Psychology Course Descriptions
Psyc 156 Intro. to Psychology
Introduction to psychology is taught by all of the faculty in the department. Below you will find a description for each professor's approach the topic. See the semester guide to find out which professors are teaching the course during the semester you are planning on taking the course.
- Spencer
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits.
This course is an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes - basically, what makes
the human creature tick. Some of the questions psychologists try to answer are things like: How
does a person develop? How do we learn and remember things? How do we manage to get
along with one another? How does one person influence another? How do we come to know
who we are? Do we act differently in groups? When do we say a person has a behavioral
disorder? How are behavioral and mental problems dealt with? Are these mental problems
really illnesses, and are there cures? To answer questions like these we have to learn the
language and methods of psychology - that is, the way psychologists describe things, and
the way they get at answers. Using scientific methods, psychologists search for answers that are
intended to withstand the tests of skeptical scientific scrutiny. You will soon realize, however, that
this course raises as many questions as it answers. Fulfills GenEd requirement.
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Pursell
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits.
This course will provide a topical overview of the people, theories, concepts, and empirical studies that have shaped the science of psychology over time. Throughout the course, students will consider and evaluate competing ideas and theories, learn to apply psychological concepts to everyday life, and examine and think about phenomenon in the world from a scientific standpoint. Topics that will be covered include brain-behavior relationships, perception, learning, motivation, memory, states of consciousness, emotion, personality, social psychology, and psychological disorders. Evaluation will be based on exams, quizzes, discussion, and writing assignments. Fulfills GenEd requirement.
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Pittman
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits.
An introduction to the discipline of psychology. A broad, topic oriented approach to psychology is taken. Topics include brain-behavior relationships, learning, memory, intelligence testing, child and adult development, personality theories, interpersonal behavior, and approaches to psychotherapy. The student is evaluated in terms of her performance on four exams and one short paper. Lecture/discussion format. Fulfills GenEd requirement.
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Chambers
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits.
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior. As a result, the variety of topic areas studied by psychologists is immense. In this course, the major topics of study will include: sensation and perception, learning, cognitive, developmental, personality and social psychology. The two major goals of the class are (1) to understand how scientific method informs our knowledge of psychological processes and (2) to logically evaluate research and opinion concerning psychological phenomenon. Evaluation will be based on writing assignments, class participation, and exams. Fulfills GenEd requirement.
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Parisi
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits.
A thematic approach to the first course in psychology, exploring different perspectives through
primary source material. Topics include: evolution and psychology, depth psychology, biological
approaches to the self, social psychology, aspects of cognitive and developmental psychology, and
moral/ existential approaches to personhood. Evaluation based on formal papers, informal writing
assignments, and citizenship. Fulfills GenEd requirement.
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Stoddart
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits.
This course will use a series of books written by psychological theorists and researchers representing
the psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, social, and personality domains. The class format will
include lectures and discussions and small group assignments. Extensive reading and class
participation are required. Students will be evaluated on their class participation and performance on
tests and papers. Fulfills GenEd requirement.
Psych 201 Psychological Statistics
This course is designed to (1) give you the ability to read and understand the results sections of a paper in a psychological journal, (2) develop your quantitative and analytical thinking skills, (3) give you the ability to determine and perform the appropriate statistical test for many basic research situations and (4) prepare you for more advanced classes in statistics. Grades will be based on performance on exams. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 3 credits.
Psyc 202 Research Methods
This course is intended to give students an understanding of the process of psychology. At the end of the course students are required to be able to: (1) read and evaluate studies in the psychological literature; (2) design a study to test a research hypothesis; (3) analyze the results of an experiment using computer statistical packages; (4) present a research proposal as both a paper and a conference style presentation. Evaluation is based on two exams, written and oral reports of research projects. Prerequisites: Psyc 156 and Psyc 201. 4 credits.
Pscy 223 Human Relations: Theory and Practicum
Interpersonal communication skills in a developmental framework are presented, stressing conflict resolution, crisis intervention, as well as issues commonly faced by college-age women. Prerequisites: Current status as an R.A. or student government leader. 1 credit.
Psyc 301 Developmental Psychology
Development implies possibility. The purpose of this course is to examine all of the possibilities of development, beginning with conception and ending with adolescence. A person develops within a family, culture, and time period, so we will examine the process of development as it occurs within particular contexts. Although we will focus primarily on children ages 0-12, we will consider processes of development from within a life-span perspective. You will have opportunities to consider your own and others' hypotheses about development and to review research supporting or contradicting these hypotheses. Finally, because the best way to learn about development is to spend time with children, you will also have the chance to observe and interact with children at the Early Childhood Development Center. Requirements: 4 exams and 7 structured observation exercises and a final in-class presentation. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 4 credits.
Psyc 302 Psychology of Adult Development
A seminar course that focuses on personality development from late adolescence through old age. Emphasis is placed on the changing personal growth issues which the developing adult faces. The course follows Erikson’s stages, and includes the following topics: identity development, Jung’s individuation theory of adult personality development, midlife crises, intergenerational relationships, and an examination of similarities and differences in men’s and women’s development. Prerequisites: Psyc 156 and Psyc 301 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
Psyc 304 Psychology of Children and Family in Contemporary Society
This course expands upon Developmental Psychology (301), examining the changing ecology of Children’s development and ways of supporting children in contemporary family systems. The course focuses on the effects on children of the following systems: dual career families, divorce, single parent and blended families, the role of the father, and daycare. The course is organized as a seminar, with assigned readings from texts and journal articles. Students will be asked to develop and administer a survey, and to write and present a short literature review on a topic of interest. Prerequisite: Psyc 301 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
Psyc 305 Lifespan Psychology
The lifespan developmental psychology course focuses on the basic sequences and processes of human development from the prenatal period through death. We will study the major developmental theories used to explain and to describe developmental changes and explore the unique nature of the lifespan approach to studying developmental and explore the multidimensional and multi contextual nature of growth and change. We will emphasize the unique nature of the lifespan approach to studying development and examine continuities and discontinuities, the interaction of nature and nurture, and age related non-normative influences on development. Students with interests in psychology, physical and occupational therapy, speech and communication disorders, nursing, and gerontology will have the opportunity to apply lifespan principles directly to examples within their chosen fields of interest.
Psyc 319 Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
A survey of principles, methods, issues, and applications in the cognitive and behavioral therapies. Topics and applications in areas such as applied behavior analysis, cognitive behavior therapy, clinical behavior therapy, and behavioral medicine are included. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 3 credits.
Psyc 323 Psychology of Personality
Major contemporary theories of personality, including psycho-analytic, behavioristic, and information-processing theories will be discussed. Emphasis is placed on the research investigating these theories, and the goal is for the student to evaluate each theory in terms of the empirical support associated with the theory. The student is evaluated in terms of her performance on three exams and one paper. Lecture/discussion format. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 3 credits.
Psyc 326 Abnormal Psychology
An introduction to major questions, issues, paradigms and findings in contemporary abnormal psychology. Topics include the biological psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, social and humanistic-existential paradigms, as well as the assessment, treatment, and prevention emphases that flow from each paradigm. All major disorders will be addressed. Evaluation will be based on quizzes, unit tests, and participation. Prerequisite: Psyc 323. 3 credits.
Psyc 332 Animal Learning and Cognition
We will make an in-depth exploration of associative learning, with a strong emphasis on animal learning. We will be looking at important and elegant experiments in classical and operant conditioning, while developing a perspective on methodological and philosophical behaviorism as well as contributions from the realms of biology and cognition. Ultimately, we will be concerned in this course with what organisms know and how they know, and with how knowing how we know may help to illuminate who we are. Lecture/discussion. In addition to the textbook, outside readings will help us to examine implications of the experimental work. Three or four exams, and a reflection paper. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 3 credits.
Psyc 337 Social Psychology
Social psychology critically studies how certain situations and the presence of others can influence almost every aspect of our everyday lives. Using classic and modern research articles, we will discuss how our self perceptions, attitudes, and impressions are affected by society; how and why we stereotype others; the phenomena of conformity, obedience, and groupthink; what situations lead us to help or hurt others; what situations lead us to be attracted to others; and finally, how we are influenced by our culture, the media, and the judicial system. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 3 credits.
Psyc 337L Social Psychology Lab
Students are introduced to research methods in social psychology. Groups will engage in a variety of predesigned projects and wil complete a project of their own design. Corequisite: Psyc 337. 1 credit.
Psyc 339 Physiological Psychology
The brain: Two fistfuls of pinkish-grey tissue about the consistency of a raw egg. Without it, we are absolutely nothing at all that would be of any interest to psychologists, or anyone else for that matter, excluding botanists! This course is an introduction to the brain and its relationship to psychological and behavioral life. We will study neuronal function, the physiology of the synapse, mechanisms of drug action, sensory systems, motor systems, the neural contribution to memory and emotional behaviors, higher cortical function, and the role of biology in psychological disorders. Lecture/discussion. Three exams and a reflection paper. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 3 credits.
Psyc 342 Historical Roots of Modern Psychology
A seminar devoted to discussion of persistent issues in psychology, with an emphasis on connections between contemporary questions and both their historical roots and continuing philosophical dimensions. Readings will emphasize original source material. Prerequisites: Junior status, Psyc 156, and one additional psychology course, or permission from the instructor. 3 credits.
Psyc 354 Social Ecology
An exploration of contemporary social, environmental, and global problems and issues from psychological and other perspectives, and an examination of alternative solutions and antidotes to such problems. Prerequisites: Psyc156, one additional 100 level social science course, and two 100 level science courses. 1-3 credits.
Psyc 360 Psychology and the Law
We will examine how psychological issues play a role at each stage of the American judicial process. During the pre-trial period there are questions about the use of lie detectors, pre-trial publicity, eyewitnesses, the use of line-ups and jury selection. During the trial there are questions about the use of expert testimony and jury decision making. After the verdict there is the issue of applying punishment. We will also discuss the interaction of psychology and the law in issues such as domestic violence, rape and racial discrimination. The course will be seminar style and grades will be based on a series of papers and class participation. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 3 credits.
Psyc 362 Psychological Testing and Measurement
Clinical psychologists learn to carry out intellectual and personality assessments as well as to provide psychotherapy. This course provides an introduction to the history, theory, administration, and interpretation of psychological tests. Tests discussed include intelligence tests, educational tests, educational tests, occupational tests, neuropsychological tests, and personality tests. Social, ethical, and psychological issues in testing will be addressed. Students will have an opportunity to take a psychological test and discuss its interpretation. The student is evaluated in terms of her performance on one reflection paper, a revision of the paper, and two exams. Lecture/discussion format. Prerequisites: Psyc 156 and 201. 3 credits.
Psyc 364 Cognitive Psychology
This course is intended to give the student an introduction to the field of cognitive psychology. Primary emphasis will be on basic memory processes (e.g., short-term memory processes, long term memory, retrieval processes, etc.) and on practical memory processes (e.g., memory disorders, infantile amnesia, repressed memories, etc.). In addition, we will look at the comprehension of information, problem solving and language. Evaluation will be based on exams and an extended reflection paper. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 3 credits.
Psyc 381 Clinical Psychology
An introduction to the methods of clinical psychology. Students will learn interpersonal skills necessary to develop an effective helping relationship. Students practice interviewing strategies, communication and listening skills, and developing a supportive, non-directive relationship. Skills are demonstrated and evaluated through in-class videotaped interactions. An important aspect of this course is the expectation that students will examine their own cultural identities and improve skills for interacting with those from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Participation in community field trips is required. The student is evaluated in terms of her performance on two essay exams and a reflection paper. Note: Students who complete this course are eligible for a course in the spring, Psyc 386, in which students are placed in community settings working under the supervision of a professional. In these settings, students can provide support to elementary school children, psychiatric patients, elderly individuals, developmentally disabled children or adults, or individuals coping with their own impending death. Prerequisite: Psyc 326 or permission of the instructor.
Psyc 386 Clinical and Community Practicum
A clinical psychology externship experience. A student is given the opportunity to provide supportive services in a community agency. Students are provided with supervision by a professional in the community, as well as by the instructor. The student keeps a learning journal, and is expected to discuss her experience during class meeting times. The student is graded on her performance in the externship, her learning journal, and her preparation and presentation of an educational lecture on a psychological topic such as communication skills, assertiveness training, or problem solving. Prerequisite: Psyc 381. 3 credits.
Psyc 389 Teaching Practicum
Qualified students take responsibility for leading class discussions, supervising laboratory sections and/or preparing instructional and evaluative materials for selected psychology courses under the supervision of the instructor. Prerequisite: Junior status. 1-3 credits.
Psyc 402 Psychology of Women
A discussion / seminar course which examines the experiences of women from various psychological perspectives. We will consider the biological, intrapersonal, interpersonal, social and cognitive factors as they relate to gender. Students will be asked to reflect on and discuss the material from an objective and analytical point of view in addition to a personal point of view emphasizing personal values and subjective experiences. There will be extensive reading. Evaluation will be based on a reflection paper, journal exercises and two exams.
Psyc 403 Psychology of Adolescence
This course will provide a topical overview of the diverse array of theories and empirical studies examining biological, cognitive, emotional, and social transitions associated with adolescent behavior and development. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to the science of adolescent psychology including research design, methods, analytical strategies, and common problems associated in conducting research with adolescents. Students will learn about the grand and emergent theories of adolescent development. Adolescent development, behavior, and adjustment will be considered across age, gender, context, and culture. And, the importance of adolescent development will be communicated through the study of adolescent psychosocial problems, risk and protective factors for adjustment, and the association between adolescent research and public policy. Evaluation will be based on exams, presentations, writing assignments, and discussion. Prerequisite: Psyc 156. 3 credits.
Psyc 437 Psychology of Violence
This course will cover many aspects of the psychology of violence. Students will read classic and modern psychological journal articles, paired with memoirs and films, in order to better understand the processes that contribute to, or reduce, violence from the individual to the larger scale. 3 credits.
Psyc 438 Stereotyping and Prejudice
In this course we will examine issues of stereotyping and prejudice from a social psychological perspective. Using a mix of quantitative journal articles, novels, and films, we will identify and explore why people stereotype, how prejudices form, the effects of prejudice, how to combat stereotyping, and how members of disadvantaged groups can psychologically protect themselves against the negative effects of stigma.
Although we will think broadly about social groups in general, we will also focus on particular social groups as they pertain to ethnicity and race, gender, sexual orientation, and social class. We will specifically address the intersection of gender with other social identities, and will explore issues that are particular to women of color, lesbian, queer, and transgendered populations, and women of varying class statuses. Students should have an understanding of social psychology or have taken a course in research methods. Prerequisites: Psyc 337 or permission.
Psyc 485 Independent Research in Psychology
The student designs and conducts an empirical study on a problem of her choice and writes up her research in a standard research report format. Prerequisites: Psyc 156, 201, submission of an acceptable proposal prior to registration, and permission of the instructor.
Psyc 495 Senior Seminar
The senior seminar fulfills the comprehensive requirement for the B.A. in psychology. The goal of the seminar is to provide a capstone experience for all psychology majors. Two different kinds of seminar are offered: one section will be working with students who are interested in doing an empirical research study; students in the other section will be working on a comprehensive essay growing out of library research (literature review).
Psyc 497 Independent Study in Psychology
Intensive and critical reading culminating in a paper in an area that supplements regular course offerings. Prerequisites: Psyc 156, submission of an acceptable proposal prior to registration, and permission of the instructor.
** note Special Topics courses are offered based on interests of students and faculty on an occassional basis; offerings change based on interest. Special topics course descriptions can be obtained from the Psychology Department if they are not found here.
