PSYCHOLOGY
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The degree program in psychology provides specialized study in psychology within the context of the broader goals of a liberal arts education. The psychology program promotes an understanding of behavior, provides an understanding of the foundations of psychology as a scientific discipline, integrates the influence of psychology on contemporary thought, and promotes skills in scientific research. An undergraduate degree in psychology prepares students for entry into graduate and professional schools and prepares students for entry-level positions in the helping professions.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students receiving a B.S. or B.A. in Psychology will have the following:
- A basic understanding of the core branches of psychology, which include - learning; development; cognitive; sensation and perception; emotion; motivation; biological bases of behavior; abnormal behavior; and evolution of behavior.
- The ability to read and discuss primary research in psychology.
- The ability to design and carry out a research project.
- Developed skills in scientific writing.
- The ability to prepare a professional presentation of research.
- The ability to understand and evaluate research models and statistics.
- General computer literacy
- Knowledge in selected specialized areas of the discipline.
MEANS OF ASSESSMENT
Students in Psychology are offered a variety of ways to demonstrate their proficiencies. Faculty use assessments such as written exams, written papers, reports based on primary research articles, oral presentations, poster presentations, small group collaborations, completion of computerized statistical projects, participation in laboratory research, written laboratory reports, supervised field experience, and capstone research projects, all geared toward qualitative assessment of specified learning outcomes by means of stated criteria.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS OR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
1. In order to graduate with a degree in psychology, the student must have a minimum grade of "C-" in all psychology courses as well as Eastern psychology courses and a minimum overall Eastern GPA of 2.00.
2. The student must complete Eastern graduation requirements.
3. Required Courses:
PSY 201 General Psychology (5)
PSY 202 General Psychology (5)
PSY 222 Writing in Psychology (3)
PSY 327 Statistics and Experimental Design (5)
Minimum of 25 hours from the following list of 300 level courses:
PSY 310 Selected Topics (1-6)
PSY 311 Principles of Development (5)
PSY 330 Emotion (5)
PSY 335 Principles of Cognitive Psychology (5)
PSY 342 Principles of Neuroscience (5)
PSY 343 Principles of Learning (5)
PSY 344 Principles of Sensation & Perception (5)
PSY 345 Motivation (5)
PSY 350 Principles of Abnormal Behavior (5)
PSY 357 Evolution and Behavior (5)
PSY 370 Personality (5)
Minimum of 15 hours from the following list of 400 level courses:
PSY 407 Seminar (up to 5)
PSY 410 Selected Topics (up to 10)
PSY 424 Psychological Assessment (6)
PSY 433 Psychopharmacology (5)
PSY 451 Clinical Interventions (5)
PSY 453 Principles of Behavior Analysis (5)
PSY 470 Philosophical Psychology (5)
CAPSTONE COURSE OPTIONS:
PSY 403 Honors Thesis (5) On campus only
PSY 460 Experimental Psychology (5) On campus only
PSY 441 Projects in Experimental Psychology (5) (This course has a prerequisite of PSY440 Methods & Labs in Experimental Psychology (5)).
TYPICAL FIRST YEAR CURRICULUM
Fall
General Education or Elective Courses (6-8)
Math and Writing Courses (8)
Winter
Math or Writing Courses (4)
General Education or Elective Courses (6-8)
PSY 201 General Psychology (5)
Spring
PSY 202 General Psychology (5)
Math or Writing Courses (4)
General Education or Elective Courses (6-8)
TYPICAL SECOND YEAR CURRICULUM
Fall
PSY 350 Principles of Abnormal Behavior (5)
Philosophy (5)
General Education and Elective Courses (5-7)
Winter
PSY 222 Writing In Psychology (3)
PSY 231 Human Sexuality (3)
General Education or Elective Courses (8-10)
Spring
PSY 327 Statistics and Experimental Design (5)
PSY 357 Evolution and Behavior (5)
General Education or Elective Courses (5-7)
TYPICAL THIRD YEAR CURRICULUM
Fall
PSY 343 Principles of Learning (5)
PSY 344 Sensation and Perception (5) or
PSY 335 Principles of Cognitive Psychology (5)
General Education or Elective Courses (5-7)
Winter
PSY 342 Principles of Neuroscience (5)
PSY 311 Principles of Development: Lifespan (5)
General Education or Elective Courses (5-7)
Spring
PSY 330 Emotion (5)
PSY 401 Research (1-6)
General Education or Elective Courses (6-8)
TYPICAL FOURTH YEAR CURRICULUM
Fall
PSY 460 Experimental Psychology (5)
PSY 424 Psychological Assessment (6)
General Education or Elective Courses (4-6)
Winter
PSY 409 Practicum (1-15)
PSY 451 Clinical Interventions (5)
General Education or Elective Courses (5-7)
Spring
PSY 453 Principles of Behavior Analysis (5)
PSY 433 Psychopharmacology (5)
General Education or Elective Courses (3-5)
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY
(This minor is also available via the Division Distance Education)
1. A minimum of 35 graded credits are required for the minor.
2. Required courses:
PSY 201, 202 General Psychology (5), (5)
3. Complete 25 credit hours from the following list:
PSY 310 Selected Topics (1-5)
PSY 311 Principles of Development (5)
PSY 330 Emotion (5)
PSY 335 Principles of Cognitive Psychology (5)
PSY 342 Principles of Neuroscience (5)
PSY 343 Principles of Learning (5)
PSY 344 Principles of Sensation and Perception (5)
PSY 345 Motivation (5)
PSY 350 Principles of Abnormal Behavior (5)
PSY 357 Evolution and Behavior (5)
PSY 370 Personality (5)
4. Students must earn a grade of "C-" or better in all Psychology courses counting toward the minor.
5. A minimum of 10 credits counting toward the minor in Psychology must be completed at Eastern Oregon University.
PSYCHOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PSY 110 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
PSY 201 - Gen Psychology*S/HB Credits: 5.00
Gen Ed-Social Science
New Gen Ed-Human Behavior
An examination of fundamental processes of human and animal behavior with emphases on methodology, biological bases of behavior, learning, motivation, perception, and cognitive processes.
PSY 201L - Gen Psychology Lab Credits: .00
PSY 202 - Gen Psychology*S/HB Credits: 5.00
Gen Ed-Social Science
New Gen Ed-Human Behavior
An examination of fundamental processes of human behavior with emphases on development, abnormal behavior, and assessment of individual differences. Prerequisite: PSY 201.
PSY 207 - Seminar in Psychology Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
Examination of an area in psychology through student presentations and discussion.
PSY 210 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
In-depth presentation of a topic of interest to both students and faculty. Prerequisite: May be required for some courses.
PSY 222 - Writing In Psychology Credits: 3.00
An introduction to writing in the academic discipline of psychology. Emphasis on the practice of writing skills and examination of various types of papers in psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 201, PSY 202 or consent of instructor.
PSY 231 - Human Sexuality*HB Credits: 3.00
New Gen Ed-Human Behavior
An introductory course covering the broad area of human sexual behavior. Topics include reproduction and gestation, cultural variations in behavior, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual stereotypes, and current sexual attitudes.
PSY 242 - The Mind*N/NW Credits: 5.00
Gen Ed-Natural Science
New Gen Ed-Natural World
An introduction to neuroscience: the study of the brain and human behavior. Topics will include the neurobiology of development, learning and memory, thinking, emotion, motivation, psychopharmacology, and mental illness.
PSY 310 - Selected Topics Credits: 5.00 to 6.00
Prerequisite: May be required for some courses.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 311 - Lifespan Develop*S/HB Credits: 5.00
Gen Ed-Social Science
New Gen Ed-Human Behavior
Principles of human development from birth to old age. Intellectual, personality, and social development will be examined. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and 202 or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 327 - Stat & Exper Design*L/QR Credits: 5.00
Gen Ed-Language & Logic
New Gen Ed-Quantitative Reason
Principles of experimental design and associated data analysis techniques such as regression, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and non-parametric statistics; experience with statistical packages for computers; introduction to exploratory data analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 111 or equivalent.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 330 - Emotion*LC Credits: 5.00
New Gen Ed-Logic/Lang/Culture
(Writing Intensive) Exploration of classic and current psychological research about such issues as how emotions function in communication, develop during infancy and childhood, are accompanied by physiological reactions, and relate to thought, mood, and memory. Prerequisite: Psy 201 and 202 or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 335 - Principles of Cog Psych*CP Credits: 5.00
New Gen Ed-Crit Think/Prob Sol
(Writing Intensive) An introduction to the study of human cognition including topics such as memory, knowledge representation, problem solving, language, imagery, and attention. Includes lecture and laboratory sessions. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and 202 or consent of instructor.
PSY 335L - Prin Cog Psych Lab Credits: .00
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 342 - Principles of Neuroscience Credits: 5.00
Fundamentals of neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and functional neuroanatomy. Topics such as brain mechanisms of reward, learning, memory, motivation, and reproductive behaviors. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and 202 or consent of instructor.
PSY 343 - Principles of Learning Credits: 5.00
(Writing Intensive) A thorough survey of modern learning and conditioning principles. This course emphasizes the experimental analysis of learning and adaptive behavior and demonstrates how experimental research can be, and is applied to the understanding and modification of human behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and 202 or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 343L - Principles of Learning Lab Credits: .00
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 344 - Prin Of Sensation & Perception Credits: 5.00
(Writing Intensive) Survey of fundamental approaches to the study of visual and auditory functions with some consideration of touch, taste, and smell. Includes lecture and laboratory sessions. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and 202 or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 344L - Principles of Sens/Percep Lab Credits: .00
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 345 - Motivation Credits: 5.00
(Writing Intensive) Survey of motivational concepts and behavior across areas of psychology. The course is not an applied course in self-motivation. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and 202 or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 350 - Principles of Abnormal Behav Credits: 5.00
Study of behavior pathology and mental health through considerations of etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, treatment procedures, and prognosis. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and 202 or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 357 - Evolution & Behavior*NW Credits: 5.00
New Gen Ed-Natural World
Introduction to the evolutionary mechanisms that influence behavior, learning, choice, intelligence, and instinct in humans and animals. Identification of the relationships between a species' environment and the species' abilities. Critical examination of explanations of complex behaviors based on proximate and ultimate causation. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and 202 or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 360 - Principles of Social Psych Credits: 5.00
Historically, the topic of consciousness has been discussed in the domain of philosophy. Serious scientific investigations of consciousness were avoided as problematic with the exception of investigations of memory, perception, and cases of brain damage. Most recently, however, consciousness has reemerged in scientific literature and is gaining the attention of reputable investigators. In this course we will examine the philosophical problems posed by consciousness and how modern neuroscience is beginning to solve them.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 370 - Personality Credits: 5.00
An introduction to the major theoretical perspectives and fundamental principles of personality. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the relationship between these principles and how they apply to individuals in contemporary society. Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 202 or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
PSY 401 - Research Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
Students conduct research or a literature review on a topic of interest. Prerequisite: Completion of all 300-level requirements or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 403 - Honors Thesis Credits: 5.00
(Capstone) (Writing Intensive) Students will design and conduct a substantial individual research project, write a publication-style manuscript based on their work, give an oral defense of the thesis, and complete a professional presentation of their work. Prerequisites: Completion of all 300-level requirements, GPA of at least 3.33 in psychology courses at beginning of the senior year, and consent of a psychology faculty member.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 405 - Reading and Conference Credits: 1.00 to 5.00
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 407 - Seminar (Arranged) Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
Opportunity for small groups of students to pursue topics of interest or to extend specific topics arising out of course material. The seminars vary from year to year depending upon interests and needs of students and upon availability of faculty.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 409 - Practicum Credits: 1.00 to 15.00
Supervised experience in selected agencies for advanced-level psychology majors where classroom theory can be practiced and evaluated. Normally taken following the completion of psychology course work. Prerequisite: Completion of all 300-level requirements.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 410 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
In-depth presentation of a topic of interest to both students and faculty. Topics will vary from year to year depending on interests and availability of faculty. Prerequisite: May be required for some courses.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 424 - Psychological Assessment Credits: 6.00
An introduction to theory and principles underlying the psychological assessment of personality and intelligence. Students will have an opportunity to administer, score, and write reports on several kinds of psychological tests. Prerequisite: PSY 327 or equivalent.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 433 - Psychopharmacology Credits: 5.00
Advanced study of neuropharmacology and biological mechanisms of drug action. Topics include the mechanisms of action for drugs such as: amphetamine and cocaine, antidepressants, alcohol, psychotropic drugs, and antipsychotics. Prerequisite: PSY 342.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 440 - Methods/Labs Experimental Psy Credits: 5.00
This course reviews experimental methods in psychology. Students will participate in experiments using a set of computerized studies. The course will cover background literature searches, experimental methods, ethical treatment of participants, data analysis, discussion and interpretation of findings, and writing laboratory reports. The course will culminate with a proposal for an experiment. Prerequisite: PSY 222, completion of the Psychology 300-level core (25 credits), and PSY/STAT 327.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 441 - Project In Experimental Psy Credits: 5.00
Student's will revise an individualized research proposal, collect and analyze data, and write a professional style research paper based on their findings. Prerequisite: PSY 222, PSY/STAT 327, PSY 440 and completion of the Psychology 300-level core (25 credits).
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 451 - Clinical Intervention Credits: 5.00
An overview of intervention techniques used in clinical psychology including crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, desensitization training, and relationship development, and ethics. Prerequisite: PSY 350.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 453 - Principles Behavior Analysis Credits: 5.00
(Writing Intensive) Study of behavioral principles and their application to human behavior change in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: PSY 343.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 460 - Experimental Psychology Credits: 5.00
(Capstone) Advanced study of experimental design, ethical issues in research, and data analysis. Students will review the literature and conduct an approved research project on a topic of interest. Completed projects will be presented in a poster session. Prerequisite: Completion of all 300-level requirements.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 470 - Philosophical Psychology Credits: 5.00
This course reflects the historic overlap between philosophy and psychology and assumes that these disciplines can learn from each other, both in terms of substantive content and also methodological perspective. Research on the philosophy of mind should be informed by work in psychology, evolutionary biology, and cognitive science. Prerequisite: PSY 335 or PSY 357.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
PSY 510 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
Topics of current interest to students and faculty, such as advanced data analysis, learning, research, and applications. Prerequisite: May be required for some courses.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Denied Adm Undergraduate, Non-Admitted Undergraduate, Undergraduate. Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Graduate, Non-Admitted Graduate, Post-Baccalaureate
Contact Information Eastern Oregon University
One University Boulevard
La Grande, OR 97850-2899
Phone: 541-962-3672