https://www.uwplatt.edu/psychology

Department Chair: Elizabeth Gates
Office: 231 Warner Hall
Phone: 608.342.1724
E-mail: gatese@uwplatt.edu

Majors

  • Psychology
    • • Aging Studies Emphasis
    • • Human Services Emphasis
    • • Substance Abuse Counseling Emphasis
    • • Social Sciences Comprehensive

Minor

  • Psychology

Mission

The primary goal of the UW-Platteville Psychology Department is to prepare students for professional human service roles and/or graduate study in psychology and related fields. Our program fosters

  1. the requisite core of knowledge about the discipline,
  2. an exposure to applied aspects of the field, and
  3. a greater awareness of self, others, and sociocultural influences.

This goal serves the institution’s mission of broadening students’ perspectives, increasing their ethical sensitivity, and preparing them for their ultimate roles as competent professionals.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Psychology Major

The department adopts as objectives the 10 guidelines developed by the American Psychological Association Task Force on Undergraduate Major Competencies.

Student Learning Outcomes Specific to the Discipline

  1. Graduates will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  2. Graduates will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
  3. Graduates will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
  4. Graduates will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
  5. Graduates will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.

Student Learning Outcomes Fulfilled as Part of a Liberal Arts Education and Enhanced in the Psychology Program

  1. Graduates will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.
  2. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
  3. Graduates will recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
  4. Graduates will develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
  5. Graduates will emerge from the major with realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.

About the Department and Major

Psychology is the empirical and theoretical study of behavior and mental life. It is a science that investigates the causes and dynamics of behavior patterns, and it is a profession that applies knowledge, skills, and techniques to the solutions of individual and social problems.

A psychologist may be either a scientist, a practitioner, or both, who specializes in the study of behavior and the treatment of behavior-related problems. Educational and professional experiences help the psychologist to understand normal human developmental patterns and how people normally perceive, think, and behave in a wide variety of environments and under many different conditions. The scientist conducts research to add to the ever-expanding font of knowledge available to colleagues and the general public. The practitioner is trained to provide professional assistance to children, adolescents, and adults, as well as to couples, families, and groups and may also provide services to schools, agencies, organizations, industries, and institutions.

Students Major in Psychology for a Variety of Reasons

  1. as preparation for graduate work in psychology
  2. as a liberal arts preparation for employment in a wide variety of semi-professional or psychology-related fields, including management and personnel work, sales and services, and social service work
  3. as a second major in support of a more vocationally-oriented major. Many psychology majors also major in criminal justice, business, and other related fields
  4. a significant number of students major in psychology as pre-professional undergraduates in preparation for law, clergy or medicine, or to complete a bachelor’s degree for nursing. Others have no more specific goal in mind than to obtain a high quality liberal arts education

In cooperation with the Department of Criminal Justice, undergraduate psychology majors may complete the coursework needed for the State of Wisconsin Social Worker Training Certificate.

General Requirements

Course Title Credits
Total for graduation120
General education44-58
Major studies37

Departmental Admission Requirements

Upon declaring the psychology major, students must apply for admission to the Psychology Department. The admission requirements include:

  1. A grade of “C-” or better in (ENGLISH 1130 and ENGLISH 1230)
  2. A grade of “C-” or better in General Psychology (PSYCHLGY 1130)
  3. The completion of all remedial mathematics courses (if necessary)
  4. The completion of nine credits of psychology courses with a grade of “C-” or better. (This includes PSYCHLGY 1130.)
  5. The completion of 42 semester credits at UW-Platteville
  6. A cumulative G.P.A. of 2.50 or higher

Please contact the department chair for admission requirements for transfer students.

Note: If students intend to add the psychology major as a second major during their junior or senior year, they must obtain special permission from the department chair. Students wishing to add psychology as a second major their junior or senior year will not be allowed to add Behavioral Research I or History and Systems of Psychology until current psychology majors who need the courses to graduate have added the classes.

Social Sciences Comprehensive Major

Students may complete a social sciences comprehensive major with an emphasis in psychology or history. Please refer to the catalog section Social Sciences Comprehensive under Department of History for details.

Major

Minor

PSYCHLGY 1130 General Psychology 3 Credits

An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the language and methods of psychology and to examine factors affecting human behavior in the areas of motivation, development, intelligence, personality and abnormal behavior.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring/Summer

PSYCHLGY 2010 Careers in Counseling and Human Services 1 Credit

Career fields open to individuals with a bachelor's degree in psychology are explored through field trips, invited speakers, and individual research. While the focus is on counseling and human services positions, applications in business settings are also included.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130
Typically Offered: Spring

PSYCHLGY 2030 Psychology of Personal Adjustment 3 Credits

Surveys the varieties of psychological adjustment from healthy to abnormal coping styles. Includes theoretical underpinnings of personality, the influence of socialization, the issues involved in stress and stress management techniques, and practical applications of psychological principles to everyday living.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130
Typically Offered: Spring

PSYCHLGY 2230 Introduction to Experimental Psychology 3 Credits

Commitment to a scientific approach to understanding behavior is what unifies psychology as a profession. This course is designed to introduce students to the basic research methodology of experimental psychology. Course topics include the process of conducting and evaluating research, ethical issues, and the American Psychological Association conventions for the presentation and publication of scholarly materials.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 with a "C" or better and MATH 12 or MATH 15 or MATH 1530 or mathematics proficiency level of 15 or above
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 2530 Psychology of Women 3 Credits

Explores the shaping of women's behaviors and self-concepts by biological and social influences. Also covers the empirical support for and against gender-related differences in behavior and thought patterns.
Components: Class
Cross Offering: PSYCHLGY 2530, WOMGENDR 2530
GE: Gender Studies, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 or one course in women's studies
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring/Summer

PSYCHLGY 2930 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 Credits

This course examines theories of human biological, sociological, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development across the life span. It will address the range of social systems in which people live (individual, family, group, organizational, and community) and the ways social systems promote or deter people from maintaining or achieving health and well-being.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130
Typically Offered: Fall

PSYCHLGY 3000 Cognitive Psychology 3 Credits

An analysis of how information about the environment is received, organized, interpreted, stored and recalled, and how these functions affect the behavioral capacities of the individual.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and 6 additional credits of psychology and sophomore standing
Typically Offered: EVERY/3RD

PSYCHLGY 3030 Learning and Behavior 3 Credits

This course addresses basic theoretical principles and experimental research in learning and behavior. Students will learn the basic principles of behavior modification and the functional approach to understanding and changing behaviors.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and sophomore standing
Typically Offered: EVERY/OTH

PSYCHLGY 3130 Child Psychology 3 Credits

Surveys the psychological facts, principles, and methods relative to child development from conception to the onset of puberty.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and sophomore standing
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring/Summer

PSYCHLGY 3230 Adolescent Psychology 3 Credits

The physical, emotional, social and intellectual characteristics and problems of the adolescent.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and sophomore standing
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 3430 Physiological Psychology 3 Credits

Basic anatomy and function of the nervous system; research bearing on the role of physical mechanisms underlying perception, emotion, motivation and learning.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 2230 (for biology majors - P: PSYCHLGY 1130 AND either BIOLOGY 1650 or BIOLOGY 2340 or both BIOLOGY 2140 and BIOLOGY 2240)
Typically Offered: EVERY/3RD

PSYCHLGY 3530 Social Psychology 3 Credits

Communication, socialization, and the function of the individual in the group; motivation, attitudes, value, leadership, conformity, prejudices and stereotypes, and the social influences they have on the function and development of the self and personality.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and sophomore standing
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 3630 The Psychology of Human Sexuality 3 Credits

Why and how we behave sexually, male-female differences, the development and changing of sexual values; many variations of sexual behavior and sex crimes.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: sophomore standing to enroll in this class
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 3830 Psychology and Religion 3 Credits

A survey of the relationships between psychology and religion; mysticism and behaviorism; religious healing and psychotherapy. The psychology underlying religious beliefs and practices.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130
Typically Offered: EVERY/2/YR

PSYCHLGY 3960 Behavioral Research I 3 Credits

Studies of research methodology, ethics, and applied statistics will result in the design of a research proposal approved by your instructor and by the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB). Activities throughout the semester will focus on the development of critical thinking skills. Behavioral Research II (PSYCHLGY 3970) should be taken in the semester immediately following this course.
Components: Discussion, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: C- or better required in (ENGLISH 1130 or ENGLISH 1040), 1230, PSYCHLGY 1130 and 2230; MATH 1830; 12 additional upper level psychology credits; 42 semester credits in residence at UW-Platteville and obtain at least a 2.50 cumulative gpa.
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 396W Behavioral Research I 3 Credits

A WRITING EMPHASIS COURSE IS DESIGNED TO EFFECTIVELY USE WRITING TO ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING OF COURSE SPECIFIC CONTENT THROUGH VARIOUS MEANS SUCH AS SELF-REFLECTION, ANALYSIS, PROBLEM SOLVING AND RESEARCH. Studies of research methodology, ethics, and applied statistics will result in the design of a research proposal approved by your instructor and by the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB). Activities throughout the semester will focus on the development of critical thinking skills. Behavioral Research II (PSYCHLGY 3970) should be taken in the semester immediately following this course.
Components: Discussion, Class
GE: Writing Emphasis
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: C- or better required in (ENGLISH 1130 or ENGLISH 1040), 1230, PSYCHLGY 1130 and 2230; MATH 1830; 12 additional upper level psychology credits; 42 semester credits in residence at UW-Platteville and obtain at least a 2.50 cumulative gpa.
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 3970 Behavioral Research II 3 Credits

Behavioral Research II should be taken in the semester immediately following Behavioral Research I (PSYCHLGY 3960). The research project designed in PSYCHLGY 3960 will be implemented. Students will complete data collection and analysis, prepare a manuscript in APA format, and present their research. Competencies with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and with the critical assessment of research will be developed.
Components: Laboratory, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: MATH 1830 and PSYCHLGY 3960 with a "C-" or better, a psychology major or consent of department chair
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 397W Behavioral Research II 3 Credits

A WRITING EMPHASIS COURSE IS DESIGNED TO EFFECTIVELY USE WRITING TO ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING OF COURSE SPECIFIC CONTENT THROUGH VARIOUS MEANS SUCH AS SELF-REFLECTION, ANALYSIS, PROBLEM SOLVING AND RESEARCH. Behavioral Research II should be taken in the semester immediately following Behavioral Research I (PSYCHLGY 3960). The research project designed in PSYCHLGY 3960 will be implemented. Students will complete data collection and analysis, prepare a manuscript in APA format, and present their research. Competencies with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and with the critical assessment of research will be developed.
Components: Class, Laboratory
GE: Writing Emphasis
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: MATH 1830 and PSYCHLGY 3960 with a "C-" or better, a psychology major or consent of department chair
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 3990 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 3 Credits

The purpose of this course is to provide a general introduction to the multi-disciplinary field of gerontology and examine the biological, social and psychological dimensions of adult development. While the primary focus is on an examination of the theoretical and empirical research on the aging process, students will also have the opportunity to be exposed to aging from an experiential perspective.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and sophomore standing
Typically Offered: Spring

PSYCHLGY 4020 Contemporary Issues in Psychology 1-3 Credits

This course provides students an opportunity to explore the current issues of academic and applied psychology through research and discussion. May be taken more than once if topic is different.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and other prerequisites as appropriate to the topic
Typically Offered: EVERY/2/YR

PSYCHLGY 4030 Theories of Personality 3 Credits

Theories of Personality introduces students to the major domains of personality theory (biological, dispositional, cognitive, and sociocultural) and current research in personality. Special topics in personality research will be addressed, such as the self, emotion, interpersonal issues, and sex differences.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and junior standing
Typically Offered: Fall-EVEN

PSYCHLGY 4330 History and Systems of Psychology 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide a detailed account of the history of psychology. It encompasses both the philosophical antecedents of modern psychology as well as the influential pioneers in the field of psychology.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: C- or better in (ENGLISH 1130 or 1040), 1230, PSYCHLGY 1130 and 2230; completed remedial math; 12 additional upper level psychology credits; completed 42 semester credits in residence at UW-Platteville and obtain at least a 2.50 cumulative gpa.
Typically Offered: Spring

PSYCHLGY 4430 Abnormal Psychology 3 Credits

Psychology of abnormal behavior; biological and social factors in the genesis of behavioral, emotional and personality disorders. Brain disorders, psychoses, and substance abuse are also presented and discussed.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and junior standing
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 4660 Cooperative Field Experience 1-8 Credits

Enhancement of the educational experience through placement of a student with a cooperating agency, business, industry or institution. The nature of the assignment, type of experience, number of credits, and evaluation procedure to be stipulated in a statement of agreement (learning contract) between the student and department. Minimum prerequisites for enrollment in Cooperative Field Experience include but are not limited to the following: 1)Completion of at least 60 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.50 overall and a minimum GPA of 3.00 for courses completed within the Psychology Department. 2)Completion of 15 credits of appropriate course work in psychology. 3)Completion of all general requirements in English, speech and mathematics. 4)Student must obtain recommendations from two psychology faculty members. 5)Approval of the departmental chairperson, as well as the CFE supervisor. Four credits may be completed toward requirements for the major; up to 3 credits may count toward requirements for the minor; up to 8 credits may count toward the 120 required for graduation.
Components: Field Studies
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: junior standing
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring/Summer

PSYCHLGY 4730 Individual Study in Psychology 1-3 Credits

Individual Studies
Components: Independent Study
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: senior standing; 20 credits in Psych; 2.50 minimum gpa; 3.00 G.P.A. in psychology; completion of all general university requirements in English, speech and math
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 4830 Psychology and the Law 3 Credits

Modern psychological principles in law enforcement, correction and treatment, and the delinquent and criminal personality with a survey of predictive instruments and special problems.
Components: Class
GE: Social Sciences
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 1130 and junior standing
Typically Offered: EVERY/2/YR

PSYCHLGY 4840 Substance Abuse I: Theory and Assessment 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide an overview of basic psychopharmacology, recreational drug use, substance abuse, and dependency. Included in this approach will be coverage of addiction theory, prevention, and assessment. Particular attention will be paid to risk and protective factors associated with abuse and dependency.
Components: Class
Cross Offering: CRIMLJUS 4840, PSYCHLGY 4840
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: CRIMLJUS 1130, PSYCHLGY 1130 or SOCIOLGY 1030 and junior standing; a biology course is recommended
Typically Offered: Fall

PSYCHLGY 4850 Substance Abuse II: Intervention and Special Populations 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide an overview of the fundamental theories, principles, and techniques of substance abuse counseling. In addition to gaining theoretical knowledge of recognized substance abuse counseling interventions, students will also practice these intervention skills in class. Issues related to case management will be covered including treatment planning, goal setting, continual assessment, referral, record management, and written documentation. Particular attention will be paid to addressing the application of these interventions and case management procedures to culturally diverse special populations. Ethical issues related to substance use and professional responsibility will also be discussed.
Components: Class
Cross Offering: CRIMLJUS 4850, PSYCHLGY 4850
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 4840 or CRIMLJUS 4840
Typically Offered: Spring

PSYCHLGY 4930 Techniques of Counseling 3 Credits

Survey of procedures used by psychologists, including counseling and limited psychodiagnostics. Practice procedures and applications are also emphasized.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: nine credits in psychology and junior standing
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

PSYCHLGY 4940 Advanced Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy 3 Credits

This course provides students opportunities to expand, implement and refine counseling skills. It affords opportunities for students to learn more advanced techniques, as well as to practice basic counseling skills. The course covers processes of counseling, ethical considerations, theoretical applications, and special populations.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 4930 or COUNSLED 7020 or consent of instructor
Typically Offered: Spring

PSYCHLGY 4950 Social Work Practice with Groups and Families 3 Credits

Expands upon the approaches learned in PSYCHLGY 4930 and extends them to work with families and groups. This course focuses on evidence-based social work practice methods, including assessment and intervention techniques used by human service workers. This course emphasizes the general systems theory and the ecological perspective. Social work values and ethics will be addressed.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PSYCHLGY 4930 or consent of instructor
Typically Offered: Spring-ODD

Faculty and lecturers

Additional information about the Faculty and Lecturers below may be found in the Faculty and Academic Staff section of this catalog.

Enright, Corinne

Fernette, Becky

Gates, Elizabeth

Halfmann, Kameko

Parsons IV, Theron

Riedle, Joan

Udelhoven, Rita