PSY S111 *Introduction to Psychology

3 credits (3+0)
GER. An introduction to the fundamentals of human behavior and mental processes and how they are impacted by social, cultural, and biological factors. Covers topics such as social science research methods, personality, sensation, perception, psychological disorders, lifespan development, memory, learning, thinking, language, intelligence, motivation, emotion, social behavior, and consciousness.
Prerequisite: WRTG S110 or instructor permission.

PSY S245 Child Development

3 credits (3+0)
Study of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of a child's development from prenatal period through adolescence. Includes theoretical view of development and effects of genetics, environment and socialization.
Prerequisites: PSY S111 or instructor permission.

PSY S250 *Lifespan Development

3 credits (3+0)
GER. Introduction to the various aspects of development and changes which occur throughout a person's life span. Covers prenatal period, infancy, childhood and adolescence, and early, middle and late adulthood.
Prerequisite: WRTG S110 or instructor permission.

PSY S294 Practicum

PSY S302 Social Psychology

3 credits (3+0)
Cross-listed as SOC S302.Examines the behavior of individuals in social situations and why they behave, think and feel as they do in the presence of others. Includes research methods, social perceptions and inferences, stereotyping and prejudice, aggression, attitudes, conformity, obedience, group processes, social and environmental influences on behavior.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 or SOC S101 and upper division standing, or permission.

PSY S304 Environmental Psychology

3 credits (3+0)
Explores the complex interactions between individuals and their physical, social, and digital environments. Students will examine how both built and natural spaces influence behavior, physical and mental health, and well-being. In addition, the course investigates how art, technology, and digital platforms function as environments that shape human experience. Topics include the psychological impacts of urban design, the restorative effects of nature, the role of perception in art, neuro-architecture, and the influence of technology on human cognition, relationships, and sense of place. Through a combination of theoretical study and experiential activities, students will gain insights into the reciprocal relationship between humans and their environments, contributing to a deeper understanding of sustainability, environmental justice, and digital well-being.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 or instructor permission.

PSY S313 Psychology of Gender

3 credits (3+0)
Examines the impact society and gender roles have on perceptions and behavior (e.g. communication). Students become knowledgeable about psychological research and theories about gender, and connect these with their own experiences. Promotes empowerment through the development of critical thinking.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 or instructor permission.

PSY S314 Ecopsychology

3 credits (3+0)
Ecopsychology explores the intersection of psychology and ecology, examining humans’ psychological interdependence with the rest of nature. This course investigates how ecological relationships influence identity, spirituality, health, and well-being, alongside the development of sustainable and pro-environmental behaviors. Students will engage with topics such as ecological identity, ecotherapy, environmental justice, and climate change related emotions, emphasizing the role of psychology in fostering personal and collective resilience. Experiential components include fieldwork, reflective practices, and deep engagement with the literature.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 or instructor permission.

PSY S333 Human Sexuality

3 credits (3+0)
Cross-listed as SOC S333. Examines biological, historical, social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of human sexuality; focuses on the social construction of sexual identity and behaviors cross-culturally.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 or SOC S101.

PSY S335 Biological Psychology

3 credits (3+0)
Study of the biological basis of human behavior, how behavior and cognition are mediated by biological processes. Emphasizes the functional anatomy and organization of the nervous system to understand normal and abnormal behavior in terms of their psychological development, evolution, and function. Overview of psychopharmacology.
Prerequisite: PSY S111.

PSY S340 Abnormal Psychology

3 credits (3+0)
Critical exploration of human experience and behavior in dimensions generally considered outside the range of normality. Integrates current diagnostic taxonomy with current research and prevailing theoretical perspectives, with attention to cultural and developmental issues.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 or instructor permission.

PSY S347 Death and Dying

3 credits (3+0)
Cross-listed as SOC S347. Explores the social and cultural aspects of death, dying, and bereavement, including death perceptions and grief over the life course, death-related ethical debates, and public policy. Grief management and counseling, end of life technological issues, and topics related to race, class, and gender are also addressed.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 or SOC S101.

PSY S375 Current Issues in Psychology: Selected Topics

1-3 credits (variable)
Covers contemporary topics related to the field of psychology. Subjects focus on such areas as: environmental psychology, psychology and religion, stereotyping and prejudice, industrial and organizational psychology, domestic violence, psychology and the media, forensic psychology. May be repeated for credit when content varies.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 or instructor permission.

PSY S386 Psychology and Law

3 credits (3+0)
An overview of the emerging subfields of legal and forensic psychology. Emphasizes legal psychology by exploring the contributions of psychological theory and research in advancing knowledge of the practices and processes in the legal system. Focuses on such topics as the psychology of crime and the police, investigation of suspects and witnesses, jury selection and decision making, sentencing, and reforms.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 or instructor permission.

PSY S391 Internship

PSY S400 Transpersonal Psychology

3 credits (3+0)
Transpersonal psychology is a branch of psychology that explores the spiritual and transcendental dimensions of human experience. This approach examines how the connection between the self and higher consciousness can foster personal growth, self-development, and overall well-being. The course investigates the impact of beliefs, life purpose, values, and environment on mental and physical health. Students will engage with both theoretical and practical aspects of the field through lectures, discussions, and experiential activities. The course aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how transformative experiences beyond individual identities can contribute to a deeper understanding of the human psyche and its connection to the broader universe.
Prerequisite: SSCI S300 (or equivalent); PSY S111 or instructor permission.

PSY S406 Personality Theories

3 credits (3+0)
A survey of contemporary theories of personality, with critical examination of theoretical perspectives and theory construction. Emphasizes relevant research findings. Develops understanding for and prediction of human behavior, thought and feeling.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 and one additional psychology course, and upper division standing or permission.

PSY S430 Clinical and Counseling Psychology

3 credits (3+0)
Introduction to major theoretical approaches and to applied issues in clinical and counseling psychology. The students' ability to understand and articulate the relationship between theory and practice is emphasized. Major professional issues are discussed.
Prerequisite: PSY S340 and one additional psychology course; upper division standing or permission.

PSY S431 Mental Health Interventions for Alaska Natives and Rural Alaskans

3 credits (3+0)
Introduction to basic mental health interventions and unique considerations in treating American Indian/Alaska Natives (AIANs), and Alaskan populations in rural settings. Descriptions of the differences between conventional interventions in traditional settings, and those specific to AIANs and rural Alaskan populations. Students will not be trained in delivering services directly, nor will treatment interventions be demonstrated; rather, students will have exposure through descriptions of traditional AIAN as well as conventional interventions. Major professional issues and roles are discussed.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 and one additional psychology course, plus upper division standing.

PSY S440 Learning and Cognition

3 credits (3+0)
Analysis of major approaches to learning and cognition, including behavioral, social, cognitive, and biological. Classical and operant conditioning, observational learning, skill acquisition, memory, and language.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 plus two additional psychology courses and upper division standing; or instructor permission.

PSY S473 Psychological Testing and Assessment

3 credits (3+0)
Overview of fundamental psychometric concepts and principles. Surveys types of assessment related to achievement, behavior, intelligence, personality, and neuropsychology; personnel selection; career counseling; and forensic applications of psychological tests. Topics may include test bias, assessment accommodations, reporting, and practice guidelines.
Prerequisite: PSY S111 and one additional course in psychology, and upper division standing.

PSY S480 Ethics for Behavioral Health and Addictions

3 credits (3+0)
This course is designed to familiarize students with current ethical principles and practice standards for treatment providers in behavioral health and addictions, covering fields such as psychology, counseling, social work, and addiction, including both substance use and other forms of addiction. Emphasis will be placed on the primary professional issues affecting practicing treatment providers. Major professional issues and roles will be addressed, as well as intercultural processes and cultural diversity. One or more of the assignments for this course will involve exercises of a personal nature, such as exploring thoughts and feelings in response to specific real or hypothetical events. Cross-listed as BHS S480.
Prerequisite: BHS S101 or PSY S111 plus upper division standing.

PSY S491 Internship:

PSY S498 Research in Psychology