Department of Psychology & Philosophy

PHIL 1301. Introduction to Philosophy. 3 Hours.

Students examine the fields and issues of philosophy as discussed by both classical and modern philosophers. Philosophical problems discussed may include the existence of God, the nature of knowledge and truth, the issue of human free will, and theories of moral judgement.

PHIL 2303. Critical Thinking. 3 Hours.

Students examine the fundamentals of deductive reasoning, the identification of common fallacies, and an introduction to inductive reasoning. Further, students investigate some of the ways information is distorted, e.g., by advertising and news management. This course is designed to improve students' ability to think critically.

PHIL 2306. Contemporary Moral Issues. 3 Hours.

Students study major moral issues in contemporary society. Topics may include abortion, euthanasia, censorship, capital punishment, and other issues that confront today's society.

PHIL 2352. Introduction to Contemporary Logic. 3 Hours.

Students explore the principles of ordered thought and the terminology and rules of symbolic logic. Further, students examine the logic of statements and the logic of predicates, qualifiers, and identity.

PHIL 3364. Ancient & Medieval Philosophy. 3 Hours.

Students survey philosophical thought from the time of the pre-Socratics to about 1500, which may include the thought of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Hellenistic schools, and medieval philosophy through the late scholastic period. Students also explore the artistic, scientific, ethical, political and general cultural ramifications of the major systems of thought.

PHIL 3365. Modern Philosophy. 3 Hours.

Students survey philosophical thought from about 1500 through the twentieth century via an examination of topics that may include the philosophical significance of the rise of modern science, the classical philosophies of rationalism, empiricism, the philosophy of Kant, and the development of these philosophies through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

PHIL 3366. Aesthetics. 3 Hours.

Students examine the nature and meaning of art and aesthetic theories concerning representation, form, and expression. Further, students engage in analyses of aesthetic experience and the relation of art to value. This course satisfies 3 semester hours of the fine arts requirement for the BA degree program.

PHIL 3367. Philosophy of Religion. 3 Hours.

Students examine the nature and meaning of religion and religious expression with consideration of philosophical and scientific critiques of religious faith and experience. Topics may include the nature of faith and reason, the question of the existence and nature of God, and the relation of religion and value.

PHIL 3371. Existentialism& Self-Awareness. 3 Hours.

Students examine the major themes of existentialism and its impact on contemporary society via existential works in a variety of forms, which may include philosophy, literature, psychology, psychoanalysis, and religion. Further, students examine existential concepts, which may include anxiety, fear, guilt, meaninglessness, death, and authentic and inauthentic existence. Taught with PSYC 3371.

PHIL 3372. Philosophy of Science. 3 Hours.

Students survey topics in philosophy of science, which may include the logic of explanations in the physical and social sciences, the relationship between science and society, and metaphysical or sociological critiques of science. Course content includes attention to historically prominent examples from social and natural sciences that demonstrate the applicability of important concepts from the philosophy of science.

PHIL 3373. American Philosophy. 3 Hours.

Students survey key figures and ideas of the American intellectual tradition. Themes may include democracy, freedom, cultural and racial identity, ethical and religious pluralism, and interpretations of nature from various perspectives, including current developing traditions such as African American, Native American, and Feminist movements.

PHIL 4306. Philosophy of Biology. 3 Hours.

Students investigate philosophical questions concerning the development and application of evolutionary theory. Students will also develop an understanding of key concepts, which may include adaptation, speciation, the comparative method, levels of selection, and phylogenetic reconstruction. This course is offered in the Spring semester of even years.

PHIL 4333. Bioethics. 3 Hours.

Students survey bioethics using various ethical theories and moral principles to analyze and critically evaluate moral dilemmas in medicine. Students will investigate and discuss topics that may include the patient-physician relationship, bias in medicine, health care delivery systems, and the ethics of research. To enhance critical thinking skills and decision making skills, students will develop and defend views on given bioethical issues. Credit: 3.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

PHIL 4336. Philosophy of Law. 3 Hours.

Students consider the philosophical nature of law, legal reasoning, and legal rights within a discussion of justice and equality under the law. Applying these theories to practice, students engage in a series of case studies examining major Supreme Court opinions. Students learn to answer these questions via reflection and argumentation that integrates and extends major jurisprudential theories.

PHIL 4361. Philosophy of Psych and Mind. 3 Hours.

Students examine a range of contemporary theories of mind and the primary objections they face. Topics may include mind/brain identity theory and reductionism, the nature and function of consciousness, the nature of rationality and its relation to consciousness, the possibility of machine intelligence, and the nature of mental representation.

PHIL 4363. Ethical Theories. 3 Hours.

Students examine classical views about the foundation of ethics, which may include divine command, cultural relativism, subjectivism, egoism, utilitarianism, Kantianism, and virtue ethics. Students will also devote significant attention to a variety of contemporary approaches to understanding ethics.

PHIL 4371. Death and Dying. 3 Hours.

Students examine philosophical reflections on death and dying in a variety of forms, which may include literature, philosophy, psychology, theology, medicine, and other contemporary sources. Topics may include the nature of grief, sorrow, anxiety, fear, and suicide as related to death, and the social implications of death for the individual, family, friends, and community.

PHIL 4372. Theories of Knowledge& Reality. 3 Hours.

Students examine issues concerning the basic categories of reality, which may include individuals and universals, time and change, and mind and body. Further, students explore issues in the theory of knowledge, which may include the distinction between knowledge and belief, the criteria of knowledge, and the justification of knowledge claims.
Prerequisite: 6 hours of philosophy and sophomore standing.

PHIL 4373. Phil in Film & Literature. 3 Hours.

Students establish and develop philosophical literacy by highlighting the ways in which canonical philosophical works have informed the content and structure of works of film and literature. Carefully selected pairings of philosophical texts and films are used throughout.
Prerequisite: 3 hours of philosophy and at least sophomore standing.

PHIL 4374. Philosophy of Crime & Justice. 3 Hours.

Students examine foundations of the American criminal justice system, considering questions such as: is there a moral justification of punishment;what basic principles guide law enforcement in practice; how did these principles come to be in place; and how do they connect to the moral and political ideals on which the country was founded? Students critically engage with philosophical, legal, sociological, and historical resources.

PHIL 4377. Philosophy of Race. 3 Hours.

Students investigate the philosophical foundations of the concept of race, by analyzing distinctions among human beings according to race founded on anthropological, biological, and philosophical principles. Additionally, students consider whether racial hierarchies are morally and politically justifiable, and if not, students explore how these racial hierarchies can be eradicated through individual or collective social action. Accordingly, students analyze themes in critical race theory and the philosophy of race with the intent of appraising their capacity to help generate social justice.

PHIL 4380. Seminar in Philosophy. 3 Hours.

Students engage in an in-depth study, conducted on a seminar basis, of a particular topic or area in philosophy not covered fully in the other course offerings. As the topics vary, the course may be repeated for credit.

PHIL 4385. Readings in Philosophy. 3 Hours.

Advanced students capable of independent study will develop a program of study in conjunction with an instructor.
Prerequisite: Admission to the course requires permission of the instructor.

PSYC 1301. Introduction To Psychology. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 131); This course is designed to be a broad survey of the field of psychology covering such topics as learning, perception, personality, development, psychopathology, etc. It covers both the theoretical basis and the empirical content of these areas.

PSYC 2315. Psychology Of Adjustment. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 289); A study is made of the dynamics of human behavior applying psychological theory to the development of the wholesome well adjusted personality. Techniques for managing stress, reducing anxiety, coping with anger, increasing assertiveness, and achieving self-control are considered.

PSYC 3331. Abnormal Psychology. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 331); This course includes an introduction to behavioral disorders. Biological and social factors in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of psychopathology are studied. .
Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of Psychology.

PSYC 3332. History Of Psychology. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 332); This course includes an historical survey of the scientific and philosophic antecedents of modern psychology. .
Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of Psychology.

PSYC 3333. Physiological Psychology. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 333); This course is designed to acquaint the student with the biological substrates of behavior. A study is made of the genetic, neuroanatomical, neurochemical and neurophysiological mechanisms of such psychological processes as sensation, movement, learning, memory, motivation and emotion. This course is offered primarily for psychology majors and minors but may serve as an elective for majors in biology, chemistry, and public health. Laboratory period required. .
Prerequisite: 3 hours in Psychology and 4 hours in Biology or consent of instructor.

PSYC 3334. Human Sexuality. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 334); A study is made of the biological, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual elements of our human sexuality. Topics such as sexual health, sexual dysfunction, sexuality education, and intimate relationships are covered.

PSYC 3336. Sensation/Perception. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 336); A study is made of the sensory processes, the relationship between physical stimuli and sensory/perceptual experience, and perceptual phenomena. Topics such as pain, constancies, illusions, and psychophysics are covered.

PSYC 3337. Cognition. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 337); This course is intended to provide a broad survey of the field of cognitive psychology covering such topics as attention, memory, forgetting, consciousness, and organization/structure. It covers both the theoretical basis and empirical content of the area.

PSYC 3365. Close Relationships. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 365); This course examines the processes of close relationships, employing psychological theory and research. Topics include the nature of intimacy, attraction, communication, interdependency, love, jealousy, conflict, and loneliness.

PSYC 3374. Development Psychology. 3 Hours.

A study is made of the physical, mental, emotional, and social growth and development of the person across the entire life span.

PSYC 3375. Psychopathology & Fam Dynamics. 3 Hours.

(Prior SH course id: PSY 375); This course examines the interactions of psychopathology and family dynamics. Topics include parenting, chronic physical illness, mood and anxiety disorders, physical and sexual abuse, and chemical dependence.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and either PSYC 3331, FACS 3369, SOCI 3331, or COMS 4386.

PSYC 3381. Social Psychology. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 381); This course examines individual human behavior as it is influenced by cultural and social stimuli. Topics studied include interpersonal attraction, aggression, prejudice and sexism, conformity, altruism, and group behavior.

PSYC 3382. Comparative Psychology. 3 Hours.

This course deals with physical and behavioral differences in animals and how these differences can be adaptive. Specific topics include habitat selection, territoriality, predator and anti-predator behavior, reproductive behavior, and social behavior.
Prerequisite: PSYC 2302 and PSYC 3301.

PSYC 3383. Psychology And The Law. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 383); This course is designed to examine the application of scientific and professional principles of psychology in the legal system, the use of social science methods to study the legal system, and the impact of law on the practice of psychology. Content areas include legal competencies, the insanity defense, jury consultation, psychologists and the death penalty, the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, prediction of violence, the psychology of victims, family law, and ethical dilemmas. .
Prerequisite: 6 hours of PSYC and Sophomore standing.

PSYC 3385. Health Psychology. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 385); This course examines how biological, psychological, and social factors interact and contribute to health promotion, illness prevention, coping with stress, pain, or other acute or chronic diseases, and recovery from and adjustment to serious health problems. .
Prerequisite: 6 hours of PSYC.

PSYC 3391. Psychopharmacology. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 391); This course includes a study of the field of behavioral pharmacology: the systematic study of the effects of drugs on behavior and the way in which behavioral principles can help in understanding how drugs work. The course focuses on the neurophysiological mechanisms of action of various psychoactive drugs.

PSYC 3401. Research Methods. 4 Hours.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the scientific method in general and research methodology in psychology in particular through laboratory and field experiments. Laboratory period required.

PSYC 3402. Psychological Statistics. 4 Hours.

This course is a study of statistics as applied to problems in psychology and education, to include frequency functions, correlation and regression, and statistical tests of significance. Lecture and lab component.

PSYC 4075. Problems. 1-3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 475); Designed for advanced students in psychology who are capable of independent study. Variable Credit (1-3).
Prerequisite: Approval of Program Coordinator and the instructor directing the study.

PSYC 4331. Personality. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 431); A study is made of the major theories of personality; the biological and social factors in the development and functioning of personality are considered.
Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of Psychology.

PSYC 4332. Learning. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 432); This course includes a study of the major theories of learning and their historical backgrounds; experimental procedures in the study of learning are discussed.
Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of Psychology.

PSYC 4333. Seminar In Psychology. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 433); This course includes discussions of selected topics in psychology.

PSYC 4334. Applied Social Psychology. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 434); This course examines the use of social psychological theory and method to explain and solve real world problems. Topics include physical and mental health, the environment, law, consumerism, and processes of conflict and social influence.
Prerequisite: PSYC 3381.

PSYC 4374. Psychology of the Elderly. 3 Hours.

This course examines the field of developmental psychology of the elderly addressing such topics as learning, perception, personality, development, mental health issues, etc. It addresses both the theoretical basis and the empirical content of these areas.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1301.

PSYC 4391. Divorce: Psychological Impact. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 491); A comprehensive investigation is made of psychological, legal, moral, religious, and cultural variables related to cause, process, and adjustment to divorce is made. Emphasis is placed on the impact of divorce on the individual.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

PSYC 4392. Industrial/Organizational Psy. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: PSY 492); This course provides an integration of psychological principles as applied to industrial/organizational milieu. The focus is on the application of research methodology, psychological assessment, personality, and organizational theories to the work environment. Specifically, research related to the application of psychological theory related to personnel, work environment, organizational, and pertinent legal issues will be considered.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1301 or PSYC 2315.