The following are descriptions of the courses taught by the Psychology Department faculty at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. Please see the class schedule to determine when each course is offered.

General Psychology (Psychology 101; 3 cr. hrs.)
This introductory behavioral science course emphasizes research methods, biological basis of behavior, human development, learning, memory, social and abnormal behavior. As an overview course, it is designed to expose students to the major areas of study within the science of psychology with an emphasis on both research and application.
*This course satisfies one Social-Behavioral Science General Education requirement.

Psychology Colloquim I (Psychology 110; 1 cr. hrs.)
This course is an introduction to the psychology major, and psychology related disciplines and careers, with guest lectures by staff members from Psychology, the Career Center, and other campus offices. Students will begin to develop a professional portfolio, write a paper on potential psychology-related careers, and participate in departmental events and assessment activities.
*This course satisfies one Social-Behavioral Science General Education requirement.

Psychology of Adjustment (Psychology 160; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course examines contemporary research in various areas of psychology and applies them directly to the life of the student. Issues such as motivation, self-regulation, interpersonal relationships, sexuality, stress and coping behaviors are examined. Individual and group exercises intended to aid in applying course material to the student are utilized.

Behavioral Statistics (Psychology 201; 3 cr. hrs.)
Course provides an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical techniques used in Behavioral/Social sciences. Topics covered include the basic concepts of levels of measurement, statistical normality and randomness; the descriptive statistical techniques of central tendency, variation and correlation and the hypothesis testing of means of proportions.
*This course meets the mathematics requirement in the General Education program.

Research Methods (Psychology 205; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course introduces the methods used by psychologists to perform research, including experimental and nonexperimental techniques. Special emphasis is placed on topics in statistics and experimental design (e.g., within- and between subjects designs, factorial experiments and single-subject designs). The use of American Psychological Association writing-style to communicate research findings is also discussed.
*Prerequisites: General Psychology and Behavioral Statistics. This is a "writing intensive" course.

Psychology of Sex Differences (Psychology 225; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course provides a broad survey of literature and psychological research concerning sex differences and gender role development with an emphasis on exploring both the similarities and differences between females and males. Some key topics include: historical perspectives of sex/gender, the "science" of studying sex/gender, physiological issues (e.g., reproduction, the brain), theories of gender acquisition (e.g., social learning, psychoanalytic), theories of sex differences, issues of thought and cognition, relationships, sexuality (normal and deviant), and the future of gender/sex.
*This course satisfies an elective in the Women's Study Minor.

Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (Psychology 236; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course explores research and theory from the field of developmental psychology regarding the nature and processes of human cognitive, physical, and social development from conception through adolescence. Key topics include: theoretical perspectives, issues of nature and nurture, research methods, prenatal development, birth, sensory change, puberty, memory development, Piaget, Vygotsky, language development, parenting, the development of the "self," moral thought, and sex/gender role development. Consideration is given to the implications and application of this research and theory to real-life events and problems.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Psychology 250; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course examines the work-a-day problems in personnel, organizational and engineering psychology as applied to business. Topics covered include personnel selection, placement, training, the structure of organizations, leadership, management theory and the design of information displays, atmospherics and illumination in the work area.

Behavior Modification (Psychology 260; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course examines the principles of behavior analysis and the techniques of behavior change. The latter include shaping, contingency management, prompting and counter-conditioning. The application of behavioral principles in various environments is discussed, as well as self-change methods.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology.

Social Psychology (Psychology 265; 3 cr. hrs.)
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the field of social psychology within the discipline of psychology including an examination of the individualÕs behavior within a variety of social contexts. Topics include social perception, influence, attitudes, attitude change, aggression, prejudice and racism. The interactions between the individual and social systems receive focused attention in the areas of race, aggression and social protest.
*Prerequisites: General Psychology or Introduction to Sociology or consent of instructor. This course meets the University Diversity requirement.

Work Experience (Psychology 279; 1 cr. hr.)
Psychology 279 is designed to prepare students for participation in Psychology 379 (Internship). In this course students will get an overview of, and investigate, internship opportunities, develop professional materials (e.g., resumes, cover letters), and participate in departmental work experiences.
*Prerequisites: psychology major, sophomore standing, intent to register for Psychology 379, and consent of department internship supervisor.

Learning and Motivation (Psychology 305; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course is designed to acquaint students with findings, principles and theories in the field of animal learning. Emphasis is placed on classical conditioning, instrumental learning and, to a lesser degree, social learning theory. Selected topics within the field of motivation are also included in the course.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology

Memory and Thinking (Psychology 310; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course provides an introduction to the theories, research and applications of the field of cognitive psychology. Major topics of study include the processes of attention, pattern recognition, memory, language, decision making and problem solving. These topics are presented within an information-processing framework, but a connectionist approach to cognition will be introduced as well.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology.

Psychological Measurement and Evaluation (Psychology 315; 3 cr. hrs.)
Course examines the current social, legal and psychometric concerns in psychological-educational measurement. Topics include history of measurement, legal and ethical issues, construction and analysis of tests, interpretation of scores and the technical considerations of reliability and validity.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology

Psychology of Personality (Psychology 320; 3 cr. hrs.)
The course involves the investigation of the study of personality. Topics include: psychoanalytic, trait, phenomenological, behavioristic and social learning approaches to personality. Consideration of a variety of perspectives on personality.
Prerequisites: General Psychology or consent of instructor.

Abnormal Psychology (Psychology 325; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course focuses on the description, etiology, and treatment of mental disorders. Diagnosis, assessment, methodology, and legal and historical issues concerning abnormal behavior are addressed.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology.

The Exceptional Child (Psychology 330; 3 cr. hrs.)
This is a survey course examining the general aspects of the exceptional child. Emphasis centers on the historical, philosophical and social background leading to legislative and educational provisions for individuals with disabilities, definitions and eligibility criteria of each area of disability to include referral procedures in terms of when, how and where; different models for delivery of services; individualized education programs; due process; cognitive, social, and behavioral characteristics of individuals with various exceptionalities including gifted and talented and attention deficit disorders; and examples of accommodative techniques in the classroom.
*Prerequisite: junior standing.

Integration of the Exceptional Child (Psychology 333; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course emphasizes the role of the classroom teacher in collaboration with special educators, parents, and community resources. Federal and state guidelines for professional roles and program options for exceptional learners to be served in the least restrictive environment will be reviewed. Course content includes intervention strategies for reading, written expression, mathematics, social-behavioral, and study skills; how to assist students who learn differently; identification of vocational interests and career options; and effective communication skills of the general educator with students, parents and other professionals within the school community.
*Prerequisite: The Exceptional Child

Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (Psychology 336; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course explores research and theory from the field of developmental psychology regarding the nature and processes of human development from early adulthood through old age and death. Key topics include: world views, biological theories of aging, physical systems change (e.g., sensory, reproductive, cardiovascular), disorders of the brain (e.g., Alzheimer's), personality development, psychopathology, information processing, problem solving, intelligence and wisdom, relationship issues, careers and retirement, grandparenting, and death/dying. Consideration is given to the implications and application of this research and theory to real-life events and problems.

Animal Behavior (Psychology 340; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course examines several approaches to the study of animal behavior including ethology, comparative psychology and sociobiology. The course also examines the methods used to collect data and surveys the contribution of developmental, social, ecological and evolutionary processes to animal behavior. Students will independently observe naturally occurring behavior and analyze their observations.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology

Sensation and Perception (Pychology 350; 3 cr. hrs.)
Students will gain an understanding of the basic physiological and psychophysical methods used in perception research. This knowledge will then be applied to study how the senses of vision, audition, taste, smell and touch extract and code information from the environment. Special emphasis will be given to the visual mechanisms involved in the perception of contrast, form, depth, size, motion and color.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology

Physiological Psychology (Psychology 355; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course is designed to familiarize students with the anatomical, chemical, physiological and hormonal control of behavioral processes such as sensation and perception, consciousness, emotionality, eating, drinking, thermoregulation, aggression, reproduction, learning, memory and higher cognitive processes.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology

Individual and Group Processes (Psychology 365; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course analyzes social-psychological processes which effect individual and group processes. Content areas include a variety of topics such as: power, reference groups, social comparison processes, the operation of group standards, conformity and deviation, sources and criteria of legitimate authority and destructive obedience. In addition, the study of conflict within and between groups is included. Laboratory experiences are related to both the content and methods of study in psychology.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology or Introduction to Sociology, and Behavioral Statistics or consent of instructor.

Semester Abroad (Psychology 378; 6 cr. hrs.)
This program combines the most significant aspects of foreign travel and research into a meaningful and educational experience.
*Prerequisites: participation in International Studies 377/577 Semester Abroad Foreign Study Seminars, junior standing and 2.25 GPA.

Internship (Psychology 379; 3 cr. hrs.)
This is an internship program which places selected students in human service agencies, businesses, industries, or organizations to provide opportunities to apply their knowledge of psychology. The internship in psychology should be preceded by a one-credit work experience, (Psychology 279). The Internship site must be approved in advance of the work experience by the psychology department. The intern's duties and responsibilities will be tailored to the needs of the sponsoring organization and the background of the student. The organizational supervisor, a psychology department supervisor, and the intern will conduct periodic and final evaluations of the intern's progress and products.
*Prerequisites: psychology major, GPA 2.50, junior or senior standing, at least 24 credits in psychology, completion of Psych 279, and consent of department internship supervisor.

History and Systems of Psychology (Psychology 401; 3 cr. hrs.)
The ideas and concepts involved in the historical development of the discipline of psychology are studied. Examination of various trends, both historical and recent,are included.
*Prerequisites: General Psychology, Behavioral Statistics, Research Methods, and second semester junior standing. This course is for Majors only.

Advanced Research Methods (Psychology 405; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course allows students to continue their study of research design and analysis. Students are design, execute and report on original research.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology, Behavioral Statistics and Research Methods

Introduction to Counseling (Psychology 410; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course is designed to familiarize students with an overview of the field of counseling and with the basic concepts and skills associated with school and community settings. There will be a shared emphasis on experiential activities, theories and research in counseling.
*Prerequisite: junior, senior or graduate standing. Co-listed as Couns./Sch. Psych. 410.

Introduction to Learning Disabilities (Psychology 420; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course is presented as an introductory or survey course in the field of learning disabilities, fulfilling a dual purpose: first, as a terminal course for regular education classroom teachers and related school personnel (administrators, guidance personnel, school psychologists, teachers of physical education, music, art, etc.) and others who wish to become acquainted with the issues of specific learning disabilities; and second, as the introductory course in the sequence leading to teacher certification in learning disabilities. Development of the field, brief examination of major theoretical approaches, current definitions and terminology used in learning disabilities, issues in diagnosis and assessment, educational adaptations, and techniques and strategies appropriate for use in a regular classroom are emphasized. Field experience, which could be used to meet the Human Relations component (for Education majors only) is a requirement of this course.
*Prerequisites: The Exceptional Child and senior.

Mental Retardation (Psychology 421; 3 cr. hrs.)
The course is an introductory course of the developmental disability of mental retardation,. The definition and characterisitcs of the learner with mental retardation is examined as well as the issues of normalization, individual rights, assessment, family issues and transition from school to community life. Field experience which can be used to meet Human Relations requirement (for Education Majors) is a requirement of the course
*Prerequisite: The Exceptioal Child

The Gifted Child (Psychology 423; 3 cr. hrs.)
This course serves as a survey of the field of education for school aged high potential students. A variety of gifted education topics is explored including the historical development o services, definitions and identification, program options, teaching strategies, creativity, and critical thinking. Field experience can be used to meet Human Relations requirements (for Education majors) is a requirement of the course.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology

Introduction to Clinical Psychology (Psychology 425; 3 cr. hrs.)
The course serves as an introduction to the field of clinical psychology as a science and profession. Included is a consideration of history, training, issues and problems associated with the profession. In-depth analyses of clinical assessment, psychotherapies, community psychology and therapeutic outcome studies are presented.
*Prerequisite: General Psychology

Field Experience (Psychology 470; 1-3 cr. hrs.)
This course is an arranged field experience where academic training in psychology can be applied to a specific setting of interest to individual students. The experience is supervised by both a departmental faculty member and a cooperating on-stie supervisor. Limited enrollment.
*Prerequisites: GPA 2.75+, junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.

Seminar in Psychology (Psychology 480; 1-3 cr. hrs.)
Students will review and present selected topics in psychology.
*Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.

Independent Study (Psychology 490; 1-3 cr. hrs.)
This course is designed for students who desire intensive study of the literature of selected subjects in psychology or development of a project in psychology. Limited enrollment.
*Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, major or minor in psychology and consent of instructor.