Psychology
PS 121 Introduction to Psychology (3) A
An introductory course exploring the nature and process of the human mind and behaviour. A survey of psychological research, physiological processes, basic principles of learning, memory, thinking, language, and intelligence, life-span development issues, personality, psychological disorders and related therapy, and social psychology.
PS 215 Sensation and Perception (3) B
The psychological and physiological bases of sensory and perceptual processes, including vision, audition, taste, smell, touch and basic psychophysics.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 220 Child Development (3) A
An exploration of the nature and process of normal child development as it progresses from conception to late childhood. Child development is examined as it occurs within four important areas: physical, cognitive, social- emotional, and social.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 230 Adolescent Development (3) B
This course focuses on normal human development as it occurs during adolescence. It looks at development by way of the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional contexts, as well as giving special attention to prevalence, prevention, and treatment of several issues of concern most common during adolescence.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 240 Adulthood and Aging (3) B
An examination of normal human development as it occurs in adulthood and old-age. Students explore geriatrics as it relates to psychology by examining the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional contexts associated with adulthood, old-age, and death.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 250 Social Psychology (3) A
This course seeks to understand the nature and causes of individual behaviour in social situations, for the purpose of finding ways to improve the quality of life in society. Students will explore issues such as social perception and cognition, attitude formation, prejudice and discrimination, inter- personal attraction, altruism, aggression, group behaviour, and environmental and organizational psychology.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 270 Introduction to Neuroscience (3) A
An introduction to the study of neuroscience and neuropsychology. Attention is given to the foundational issues of studying neurochemistry and experimental techniques related to the structure and function of the nervous system and brain.
Prerequisite: PS 121
Note: This course is cross-listed as BIO 270.
PS 274 History of Psychology (3) A
This course surveys historical perspectives and theoretical frameworks that form the foundations of critical and creative thinking in psychology. Students will also learn about contemporary historians of psychology and the methods they use.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 285 Abnormal Psychology (3) B
This course provides an introduction to psychopathology and abnormal behaviour. Using a bio-psycho-social etiological framework, attention is given to the classification, assessment, and methods of therapy related to the major areas of psychopathology. A focus is also to understand the importance of prevention and education in the field of mental health.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 299 Special Topics in Psychology (3) O
Selected topics from a variety of areas in Psychology. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 300 Personality (3) A
An examination of personality structure, dynamics and development, emphasizing major theoretical perspectives and methods of research. Attention will be given to the comparative analysis of the major theoretical models.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 200-level
PS 305 Psychology of Family (3) O
This course will focus on family interaction, family dynamics, and family functioning. Using family-systems theory and a multigenerational, developmental framework, this course will explore the challenges faced by contemporary families. Several conceptual lenses will be used to assess and understand family functioning and to guide us through each successive stage of the family life cycle.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 200-level
PS 306 Working with Vulnerable Persons (3) B
This course will focus on basic skills and practice when working with individuals who are vulnerable and/or experiencing homelessness. It will explore the challenges faced by individuals who are vulnerable and homeless, such as lack of education and job skills, poor mental and physical health, and addictions. It will also address the importance of case management, its components, and effectiveness. The course is meant to prepare students interested in working with at-risk persons in this population to provide competent and client-centered help.
Prerequisite: PS 121 or SO 121
Note: This course is cross-listed as DVST 306.
PS 307 Psychological Impacts of Poverty (3) B
An exploration of the impacts of poverty on human psychological development. This course will examine the effects of poverty on the maturation of the brain; cognitive, social and emotional abilities; and health outcomes. Also considered will be the influence of living in poverty on the understanding of self and other and on how this influence contributes to risk and resilience. Instruction will consist of lectures, class activities and development of a targeted intervention strategy.
Prerequisite: PS 121
Note: This course is cross-leveled as SPC 507.
PS 310 Motivation and Emotion (3) B
This course will consider why people do the things they do and explore where the motivational sense of “want to” originates. Content will focus on major concepts, models, theories and research in the areas of motivation and emotion. The application of the principles of motivation to applied settings, such as in schools, in the workplace, on the athletic field, in counselling, and in one’s own personal life will also be explored.
Prerequisite: 3 credits of Psychology at the 200-level
PS 320 Developmental Psychopathology (3) B
An introduction to abnormal child development with a focus on three areas: behavioural disorders, emotional disorders, and developmental and learning disorders. Attention will be given to both risk and preventative factors as they pertain to individual, child, family, peer, and cultural interactions.
Prerequisite: PS 220, PS 230, or PS 285
Note: A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
PS 330 Brain and Behaviour (3) B
An introduction to the neural basis of learning, memory, language, thought, motivation, emotion and behaviour.
Prerequisite: BIO 270 or PS 270
Note: This course is cross-listed as BIO 330.
PS 332 Psychology of Creativity (3) B
Human creativity generates ideas and products that are novel and valued by the society. Creativity requires both expert knowledge in various subject domains and uninhibited problem-solving power from creative individuals to creative groups and organizations. This course offers students an opportunity to learn about current scientific research and theories on creativity and its process from a bio-psychosocial perspective; recognize and assess creative ability; identify factors and tools to help promote creative thinking and understand the importance of creating and providing supportive environments to nourish creative behaviours in various social settings.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 333 Play Therapy (3) B
This course provides an overview of the different theories relating to play therapy, introductory knowledge of Gestalt theory, as well as an introduction to different types and mediums of play. Participants will have opportunity engage in experiential activities. Group learning emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, along with group consultation.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the senior level
Note: A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
PS 334 Sports Psychology (3) O
Sport psychology is the scientific study of people involved in sport and exercise activities. In this course, students will learn about how factors such as personality, motivational and emotional states can affect sport performance and exercise. Topics covered will include: sport and exercise environments, group processes, performance improvement, enhancing health and well-being, and facilitating psychological growth and development. Students will also learn how to effectively apply the latest knowledge and theories into various real life situations. Sport psychology is a foundational course for students who plan on pursuing a career in coaching, sport and exercise psychology, as well as kinesiology.
Prerequisite: PS 121
Note: This course is cross-listed as KIN 334
PS 335 Personnel Psychology (3) O
This course will provide an overview of the methods and procedures used to select, place, and evaluate personnel. Topics considered include design of selection systems, training, job performance analysis, work motivation, work stress, legal issues involving protected classes and discrimination; measurement, interpretation and ethical use of job performance scores.
Prerequisite: PS 250
PS 336 Health Psychology (3) B
A survey of health psychology, this course will take a bio-psychosocial approach to understand health and wellness, exploring the history of the discipline, research/ clinical methods used to measure wellness, underpinnings of health behaviour change and treatments and the evaluation of their effectiveness. Health issues considered will include stress, pain management, injuries, substance abuse, eating disorders, chronic and terminal illness, and the future of health research.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 342 Culture and Psychology (3) B
This course will examine the influence of the cultural environment on the development of psychological characteristics by exploring the fields of sensation and perception, human development, emotion, motivation, social perception and interaction, and mental disorders from a cross-cultural perspective. The strengths and limitations of the basic methodologies for cross-cultural research will be considered as well.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 200-level
PS 344 Psychology of Religion (3) B
A survey of topics in the psychology of religion including but not limited to: classical and contemporary theory, the psychology of spiritual experiences, neuroscience and spirituality, conversion, atheism, and human development. Students will be given an opportunity to reflect on their own spiritual experience.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 200-level
Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: PS 344 or PS 341 and PS 344 or PS 343.
PS 345 Interpersonal Communication (3) B
An introduction to social psychological theory and research on interpersonal relationships. A range of topics will be covered including attraction, communication, friendship and intimacy, conflict and violence, love, and sexuality. Group projects will be an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 200-level
PS 346 Language, Culture and Communication (3) B
Introduces cultural theory in relation to interpersonal communications theory about language and how it is used in everyday life. This provides groundwork for discussing how bridging cultures is possible and the importance of developing awareness about one’s own culture.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 200-level or ICS 205
Note: This course is cross-listed as ICS 346.
PS 350 Cognitive Psychology (3) B
Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology that investigates human mental functions such as perception, memory, general knowledge, language, problem solving, and decision making. The course will focus on material related to the course text. Classes will be comprised of relevant material presented in lecture format and class discussion.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 200-level
PS 351 Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (3) B
An examination of the neural bases of higher human cognitive or mental function. Topics will include the strengths and weaknesses of current techniques for investigating mind-brain relationships and analyzing syndromes due to neurological deficits and diseases. Such techniques may include neurophysiological recording in animals, human EEG and MEG recording, structural and functional non-invasive brain imaging, and brain stimulation methods.
Prerequisite: PS 121 and PS 270
Note: This course is cross-listed with BIO 352
PS 354 Culture and Human Development (3) B
Explores how basic human phenomena that are often taken as personal (e.g., emotion, values, morality, perception, cognition, and consciousness) can result from culture. Attention will be directed to the way that children are shaped to perform such phenomena in culturally constituted ways.
Prerequisite: PS 121 or ICS 205
Note: This course is cross-listed as ICS 354.
PS 395a Preparation for Independent Research in Psychology I (1.5) O
Research project under the direction of a faculty member. Consists of conducting a literature review on a topic not treated extensively in a regular course, in preparation for a subsequent research project. Weekly seminar with instructor.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 300-level. Restricted to Psychology or Behavioural Science Majors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and the permission of the instructor.
PS 395b Preparation for Independent Research in Psychology II (1.5) O
Research project under the direction of a faculty member. Building on the PS 395a literature review, consists of completing a research project proposal, and if applicable, a submission for ethical review for research. Weekly seminar with instructor.
Prerequisite: PS 395a and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and the permission of the instructor.
PS 399 Special Topics in Psychology (3) O
Selected topics from a variety of areas in Psychology. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 400 Narrative Psychology (3) B
Employing a seminar format, this course examines the various ways in which psychologists use narrative in research and applied work. Particular attention will be paid to autobiographical memory, self-narrative and identity development, narrative interpretations of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, and the cultural and social constructionist traditions. Recent advances in narrative research methodologies will be examined.
Prerequisite: BHS 240 and 3 credits in Psychology at the 300-level
PS 401 Psychology of Music (3) O
This course reviews important recent advancement in the interdisciplinary subject of psychology of music. It examines our current understanding on the role of human mental and brain functions in musical activities. Topics to be explored include the origins of music, the nature of sound and music, music perception, cognition and emotion, music acquisition and performance, the creative process of composing music, and the relationship of musical engagement and development of other intellectual abilities.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 300-level
Note: This course is cross-listed as MU 401.
PS 402 Psychology of Immigration (3) B
An exploration of transmigration and the tensions it raises in pluralistic societies. Students will gain insight into transmigration and adjustment by discussing how culture is a meaningful part of life that cannot be reduced to trivial tokens. This course will also introduce students to the practicalities of overcoming barriers to adjustment.
Prerequisite: ICS 205 or 3 credits in Psychology at the senior level
Note: This course is cross-listed as ICS 402.
PS 403 Human Sexuality (3) B
Exploration of the nature of human sexuality and related research. Gender, attraction, love, relationships, behavioural patterns and disorders will be explored from biopsychosocial and theological standpoints. The class will emphasize considerations of diversity, development of critical thinking, responsible decision-making, and sexual health. Lectures will include discussion and activities that are connected to the readings from the course text and assigned readings.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in Psychology
Note: This course is cross-leveled as PT 603
PS 405 Special Topics in Psychology (3) O
Selected topics from a variety of areas in Psychology. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different.
Prerequisite: PS 121
PS 415 Tests and Measurement (3-1.5L) A
The purpose of the course is to provide the knowledge and skills needed to understand, select, score, and interpret individual and group administered psychological and educational tests.
Prerequisite: BHS 240 and BHS 310
Note: A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
PS 417 Psychology Field Placement 1 (3) O
Students complete 200 hours in a supervised field placement in a Psychology-related field with a partner organization, under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist.
Prerequisite: PS 415 and PS 440. Restricted to students in the BA Psychology Major with a CGPA of not less than 3.0. Permission of the department required.
Note: PASS/FAIL – not included in GPA
PS 418 Psychology Field Placement 2 (3) O
Students continue a supervised field placement of an additional 200 hours in a Psychology-related field with a partner organization, under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist.
Prerequisite: PS 417. Restricted to students in the BA Psychology Major with a CGPA of not less than 3.0. Permission of the department required.
Note: PASS/FAIL – not included in GPA
PS 419 Visual Perception and Optical Illusions (3) O
This course examines how the human visual system processes sensory information to produce a subjective visual reality of the world. Topics include anatomy of the visual system, visual processing of brightness, colour, form, motion and depth. Implications of visual illusion studies on the perceptual process will be discussed. Use of psychophysical techniques to generate visual sensitivity functions will also be introduced.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 300-level
PS 420 Introduction to Counselling Psychology (3) B
An introductory course to counselling psychology covering historical and professional foundations, counselling process and theory, skills and specialties in the practice of counselling.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 300-level
PS 430 Social Development: Child, Family, School, Community (3) B
This course explores the integration of the contexts in which children and families develop and the interactions that take place within and between these contexts. In particular, the socialization influences of the family, the school, the peer group, mass media, the church, and the community will be explored. The focus will be on understanding these sources of socialization and what we can do to empower healthy development in children and families.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Psychology at the 300-level
PS 440 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3) B
This course offers an exploration of the major topics in clinical psychology, including assessment and intervention approaches. It addresses theoretical, professional issues and emerging trends within the field of clinical psychology.
Prerequisite: BHS 240 and one of the following: PS 285, PS 320
PS 441 Drugs and Behaviour (3) B
This course will provide an overview of the effects of drugs specifically employed to affect the nervous system, as seen in the treatment of mental disorders, behavioural disorders, and other conditions such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Neuro-pharmacologic agents will be discussed as they relate to the biochemistry and physiology of neurotransmitters.
Prerequisite: BIO 270 or PS 270
PS 450 Forensic Psychology (3) O
This course will provide a broad overview of the relationship between psychology and various aspects of the legal system. A variety of topics will be discussed and critically evaluated, including offender profiling, eyewitness testimony, police issues, jury decision-making, treatment of offenders, psychopathy, risk assessment, criminal responsibility, and fitness to stand trial.
Prerequisite: PS 285
PS 495a Independent Research in Psychology I (1.5) O
Research project under the direction of a faculty member. Building on the PS 395b research project proposal, consists of gathering, and if applicable, analyzing data. Weekly seminar with instructor.
Prerequisite: PS 395b and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and the permission of the instructor.
PS 495b Independent Research in Psychology II (1.5) O
Research project under the direction of a faculty member. Building on PS 495a data collection, consists of analyzing and disseminating (written and oral) research findings. Weekly seminar with instructor.
Prerequisite: PS 495a and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and the permission of the instructor.
PS 496 Community Research Field Placement (3) O
Students complete 200 hours in a supervised field placement with a community research agency.
Prerequisite: BHS 310 and 9 credits in psychology. Restricted to students in the BA Psychology Major with a CGPA of not less than 3.0. Permission of the department required.
Note: PASS/FAIL – not included in GPA