Philosophy    |    Physics    |   Political Science    |    Psychology

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PHILOSOPHY

(School of Theology)

PHI 241 Introduction of Philosophy Three hours
A survey of philosophical questions and major Western philosophical traditions.

PHI 345 Philosophy of Religion Three hours
A critical examination of basic religious concepts and beliefs. Topics to be considered are: religious experience, faith and reason, arguments about God’s existence, the problem of evil, religious language, religious pluralism, and the relationship between science and religion.

PHI 361 Ethics Three hours
Study of the principles and methods used in evaluating human conduct with an emphasis on the origin and development of the major views of the good life. Examination of the Biblical, historical, and contemporary themes in Christian ethics through an examination of major personalities, movements, principles, and practices. Application of Christian ethics to the issues and problems of modern society.

PHI 380/480 Selected Topics Three hours
A survey and discussion of selected advanced topics in Christian studies.

PHYSICS

(College of Arts and Sciences)

PHY 110L Introductory Physics Laboratory One hour
This course is a laboratory course illustrating the basic principles of physics, designed to accompany PHY 131, Conceptual Physics. One three-hour laboratory period per week is required. This course will satisfy the general education requirement in physical science for Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education.

PHY 121 Musical Acoustics Two hours
An introductory course in musical acoustics. No prior knowledge of either music or science in required. The course will introduce simple physical concepts to help the student understand the underlying principles of the physics of sound, while at the same time, using the student’s interest in music to motivate the study.

PHY 131 Conceptual Physics Three hours
An historical survey of physics principles and some chemistry from ancient to modern times intended for non-science and non-mathematics majors who have some familiarity with ratios and simple equations.

PHY 132 Introduction to Astronomy Three hours
A semi-quantitative introductory survey of astronomy covering astrophysical principles and their historical developmental The origin and structure of the solar system, stars, gaseous nebula, galaxies, black holes, quasars, space-time, and the universe as a whole will be covered.

PHY 141 General College Physics I Three hours
The first half of an introductory algebra-based survey of physics covering vectors, description and dynamics of linear and rotational motion, work and energy, momentum, fluids, mechanical oscillations and waves, heat, and thermodynamics. Prerequisites: High School or College Algebra and Trigonometry.

PHY 141L General College Physics I Laboratory One hour
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHY 141. General experimental technique will be taught by hands-on verification of many of the principles discussed in the classroom. One 3-hour period per week is required. Corequisite: PHY 141.

PHY 142 General College Physics II Three hours
The second half of an introductory algebra-based survey of physics covering electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 141.

PHY 142L General College Physics II Laboratory One hour
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHY 142. General experimental technique will be taught by hands-on verification of many of the principles discussed in the classroom. One 3-hour period per week is required. Corequisite: PHY 141.

PHY 241 General University Physics I Four hours
The first half of an introductory calculus-based survey of physics covering vectors, description and dynamics of linear and rotational motion, work and energy, momentum, fluids, mechanical oscillations and waves, heat, and thermodynamics. Designed primarily for mathematics, pre-engineering, and science majors. Prerequisites: MTH 210; MTH 211.

PHY 241L General University Physics II Laboratory One hour
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHY 241. General experimental technique will be taught by hands-on verification of many of the principles discussed in the classroom. One 3-hour period per week is required. Corequisite: PHY 141.

PHY 242 General University Physics II Four hours
The second half of an introductory calculus-based survey of physics covering electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics Prerequisite: PHY 241.

PHY 242L General University Physics II Laboratory One hour
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHY 242. General experimental technique will be taught by hands-on verification of many of the principles discussed in the classroom. One 3-hour period per week is required. Corequisite: PHY 141.

PHY 331 Mechanics Three hours
An intermediate course in classical mechanics. Topics covered will be: Newtonian mechanics, motion of particles in multi-dimensions, rigid body motion and statics, gravitation, moving coordinate systems, Lagrange’s equations of motion, tensor algebra, the theory of small vibrations, special relativity, and relativistic dynamics. Prerequisites: PHY 241; PHY 242.

PHY 332 Engineering Statics Three hours
A course in the study of mechanics in which forces systems are in equilibrium. Topics covered are center of mass, moment of force and inertia, statics of rigid bodies, statics of structures, stress and strain, equilibrium of flexible strings, cables, solid beams and fluids. Prerequisite: PHY 241

PHY 333 Electronic Circuits Three hours
An introductory course in electronic circuits and electrical engineering covering simple linear circuits and Ohm’s law, circuit analysis and Kirchoff’s rules, AC circuits, RLC circuits, amplifiers, signal generators, transistors, and their application. Prerequisite: MTH 210.

PHY 338 Modern Physics I Three hours
A study of the advent of modern physics, including special relativity, early quantum physics, quantum mechanics, atoms and molecules, and quantum statistics.

PHY 339 Modern Physics II Three hours
A continuation Modern Physics I covering solid-state physics, nuclear physics, elementary-particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHY 338.

PHY 400 Special Topics One to Three hours
A special course offered on demand to advanced physics students who have a specific interest in the fields of physics and engineering. The course may be repeated for credit provided the topics differ each semester. Consent of instructor.

PHY 421 Computational Science One to Two hours
A two credit hour course on computational methods for the modeling of scientific phenomena, including a selection from the solution of linear equations, interpolation and extrapolation, integration, function evaluation, series, elliptic integrals, sorting techniques, minimization and maximization of functions, eigen systems, statistical description of data and modeling, integration of ordinary differential equations. Prerequisites: MTH 211 and CIS 300.

PHY 431 Quantum Mechanics Three hours
An introductory course in Quantum Mechanics covering classical physics, wave packets, Schroedinger wave equation, eigen function and eigen values, one-dimensional potentials, hydrogen atom, helium atom, and other related topics. Prerequisites: MTH 311 and PHY 242.

PHY 438 Electromagnetism Three hours
An introduction to electromagnetism including electrostatic fields, electromagnetic waves, Maxwell's equations, magnetic fields, magnetic materials, and applications. Prerequisites: PHY 242 and MTH 211.

PHY 451 Thermodynamics Three hours
An introduction to the foundations of thermal physics including thermo dynamical processes, heat engines, entropy, Boltzmann distributions, phase transformations, and thermal radiation. Prerequisites: PHY 241, MTH 211.

PHY 490 Senior Research One to Three hours
Senior research is a course for students nearing the completion of a physics major or minor that offers credit for significant work in theoretical or experimental physics under the guidance of an advisor. Prerequisite: Major or minor in physics with at least a junior standing.

POLITICAL SCIENCE

(College of Arts and Sciences)

POL 101 Introduction to Political Science Three hours
An introduction to the fundamental methodological and theoretical concepts of political science: ideologies, political power, political behavior, political/governing institutions, and the social and economic needs of individuals in society.

POL 110 American Government Three hours
This course studies the development and interrelation of American national, state, and local governments; and public opinion, political parties, civil rights, duties of citizenship, and present governmental trends.

POL 122 State and Kentucky Government Three hours
This course studies the development of state constitutions and governments; and role of state government in the nation; interrelations of state, national, and local governments. Special attention is given to the constitution and government of Kentucky. Prerequisite: POL 110 or consent of instructor.

POL 282 Western Political Philosophy Three hours
An examination and discussion of the development of European and American political doctrines with emphasis on the forces producing the doctrines. Prerequisite: POL 110 or consent of instructor.

POL 315 World Geography Three hours
This course highlights the topography, climate, natural resources, and demography of the seven continents and further emphasizes map, and political status of major world powers and other global considerations.

POL 330 Public Administration Three hours
A study of the administration in private and public organizations. It is an interdisciplinary course and is taken for credit in the fields of political science, sociology, and psychology.

POL 331 Municipal Government Three hours
This course covers the structure and functions of municipal government, and its relation to state government. Special government problems of towns, small cities, and expanding metropolitan areas are emphasized. Prerequisite: POL 110 or consent of instructor.

POL 334 Introduction to Criminal Law Three hours
See CJ 334 for course description.

POL 336 Modern Presidency Three hours
This course covers the executive branch of government and its relation with Congress, the courts, and the bureaucracy. The historical evolution of the office will be included. May be taken as history credit.

POL 341 Comparative Government Three hours
Monarchic, republican, democratic, constitutional, and dictatorial forms of government will be studied along with the historical, economics, social, and cultural forces influences the modern governments of leading countries. Prerequisite: POL 110 or consent of instructor.

POL 351 American Diplomacy Three hours
This course covers American foreign relations from the Revolution to the present, principles of successful diplomacy, and diplomatic service and careers. Prerequisite: POL 110 or consent of instructor.

POL 352 International Relations Three hours
This course covers the development of modern international relations, factors shaping foreign policies of nations, war, pacific settlements of disputes, and the United Nations. Prerequisite: POL 110 or consent of instructor.

POL 361 Social Statistics Three hours
This course is designed to acquaint the political science student with the logic and method of statistics, covering frequency distribution, measures of central tendency and variation, random sampling, and testing of hypotheses. Students planning to enter law school or to take graduate study in political science or business should take this course. Fall semester.

POL 362 Methods of Research Three hours
This course is to be an interdisciplinary course in the fields of political science, sociology, and psychology. Recitation and lectures will be three hours a week and introduction to the scope and methods of inquiry into the area of the social sciences. Emphasis will be placed on the historical developments and on recent developments of social science methodology and research techniques.

POL 382 American Constitutional Development Three hours
Covers the making of the Constitution: its interpretations through statutes, judicial decisions, governmental practice, amendments; and civil rights. Recent decisions, interpretations, and developments included. Prerequisite: POL 110 or consent of instructor. May be taken as history credit.

POL 405 Terrorism Studies Three hours
This course offers a variety of conceptual tools and frameworks for students to think strategically about key issues in the contemporary security environment. Specifically, it examines the unique challenge terrorism poses to the international and domestic system, while developing an understanding of terrorist motivations, strategies, means, and ends. This course will seek to educate the students for a world of uncertainty by drawing extensively on research in the field of terrorism, counterterrorism, and weapons of mass destruction. Writing or research intensive.

POL 415 Human Geography Three hours
See GEG 315 for description of course.

POL 421 Corrections Three hours
See CJ 421 for description of course. Writing or research intensive.

POL 431 Civil Liberties Three hours
In this course, the student is confronted with the fact that the Constitution defines our freedoms in cursory language, thus leaving it to the courts to flesh out the document’s skeletal guarantees. Special emphasis will be placed on the affirmative action efforts. Writing or research intensive.

POL 442 Political Geography Three hours
See GEG 442 for description of course. Writing or research intensive.

POL 451 Political Parties Three hours
The development nature, composition, tactics, and changing ideologies of political parties are emphasized, as well as the role of parties and pressure groups in a democracy. Writing or research intensive. Prerequisite: POL 110 or consent of instructor.

POL 453 Public Opinion Three hours
This course studies the nature, formation, role, and change in public opinion; modern mass communication which shapes public opinion; and problems of enlightened public opinion in a democracy. Writing or research intensive. Prerequisite: POL 110 or consent of instructor.

POL 472 Government and Industry Three hours
Government stimulation, regulation, and control of industry; antitrust laws and their enforcement; price controls in war and peace times; and government projects and ownership are emphasized. Prerequisites: ECO 110; POL 110; or consent of instructor.

POL 480 Selected Topics Three hours
A survey and discussion of selected advanced topics in contemporary political science, including such subjects as new administrative theory, political poling, constitutional changes, political gridlock, etc. Topics will be selected on the basis of their relevancy to current breaking events. Writing or research intensive.

POL 485 Independent Study Three hours
Requires a research paper using primary source materials and an oral presentation to the division faculty. Limited to students majoring or minoring in political science or social science area in senior year. Enrollees must have an overall 3.25 standing, 3.5 in political science, show promise in the field of political science and be able to travel to do research if necessary. Writing or research intensive.

POL 495 Practicum in Political Science Three hours
Internship or practical field application of political science. Arranged by individual appointment with the instructor. Writing or research intensive. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing or consent of instructor.

POL 499 Senior Seminar Three hours
Students will apply research skills and acquired political science knowledge to a specific topic of instruction, with the intention of producing a senior thesis suitable for public presentation. Students will be exposed to seminal and major academic literature in the topic area. Topics may vary among section and semesters offered, and the course may be repeated once for credit. Writing or research intensive.

PSYCHOLOGY

(College of Arts and Sciences)

PSY 111 General Psychology Three hours
This is an introductory course in psychology designed to acquaint students with such topics as psychological research, physiological processes, learning, development, and theories of personality.

PSY 215 Human Interaction Three hours
This course is designed to help the student establish, maintain, and improve human interaction skills. Specifically, this course focuses on skill building in the areas of verbal and non-verbal communication, listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and interpersonal intimacy and distance. Prerequisite: PSY 111 or SOC 110.

PSY 222 Psychology of Adjustment Three hours
This course focuses on healthy life adjustment. The student will have many opportunities to apply psychological information to his/her own personal adjustment, thus developing a deeper understanding of self and the means of adjusting to life more effectively. Topics include: stress management, relationships, gender roles, emotions, communication, and identity formation. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

PSY 311 Learning and Behavior Three hours
Presents the basic principles of classical and operant conditioning in a practical way where the students can learn to become effective change agents. The emphasis will be on how these principles can be used to solve social and psychological behavioral problems. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

PSY 312 Human Cognitive Processes Three hours
Processes involved in such complex human behaviors as language, memory, attention, and problem solving with an emphasis upon experimental findings and current theories. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

PSY 321 Lifespan Development Three hours
Lifespan Development will focus on the physical, cognitive, social, moral, and emotional development of the individual across the lifespan from conception, through birth, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

PSY 323 Theories of Personality Three hours
This course summarizes, compares, and contrasts the major historical and contemporary theories of personality. Prerequisite: PSY 111

PSY 333 Group Dynamics Three hours
This course focuses on theories of groups and the dynamics involved in group behavior. (Emphasis will be upon those factors of group dynamics which will lead to better interpersonal relationships). Prerequisite: PSY 111.

PSY 341 Social Psychology Three hours
Social influences shaping personality and group behavior; culture, social attitudes, folkways, customs, crowds, leaders, social institutions; and social conflicts resulting from race prejudice, nationalism, and class dominations are studied. Prerequisites: PSY 111 or SOC 110.

PSY 343 Gender Studies Three hours
This course will provide an examination of similarities and differences between males and females which arise from physical factors and the socialization process. Resulting consequences to the individual, the family, and society will be explored. Prerequisite: PSY 111 or SOC 110.

PSY 361 Social Statistics Three hours
This course is designed to acquaint the social science student with the logic and methods of statistics, covering frequency distribution, measures of central tendency and variation, probability and the normal curve, chi-square, distribution-free methods, regression and correlation, as well as inferential methods (t-tests, etc.). It is an inter-disciplinary course and may be taken for credit in five different fields: economics, political science, psychology, social work and sociology. Recommended for students interested in graduate work.

PSY 363 Experimental Psychology with Lab Four hours
Experimental Psychology is designed to provide foundational information on designing, conducting, and reporting results from psychological research. Experimental methods will be emphasized. Prerequisites: PSY 111, PSY 361.

PSY 401 History and Systems of Psychology Three hours
A history of modern psychology dealing with the continuous development and decline of different systematic positions or schools of thought. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

PSY 412 Abnormal Psychology Three hours
Manifestations and diagnosis of abnormal behavior, etiology, and treatment are the focus of the Abnormal Psychology course. This course will also address various issues relevant to the field of mental health. Prerequisites: PSY 111.

PSY 414 Introduction to Counseling Three hours
This course explores the vocations that provide counseling as a component of service. Topics include major theoretical orientations, counselor ethics and professional development issues. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

PSY 420 Behavioral Neuroscience Three hours
This is a detailed study of the physiological elements of psychology. Emphasis is placed upon functions of the nervous system especially as they are related to mental disorders, emotions, learning, attention, senses, drugs, and therapies. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

PSY 452 Psychology of Religious Experience Three hours
This course will explore 1) religious experience from a psychological perspective, and 2) psychology from the perspective of religious faith in order to facilitate the student’s integration of psychological principles and theories with that of religious faith and beliefs. Prerequisite: PSY 111, and upper division standing or consent of instructor.

PSY 475 Practicum One to Four hours
An out-of-classroom experience for students in psychology to learn through first-hand experience by involvement in practical work that is psychological in nature. Prerequisite: Upper division major in psychology in good standing by permission.

PSY 480 Selected Topics One to Three hours
A survey and discussion of selected advanced topics in contemporary psychology. Prerequisite: Five courses in Psychology, may be repeated for credit up to six hours.

PSY 490 Independent Study One to Three hours

Requires a research paper using primary source material and an oral presentation to the division faculty. For students majoring in psychology or social science area in senior year. Must have a 3.25 overall standing, 3.50 in psychology, show promise in the field of psychology and be able to travel to do research if necessary. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

PSY 499 Capstone in Psychology Three hours
This course is intended to help graduating seniors synthesize and integrate the essential features of the undergraduate curriculum. This will produce a mindset that will prepare the student for graduate level engagement or professional employment utilizing the essential knowledge gained through the scientist-practitioner model of psychology.