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Courses
PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC)
An introduction to the fundamental aspects of modern scientific psychology. Included in the study is the history of psychology, methods used in the field, learning theory, motivation, emotion, and mental disorders. The student is stimulated to apply psychological principles to life situations.
1211 Introductory Seminary in Psychology
A course which introduces the psychology major to the field of psychology as a career. Major emphasis is placed on preparation for graduate school, taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the different career options within the field of psychology. Guest speakers are utilized.
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
Second introductory class for the field of psychology. This course is primarily for majors or minors in psychology and includes units on social psychology, human learning, remembering and forgetting, testing, the brain and psychological therapy. The course completes the student’s preparation for upper level psychology courses.
2413 Introductory Psychological Statistics
Elementary statistics with social and behavioral applications. (Same as SOCI-2413.)
3213 Advanced Psychological Statistics
Prerequisite: PSYC-2413.
An intermediate course exploring the application of more advanced statistical methods used in research in psychology and related fields. Emphasis will be placed on the major concepts of the methods and on the practical application of these statistics. Specific topics covered are factorial analyses of variance, including repeated measures design and post hoc analyses, linear and multiple regression, analysis of covariance and non-parametric statistics including chi-square and log linear analyses.
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
A study of the definition, diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior.
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
A study of behavioral consequences of group and individual interaction. (Same as SOCI-3413.)
Prerequisites: PSYC-1113.
The physical, mental and social development of the normal individual from conception through adolescence.
3524 Developmental Psychology: A Lifespan Approach
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113 and admission to teacher education or special approval.
The physical, mental and social development of the normal individual from conception through death and dying.
A study of the relation between social dynamics, culture and religion, with emphasis upon Christianity. Special attention is given to psychological and sociological bases of the religious life. (Same as BIBL-3573 and SOCI-3573.)
3613 Adolescence and Early Adulthood
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
A study of the developmental process of adolescence and early adulthood. It will focus on biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional issues as they pertain to the ongoing changes in this time of the life cycle. Attention will be given to issues of gender, culture, family relationships, peer relationships, sexuality, and education. Special attention will also be given to issues that young adults face as they venture into collegiate life, career exploration and new family roles.
(Same as FMST-3613.)
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
Structure and dynamics of personality development.
3723 Adult Development and Aging
A study to include physical and health factors in aging; psychological aspects of aging; marriage, family and community relationships of older persons; economic and vocational factors in aging; perspectives on death, dying and grief; aging and institutional care; aging and the law; and the future of social intervention, both public and private. (Same as FMST-3723 and SOCI-3723.)
3813 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
An introduction to the major theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Focus will be placed on understanding the theories of Freud, Adler, Jung, Rogers, Perls, Ellis and Glasser, and on appreciating the complexity of helping others in a counseling relationship.
3823 Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
An experiential, discussion-oriented course which has a twofold purpose. First, it will introduce the student to the major issues within the field of clinical psychology. Secondly, students will discuss and practice counseling techniques and strategies in class. Focus will be placed on understanding and appreciating the complexity of helping others in a counseling relationship.
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
Psychological aspects of criminal and anti-social behavior, including comparison of psychological and legal factors in criminal investigation and testimony. (Same as SOCI-3523.)
3933 Cybernetics and Systems Theory
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
An introduction to the major underlying theoretical foundations of family therapy. The course will explore the historical development of systems theory and cybernetics from its origins in the 1940s in the thinking of mathematicians, physicists, biologists and engineers to the pioneering work of Bateson and his colleagues in the late ’50s and their application of cybernetics to the family. The course will cover the work of Murray Bowen. The basic concepts of systems theory will be discussed and contrasted with the more common Western, analytical approach that has dominated thinking in psychology since the time of Freud. (Same as FMST-3933.)
Prerequisites: PSYC-2223 and PSYC-3013.
Theoretical analysis of purposive behavior drives and motives as well as biological and social origins.
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
The study of experimental psychology in the learning situation.
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
Psychology of employee selection, training, proficiency evaluation, motivation, morale and reaction to working conditions. (Same as MGMT-4313.)
4323 Introduction to Marital and Family Therapy
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
An introduction to the field of marital and family therapy. It will present the history of systems therapy, including the importance of systems theory to the continuing development of the discipline. Special emphasis will be placed on the current status of marital and family therapy including the importance of constructivist theories. The course will also present the major theories of marital and family therapy that have defined the field for the last 40 years. This will be a systemic, experiential, discussion-based class that will require active participation from each student. (Same as FMST-4323.)
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
A study of the nervous system and other physiological correlates of behavior.
4423 Drugs and Psychopharmacology
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
An advanced course in biological psychology, focusing on the effects of drugs on the human nervous system. It will explore drugs of abuse, emphasizing how these drugs work in the brain to produce their behavioral effects. Special attention will be given to the topic of addiction. The course will also focus on psychopharmacology, specifically the treatment of mental health disorders via the prescribing of psychoactive agents. The course will focus on the treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders and psychotic disorders through medication. Attention will be given to how these drugs work in the brain.
4613 Introduction to Psychological Testing
Prerequisite: PSYC-2413.
An overview of the theory and content of evaluation instruments commonly used in fields of psychology to assess achievement, intelligence, special aptitudes and personality. General principles of construction, validation, administration, scoring and interpretation are covered along with brief descriptive overviews of widely used instruments.
Prerequisite: PSYC-2413.
Planning, executing, analyzing data and writing up results of psychological research projects. Methods and problems encountered are explored.
Prerequisite: PSYC-4623.
The capstone course in the psychology program and a follow-up to Experimental Psychology (PSYC-4623). Students will learn SPSS – the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences – and complete their own individual research project and paper, including the collection and analysis of data. The final goal will be making a presentation of their findings to the appropriate student convention. Much of the class will consist of individual instruction and laboratory work. (Same as FMST-4653.)
4713 History and Systems in Psychology
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
A comprehensive study of the history of psychological thought beginning with philosophical foundations and continuing to the present. The course focuses on major contributions and systems with which they are associated.
4733 Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues
Prerequisite: senior standing.
A study of the contemporary ethical considerations, legal standards and professional issues that influence the work of psychologists, counselors and other mental health officials. Specific attention will be given to the Ethical Standards of the APA, ACA and AAMFT, as well as Oklahoma State Law governing the behavior of researchers and psychotherapists. The course will focus on specific ethical dilemmas throughout the class, including, among others, confidentiality, dual relationships, professional relationships, assessment and research. (Same as FMST-4733.)
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
Content varies. Course may be repeated. (1-4 hours, depending on course content.)
4820 Practicum in Psychology I
A course designed to give advanced psychology students “hands on” experience in the field of psychology of interest to them. Students complete 60 hours of supervised volunteer work at a field site and meet one hour a week with a supervising instructor and other practicum students. Class time focuses on student experiences in a group discussion format. Possible practicum sites include schools and community social service agencies, along with opportunities for research. Enrollment by permission only. (1-3 hours)
4830 Practicum in Psychology II
Requirements are the same as Practicum I. Students have the option of continuing in the same practicum setting or switching to another site. (1-3 hours)
4900 Independent Study in Psychology
Assigned research, readings and reports based on the needs of the individual student. May be taken only by junior or senior psychology majors or minors with approval of the departmental chair. (1-3 hours)
SOCIOLOGY (SOCI)
1113 Perspectives in Sociology
A survey of the following areas: society and culture, personality, social processes, human collectivities, population and communities, social institutions and social change.
2413 Social Statistics
Elementary statistics with social and behavioral applications. (Same as PSYC-2413.)
2423 Parent-Child Relations
Opportunities, responsibilities and problems faced by parents in guiding the development of children, emphasizing recent research in the area of parent-child relationships. (Same as FMST-2423.)
3143 Introduction to Asian Civilizations
Prerequisite: junior standing
Introduces the major cultural themes of East, Southeast, and South Asia. Students will learn about the geographical, social, political, economic, cultural and religious features of the four major regions of Asia. Fulfills the core curriculum non- Western Civilization requirement. (Same as MISS-3143.)
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
Motivation and personality in social context. (Same as PSYC-3413.).
3513 World Religions
Prerequisites: junior standing
A comparative study of the beliefs and practices, as well as the historical and sociological impact, of several of the world’s principal religious traditions. These include indigenous traditions, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shintoism. Fulfills the core curriculum non-Western civilization requirement. (Same as MISS-3513.) Non-textual.
3523 Sociology of Crime
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113
Psychological aspects of criminal and anti-social behavior, including comparison of psychological and legal factors in criminal investigation and testimony. (Same as PSYC-3913.)
3573 Sociology of Religion
A study of the relationship between social dynamics, culture and religion, with emphasis upon Christianity. Special attention is given to psychological and sociological bases of the religious life. (Same as BIBL-3573 and PSYC-3573.)
3613 Cultural Anthropology
Suggested prerequisite: SOCI-1113
An introduction to the concept and practice of cultural analysis with an emphasis on cultural differences, ethnocentrism and cultural change. Significant attention is devoted to the anthropology of religion. Fulfills the core curriculum non-Western civilization requirement. (Same as BIBL-3613.) Non-textual.
3713 Contemporary Ethics
A brief history of ethical theory in Western civilization and a survey of several modern secular ethical systems. These are contrasted with biblical principles and Christian systems during discussions of specific topics such as sexuality, marriage, divorce, abortion, euthanasia, the relation of Christians to the state, wealth and poverty, war and peace, race relations and social justice. (Same as BIBL-3713.)
3723 Gerontology
A study to include physical and health factors in aging; psychological aspects of aging; marriage, family and community relationships of older persons; economic and vocational factors in aging; perspectives on death, dying and grief; aging and institutional care; aging and the law; and the future of social intervention, both public and private. (Same as FMST-3723 and PSYC-3723.)
4633 Intercultural Communication I
Prerequisite: ENGL-2113.
A survey of the basic concepts of how people communicate effectively across cultural boundaries, with special attention to the problems faced by language instructors. (Same as COMM-4633, ENGL-4633 and MISS-4633.)
4643 Intercultural Communication II
Prerequisite: ENGL-2113.
A continuation of SOCI-4633, typically taught while a student is living in a foreign culture. (Same as ENGL-4643 and MISS-4643.)
FAMILY STUDIES (FMST)
1113 Introduction to Family Studies
A comprehensive introduction to the subjects which comprise the study of human development and family betterment. It covers, in very general terms, the spectrum from conception to death and takes a general look at professional possibilities within this broad field. The research base of the discipline is introduced as the student learns the difference between research-based and expository publication. Common statistical terms are studied so that the student can read research journals with elementary understanding.
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
Opportunities, responsibilities, and problems faced by parents in guiding the development of children, with emphasis on recent research in the area of parent-child relationships. (Same as SOCI-2423.)
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
A study of child welfare services. Particular attention is given to the areas of foster care, adoption, institutional care, care of unwed mothers and protective services.
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
An introductory course including considerations of human sexual development. The course is intended to present a decision-making model with which individuals can make decisions and accept responsibility for their actions.
3533 Family Life Education
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
This course is designed to provide students with an applied learning experience in the design, development, and implementation of programs geared toward helping children and families. reas of emphasis include program planning, theory, evaluation, mass media communication, and principles of teaching / instruction.
3613 Adolescence and Early Adulthood
Prerequisite: PSYC-1113.
This course covers the developmental process of adolescence and early adulthood. The course focuses on biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional issues as they pertain to the ongoing changes in this time of the life cycle. Attention will be given to issues of gender, culture, family relationships, peer relationships, sexuality, and education. Special attention will also be given to issues that young adults face as they venture into collegiate life, career exploration and new family roles.
(Same as PSYC-3613.)
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
A study to include physical and health factors in aging; psychological aspects of aging; marriage, family and community relationships of older persons; economic and vocational factors in aging; perspectives on death, dying and grief; aging and institutional care; aging and the law; and the future of social intervention, both public and private. (Same as PSYC-3723 and SOCI-3723.)
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
An introduction to the family development life cycle. The course will focus on the stages that marriages and families progress through and the associated tasks that need to be addressed and successfully negotiated. Attention will be given to dating, marriage, having children, children going to school, adolescence, empty nest and issues of caretaking, grandparenting and aging. The course will also explore the related crises that develop around these developmental transition periods.
3933 Cybernetics and Systems Theory
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
An introduction to the major underlying theoretical foundations of family therapy. The course will explore the historical development of systems theory and cybernetics from its origins in the 1940s in the thinking of mathematicians, physicists, biologists, and engineers to the pioneering work of Bateson and his colleagues in the late ’50s and their application of cybernetics to the family. The course will also introduce the work of Murray Bowen. The basic concepts of systems theory will be discussed and contrasted with the more common Western, analytical approach which has dominated the thinking in psychology since the time of Freud. (Same as PSYC-3933.)
4123 Divorce and Stepfamily Relationships
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
This course is an overview of the issues pertaining to divorce and stepfamily relationships. We will address the consequences of divorce on children and adults as well as ways in which adults can create a more healthy post divorce environment for their children. We will consider the major issues surrounding stepfamilies in today’s society and how healthy relationships can be established in these environments.
4323 Introduction to Marital and Family Therapy
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
An introduction to the field of marital and family therapy. It will present the history of systems therapy, including the importance of systems theory to the continuing development of the discipline. Special emphasis will be placed on the current status of marital and family therapy including the importance of constructivist theories. The course will also present the major theories of marital and family therapy that have defined the field for the last 40 years. This will be a systemic, experiential, discussion-based class that will require active participation from each student. (Same as PSYC-4323.)
4413 Family Crises and Treatment
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
An introduction to the field of family crises and possible treatment approaches. The family life cycle will be discussed, with focus on key transition periods and the possible crises that can evolve. It is a systemic, experimental, discussion based class.
Prerequisites: FMST-1113 and PSYC-4623.
The capstone course in the Family Studies program. Students will learn SPSS – the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences – and complete their own individual research project and paper, including the collection and analysis of data. The final goal will be making a presentation of their findings to the appropriate student convention. Much of the class will consist of individual instruction and laboratory work. (Same as PSYC-4653.)
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
A practicum that is a self-selected experience from among approved settings within the areas of child development or gerontology. Commercial infant or child care, child abuse facilities, Department of Human Services facilities, retirement or assisted living facilities are possible acceptable settings. A total of 126 clock hours (9 hours per week) during a semester is required.
4733 Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues
Prerequisites: FMST-1113 and senior standing.
A study of the contemporary ethical considerations, legal standards and professional issues that influence the work of psychologists, counselors and other mental health officials. Specific attention will be given to the Ethical Standards of the APA, ACA, and AAMFT, as well as Oklahoma State Law governing the behavior of researchers and psychotherapists. The course will focus on specific ethical dilemmas throughout the class, including – among others – confidentiality, dual relationships, professional relationships, assessment and research. (Same as PSYC-4733.)
4900 Independent Study in Family Studies
Prerequisite: FMST-1113.
Provides mature students an opportunity for individual research and guided readings. (1-3 hours)
CHILD DEVELOPMENT (CHDV)
3013 Nature and Characteristics of Early Childhood
Prerequisites: FMST-1113. Corequisite or prerequisite: PSYC-3523. Practicum: 15 hours (CHDV-3013P)
After studying the broad field of Early Childhood in relation to its multiple historical, philosophical and social foundations, the candidate will examine how these foundations influence current thought and practice. After exploring the characteristics of the young child from birth to age eight, the candidate will demonstrate observation techniques and planning skills related to developmentally appropriate practice. The candidate will also reflect on the role of the teacher and ethical considerations of the Early Childhood field. (Cross listed with ECED-3013 but will not apply to teacher licensure requirements.)
3023 Emergent Literacy
Prerequisites: FMST-1113, CHDV-3013 and PSYC-3523.
After surveying language development and techniques for facilitating that development as it emerges from infancy through the primary years, the candidate will plan and implement methods and activities to encourage the emergence of literacy. The candidate will also develop an understanding of and respect for the sociocultural diversity of literacy development as well as the interrelationships of culture, language, thought and the function of the home language in the development of young children. (Cross listed with ECED-3023 but will not apply to teacher licensure requirements.)
4023 Topics in Early Childhood
Prerequisite: FMST-1113, CHDV-3013 and PSYC-3523.
The candidate will describe and apply behavior and guidance theories for the young child from infancy through age eight. The candidate will also demonstrate techniques for planning and implementing parental involvement and for understanding the child and his family in the context of society. (Cross listed with ECED-4023 but will not apply to teacher licensure requirements.)
Send email to ryan.newell@oc.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Faculty Facts
Dr. Holly Osburn, Professor of Psychology, is interested in women in the workplace, leadership, and organizational conflict. Dr. Osburn enjoys working with her students and has several favorite memories from OC. "I met my husband here--that's probably the best. Also, I still have very close friends from here."
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