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2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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This section of the Catalog includes course descriptions, listed alphabetically by discipline. The descriptions provide information on course numbers, titles, the level of instruction, credit, course sequence, content, and prerequisites as shown in the following example:
CHE 2100 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry
5 (4 + 2)
Prerequisite: CHE 1100
A study of the elements of organic and biological chemistry. This course satisfies requirements for nursing programs and other fields requiring a survey of organic and biological chemistry.
The first three to four letters, called the course subject code, represent the area of study or discipline, e.g., CHE represents chemistry. The course number follows the course subject code, e.g., 2100. The first digit in a four-digit course number designates the level of instruction. Only courses numbered 1000 or above will be included in credits toward a degree. Courses with numbers up to and including 1999 are primarily for freshmen, 2000 through 2999 primarily for sophomores, 3000 through 3999 primarily for juniors, and 4000 through 4999 primarily for seniors. In general, students should not take courses above the level of their class (based upon semester hours earned), but they may do so at one level above if they have the specified prerequisites. In special cases, students may be permitted to take courses more than one level above that designated for their class if they obtain the permission of their advisor and of the faculty member teaching the course and if they meet the prerequisite requirements. Following each course number is the semester hours of credit. As an example, CHE 2100-5 is a freshman-level, five-credit course. After the course number and is the course title, which is followed by the number of credit hours (5) and a second set of numbers in parentheses indicating the division of time between lecture, laboratory, field experience, or—in music—performance. The first number represents the number of lecture hours each week of a 15-16 week semester; the second number indicates the number of laboratory, shop, or field hours; and the third (in music) represents performance hours. For example, CHE 2100 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry has four hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory each week. Lecture hours equate one hour per week of contact to one credit hour; laboratory experience equates two hours of contact per week to one credit hour. Therefore, CHE 2100, 5(4+2) would earn five hours of credit—four for lecture and one for laboratory work. Course descriptions provide a summary of the content of the course. If there is a prerequisite that must be met before a student can register for the course, this information is listed above the course description. Attributes, such as Multicultural, General Studies, or Guaranteed Transfer, are listed after the course description. A list of courses being offered in a given semester, instructors, class meeting times, and locations is described in the Class Schedule located on the Office of the Registrar’s website, msudenver.edu/registrar/classschedules. |
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Physics |
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PHY 4611 - Computational Physics I
Credits: 2 (0 + 4)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 2811, PHY 2711, MTH 3420, completion of General Studies requirements and Senior standing or Permission of instructor
Description: This course introduces more advanced methods of computational physics. Several complex physical phenomena are modeled numerically. Topics include nonlinear second-order differential equations associated with Newton’s second law, partial differential equations associated with the wave equation, heat diffusion, Schrödinger’s equation, and methods of fitting and analyzing data.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience
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PHY 4620 - Computational Physics II
Credits: 2 (0 + 4)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 4611, satisfaction of all General Studies requirements, and Senior standing
Description: This is a course that assigns the student to an individual advanced, advanced level project modeling a physical phenomenon on the computer.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience
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PHY 4630 - Continuum Physics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 3120 or equivalent
Description: A course that presents the basic physical principles of fluid mechanics and elasticity together with their application to various problems in astronomy, physics, geology, and medicine.
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PHY 4650 - Solid State Physics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 3411 and PHY 3811 or Permission of instructor
Description: A course in which the basic thermal and electrical properties of solids are explained in terms of the Brilluoin zone structures of phonons and electrons.
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PHY 4711 - Advanced Physics I Laboratory
Credits: 2 (0 + 4)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 3711, completion of General Studies requirements, Senior standing, or Permission of instructor
Description: This course provides laboratory work at the advanced undergraduate level. Individual student projects are emphasized.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience
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PHY 4721 - Advanced Physics II Laboratory
Credits: 2 (0 + 4)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 3711, completion of General Studies requirements, and Senior standing
Description: This course focuses on individual student projects in experimental physics at the advanced undergraduate level.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience
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PHY 4810 - Atomic and Molecular Structure
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 3811
Description: A course in which quantum mechanical methods are applied to problems in atomic and molecular physics, such as the one-electron atom, atomic and molecular spectra, and particle scattering.
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PHY 4820 - Subatomic Physics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 4810
Description: An introductory treatment of the various concepts and models used to describe nuclear and high-energy particle phenomena.
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PHY 4921 - Physics Senior Seminar
Credits: 1 (1 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 4711 or permission of instructor; completion of General Studies requirements and senior standing
Corequisite(s): PHY 4620 or PHY 4721 or permission of instructor
Description: This is a course in which graduating seniors report on individual projects to their peers and the department faculty.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience
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Political Science |
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PSC 1010 - American National Government
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Description: This course introduces the basic principles, institutions, actors, and processes of American National Government. It allows the student to recognize the U.S. Constitution’s design and its lasting influence. It also presents some of the changing social, economic, and political variables that create powerfully new conceptions of the structure, purpose, and flow of American politics.
General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences I
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SS1
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PSC 1020 - Political Systems and Ideas
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Description: This course examines political societies and explores the basic ideas, structures, and issues of modern political systems.
General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences I
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SS1
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PSC 2020 - Conducting Political Analysis
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course inquires into research methods and deals with how we organize knowledge in the study of politics. It also emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to political analysis by concentrating on philosophy of science, social science methodology, and historiography.
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PSC 2030 - Politics in the Media
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Description: This course is an analysis of political issues as portrayed in print, broadcast, and electronic media. It is designed to provide students with the background and perspective needed for an informed understanding of issues confronting the political system.
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PSC 2200 - Politics and Black People
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Completion of the General Studies requirement in Quantitative Literacy and either ENG 1010 or the General Studies requirement in Oral Communication.
Description: Black politics is examined as a vehicle and potential in decision making for positive change for Black people in this country. The realities and the challenges, both historical and current, are emphasized.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: PSC or AAS.
University Requirement(s): Multicultural
Cross Listed Course(s): AAS 2200
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PSC 2230 - Introduction to International Relations
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Description: This course introduces students to the discipline of international relations with a general survey of the theories and issues of relations between nation states, states and non-state actors. Issues covered in this course include the causes of war, conflict, and the pursuit of peace in the international system.
General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences I, Global Diversity
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PSC 3000 - American State and Local Government
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or Permission of instructor
Description: The organization, powers, functions, and practical workings of state, county, town, and city governments of the United States. Special attention is given to federal-state relations and to the Colorado state government and constitution.
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PSC 3020 - Introduction to Public Administration
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor
Description: An introduction to public management as a field of study and professional practice. Topics include the political environment of public administration, organization theory, decision-making, budgetary processes, intergovernmental relations, and ethics and professionalism in public service.
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PSC 3050 - Political Theory
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.
Description: Examination of Western political ideas and ideals from Plato through Marx: the hopes and fears, questions and responses, dreams and realities about the state, humanity, justice, and politics. An opportunity to relate historical political thinking to modern problems.
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PSC 3090 - Current Topics in Political Science: Variable Topics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor
Description: An in-depth study of an important topic of political science.
Note: Topics vary and the course may be repeated for credit as the topics change.
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PSC 3100 - American Political Parties and Elections and Voting Behavior
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course considers the nature and functions of parties in the U.S. political system: their membership, beliefs and internal organization. It examines campaign methods and financing, and analyzes the American voter and nonvoter, based on the latest research findings.
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PSC 3120 - American Constitutional Law
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 and completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.
Description: This course examines how the basic principles and doctrines of the Constitution have been interpreted, altered, and applied in response to the ever-changing social, economic, and political conditions in the United States.
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PSC 3130 - The American Presidency
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course addresses the powers and functions of the presidency as the office has changed and evolved, with emphasis on recent experience. It explores styles of presidential leadership, relations with Congress, the bureaucracy, the media, the group influence and constituent relations. It examines internal organization, traditions, power structure and reform.
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PSC 3140 - The American Congress and Legislative Process
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course explores the powers and functions of the legislative branch of government; relations with the executive branch; interest group influence; constituent relations. It examines internal organization, traditions, power structure and reform.
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PSC 3160 - Readings in Political Science and Public Administration: Variable Topics
Credits: 3-Jan (1-3 + 0)
Description: This course provides the opportunity for the student to explore important writings in a selected subject area of political science. It is a self-paced course under the guidance of the instructor.
Note: Topics vary and the course may be repeated for credit.
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PSC 3170 - Leadership Studies
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.
Description: This class focuses on the modern development of leadership studies, from the cornerstone study by James MacGregor Burns in 1978 to the present. The course highlights the debates surrounding the search for a general theory of leadership, the role of values in the study of leadership and the value of leadership itself. A variety of perspectives are presented on the topics covered.
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PSC 3200 - Native American Politics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): NAS 1000 or PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor, and completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.
Description: The focus of this course is to examine Native Americans as political beings. Important questions and strategies for understanding the rise and expansion of Native politicization will be identified. In general, the students will be able to explain why, how, and when movements that demand change emerge. By comparing and contrasting the Native American experience with other powerless groups in society, the students should be able to trace the historical and political factors that led to a change in the movement of insurgency and analyze the specific actions by insurgents that inevitably resulted in the failure or success of those specific actions.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: PSC or NAS.
University Requirement(s): Multicultural
Cross Listed Course(s): NAS 3200
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PSC 3220 - Public Policy
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course is an analysis of the ongoing development of government policy, covering the main stages of the policy process: agenda building, formulation, authorization, implementation, and evaluation.
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PSC 3230 - Environmental Politics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010, PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor
Description: The class will explore the political and administrative issues in the field of environmental politics. Environmental areas to be reviewed will include environmental theory, organizations, political behavior, assessment, law, and decision-making.
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PSC 3240 - Intergovernmental Relations
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course is an analysis of the functioning of the American federal system and the changing forms of local/state/federal relationships. It surveys recent efforts to develop theories relating to the administrative processes of intergovernmental relations.
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PSC 3250 - Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): MTH 1210; or permission of instructor
Description: This course focuses on the research design and quantitative methods used in conducting policy analyses and program evaluations in the public sector. Emphasis is on the application of quantitative data analysis to public policies and programs.
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PSC 3260 - Politics of Budgeting
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 3020 or Permission of instructor
Description: Budget systems analyzed with an evaluation of administrative techniques of budget control. The legal, social, and political aspects of governmental budgets and the budgetary process.
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PSC 3280 - Public Personnel Administration
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 3020 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course is an analysis of managing, motivating and developing people in public organizations. Surveys the main elements of personnel administration such as selection, evaluation, promotion, training, productivity and job classification.
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PSC 3300 - Land Use, Culture and Conflict
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): ENV 1400 or NAS 1000 or PSC 1010 and at least junior standing
Description: This course is designed to introduce students to theories, approaches and controversies concerning use of land and resources on Indian Reservations. Reading and discussion will be directed toward questions related to differing views on land use and resources, how modernization impacts traditional settings, as well as treaties and governmental policies that govern Indian land. Case studies which illustrate current conflict/resolution issues between Native Americans and other actors such as federal, state and local governments will be examined.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix.
University Requirement(s): Multicultural
Cross Listed Course(s): GEG 3300, NAS 3300
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PSC 3310 - American Foreign and Military Policy
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course examines the main trends of U.S. foreign and military policy from the end of World War II to the present, with an exploration of the motives and perceptions behind recent policies and actions. Studies the policymaking process and the relationship between foreign policy and domestic policies.
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PSC 3320 - International Law
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 3030 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course examines past and present efforts of nations to regulate their relations and resolve conflicts through the use of existing legal doctrine, or the development of new law in response to new problems, such as the uses of outer space and ocean resources.
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PSC 3330 - International Organizations
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 3030 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course examines the theory and practice of international organizations, with emphasis on the United Nations. Past and present attempts of nations to solve problems or achieve security by means of regional and global organizations, such as the Common Market and the World Bank are addressed.
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PSC 3340 - International Political Economy
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020; ECO 1040 or ECO 2010 recommended
Description: This is a survey course of the major issues and themes of international political economy. It covers the basic theoretical orientations and the international institutions that structure the international economy. It provides students with all the necessary background to understand the intersection of economics and politics in the international system.
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PSC 3400 - Contemporary Africa
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Description: This course focuses on the political, social and economic realities of post independence Africa. Africa’s relations with the outside world and the question of South Africa are also examined in this course.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: PSC or AAS.
Cross Listed Course(s): AAS 3400
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PSC 3520 - American Political Thought
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or Permission of instructor
Description: Is there an American political philosophy? This course is a study of some of the significant individuals and ideas that have shaped and are shaping political thinking in America.
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PSC 3600 - Comparative Politics Area Studies: Variable Topics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course is a thorough examination of the political system or systems of a selected foreign nation or geographical region, such as the Middle East, Western Europe, or Latin America.
Note: Subject matter varies and the course may be repeated for credit.
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PSC 3630 - Latin American Politics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or 1020 and completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.
Description: This course will provide the student with the core concepts used within the social science literature in Latin American countries; will broaden intellectual horizons beyond United States borders to question ethnocentrism regarding what is means to be developed; and will examine the causes, processes, and outcomes of revolution and social conflict.
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PSC 3670 - European Politics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010 or PSC 1020
Description: This course examines the states of Europe with a concentration on the major theoretical, empirical, and substantive issues in contemporary European political systems. The European Union is also addressed in detail. Students explore how political events in Europe affect the relationship between the United States and Europe. The comparison between political life in the United States and Europe is discussed throughout the semester.
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PSC 3800 - On Leaders and Leadership
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Description: There are questions about leaders and leadership that have emerged in a variety of contexts throughout the human experience. This course examines those questions by focusing, first, on the general issues connected to leaders and leadership, and, then, by analyzing the role of leaders and the operation of leadership in the organized political world. Such a comparison highlights the similarities and the differences that exist between broad concepts of leadership and the actual practice and meaning of leadership in politics.
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PSC 3910 - African Politics and Government
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): AAS 1130, AAS 2300, or Permission of instructor
Description: This course will survey present-day political systems in Africa and examine factors, internal and external, that have contributed to their emergence.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: PSC or AAS.
Cross Listed Course(s): AAS 3910
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PSC 3980 - Internship in Political Science
Credits: 1-12 (0 + 3-36)
Prerequisite(s): Major in Political Science; junior or senior status; permission of instructor
Description: Supervised by a faculty member within the major department, internships provide practical, hands-on experience in a professional field related to the major. Internship placements must be established prior to enrollment in this course in consultation with the Applied Learning Center.
To register with the Applied Learning Center, students must meet the following qualifications:
- Completed at least one semester at MSU Denver
- Sophomore, junior or senior status
- Declared major in an undergraduate program
- 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA at MSU Denver
- Currently enrolled and taking classes at MSU Denver
For information and instructions on finding and enrolling in an internship, contact the Applied Learning Center at 303-556-3290 or internships@msudenver.edu.
Note: Variable Credit
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PSC 4020 - Special Studies
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSC 1010, PSC 1020, completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy, and Senior standing
Description: This course is an in-depth examination of a selected subject within the overall field of political science. It provides students with an opportunity to delve into a subject that the instructor has a special interest or knowledge, but is not specifically covered in any of the existing courses.
Note: Course content will vary and may be variable depending on subject. The course may be repeated for credit as the subject matter changes.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience
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PSC 4100 - Legislative Internship
Credits: 39884 (0 + 9-36)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Political Science Department Students are placed in legislative (state or national) staff positions or in campaign offices according to their own interests and goals
Description: The number of credits earned varies according to the amount of time on the job, e.g., a work load of 20 hours per week would earn six credits.
Note: Students must contact the Political Science department before enrolling for internship.
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PSC 4120 - Government Agency Internship
Credits: 3-12 (0 + 9-36)
Prerequisite(s): permission of Political Science Department
Corequisite(s): PHY 4620 or PHY 4721 or permission of instructor
Description: Students are placed in government (state or national) agency internships according to their own interests and goals. The number of credits earned varies according to the amount of time on the job, e.g., a workload of 20 hours per week would earn six credits. Students must contact the Political Science department before enrolling for internship.
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Psychology |
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PSY 1001 - Introductory Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Minimum performance standard scores on the reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests.
Description: This course presents basic concepts, principles, and methods involved in the scientific study and understanding of human behavior. Attention is given to organic bases of human and other animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific method, behavioral neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning, cognition, personality, mental health, social behavior, and developmental processes. This course is required for all psychology majors and minors.
General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences II
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SS3 Human Behavior, Culture, or Social Frameworks
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PSY 1800 - Developmental Educational Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Description: The course focuses on concepts, principles, and methods by which all humans develop psychologically and how these factors can be used to better understand how infants, children, and adolescents learn. Emphasis is placed on milestones of child development (physical, social-emotional, cognitive) from birth to adolescence, and the influence of the family, peers, and school on development during the preschool and elementary school years. Observations of children and of the learning/teaching process in classrooms are a required part of the class and provide experience in the application of course concepts.
Note: Students may not substitute PSY 2110 for PSY 1800. Students may not receive credit for both PSY 1800 and PSY 2110.
General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences II
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PSY 2110 - Educational Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 or Permission of the instructor
Description: This course involves application and examination of various principles of psychology to learning and teaching. There is an examination of effective modes as they apply to classroom management and application of new communications as they may affect the classroom. There is an emphasis on development, birth to adulthood.
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PSY 2150 - Positive Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001
Description: This course introduces students to the field of Positive Psychology, the scientific study of optimal living. Relevant psychological theory and research will be used to explore topics including: happiness, positive emotions and cognitions, goal-setting, character assessment, health, love and interpersonal relationships, applications to social institutions, positive psychotherapy, and positive psychology interventions.
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PSY 2160 - Personality and Adjustment
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001, completion of the General Studies requirements in Quantitative Literacy, and either ENG 1010 or the General Studies requirements in Oral Communication.
Description: The course presents application of principles of psychology to assist individuals in understanding factors that influence personality development and provides knowledge useful for personal improvements and adjustments as well as for social and professional relationships.
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PSY 2210 - Psychology of Human Development
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001, completion of the General Studies requirements in Quantitative Literacy and either ENG 1010 or the General Studies requirements in Oral Communication.
Description: This course presents the development of behavior from conception through maturity and death and is intended to help the student understand the developmental characteristics of different age groups and the determinants of their individual and collective behaviors.
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PSY 2240 - Parenting Techniques
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001
Description: This course is designed to provide students with practical information related to child-rearing techniques. Students will gain an understanding of the role of parents, developmentally appropriate expectations, and how cultural variations influence parenting. Students will learn specific parenting techniques from a variety of approaches including how to implement them in the family. The emphasis is on research-based information.
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PSY 2270 - Death and Dying
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001
Description: This course will study how individuals cope with their own or others’ death, from infancy through aging. Emphasis will be placed on common causes of death, decisions concerning death, the stages in the death process, psychotherapy with the dying person and family members, and psychological interpretations of burial rituals. Cross-cultural practices in death and dying rituals will be emphasized.
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PSY 2310 - Introduction to Statistics for Social and Behavioral Sciences
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Description: This course applies basic statistics to measurement, analysis, and interpretation in psychology as well as other social and behavioral sciences covering distributions, probability, central tendency, variability, sampling distributions, and hypothesis testing.
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PSY 2320 - Inferential Statistics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 2310 and Permission of the Department of Psychology
Description: This course is a continuation of PSY 2310. It covers sampling, experimental design, hypothesis- testing, T-distribution, analysis of variance, nonparametric statistics, and correlation and regression in the context of behavioral research.
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PSY 2330 - Statistics and Research Methods for the Social and Behavioral Sciences I
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Description: This course is an introduction to statistics and research design used in the behavioral sciences. Topics covered will include: frequency distributions, probability, measures of central tendency, hypothesis testing, t-tests, computations, statistical decision making, basic research methods, variables use in research, populations and sampling. A focus will be placed on understanding how statistical procedures are applied to basic research questions.
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PSY 2340 - Statistics and Research Methods for the Social and Behavioral Sciences II
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 2330
Description: This is a continuation of PSY 2330. This course will cover issues in research that include APA Ethics Code, validity and reliability, and the application of statistics to various experimental designs. Designs discussed include correlation, ANOVA and Chi-Square. Students learn how to interpret and report output from SPSS statistical software using appropriate APA format.
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PSY 2410 - Social Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001
Description: This course covers the major topics, theories, methods, and applications of social psychology. Topic areas include research methodology, person perception, attraction, helping behavior, aggression, attitudes, persuasion, group processes, and intergroup relations. Both classic and recent work are discussed.
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PSY 2850 - Psychology of Sexuality
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 and ENG 1020
Description: Restriction: Students must be age 18 or over in order to register for and take this course. This course is a survey of human sexual functioning, with the emphasis on psychological components even though an overview of anatomy and physiology is included. A sampling of topics covered: sexual variation and deviation, sexual dysfunction, social-psychological views of liking and loving, sexual identity, legal aspects of sexuality, and erotica and pornography.
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PSY 2950 - Contemporary Issues: Variable Topics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001
Description: Courses included under this umbrella deal with issues of personal importance to students, with an emphasis on applying psychological principles and knowledge to contemporary questions, rather than mastery of an academic content area in psychology. Course content will vary, and the course may be repeated twice with different topics for a maximum of nine hours.
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PSY 3000 - Theories of Personality
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001, six additional semester hours in psychology, and ENG 1020
Description: Students will learn the major contemporary theories of personality. The course will consider the following perspectives on human behavior and mental processes: psychodynamic, behavioral and cognitive behavioral, humanistic, trait and factorial, and neurobiological. The underlying assumptions and research support for these theories will be examined.
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PSY 3030 - Multicultural Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001
Description: This course examines theories of difference and their application to behavior. Diversity across race/ethnicity, gender, class, and sexual orientation is explored. A significant portion of the coursework is directly devoted to African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latina(o), Native American identity development.
University Requirement(s): Mutlicultural
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PSY 3050 - Psychology of Gender
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 or WMS 1001
Description: This course presents a survey of major contemporary approaches to gender, including a range of scientific and theoretical work. A constructionist approach is utilized to synthesize the views. The course then reviews several major areas of application, including relationships, health, violence, workplace, and achievements.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: PSY or WMS.
Cross Listed Course(s): WMS 3050
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PSY 3070 - Psychology of Sexual Orientation
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 and six additional hours of PSY or Permission of instructor
Description: This course explores psychological theory and research dealing with sexual orientation, with an emphasis on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) identity. Topics include historical and theoretical frameworks, homophobia and heterosexism, origins of sexual orientation, LGB identity development and coming out, diversity, relationships and parenting, the role of community, and others.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: PSY or WMS.
Cross Listed Course(s): WMS 3070
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PSY 3170 - Social Justice: Self and Citizenship: A Service Learning Course
Credits: 3 (2 + 2)
Prerequisite(s): WMS 1001 or PSY 1001; six additional semester hours in Women’s Studies or six additional semester hours in Psychology Social justice encompasses research, activism and current events about manifestations of social oppression and social change
Description: This course focuses upon psychological theory and self-identity in the context of multicultural and social justice issues (classism, racism, sexism, heterosexism, and ableism). Lectures, readings, and discussions are integrated with a required service-learning placement involving 30 hours of volunteer work in a setting for the underserved. Students have the opportunity to a) reflect on social oppressions; b) analyze the political systems that surround their communities and institutions; and c) apply their reflections to their career goals and personal development.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: WMS or PSY.
University Requirement(s): Multicultural
Cross Listed Course(s): WMS 3170
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PSY 3240 - Infancy
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001
Description: The focus of this course is on development during the infancy period, from birth to approximately two years of age. Genetic and prenatal influences on infant development will also be discussed. The course will cover the major theories of child development and research related to infant behavior. Emphasis will be placed on the physical/biological, cognitive, and social/ emotional aspects of development during this period.
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PSY 3250 - Child Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 and completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.
Description: This course covers the major theories of child development and research related to child behavior. A social science emphasis is placed on prenatal, physical, social, cognitive, emotional, language, and psychological development of normal children.
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PSY 3260 - Psychology of Adolescence
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 and completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.
Description: This course covers the major theories of adolescence and research related to adolescent behavior. The physical, cognitive, and social/emotional developments of this period will be emphasized, including the influences of peers, parents, and schools. Problems and concerns specific to adolescent development will also be discussed.
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PSY 3270 - Adulthood and Aging
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001
Description: This course is a developmental study of the adult from young adulthood throughout the remainder of life. The course will provide a broad overview of emotional, behavioral, social, physical, and intellectual changes that occur during adulthood. Both theories and research findings will be emphasized; applications will be included.
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PSY 3280 - Developmental Research Methods
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001; and PSY 2310; and PSY 1800 or PSY 3250 or PSY 2270 or SOC 3100
Description: This course focuses on the design and research methods used in the study of human development. This includes a survey of methodology that has been used to study development from a multidisciplinary approach. The course will provide an overview of the statistics used in the field as well as research design. The appropriateness of different methods for different developmental levels will also be discussed.
Note: This course cannot substitute for Psychological Research Methods I or II.
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PSY 3300 - Applications of Psychological Research Methods
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 2340
Description: In this course, students will apply the theoretical principles that they have learned in the previous two research methods courses. Students will learn to critically evaluate research claims that they encounter in a variety of situations including the popular press, pop psychology books and articles, and peer-reviewed journal articles. They will learn to conduct and document research by acting as researchers and participants in demonstration experiments that they will write up in APA style.
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PSY 3310 - Psychological Research Methods I
Credits: 3 (2 + 2)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 2310 and PSY 2320
Description: This course will introduce the student to basic methodology concerned with the collection or interpretation of data. Experimental techniques will be emphasized.
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PSY 3320 - Advanced Psychological Research Methods
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 2340
Description: This course entails the student proposing, designing, conducting and analyzing an independent research study using scientifically valid quantitative and/or qualitative methods to investigate psychological phenomena. The course will result in the student presenting his or her research in a colloquium and writing a journal-ready manuscript of the results. This course is strongly recommended for students interested in applying to graduate school in Psychology.
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PSY 3340 - Cognitive Development and Learning
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1800 or PSY 3250 or PSY 2270 or SOC 3100
Description: This course is designed to examine human cognitive development and learning. Topics include the major theories of cognitive development and how they can be applied to teaching children, adolescents, and adults. The roles of motivation, problem solving and intelligence in learning and cognition also will be explored. Additionally, this course will investigate how cognitive theories can be applied to teaching literacy acquisition, scientific and mathematical skills.
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PSY 3350 - Psychology of Social Development
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1010, 3 additional hours of PSY course credit, and completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.
Description: This course critically examines several important aspects of social, emotional, and personality development across childhood into adolescence. Topics pertain to the development of behavior (e.g., aggression, helping), social cognition (e.g., achievement motivation, person perception), emotion (e.g., expression, temperament) and relationships (e.g., peers, family).
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PSY 3400 - Psychology of Exceptional Children
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1800, or PSY 2210 or PSY 3240 or PSY 3250
Description: This course examines the psychology of atypical children: learning disabled, gifted, mentally retarded, physically handicapped, chronically ill, emotionally disturbed, and neurologically impaired. Historical context, research findings, etiology, assessment, intervention options, and prognosis are examined for each exceptionality.
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PSY 3420 - Issues in Social-Personality Psychology: Variable Topics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001; PSY 2160 or PSY 2410 or PSY 3000
Description: This course entails in-depth consideration of specific areas and issues in contemporary social psychology and personality theory. Emphasis will be on exploration of current theory, research, and applications.
Note: Course content will vary, and course may be repeated twice with different topics for a maximum of nine credit hours.
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PSY 3440 - Cravings and Addictions
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001
Description: This course offers a multidisciplinary analysis of a broad range of addictive disorders, including alcohol or other drugs, and a spectrum of behavioral disturbances, including excessive eating, exercising, gambling, and risk taking. Emphasis is placed on contemporary strategies for prevention, early intervention and treatment.
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PSY 3450 - Organizational Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 and six additional hours of psychology coursework
Description: Organizational Psychology is a comprehensive survey course, applicable to any student whose career places them in an organization. Content includes approaches to organizational structure, culture, and change; organizational behavior such as leadership, teamwork, conflict, power, management strategies, feedback and communication styles; personnel selection and appraisal; theories of motivation and performance; and diversity and its impact on the changing organization in the global context.
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PSY 3470 - Psychology of Violence and Aggression
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001; and three additional hours of psychology course work
Description: This course provides an in-depth overview of contrasting theoretical approaches to the explanation, prediction, and control of violent and aggressive behaviors, including psychobiological, radical behaviorism, social learning, cognitive social learning, and psychopathological approaches. Specific behavioral foci include youth violence, criminal violence, inner-city gang violence, white-collar aggression, combat, terrorism, sexual violence, self-mutilation, etc., from both legal and psychological perspectives. This course explores socialization systems leading to the development of aggressive and violent behavioral tendencies and factors facilitating the maintenance of these dispositions. Prevention and intervention strategies are considered.
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PSY 3480 - The Psychology of Women
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 or WMS 1001
Description: This course presents the history and development of theories, research, and concepts in the psychology of women, including a focus on mental health and illness, the pathology of women’s social roles, biological bases of women’s behavior, and feminist psychological theories and research.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: PSY or WMS.
Cross Listed Course(s): WMS 3480
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PSY 3500 - Research Issues: Variable Topics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 and PSY 2310 or Permission of instructor
Description: This course presents an in-depth consideration of current areas and issues in experimental psychology, focusing on the scientific investigation of various aspects of psychological functioning.
Note: Course content will vary, and the course may be repeated twice with different topics for a maximum of nine hours of credit.
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PSY 3540 - Cognitive Aging
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001; and 3 hours upper-division psychology coursework; or permission of instructor
Description: This course will cover theoretical and empirical explorations of the effect of aging on cognition. The course will cover the impact of normal aging on individual’s ability to remember and use knowledge. Topics will include the impact of aging on working memory, attention, executive functioning, long-term memory, reasoning, decision making, and dementia. The course will also cover research investigating whether and how functional cognitive capacity can be maintained as individuals age.
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PSY 3560 - Psychopharmacology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001; BIO 1000 or equivalent; and 9 hours of upper-division psychology coursework; or permission of instructor
Description: This course will provide the foundation for understanding the basic mechanisms of drug action, specifically how drugs are delivered and removed from their sites of action. An examination of the pharmacological features of different classes of drugs and the ways in which drugs produce their biological effects will be discussed. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic principles will be explored through a study of both therapeutic drugs and recreational drugs. A review of regulatory and governmental control issues will be included.
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PSY 3620 - Abnormal Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001, six additional semester hours in psychology, and ENG 1020
Description: Students examine and evaluate the major theories of abnormal behavior: biological, behavioral, psychodynamic, cognitive, and humanistic. The course provides a description of the behavior patterns defined as abnormal and examines classification systems and assessment procedures. Students will examine causal models of abnormal behavior from an integrated systems approach. Biological, psychological, and social treatments of psychological disorders are also discussed and evaluated. Classification, etiology, and treatment will be examined using case studies.
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PSY 3700 - Psychology of Group Prejudice
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 or AAS 1010 or CHS 1000 or WMS 1001
Description: This course covers psychological theory and research that examines causes, effects, expressions, and reduction of group prejudice. Various types of group prejudice are addressed, most notably prejudice against cultural and ethnic minorities in the United States (i.e., Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans). Sexism and heterosexism also are discussed.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix.
University Requirement(s): Multicultural
Cross Listed Course(s): AAS 3700, CHS 3700, WMS 3700
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PSY 3920 - Women’s Health Issues
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): WMS 1001 or SOC 1010 or HES 1050 or PSY 1001
Description: This course will give students the opportunity to focus on health issues specific to women and the challenges historically faced by women in the health care arena. This course explores feminist, biological, psychological, and sociological factors in women’s health within a global context.
Cross Listed Course(s): SOC 3920, HES 3920, WMS 3920
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PSY 3970 - Field Experience Practicum
Credits: 1 to 12 (0 + 2 to 24)
Description: This is a field experience course in psychology. Departmental permission is required to enroll in this course.
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PSY 3980 - Internship in Psychology
Credits: 1-12 (0 + 3-36)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001; major or minor in psychology; junior or senior status; permission of instructor
Description: Supervised by a faculty member within the major department, internships provide practical, hands-on experience in a professional field related to the major. Internship placements must be established prior to enrollment in this course in consultation with the Applied Learning Center.
To register with the Applied Learning Center, students must meet the following qualifications:
- Completed at least one semester at MSU Denver
- Sophomore, junior or senior status
- Declared major in an undergraduate program
- 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA at MSU Denver
- Currently enrolled and taking classes at MSU Denver
For information and instructions on finding and enrolling in an internship, contact the Applied Learning Center at 303-556-3290 or internships@msudenver.edu.
Note: Variable Credit - Course may be repeated once for credit with a different internship.
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PSY 4100 - Introduction to Clinical/Counseling Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 +0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 and ENG 1020; and PSY 3000 or PSY 3620
Description: This course is a survey of clinical and counseling psychology therapeutic procedures and techniques. An emphasis of the course is therapeutic modalities, assessment and diagnosis. There is a focus on ethical and multicultural issues related to the practice of psychology as well as legal and licensing issues in the practice of clinical/counseling psychology and related practice fields.
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PSY 4150 - Introduction to Psychological Testing
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001, PSY 2310, ENG 1020; and either PSY 3000 or PSY 3620
Description: This course studies psychological tests which are used in the measurement of achievement, aptitude, and personality. The class stresses reliability and validity of these instruments and the utility and limitations of each type of evaluation measure.
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PSY 4410 - Human Factors Engineering
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001 and PSY 2310, or Permission of instructor
Description: This course surveys the field of human factors engineering focusing on identifying the strengths and limitations of humans, in order to apply human factors design principles in optimizing human interactions with both mechanical and environmental systems, as well as workplace, home, and other environments. Emphasis is on the industrial applications of human factors design principles and psychological research data.
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PSY 4450 - Advanced Statistics: SPSS
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Completion of PSY 2320; and a minimum grade of B in both PSY 2310 and PSY 2320
Description: This course offers study of multivariate statistics such as multiple regression, factor analysis, discriminate analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance. Students will learn how to use the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to perform the necessary statistical tests. Emphasis will be on understanding, application, and interpretation of multivariate statistics.
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PSY 4510 - History and Systems of Psychology
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): 15 semester hours of psychology, satisfaction of all General Studies requirements, and Senior standing
Description: This course presents a critical survey of major theoretical and meta-theoretical systems in psychology from an historical perspective. Philosophical assumptions as well as cultural and political forces will be discussed. Similarities and differences among the various theoretical models will be highlighted. The student will synthesize and critically evaluate material from previous courses in psychology.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience
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PSY 4520 - Sensation and Perception
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001, PSY 3310; or permission of instructor
Description: This course examines how information about the outside world is sensed and how that information is organized and interpreted to form perceptions. Anatomy and physiology of the sensory systems will be studied, as will perceptual theories, models, controversies, and applications.
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PSY 4530 - Psychology of Learning
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001, PSY 3310
Description: This course provides a study of basic learning processes. It focuses on experimental test of learning theories, both historical and contemporary. The course emphasizes non-human investigation while considering human implications.
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PSY 4540 - Behavioral Neuroscience
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 1001, PSY 3310
Description: This course studies the physiological bases of normal and abnormal behavior with emphasis on neurology and hormones
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