of mind, reasoning, perception, attention, and memory. Educational and applied implications may be touched on, as well as neuroscience approaches.



Psychology 3306 (formerly 0306): Neuroscience of Development and Aging
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 and Psychology 2501 or Psychology 2502

A course that integrates students' knowledge of behavioral and cognitive relationships between young adult neuroanatomy and behavior that they studied in prerequisite courses (Psychology 260 - Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience or Psychology 265 - Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience) with information about the development and aging of behavior, cognition and neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. The initial emphasis in the course will be on embryonic and fetal development of the central nervous system and emergent behavioral plasticity. Sensory and motor development in the fetus will be examined. Postnatal development of the cerebral cortex and developmental outcomes will be explored in the context of environmental phenomena that can amplify or inhibit the organism's adaptive capacity. Normal aging of the brain will be contrasted to neurodegenerative diseases of old age, and the cognitive and behavioral consequences of both normal and non-normal aging will be presented.



Psychology 3307 (formerly 0307): Theories of Development
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 and Psychology 0201

A course discussing how theories can have practical application. Theories serve as windows to the world of science, allowing us to "see" particular "facts" and help us explain things that cannot explain themselves. Theories are the hallmark of science, fundamental to organizing our knowledge and allowing us to interpret and question it. In this course, students examine the role of theories in scientific thinking and research and they explore the components of theories unique to developmental psychology. In addition to learning about specific theories, such as those developed by Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, Kohlberg, Freud, Wilson, Chomsky, Ainsworth, Skinner and Bandura, students begin to appreciate the origins of theories, the relations between them and their consequences for acquiring future knowledge.



Psychology 3411 (formerly 0311): Social Cognition
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 and Psychology 2401

An overview of social cognition, the study of the cognitive representations and processes that people use to try to make sense of the social world. Topics covered will include social attitudes, the social self, stereotypes, attributions, and social decision-making. Readings, lectures, and discussions will focus on the key research findings, the unique methods, and the implications and applications of social cognition research.



Psychology 3412 (formerly 0312): Psychological Studies of Social Issues
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1061 and Psychology 2401

A course that examines the causes, consequences, and amelioration of social problems from a social psychological perspective. For instance, unemployment, imprisonment, racial profiling and discrimination, are a few of the topics this course will address. In addition to examining social problems the course will include a search for solutions as illustrated by social visionaries and experimental utopian communities.



Psychology 3615 (formerly 0315): History and Systems of Psychology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Completion of Group I and Group II courses

An analysis of the development of psychology from its origins to present. The conceptual bases of the current major psychological systems.



Psychology 3000 (formerly 0320): Topics in Psychology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Completion of Group I and Group II courses

A course in special topics in current developments in the major subdivisions of psychology.



Psychology 3000 (formerly 0320): Topics in Psychology: Psychology and Religion
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 3003)

An examination of what new developments in evolutionary and cognitive psychology imply about the role of religion in adult life. We begin with the Freudian and Nietzschian critiques of religion. We then turn to the Jungian school, in which religion plays a very positive role in adult development. Next, we explore Thomas Kuhn's theory of scientific epistemology and compare it with the mystical tradition of religion. Then we will examine the research of Stanislav Grof, et al., on the transcendent scope and range of human consciousness. The course will conclude with a synthesis, by each student, of these various elements into a working hypothesis about the role of religious experience in modern life.



Psychology 3000 (formerly 0320): Topics in Psychology: Cross-Cultural Issues and Their History in Japan
3 credit hours

An examination of cross-cultural issues and their history in Japan.



Psychology 3000 (formerly 0320): Topics in Psychology: Gender Issues in 20th Century Japan
3 credit hours

An examination of gender issues in modern Japan.



Psychology 3000 (formerly 0320): Topics in Psychology: Ethnicity and Identity in Contemporary Japan
3 credit hours

An examination of ethnicity and identity in modern Japan.



Psychology 3162 (formerly 0382): Visual Recognition
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071 and Psychology 2104

An analysis of how humans effortlessly recognize many different types of things. Current research in this area suggests that there are three fundamental types of visual recognition. In a seminar format each type will be discussed in turn. Readings will be primary sources describing the major theories of how humans recognize objects (such as cars, people, and shoes), places (such as rooms, streets, and cities), and events (such as walking, playing baseball, and arguing).



Psychology 3791 (formerly 0396): Research Problems
1-4 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071, Statistics 2101, Statistics 2102, and a course in the Psychology 0300 series. Admission only by permission of the instructor

An exploration of problems that requires students to team with a faculty adviser for research in a particular area. For projects outside Temple University, approval must be obtained through a faculty member who will handle the liaison with the outside institution and ensure the uniformity of requirements. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0291.



Psychology 3891 (formerly 0397): Research Problems
1-4 credit hours

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071, Statistics 2101, Statistics 2102, and a course in the Psychology 0300 series. Admission only by permission of the instructor

An exploration of problems that requires students to team with a faculty adviser for research in a particular area. For projects outside Temple University, approval must be obtained through a faculty member who will handle the liaison with the outside institution and ensure the uniformity of requirements. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0292.



Psychology 3785 (formerly 0398): Practicum I
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Junior/senior psychological studies major and one letter of reference. Permission of instructor required

A work experience in clinical and industrial settings where psychologists are employed eight hours a week under the guidance of an on-site supervisor. Students meet for seminars and write a paper under the guidance of a Temple coordinator. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0295.



Psychology 3787 (formerly 0399): Practicum II
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Junior/senior psychological studies major and one letter of reference. Permission of instructor required

A work experience in clinical and industrial settings where psychologists are employed eight hours a week under the guidance of an on-site supervisor. Students meet for seminars and write a paper under the guidance of a Temple coordinator. Note, this was formerly Psychology 0296.



Note:
Please note: the information contained in these course descriptions is subject to change, and individual courses may be added or deleted as necessary. If you wish to know what specific courses are being offered in a given term, please see the current course schedule.