COMM 1300 Media Literacy

Media literacy is defined as the ability to read, analyze, and evaluate communication messages in a variety of communication mediums such as newspapers, TV, radio, on-line, podcasts, and blogging. This course discusses the globalization of mass media, intersection of media and government, and the nature of journalism and the issue of media bias. Students will also explore the social and political implications of various media: how media can shape notions of reality, perpetuate or alter stereotypes, and reinforce or undermine cultural barriers.

COMM 1311 Fundamentals of Comm

The course acquaints students with theories of communication and applications thereof in various social, professional, and educational settings. Students study the core contexts within the discipline including but not limited to: intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, public speaking, mass media, and digital media.

TCCN: SPCH 1311

COMM 1315 Public Speaking

The course acquaints students with public speaking applications thereof in various social, professional, and educational settings.

TCCN: SPCH 1315

COMM 1326 Journalistic Writing

An introduction to basic journalistic techniques, integrating the practices of news gathering, writing and editing through individual and class projects. In addition, this course will explore many of the common critiques made of news reporting. (Formerly COMM 3326)

COMM 1370 Fundamentals of Comm Design

A studio course concerning the fundamentals of visual communication with an emphasis on art and two-dimensional concepts. This course introduces practical and theoretical content in disciplinary and interdisciplinary art, design, and communication practices.

COMM 2235 Debate and Argumentation

Theories and practice in argumentation and debate including analysis, reasoning, organization, evidence, and refutation. This course introduces the students to various argumentation techniques. The student will learn basic research skills and methods of cataloging evidence. The student will learn to organize and present ideas in effective communication paradigms. Individual debate and team formats will be demonstrated. College level development of sound arguments and reasoning including the effective incorporation of evidence for the purpose of debate.

TCCN: SPCH 2335

COMM 2305 Rhetoric of Popular Culture

The course explores the intersection of rhetorical theory and media imagery. Examines the rhetorical significance of multiple popular mediums of cultural exchange including: television programming, music, film, advertisement, and social media.

COMM 2318 Interpersonal Communication

The course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining personal relationships. By surveying the leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore theoretical perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context.

TCCN: SPCH 1318

COMM 2324 Practicum in Electronic Media

A studio course for understanding and using communication media technologies. Students will clarify communicative purposes, use appropriate software, as well as plan, produce, edit, and critique compositions. Classes may stress one or more genres, formats, or themes. May be repeated when topic changes with departmental approval.

COMM 2331 Photo I: Intro to Visual Comm

A foundation class in basic photographic tools and techniques used for visual communication. The course examines methods for effective communication using photography. Student work is reviewed and critiqued as to composition, technique, and the ability to communicate the content of the original subject to the reviewer. The 35 mm format and black and white darkroom techniques are required.

COMM 2366 Film Appreciation-WIN

Emphasis on the analysis of the visual and aural aspects of selected motion pictures, dramatic aspects of narrative films, and historical growth and sociological effect of film as an art. Interchangeable with THAR 2366.

COMM 3102 Digital Filmmaking I Lab

Laboratory course to accompany COMM 3202.

Corequisites: COMM 3202.

COMM 3123 Video Editing&Post Prod I Lab

Laboratory course to accompany COMM 3223. Must be taken concurrently with COMM 3223.

COMM 3132 Digital Filmmaking II Lab

Laboratory course to accompany COMM 3232.

Corequisites: COMM 3232.

COMM 3133 Video Editing&Post Prod II Lab

Laboratory course to accompany COMM 3233. Must be taken concurrently with COMM 3233.

COMM 3202 Digital Filmmaking I

Through class and instructor analysis of each student's idea for a short video, the class will cover pre-production details: initial concepts, synopsis, treatment, script, storyboards, shot list, scheduling, location scouting, and cost. Using screenings and analysis of classic scenes, the choices available to the video maker are discussed in depth with focus on subsequent application. Students will work on individual video projects, and on one 6-10 minute final group project. May be repeated once for credit when topic changes.

Corequisites: COMM 3102.

COMM 3223 Video Editing and Post Prod I

The course emphasizes the theoretical bases of digital production, trends in publicly distributed media, and the use of computers in digital video production. Included are video standards, video editing applications, and an introduction to post-production use of transitions and special effects. Students will write project proposals and shoot their own video to edit. To be taken concurrently with COMM 3123. Course may be repeated once for credit when topic changes.

COMM 3232 Digital Filmmaking II

Through exercises and demonstrations, this course will emphasize the craft, aesthetics and content of production as practiced in emerging and traditional formats. Students will continues to explore the classical narrative style as well as take command of experimental and documentary approaches. Specific topics may include the invisible line of action as it applies to three or more players, disrupting continuity, the music video, avant-garde techniques, recording behavior, and re-creating past events. Screenings and individual projects will be an integral part of this course. May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisites: COMM 3202 or consent of instructor.

Corequisites: COMM 3132.

COMM 3233 Video Editing and Post-Prod II

Focuses on efficiency in process, output choices, and developing an effects library. Topics may include managing the digital post, preparing final scripts, transitions, segmenting, composing, titles, and special effects. Also included are sound design elements, mixing, overdub and foley. Students will propose, shoot, and edit several video projects. May be repeated once for credit. To be taken concurrently with Lab COMM 3133.

Prerequisites: COMM 3223 and COMM 3123 or consent of instructor.

COMM 3300 Intro to Theo Prin of Comm

Beginning study of the nature, problems, and theories of human communication. Examines issues of meaning, relationship, and community within interpersonal, group, and media contexts. Surveys rhetorical, pragmatic, and interpretive perspectives on the communication process.

COMM 3305 Advanced Interpersonal Comm

The course will provide an advanced understanding of interpersonal communication by focusing on theories and research used to analyze personal and professional relationships. Students will learn to assess interpersonal theories with an emphasis on conflict management, identity development and management, difference, power and influence.

COMM 3307 Health Communication

In depth study of the central issues, topics, theories, and perspectives relating to health studies, health education, and communication. Surveys rhetorical, pragmatic, and interpretative, and contextual perspectives of communications processes that influence health care practices.

COMM 3308 Intercultural Communication

This course provides students with an introductory knowledge base for examining constructions of culture. Course discussions will focus upon intercultural interactions, intercultural barriers, cultural perspectives, cultural adaptions, identity constructions and the greater social, political, philosophical, relational, and economic contexts that shape these concepts.

COMM 3309 Special Topics in Comm

Examines different communications topics including research underpinnings and everyday applications. May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

COMM 3310 Methods of Inquiry:Quant Rsch

This course will provide an introduction to formulating and answering questions in the field of communication using social science research methods. Course topics will range from developing social scientific research questions and hypotheses to analyses of data.

COMM 3311 Advanced Public Speaking

The course serves to extend and develop presentational skills. It compares forms of reasoning and methods of message rehearsal. Students will write about and discuss their experiences as speakers and audience members.

COMM 3312 Methods of Inquiry:Qual Rsch

This course introduces students to qualitative research and prepares them in the approaches, skills, and techniques necessary to conduct research using this methodology.

COMM 3320 Teamwork and Communication

Development of communication skills in the context of teams in organizational and professional settings. Students study the nature of effective teamwork, group process, problem solving, and leadership.

COMM 3321 Political Communication

This course will provide an introduction to understanding and answering questions in the field of political communication. This course will investigate how political communication is structured by the media and used by people. The course also will explore how news media functions in a democratic system. Special emphasis will be placed on investigating how the media shapes, and is shaped by, public opinion. Theoretical and empirical research from political science, social psychology, and mass communication will be discussed.

COMM 3322 Public Relations

An introduction to communication between corporations, smaller businesses, non-profit organizations and government and human service agencies and their internal and external publics with particular attention to the uses of media. The course simulates public relations and management situations using case studies.

COMM 3323 Public Relations Campaigns

This course offers practical application of public relations in solving a variety of organizational communication challenges and opportunities. It will integrate theory, techniques and research methods in the planning and execution of public relations projects, programs and/or campaigns for one or more specific organizations. The objectives, planning, staffing, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation of public relations programs will be emphasized.

COMM 3324 Film Studies

This course explores how meaning is structured and perceived in the moving images, film and video. Drawing heavily on a wide array of historical and contemporary examples this course examines the many expressive strategies potentially usable in the creation of moving image art forms: iconography, editing, composition, sound, narrative, discourse, and performance. Topics may include: three visionary filmmakers, three genres, significant film movements, and international cinema. Screening lab required. Course may be repeated for credit when topics vary. This course is open to all students for credit.

COMM 3325 Mass Communication

A comprehensive survey of the contemporary media of mass communication and an investigation of their influence on social, political, and economic change. This course will also offer material on the origins and historical development of print and broadcast media.

COMM 3326 Film History

Students will study the major industrial, technological, aesthetic, and cultural developments in motion picture history. Topics may include the invention of motion pictures, the establishment of a film industry and audience, the narrativization of film, developments in the use of cinematic technique, the establishment of national cinemas, the idea of film as art, and technological innovation.

COMM 3327 Media Writing

This course introduces students to some of the different writing techniques and styles used by print, broadcast and other forms of mass media. Students will develop a multiple range of skills including but not limited to skills in information gathering, interviewing, and organizing data. Course instruction allows for multiple focal points of discussion including but not limited to: News Writing, Broadcast Writing, Print Writing, Copy Writing and Script Writing. May be taken up to three times.

COMM 3328 Adv Journalistic Writing

A continuation of journalistic techniques, integrating the practices of news gathering, writing, editing, and revising through individual projects. Students will be required to produce publishable work of considerable depth and sophistication. Stories, features, and opinion pieces can be based on students' areas of interest and/or major fields. May be taken up to two times.

Prerequisites: COMM 1326 or approval of instructor.

COMM 3329 Fundamentals of Advertising

This course explores the fundamentals of advertising and the basic theories and principles used in developing advertising. Learn how advertisers and agencies develop an advertisement or ad campaign, the visuals and messages to include in the ad, where and when the ad or campaign should run, and why. Topics include typical jobs in advertising and the basic duties associated with each job, advertising history, and ethical considerations. This course will also focus on advertising strategies for Hispanic markets.

COMM 3330 Nonverbal Communication

An introduction to the dynamics of nonverbal behavior through exploration of scholarly research, application of practical theory, and analysis of sociocultural variables to foster a deeper appreciation and greater understanding of nonverbal messages across social contexts.

COMM 3331 Photo II: Photojournalism

Introduction to the photographic techniques, tools and content issues in visual communication for publications. The emphasis will be on using the photographic medium to communicate ideas, information, and emotions. Color and digital technology will be introduced, as well as an examination of sequential imaging as used in the photographic narrative form of the picture story. Course may be repeated for credit when topics vary. Students must have their own digital single-lens-reflex or modern mirrorless camera system with interchangeable lenses.

COMM 3332 Multimedia Production I

This course introduces the foundations of broadcasting production, including the production process, the role of crew members, the use of production equipment and facilities, and the production techniques that are used in the creation of television and radio programs. This introductory course requires an in-depth understanding of broadcasting production skills, including pitching, scripting, casting, directing, lighting, staging, and editing.

COMM 3333 Multimedia Production II

This course requires the application of broadcasting production skills to create quality media projects. This advanced hands-on production course emphasizes the aesthetic creativity, technical proficiency, and the communication competency required to become a broadcasting producer, director, or editor. Course exercises are designed for students to create talk shows, news programming, commercials, and narrative dramas in a multi-camera television studio and on-location settings, and to solve various problems in the production process.

Prerequisites: COMM 3332

COMM 3334 Visual Communication

An exploration of the visual dimensions of communication, including elements of graphic design, the visual representation of data, and emerging literacies associated with television and computer interfaces. May include individual and class projects in digital magazine and newspaper layout. Web page design, and presentation graphics.

COMM 3335 Social Media and Communication

This course will introduce students to various forms of social media and how to use them for communication strategies

COMM 3337 Storytelling for Video Games

Storytelling for Video Games is an introductory course that examines the key storytelling aspects for narrative game design: introduction and history of games, worldbuilding, character development, Storytelling & Mythic Structure, and Interactive Dialogue. The focus for the final project is on learning how to write branching story arcs in interactive storytelling design. Students will purchase a computer game, complete with a game engine, and create a computer game adventure with characters of their own design. The game level will include interactive narrative written by the students.

COMM 3338 Travel Photography

This course focuses on the practical application of visual communication skills used for storytelling and documentary purposes as utilized by travel books, magazines, websites, and related publications. The course examines methods for effective communication using photography as it relates to documenting other cultures: people, cuisine, scenery, architecture, wildlife, etc. Student work is reviewed and critiqued as to composition, technique, and the ability to communicate the content of the original subject to the reviewer. Students will need to bring their own 35 mm format digital SLR camera. Laptops installed with Adobe Photoshop or other photographic editing software will also be necessary. Students will utilize social media, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Flickr, to display images during the trip and collectively create a travel photography book following the trip. This course is only offered during a Study Abroad Program and includes a look at the history of photography and famous photographers from the destination. The experience will be completely different each time, since we’re possibly going to different countries each time. May be repeated when topic changes.

COMM 3370 Communication Design

This studio course introduces the field of communication design media including terminology, creative visual thinking/problem solving, layout design, tools, and materials.

COMM 3390 Special Topics in Film Studies

Examines different film studies topics including research underpinnings, everyday applications, genres, auteurs, and trends in cinema. May be repeated twice for credit when topic changes.

COMM 4311 Media and Behavior

This class will examine the ways in which individual consumers, society, and various forms of media interact. Outcomes related to advertising effects, criminal behavior, sexuality, and racial prejudice will be covered. Interchangeable with PSCY 4311 and CRIJ 4324.

COMM 4312 Media and Identity

This course examines the role of media as a cultural site where media professionals construct and/or are constructed by differences in social divisions of class, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, and sexuality in society. We will study media representation as a symbolic system of making boundaries among social groups and (re)producing the meaning of othering, exclusion, and marginalization. We will also consider media as a battlefield where media professionals tackle and transform current systems of power and hierarchy. By analyzing media texts, students will configure the cultural dynamics, aesthetic expressions, and social inequalities represented in U.S. media.

COMM 4320 Trends in International Comm

This course is an intensive study of the interdependent relationship between mass and digital communication and culture in an international context. Students will examine conceptual and experiential problems that affect media communication across physical and cultural boundaries including problems of interpreting and evaluating different cultural values, world views, international media conglomerates, cultural imperialism, nationalism, information flow, and the effects of globalization.

COMM 4323 Communication Law

An overview and analysis of common legal issues in public communication. May include considerations relevant to print journalism, namely libel, invasion of privacy, censorship, questionable news gathering techniques and other First Amendment topics, as well as current legal problems in the television and radio broadcast industries.

COMM 4324 Comparative Journalism

Students will be engaged in a comprehensive study of the state of Latin American journalism practices, mainstream American journalism practices and ethnic Hispanic-oriented media in the United States. The focus is on traditional/ new media outlets and news wires during election periods as well as journalistic freedoms and censorship, presidential elections, political news and advertisements, and international news reporting. This course is writing and research intensive and will primarily be taught in English though students will be reading media examples written in Spanish. Prerequisite SPAN 3300 or permission of the instructor.

COMM 4325 Organizational Communication

Overview of research and theory in organizational communication. Examines internal processes of socialization, group decision-making and influence as well as external communication such as public relations, issue management and corporate advocacy. Emphasis on analysis or organizational communication problems.

COMM 4326 Conflict Management

This course introduces students to the study of conflict by examining the nature of conflict, conflict management, and applying conflict management skills in interpersonal, group, and organizational settings. Skill development is conducted by creating action plans and executing them through role-playing. Students focus on learning conflict management techniques used for interpersonal management, negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

COMM 4328 Digital Publication Design

This course examines the design of magazines, newspapers, ’zines, and other serial forms of publication as a communication media.

COMM 4329 Digital Advertising Comm

This course introduces students to the skills, techniques, and development of digital communication design concepts in advertising.

COMM 4330 Special Issues in Comm

Course provides intensive study of diverse and relevant specialized subjects and topics in communication. Subjects may focus on various trends, methodologies, research, measurements, and analysis within the field. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

COMM 4331 Broadcast Journalism

This course requires the application of journalistic principles and production skills to produce broadcast and digital news stories. This advanced hands-on production course emphasizes practical skills, including newsgathering, journalistic writing, interviewing, directing, and hands-on camera operating and editing. Course exercises are designed for students to create news programming in a multi-camera television studio and on-location settings and to deal with ethical and technical challenges in the production process.

Prerequisites: COMM 3202 or COMM 3232 or COMM 3327 or COMM 3328 or COMM 3332 or COMM 3333 or Permission of Instructor

COMM 4340 Communication Ethics

The course asks how we make ethical judgements about communication practices: How do we recognize lies and decide when lying might be ethical? What other breaches of civility do we shun in the ways people speak and listen? What would be a reasonable ethic for professional and personal communication? How can we ethically communicate with people of other cultures?

COMM 4345 Advanced UG Research

This class is designed to offer students with a specific interest in developing social scientific and humanistic research skills in communication studies the opportunity to work with one or more Communication faculty members on directed research projects. The primary instructional activity in this course will be individualized research opportunities provided by faculty members. Every student will work with a single faculty mentor to help gain exposure to research methods through active involvement in ongoing research projects.

Prerequisites: COMM 3310 or 3312, and Junior or Senior Standing.

COMM 4350 Internship

Application of concepts through participation in communities, institutions, agencies, schools, or businesses. Supervision by faculty and sponsoring organizations. Includes interpretive journal, summary paper and presentation. Those students enrolled in the Communication/Spanish degree will intern at Spanish-speaking organizations. May be repeated twice for credit.

COMM 4360 Comm Theory&Practice

Synthesis and integration of theory with communication practices and problems that students have encountered through work and life experiences. Students will learn how theory applies to our everyday life and helps us become more competent communicators. Culmination of this course is a senior thesis paper for senior portfolio.

Prerequisites: Senior Standing or consent of instructor

COMM 4370 Communication Media Portfolio

Students will be given the guidance and studio time needed to polish their communication media portfolios prior to graduation. Portfolios should be dynamic, developmental representations of the personal and professional identities of each student. Lectures will focus on best practices for professionals in media and communication design fields, and/or continuing education. Capstone elective recommended for students interested in pursing a career in a communications industry.

Prerequisites: Senior standing, and concurrent or previous enrollment in one of the following: COMM 3331, COMM 3232 and COMM 3123, COMM 3233 and COMM 3133, COMM 3327, COMM 3333, COMM 4328, COMM 4329, COMM 4331, or approval of instructor

COMM 4390 Spec Issues in Media Studies

The course provides intensive study of diverse and relevant specialized subjects and topics in media studies. Subjects may focus on various trends, methodologies, research, measurements, and analysis within the field. May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

PSYC 2117 Basic Stats for Psyc Lab

This laboratory course aims to reinforce and extend knowledge and applications of statistics to problem solving using exploratory data analysis utilizing computer statistical software and spreadsheets. The course seeks to bridge the gap between basic statistics and advanced statistics. Students in this class have the opportunity to master widely used computer statistical software.

Corequisites: PSYC 2317.

PSYC 2301 Intro to Psychology

Surveys the major principles of psychology. Introduces the history of psychology, human development, personality, abnormal behavior, social psychology, feelings and emotions, research methodologies, experimental psychology, psychophysiology, learning and memory, altered states of awareness, sleep and dreams, and industrial and organizational psychology. Students will be required to participate in the psychological experiment participant pool as part of this class, or may opt to complete an additional paper assignment in lieu of research participation.

Prerequisites: Completion of Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Reading requirements, ENGL 1301, or appropriate level developmental course sequence.

TCCN: PSYC 2301

PSYC 2308 Child Psychology

This course will address psychological development from conception through middle childhood with references to physical, cognitive, social and personality changes. Students will examine the interplay of biological factors, human interaction, social structures and cultural forces in development.

PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth&Development

Prepares students to understand the physical, emotional, social and cognitive factors of growth and development of children, adolescents, and adults throughout the lifespan. Required for admission to the College of Education for students seeking teacher certification.

TCCN: PSYC 2314

PSYC 2315 Psychology of Adjustment

Study of the processes involved in adjustment of individuals to their personal and social environments.

PSYC 2317 Basic Stats for Psychology

Introduces practical knowledge of statistical reasoning, from descriptive statistics such as histograms, measures of central tendency, variability, and correlation, to inferential statistics including, probability theory, hypothesis testing, effect size, t-tests, analysis of variance, regression, and chi square, which are essential for understanding scientific reports in psychology and cognitive sciences. Students enrolled in this class must obtain a “C” or better to earn credit and enroll in PSYC 3302.

Corequisites: PSYC 2117.

TCCN: PSYC 2317

PSYC 2319 Intro to Social Psychology

Study of individual behavior within the social environment. Topics may include socio-psychological processes, attitude formation and change, interpersonal relations, group processes, self, social cognition, and research methods. This course is included in the Psychology Field of Study.

PSYC 2320 Intro to Abnormal Psychology

This course provides an introduction to the psychological, biological, and sociocultural factors involved in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. It includes a review of the historical understanding of abnormal behavior and the development of modern diagnostic systems. It includes a discussion of psychological research and practice as it relates to mental health and psychological functioning, as well as legal and ethical issues. PSYC 2320 is included in the Psychology Field of Study.

PSYC 2330 Intro to Biological Psychology

This course provides an introduction to the biological bases of behavior. Topics include evolution, research methods in behavioral neuroscience, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception, learning and memory, lifespan development, cognition, language, psychological disorders, and other complex behaviors. This course is included in the Psychology Field of Study.

PSYC 3102 Rsrch Methods in Beh Sci Lab

This laboratory course offers students the opportunity to become familiar with experimental, correlational, and other procedures to selected psychological issues. This class provides the opportunity to develop skills in the analysis of published research, and introduces the student to techniques for collecting and analyzing data.

Corequisites: Concurrent enrollment in PSYC 3302.

PSYC 3301 Advanced Social Psychology

This course is an advanced in-depth examination of theory, research, and methodology in social psychology. Emerging perspectives, contemporary research, and controversies in the field will be explored. Students will develop their critical thinking skills in evaluating empirical research methods and findings. The practical implications of research findings also will be explored in the contexts of real-world problems and personal experiences.

PSYC 3302 Research Methods in Psyc

Reviews the principles and methodologies of psychological inquiry. Course emphasizes critical thinking, designing and conducting experimental, survey, and observational research, analyzing and interpreting scientific data, and writing professional research reports. This course is required for admittance in the Master of Counseling Psychology Program with a grade of "B" or higher.

Prerequisites: PSYC 2317 and PSYC 2117 (or a statistics course) with a grade of “C” or better.

Corequisites: concurrent enrollment in PSYC 3102 or permission of instructor.

PSYC 3304 Learning and Memory

Familiarizes the student with the general principles of learning and memory by examining various learning theories, memory research, perception, information processing, and problem-solving.

PSYC 3308 Intercultural Communication

This course provides students with an introductory knowledge base for examining constructions of culture. Course discussions will focus upon intercultural interactions, intercultural barriers, cultural perspectives, cultural adaptions, identity constructions and the greater social, political, philosophical, relational, and economic contexts that shape these concepts.

Prerequisites: COMM 1311 or Instructor Approval.

PSYC 3310 Advanced Biological Psychology

This course examines the biological basis of behavior, including a detailed look at the neural basis of psychological systems from sensory organs to perception. Students learn the anatomical, chemical, and physiological mechanics of neural communication, topographic organization of sensory systems, and cortical representation of sensory perception. Students will become familiar with how these biological mechanisms relate to key issues in psychology such as pain perception, attention, and language.

PSYC 3315 Psychology of Aging

Examines major theories of adult development and particularly explores the interactive processes of biology, cognitive aging, personality, and psychosocial factors on development in older adults (age 50 and above). Emphasis is on the everyday adjustments that older adults make as they age and on the impact of increasing numbers of older adults on economics, politics and health care.

PSYC 3320 Evolutionary Psychology

The course examines the foundations of human behavior, cognitive processes, and personality through an evolutionary perspective. Evolutionary psychology attempts to explain how certain behaviors arise, their origin, and their historical and significant purpose throughout human history. Topics include human behavior, the human mind, survival, mating strategies, group behavior, aggression, and the differences between sexes.

Prerequisites: Any course from PSYC 2301, SOCI 1301, CRIJ 1301, BIOL 1370, or ANTH 2346.

PSYC 4199 Undergraduate Research

A course adapted to the study of special topics in Psychology and Cognitive Science. For advanced students interested in developing a research topic or a senior thesis independently through conference and activities directed by the professor. Topic is chosen by the student with the approval of the professor prior to registration. Course may be repeated but not to exceed eight semester hours.

Prerequisites: PSYC 3302 or Permission of instructor.

PSYC 4299 Undergraduate Research

A course adapted to the study of special topics in Psychology and Cognitive Science. For advanced students interested in developing a research topic or a senior thesis independently through conference and activities directed by the professor. Topic is chosen by the student with the approval of the professor prior to registration. Course may be repeated but not to exceed eight semester hours.

Prerequisites: PSYC 3302 or Permission of instructor.

PSYC 4301 Psychology of Personality

Introduces personality theory and the important factors in the development of personality from birth to maturity. This course is required for admittance into the Master of Counseling Psychology program with a grade of 'B' or higher.

Prerequisites: Psychology major and Senior status, or permission of instructor.

PSYC 4303 Advanced Abnormal Psychology

This course introduces upper-level undergraduate students to an overview of (a) the standard nomenclature and organization of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM 5); (b) the empirical and theoretical framework for modern classifications of psychopathology; and (c) ethical, cultural, spiritual, and social justice considerations of psychopathology and abnormal psychology expression in science as well as classical and historical literature, including writings in the areas by nonconformist thinkers. This course includes an introduction of symptoms, descriptions, etiology, and treatment of major mental disorders such as mood, anxiety, substance-related, psychotic, childhood, eating, and personality disorders. This course is interactive and is designed to initiate development of students’ recognition of psychopathological symptoms. This course is required for admittance into the Master of Counseling Psychology program.

Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 or SOCI 1301 or CRIJ 1301.

PSYC 4305 Psychology of Language

Explores human communication, the structure and cognitive processes involved in language use, psychological study of syntax and semantics, bilingualism, language and thought, and language errors and disorders. Also examines the principles associated with receptive and expressive communication deficits in children.

PSYC 4306 Language Development

This course explores the development of child language as it relates to sounds, grammar and speech of young children. The relationship between cognitive development and language in monolingual and bilingual children is a primary focus. (Cross listed with CSDO 4333)

PSYC 4307 The Psychology of Bilingualism

Explores issues related to language and memory for those who speak two or more languages. Class examines bilingual issues in language comprehension, reading, lexical representation, code-switching, second-language acquisition, language and brain disorders, biological and cultural aspects of bilingualism, bilingual education, and the development of bilingualism in children.

PSYC 4308 Theory & Prin of Psyc Testing

Introduces the rationale of psychological measurement, test construction, validity, reliability, standardization, and statistical treatment of test results. Examines various accepted tests as measurements of significant individual characteristics. This course is required for admittance into the Master of Counseling Psychology program.

Prerequisites: PSYC 2317.

PSYC 4309 Foundations of Language

This course explores basic theoretical issues concerning the nature of human language. Topics include the intricate system that governs language acquisition, linguistic competence and performance, the similarities and differences among world languages, and the relationship between spoken and written language.

PSYC 4310 Psychology of Human Sexuality

Covers psychological issues in human sexuality including genetic, hormonal, cognitive, and cultural determinants. The causes and treatment of sexual dysfunctions, sexual deviations, sexual life style variations, and gender identity will also be explored. May be taken for graduate credit.

PSYC 4311 Media and Behavior

Examines the ways in which individual consumers, society and various forms of media interact. Outcomes related to advertising effects, criminal behavior, sexuality and racial prejudice will be covered. Interchangeable with COMM 4311 and CRIJ 4324.

PSYC 4315 Alcohol, Drugs&Human Behavr

Reviews the social, psychological, and physiological effects of alcohol and all the major therapeutic and recreational drugs, historical and current definitions of alcohol and drug use and abuse, and sociocultural aspects of alcohol/drug dependency, including vulnerable populations. The issues of alcohol/drug use and abuse will be studied to develop effective strategies for prevention and rehabilitation of alcohol and drug dependency. Interchangeable with CRIJ 3325. May be taken for graduate credit.

PSYC 4325 Cognitive Psychology

Focuses on cognitive psychology, language development, concept formation, problem solving, information processing, split-brain research, neuropsychology, memory, perception, and cognitive clusters.

Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 or permission of instructor.

PSYC 4335 Issues in Psychology

Examines current or special topics in the field of psychology. May be repeated when topics change.

PSYC 4399 Undergraduate Research

A course adapted to the study of special topics in Psychology and Cognitive Science. For advanced students interested in developing a research topic or a senior thesis independently through conference and activities directed by the professor. Topic is chosen by the student with the approval of the professor prior to registration. Course may be repeated but not to exceed eight semester hours.

Prerequisites: PSYC 3302 or Permission of instructor.