2007-2008 University of Guelph-Humber Calendar

XI. Course Descriptions

Psychology

PSYC*1130 Developmental Psychology W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will provide an introduction to the major theories of developmental psychology. Emphasis will be placed on the processes of development in the child including physical growth, perception, cognition, personality and interactions with the social environment. The application of developmental psychology to educational and social issues will be discussed.
PSYC*2120 Quantification In Psychology F (3-0) [0.50]
This course is an introduction to statistical methods and research.
PSYC*2130 Social Psychology F (3-0) [0.50]
This course is an introduction to the content and methodology of social psychology. Content includes social perception, attraction, conflict, conformity, aggression, group dynamics, and attitude change. Methods include examples of important social psychological experiments and both surveys and correlation analysis which are the most common methods of investigation.
PSYC*2140 Learning and Cognition F (3-0) [0.50]
This course introduces the theories, methods and applications of cognitive psychology. Included in the comprehensive coverage of human information processing and learning are topics such as pattern recognition, attention, memory, language, reasoning and problem solving.
PSYC*2150 Personality W (3-0) [0.50]
This course reviews the major personality theories, their development and research findings and comparisons and criticism of each. Details of the theories lives and impact will be briefly reviewed. The status and future of personality research methodology will also be examined.
PSYC*2160 Neuroscience W (3-0) [0.50]
This course is an introduction to the anatomical, physiological and neurochemical structure and function of the nervous system. The course emphasizes the link between brain mechanisms and behaviour. Of particular interest will be the acquisition of environmental signals, the control of movement, the regulation of food and water, sleep, sex and the psycho-physiological aspects of stress and emotion.
PSYC*3130 Psychological Measurement F (3-0) [0.50]
This course is an introduction to psychological measurement and the measurement procedures presently used in psychology. Coverage will include such topics as reliability, validity, test construction, and the measurement of ability, personality, attitudes, interest and achievement.
PSYC*3140 Abnormal Psychology F (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines current theory and research in the field of abnormal psychology in terms of various models (biological, behavioural, social and psychodynamic). Selected topics may include: stress and anxiety, affective disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders and mental health.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC*2150
PSYC*3150 Drugs and Behaviour W (3-0) [0.50]
This course develops a critical understanding of contemporary psychological approaches to addiction. Students are introduced to psychological theories of addiction from the fields of biological, behavioural, social and cognitive psychology, and the research and clinical evidence that support them. Students consider the relative contribution of each approach to the understanding, treatment and prevention of both drug-related addictions and selected addictive behaviours, such as gambling and eating.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC*2140 and 10.00 credits
PSYC*3160 Learning Difficulties and Disabilities W (3-0) [0.50]
This course covers applied and theoretical aspects of intellectual disabilities, and lays a foundation for work in the area of intellectual disabilities.
PSYC*3170 Persuasion and Facilitation W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will expose students to persuasion, and facilitation, which has been of interest to human beings through the ages. From the ancient Greeks to the executives on Madison Avenue, persuading and influencing others has been a primary concern. This course is designed to expose students to the theories, principles, and strategies relevant to persuasion and will help students become familiar with empirical investigations on persuasion and compliance-gaining. The course also focuses on how empirical findings and theory may be applied to our daily interactions.
Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits including PSYC*2130
PSYC*3610 Organizational Psychology U (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines current theories and practices in organizational psychology. Selected topics may include motivation, turnover, absenteeism, leadership, job design, work attitudes, organizational justice, organizational development, and change.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC*2130
PSYC*3620 The Psychology of Sport U (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines individual and group behaviour in physical activities and sports. Emphasis will be placed on understanding psychological concepts which are pertinent to sports, e.g., motivation, social and personality development, cognition, leadership and group dynamics.
Prerequisite(s): AHSS*1110, AHSS*1120, PSYC*2130
PSYC*3630 Psychology and Education U (2-1) [0.50]
This course examines the theoretical and empirical bases for learning and teaching and their application to an array of contexts, particularly the fields of education and parenting. The content addressed includes various theories of teaching and learning, cognitive and moral development, and motivation, as well as instructional planning, classroom management, and assessment of student learning. The course focuses on the current, and sometimes controversial, issues which are at the forefront of research on the relationship between principles and educational practice.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC*1130 or permission of the instructor
PSYC*3640 The Psychology of Death and Dying U (3-0) [0.50]
This course is an examination of the theory, issues and research in the psychology of death and dying. Emphasis upon the cognitive operations used to process about death and the influence of death constructs in daily life. Topics include the development of death constructs throughout the life-span, death anxiety in society, the needs of a dying person, the psychology of grieving, and unexpected losses, such as death by suicide or miscarriage.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of : PSYC*1130, PSYC*2130, PSYC*2150 or permision of the instructor
PSYC*4120 Culture and Diversity F (3-0) [0.50]
This course evaluates theories of how people are influenced by their social environment and culture. It offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for effective applications of psychological science a multi-cultural, multi-racial society.
Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits including PSYC*2130
Restriction(s): Restricted to the B.A.Sc.(PSYC) program.
PSYC*4130 Applications of Psychology F (2-1) [0.50]
This course will acquaint students with the ways in which psychological research and techniques can be applied to areas such as law, business, education, and the health sciences. This senior seminar course will offer students an opportunity to gain in-depth familiarity with research applications in their field of interest.
Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits
Restriction(s): Restricted to the B.A.Sc.(PSYC) program.
PSYC*4140 Applied Research Project I F (2-1) [0.50]
This course is an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience in carrying out a piece of psychological research in an applied setting. In this first of two courses, the focus will be on designing an applied research project and conducting a review of the relevant literature. Under the supervision of a faculty member, small groups of students develop a research proposal and make a formal technology-based presentation to the class.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC*2120, PSYC*2130, SCMA*2040
Restriction(s): Restricted to the B.A.Sc.(PSYC) program.
PSYC*4150 Applied Research Project II W (2-1) [1.00]
This course focuses on implementing and completing the applied research project that was proposed in Applied Research Project I. Under the supervision of a faculty member, small groups of students conduct the approved project in the proposed setting, analyze the data collected and report on the progress of the project in a formal oral presentation.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC*4140
Restriction(s): Restricted to the B.A.Sc.(PSYC) program.
PSYC*4160 Mediation and Conflict Resolution W (3-0) [0.50]
This course focuses on the research and theories underlying the skills and techniques used to reach resolution in a variety of conflict situations. Through lectures, group work and role-playing, students study the fundamental principles of negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution. Students have the opportunity to reflect on their own style of conflict resolution and the relevance of course material to their own lives.
Prerequisite(s): 15.00 credits
Restriction(s): Restricted to the B.A.Sc.(PSYC) program.