Psychology

Psychology professor Ellen Lopez lectures inside a Gruening Building classroom during the Culture and Psychology course offered by the College of Liberal Arts

College of Liberal Arts
Department of Psychology
907-474-7007

B.A., B.S., Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in psychology. The department’s focus is to provide breadth and depth in the science and profession of psychology with a commitment to honoring diversity and promoting human welfare. The curriculum develops cross-cultural knowledge, critical thinking, imagination, creativity, ethical principles and concern for social justice, as well as respect for and knowledge of diverse points of view.

In addition to active engagement in the classroom, students can participate in research and community service. Programs in psychology facilitate an understanding of the human experience as an interaction of biological, psychological, social and cultural processes.

Graduates of the undergraduate program in psychology have been successful in gaining entrance to graduate school in a variety of fields including psychology, medicine, business and law. Graduation with an undergraduate psychology degree has allowed students to become employed in a variety of entry-level human services, public service, and business positions.

Minimum Requirements for Psychology Bachelor's Degrees: 120 credits

Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in psychology, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.

Learn more about the online bachelor’s degree in psychology, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.


Courses

Psychology (PSY)

PSY F111X      Introduction to Psychology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall and Spring

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.

Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F123X      Sleepless in Alaska: Sleep, Health and You
3 Credits

Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years

Sleep is essential! Health and well-being are compromised greatly without adequate sleep. This broad survey course will explore factors that affect sleep quality, sleep disorders, sleep research, the biological mechanisms of sleep, the unique role of Arctic light conditions, how sleep influences daily life, and students' own sleep habits.

Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F240      Psychology of Development      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall and Spring

The psychology of human development from conception to death. Critical emphasis on theory and research within the field of developmental psychology with the role of culture as an influencing factor.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F245      Child Development      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall and Spring

A study of the physical, cultural, emotional, cognitive and social aspects of a child's development from prenatal period through early adolescence. Focus on developmental theories including Erickson, Gardner, Gilligan, Kagen, Sternberg, Vygotsky and other contemporary theories of child and adolescent development.

Prerequisites: WRTG F111X.

Cross-listed with ED F245.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F250      Introductory Statistics for Social Sciences
3 Credits

Offered Fall and Spring

Statistics applied to social scientific topics. Includes descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, sampling distributions, elementary probability, estimation of population parameters, hypothesis testing (one and two sample problems), correlation, simple linear regression and one-way analysis of variance.

Prerequisites: MATH F113X, MATH F122X, MATH F151X or ALEKS score of 30 or higher; PSY F111X.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F275      Introduction to Social Science Research Methods      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall and Spring

Introduction to research methods in psychology. Includes the scientific process, developing research ideas, experimental and non-experimental designs, sampling, surveys and data analysis.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F298      Undergraduate Research
1-6 Credits

Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 1-6

PSY F304      Personality      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Spring Even-numbered Years

Personality Psychology explores the individual differences in how people think, feel and behave. This course examines the theories, both historical and modern, that explain these differences and the methods that produced them. Biological, developmental, cultural and psychopathological influences on individual differences are explored.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275 (course may be taken concurrently).

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F309      Psychology of Stress      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Spring

This course examines major theories and research describing how stress affects human health and well-being. Students will examine psychological and biological models detailing the interactive nature of stress effects, and explore biological, psychological, social, emotional and environmental influences of the stress response. Stress management techniques and applications will be investigated.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F315      Positive Psychology
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Positive psychology includes theoretical and practical applications of the psychological concepts and issues that prevent and enable human flourishing. This course specifically explores the well-being domains of positivity, engagement, relationships, meaning, achievement and vitality.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F318      Psychology of Play
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Examines the influence of play on human behavior throughout the lifespan. Students investigate why people play, play’s relationship to mood and learning, effects of restricting play, and differences between adult and childhood play. This course supports understanding through critical inquiry of existing research, application and reflection.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F320      History and Systems of Psychology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

The history of present psychology from associationism to humanism with attention to both the philosophical and physiological foundations of psychology, the most important theorists and movements, and paradigmatic shifts in the evolution of contemporary psychological systems.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X.

Recommended: Previous or concurrent enrollment in PSY F275.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F330      Social Psychology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Analysis of intergroup relationships in terms of process and value orientation, their influences on the personality, and aspects of collective behavior on group and person. Aspects of social interaction that have cultural and intercultural variation. Also available online via UAF eCampus.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F333      Human Sexualities Across Cultures      (s)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Exploration of how people in a variety of cultures, both contemporary and historical, construct the meaning and experience of sexuality and express themselves as sexual beings. Interdisciplinary study includes psychology, sociology, anthropology, gender studies and related fields, with particular focus determined by which department is offering the course.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X or WGS F201X.

Cross-listed with WGS F332.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F335      Brain and Behavior      (n)
3 Credits

Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years

Study of the biological bases of human behavior. Emphasis on functional anatomy of the nervous system to understand normal behavior and behavioral disorders in terms of their psychology, development, evolution and function.

Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; PSY F111X; PSY F275.

Recommended: BIOL F112X or BIOL F116X.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F337      Sport Psychology
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Theoretical and practical applications of psychological issues related to participation in physical activities, including exercise adherence, performance enhancement, group dynamics, leadership and coaching behaviors, arousal/anxiety, intervention strategies and lifespan participation.

Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; PSY F111X.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F345      Mental Health and Psychopathology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall

A study of atypical behavior, including causes, treatment and social impact. Theoretical, clinical, cultural and experimental perspectives of psychopathology research are examined, with an emphasis on terminology, classification, etiology and treatment of the major disorders. Special attention is placed on how culture affects the prevalence, experience and treatment of psychopathology.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275 (may be taken concurrently).

Special Notes: This course was formerly titled Abnormal Psychology.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F360      Psychology of Women Across Cultures      (s)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Major theories, research and empirical data which describes the psychology of women as a discrete field, philosophical values of feminism and history of women's roles in society. The impact of culture on women interpersonally and intrapsychically examined across cultures.

Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; PSY F111X or WGS F201X.

Cross-listed with WGS F360.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F365      Forensic Psychology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Forensic Psychology examines the relationship between psychology (application, theory, research) and the criminal justice system, through the role of the forensic psychologist.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; WRTG F111X.

Recommended: PSY F275 or any undergraduate research methods course.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F370      Drugs and Behavior      (s)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Explores the effects of licit, illicit, therapeutic and non-therapeutic drugs on behaviors, physiology, emotions and thought processes. Introduction to factors impacting these effects, including cultural, environmental and societal influences. Topics include alcoholism, law enforcement and legal aspects of drug use/abuse, drug education alternatives and treatment and rehabilitation of drug users.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X.

Recommended: PSY F275.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F390      Psychology of Work      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Application of psychological principles, theories and methods to issues related to work processes and work organizations. Includes employee selection, motivation, performance appraisal, decision-making, group dynamics, power and leadership, job design, and organizational change and development.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F392      Seminar
1-6 Credits

Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0

PSY F401      Culture and Psychology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall and Spring

Examines cultural influences on human thought behavior; interactions of culture and self; multicultural experiences and intercultural relations. Presents a survey of historic and contemporary psychological research and theory on culture with a consideration of unique methodological challenges presented by cross-cultural psychological research.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275; senior standing and 9+ psychology credits with a grade of C- or higher.

Special Notes: This course was previously listed as PSY F301 Culture and Psychology.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F426      Environmental Psychology and Human Well-being      (s)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course explores the effects of the environment on human behavior, health and well-being. Critical evaluation of human interactions with nature and consideration of arctic environments are emphasized. Students will explore the unique relationships between humans and nature while examining the role of nature on health, mental health and behavior.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X or WRTG F213X.

Crosslisted with ACNS F426.

Stacked with ACNS F626; PSY F626.

Special Notes: Research Methods such as PSY F275 is recommended prior to taking this course.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F430      Rural and Alaska Native Psychology      (an)
3 Credits

Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years

Introduces rural psychology, including diversity of rural communities, with emphasis on Alaska Native populations and the rural circumpolar North. Introduces rural research collaborations, health promotion, prevention and behavioral health, including cultural and contextual considerations affecting research and services, and the significance of Alaska Native values, knowledge and ways of life.

Prerequisites: ANTH F100X, PSY F111X or SOC F101X; JUST F222, PS F222, PSY F275 or SWK F375 (research methods course may be taken concurrently).

Stacked with ACNS F630.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F440      Theories of Learning      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years

Theory and research on the fundamentals of learning. Topics include information processing, attention, learning processes, decision-making, memory and retrieval, and the biological and cultural considerations relevant to each.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275; nine credits of psychology courses with a grade of C- or higher.

Special Notes: This course was formerly titled Learning and Cognition.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F445      Community Psychology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Overview of principles and applications of community psychology, emphasizing person-environment interactions and societal and cultural impacts upon individual and community functioning. Attention given to interventions which facilitate psychological competence and empowerment, prevent disorder and promote social change.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275; 9 credits of psychology courses with a grade of C- or higher.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F448      Understanding FASD: Diagnosis, Intervention and Strategies
3 Credits

Offered Spring and Summer

This is an overview course designed to educate candidates about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: how they are acquired, current diagnostic strategies; intervention strategies within social services, therapeutic environments and school settings; and individual case management strategies. By the end of the course candidates should possess knowledge of working with children affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, understand the psychosocial implications of this disorder, and be able to identify best possible strategies to accommodating and intervening with these individuals in a classroom setting.

Cross-listed with EDSE F448.

Stacked with PSY F648; EDSE F648.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F450      Comparative Psychology      (n, s)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course presents an integrated multidisciplinary exploration of animal behavior, cognition and emotion presented from perspectives in psychology, ethology and biology. It includes topics such as adaption, play, social behaviors, learning, intelligence and emotions in a variety of species.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F455      Clinical Psychology
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Survey course in clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists specialize in mental and behavioral healthcare, as well as consulting, training, education, supervision and research. This course explores several common therapy approaches. It addresses ethics in clinical practice, cross-cultural counseling and issues in psychological assessment and treatment. Basic psychotherapy skills are explored experientially.

Prerequisites: Nine credit hours of PSY courses to include PSY F111X and PSY F345.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0

PSY F469      Health Psychology
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Scientific study of behaviors relating to wellness, health, disease and injury prevention, safety and rehabilitation across cultures. While mental health is included, the emphasis is on physical health.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F275; 9 credits of psychology courses with a grade of C- or higher; senior standing.

Stacked with PSY F669.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F470      Sensation and Perception      (s)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

An integrated psychological and physiological approach to sensation, including the fundamental mechanisms of vision, hearing, taste, smell and movement. Emphasis will include theoretical models and systems of perception, and how they are influenced by cultural, developmental, hereditary, physiological, psychological and social factors.

Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; nine credit hours of PSY courses (which must include PSY F111X and PSY F275).

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F475      Research Design and Analysis in Psychology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall Even-numbered Years

This course provides an integrated approach to the study of research design and analysis in psychology with an emphasis on research methodologies and techniques. Includes design, execution and analysis of social science research.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; PSY F250 or STAT F200X; PSY F275; senior standing and 9+ credits of psychology courses with a grade of C- or higher.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0

PSY F480      Qualitative Social Science Research      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years

Introduction to the theory and methods of qualitative research. Students will learn to investigate the social world using a variety of qualitative data collection approaches (such as interviews, focus groups, and observation) as well as analyze and share qualitative results.

Prerequisites: PSY F275.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F485      Senior Seminar      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Synthesis and integration of knowledge and skills developed by psychology majors. Includes a general knowledge of psychology, a basic knowledge of the research process and methods, insights into the way culture, gender, ethnicity, social class, and other diversity issues influence research and practice in psychology.

Prerequisites: PSY F275; Psychology major with senior standing.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F488      Practicum in Psychology
1-6 Credits

Individual practice and training to work in a setting or experience the work of a psychologist. Faculty supervision on campus or on site. Requires 50 clock hours per credit hour. Placement must be arranged during the prior semester before registering for this course.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; psychology major with junior or senior standing; with minimum 12 credits of psychology.

Recommended: PSY F275.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

PSY F492      Seminar
1-6 Credits

Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0

PSY F498      Research
1-6 Credits

Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0

PSY F499      Thesis
1-6 Credits

Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0

PSY F603      Alaska and Rural Psychology
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Introduces rural community psychology, including the diversity of rural communities, with emphasis on Alaska and the rural circumpolar North. Provides an introduction to rural health promotion, prevention and behavioral health care, and a basis for understanding many of the issues of services planning and delivery in rural areas.

Prerequisites: PSY F632; graduate standing in Psychology.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F605      History and Systems of Psychology
1 Credit

Offered Fall

A brief philosophically oriented overview of the history of psychology. Compares Western psychology in the 19th and 20th centuries and selected indigenous psychologies of Asia and North America. Special attention is given to systems of thought that have emerged since the founding of psychology as an empirical science. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

PSY F606      Indigenous Ways of Healing
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Explores healing from a variety of Indigenous perspectives, particularly from an Alaska Native perspective. Emphasizes the preparation and education of healers, their roles and work and integration within the community. Students will have the opportunity to examine the possible integration of clinical and community psychology with indigenous approaches to healing.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology.

Crosslisted with CCS F606.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F607      Cognition, Affect and Culture
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Presents an overview of attention, memory, appraisal and emotion with applications to clinical psychology in a cultural context. Cultural influences on emotional experience and cognition are explored. The etiology and treatment of psychological disorders with significant cognitive and affective disturbance are explored. Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F611      Ethics and Professional Practice
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Comprehensive overview of ethical principles and legal statutes involved in clinical and community practice and research. Designed as a forum for discussion of ethical issues and other concerns relevant to professionals in psychology, with particular emphasis given to ethical issues in cross-cultural and rural contexts in Alaska. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: Admittance to the Psychology Ph.D. program.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F612      Human Development in a Cultural Context
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Study of development theory, research and substantive applied issues across the life span. Particular emphasis on understanding how culture and sociocultural context impact the interplay of biology and environment in development of essential qualities and characteristics of individuals.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F616      Program Evaluation and Community Consultation I
3 Credits

Offered Fall

First in a two-course series, providing an overview of theories, methods and applications of program evaluation and community consultation as tools for facilitating systemic and programmatic changes in community and clinical settings. Seminar covers techniques of entry into various settings and designing program evaluations in collaboration with various community organizations. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: PSY F639; graduate standing in Psychology.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F617      Program Evaluation and Community Consultation II
3 Credits

Offered Spring

The second in a two-course series, introducing the principles and dynamics involved in various types of consultative relationships in community and clinical settings, with a focus on cross-cultural and ethical issues. Covers methods of program evaluation implementation and use of program evaluation findings for consulting with relevant stakeholders. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: PSY F616; graduate standing in Psychology.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F621      Indigenous Ways of Knowing
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Covers the appropriate and valid ways of describing and explaining human behavior by using the social context, culture and history of Indigenous groups. Includes Indigenous approaches to values, health, the interconnection of family and community; the nature of spirituality and Indigenous healing; and the importance of Elders and spiritual healers.

Prerequisites: Admittance to the Indigenous Studies or the Psychology Ph.D. program.

Cross-listed with CCS F621.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F622      Multicultural Psychopathology
3 Credits

Offered Fall

An overview of contemporary views on child and adult psychopathology from a multicultural perspective. The fundamentals of clinical interviewing and diagnostics. Includes training in the DSM-IV diagnostic system. The role of culture, ethnicity, gender and social class in symptom formation and the experience of psychological disorders will be examined. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F623      Intervention I
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Increases knowledge and skills related to traditional and nontraditional therapeutic interventions. Students are provided with a range of theoretical perspectives, a conceptual understanding of and an opportunity to practice a wide range of culturally relevant and appropriate techniques that are applicable in traditional and non-traditional community mental health settings. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F626      Environmental Psychology and Human Well-being
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course explores the effects of the environment on human behavior, health and well-being. Critical evaluation of human interactions with nature and consideration of arctic environments are emphasized. Students will explore the unique relationships between humans and nature while examining the role of nature on health, mental health and behavior.

Prerequisites: PSY F111X; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X or WRTG F213X; graduate standing.

Crosslisted with ACNS F626.

Stacked with ACNS F426; PSY F426.

Special Notes: Research Methods such as PSY F275 is recommended prior to taking this course.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F629      Intervention II
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Deepens understanding of the variety and application of intervention techniques in diverse settings. Directs students to explore the efficacy of specific interventions in a range of settings and with a variety of populations. Shapes critical thinking and basic intervention evaluation skills. Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: PSY F623; admittance to Psychology Ph.D. program.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F632      Community Psychology Across Cultures
3 Credits

Offered Fall

An overview of theory, research and practice of community psychology with particular emphasis on cross-cultural themes, design and evaluation of interventions in remote and rural community settings, prevention and health promotion, and social change. Particular emphasis will be on issues relevant to Alaska Native communities. Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F633      Tests and Measurement in Multi-cultural Context
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Principles of construction, analysis and evaluation of psychological tests in a multicultural context. Emphasizes culturally sensitive application of psychological tests and measurements. Focuses on the history, theory and methods of psychological testing by examining intelligence, personality and vocation. Discusses widely-used intelligence and personality tests and procedures. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F639      Research Methods
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Methods used for research in community, clinical and cross-cultural settings. Introduces epistemologies and ethics relevant to research with rural and indigenous people. Includes a variety of designs and data-gathering methods to improve understanding of behavior in social settings. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed method approaches will be presented. Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: Admittance to Psychology Ph.D. program.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F648      Understanding FASD: Diagnosis, Intervention and Strategies
3 Credits

Offered Spring and Summer

This is an overview course designed to educate candidates about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: how they are acquired, current diagnostic strategies; intervention strategies within social services, therapeutic environments and school settings; and individual case management strategies. By the end of the course candidates should possess knowledge of working with children affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, understand the psychosocial implications of this disorder, and be able to identify best possible strategies to accommodating and intervening with these individuals in a classroom setting. Research project required.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Cross-listed with EDSE F648.

Stacked with PSY F448; EDSE F448.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F652      Practicum Placement: Clinical I
1-3 Credits

Offered Fall

Supervised clinical practicum experience in psychological interviewing, diagnosis and psychotherapy. Applied techniques focusing on delivery of clinical services in traditional or non-traditional clinical settings. Cultural factors are considered in each of these areas. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: PSY F611; PSY F622; PSY F623; admittance to the Psychology Ph.D. program.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 7-20

PSY F653      Practicum Placement: Clinical II
1-3 Credits

Offered Spring

Advanced clinical practicum experience designed to provide increased depth in applying theory to the practice and improving skills as a clinician. Covers application of psychological assessment principles. Impact of cultural factors continues as a major aspect of the practicum experience. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: PSY F652; admittance to Psychology Ph.D. program.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0

PSY F657      Quantitative Analysis
3 Credits

Offered Fall

The underlying principles of statistics, including the logic of statistical inference, probability, power, effect size, and type one and two errors. Uses statistics for designs including the description of groups (data reduction), correlation, predictive models (regression), inferential statistics, analysis of mixed- method designs, and common nonparametric techniques. Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: PSY F639; admittance to Psychology Ph.D. program.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F658      Qualitative Analysis
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Introduction to the theory of qualitative inquiry, qualitative methodologies and basic techniques of qualitative research. Enables the student to use qualitative methods in research. Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: PSY F639; graduate standing in Psychology.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F669      Health Psychology
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Scientific study of behaviors relating to wellness, health, disease and injury prevention, safety and rehabilitation across cultures. While mental health is included, the emphasis is on physical health.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Stacked with PSY F469.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F672      Practicum Placement: Community I
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Community practicum experience designed to provide increased depth in applying theory to practice and improving skills as a community psychologist. Impact of cultural factors will be a major aspect of the practicum experience. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery. Students will also be under close supervision with a community organization. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Psychology.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F673      Practicum Placement: Community II
3 Credits

Offered Spring

An advanced community practicum experience designed to provide increased depth in applying theory to practice and improving skills as a community psychologist. Impact of cultural factors will be a major aspect of the practicum experience. Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery. Students will also be under close supervision with a community organization. Second phase of PSY F672.

Prerequisites: PSY F672; graduate standing in Psychology.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F679      Multicultural Psychological Assessment I
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Introduces administration, scoring and interpretation of various intellectual and objective personality assessment instruments, as well as their psychometric properties, for children and adults. Emphasis on the meaningful integration of test results into a culturally sensitive assessment report. Highlights professional and ethical issues related to multicultural assessment practices emphasizing Alaska Natives. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: PSY F633; admittance to the Psychology Ph.D. program.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F681      Substances of Abuse in Alaska
1 Credit

Offered Fall

Overview of the most prevalent substances of abuse in Alaska including physical, psychological, social and medical consequences of use and abuse. First in the sequence PSY F681, PSY F682, and PSY F683. For doctoral students in the program. In exceptional cases to students not in the doctoral program, but with appropriate background and training will be given special permission to take the course.

Prerequisites: Admittance into the Psychology Ph.D. program.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

PSY F682      Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment Planning
1 Credit

Offered Fall

Specialized tests, measurement and treatment planning for substance abuse. Emphasis on integrating results into culturally relevant treatment plans following the American Society for Addiction Medicine dimensional criteria. Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery. PSY F682 is the second in a continuing series that includes PSY F681 and PSY F683. For doctoral students in the program, it is to be taken as a series. In exceptional cases, students not in the doctoral program but with the appropriate background and training will be given special permission to take the course.

Prerequisites: Admittance to Psychology Ph.D. program.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

PSY F683      Clinical Interventions in Substance Abuse
1 Credit

Offered Fall

Conceptualizing substance abuse as a continuum from intervention to after-care. Relevant evidence-based interventions and therapeutic communities are addressed within the context of rural Alaska Native communities. Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: Admittance to the Psychology Ph.D. program.

Special Notes: PSY F683 is the third in a continuing series that includes PSY F681 and PSY F682; For doctoral students in the program, it is to be taken as a series; In exceptional cases, students not in the doctoral program but with the appropriate background and training will be given special permission to take the course.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

PSY F684      Clinical Supervision
3 Credits

The clinical, ethical and cultural issues involved in supervision. Contemporary, empirically supported information regarding various approaches to supervision will be examined. Covers both the relationship inherent in clinical supervision and training in leadership and supervision of employees in other work settings. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery.

Prerequisites: PSY F653; admittance to Psychology Ph.D. program.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conferenced between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F686      Predoctoral Internship
6 Credits

Understanding and application of assessment and intervention techniques in diverse settings. Students are placed in clinical or community settings for 40 hours per week to apply and sharpen skills. Students work under a local supervisor who manages student caseloads and assignments in collaboration with the course instructor.Approval contingent upon approval of Dissertation proposal and of DCTs (Directors of Clinical Training).

Lecture + Lab + Other: 6 + 0 + 0

PSY F687      Multicultural Psychological Assessment II
3 Credits

Advanced psychological assessment tools including interviews, projective techniques and neurocognitive assessment. Emphasis on the integration of cognitive personality and other test results derived from an assessment battery into a meaningful and culturally sensitive psychological assessment report. The course will make use of Blackboard and E-res to support distance delivery

Prerequisites: PSY F679; admittance to Psychology Ph.D. program.

Special Notes: Course will be video-conference between UAA and UAF campuses.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

PSY F692      Seminar
1-6 Credits

Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0

PSY F692P      Seminar
1-6 Credits

Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0

Sociology (SOC)

SOC F101X      Introduction to Sociology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall, Spring and Summer

An introduction to the complex social arrangements guiding individual behavior and common human concerns in contrasting cultural contexts.

Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X.

Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

SOC F201X      Social Problems and Solutions      (s)
3 Credits

Offered Fall

A study of major contemporary social problems, analysis of factors causing these problems, and discussion of potential solutions. Special emphasis is given to social problems and solutions in Alaska and the circumpolar North.

Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

SOC F280      Contemporary Topics in Sociology      (s)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

An in-depth seminar on new and emerging social issues. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies.

Prerequisites: Placement into WRTG F111X.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Faculty

Cécile Lardon

Professor of Psychology

Ph.D. University of Illinois, 1999
Health Development and Promotion in Yup'ik Communities

cslardon@alaska.edu
907-474-5272
Gruening 706C
Troth Yeddha' Campus


Jen Peterson

Department Chair & Associate Professor of Psychology

Ph.D. Texas Christian University
Age-related Changes in the Flexibility of Cognition & Behavior  

jrpeterson4@alaska.edu
907-474-5214
Gruening 705C
Troth Yeddha' Campus


Inna Rivkin

Associate Professor of Psychology

Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, 2000
"Yup'ik Experiences of Stress and Coping"

idrivkin@alaska.edu
907-474-6178
Gruening 705A
Troth Yeddha' Campus


Daní K. Sheppard

Professor of Psychology

Ph.D. George Mason University, 1996
Role of the natural environment on behaviors and health in northern latitudes, cardiac arrest survival and reporting in Alaska, factors of success in quality online learning

dani.sheppard@alaska.edu
907-474-6514
Gruening 706A 
Troth Yeddha' Campus


Kevin Walters

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Ph.D. Colorado State University. Industrial-Organizational Psychology

kmwalters2@alaska.edu
907-474-6651
Gruening 706B
Troth Yeddha' Campus