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Psychology (PSY)
Suzette Astley, William Dragon (chair), Carolyn Enns, Alice Ganzel
Major: A minimum of 13 courses, to include three foundation courses, and one of three concentrations listed below. In addition, a minimum of two 300-level courses must be included within the concentration. Statistics must be taken before PSY 394, and 394 must be completed no later than the end of the junior year and before 483.
Note: Students must take a 200-level course before enrolling in any 300-level course.
Foundation Courses (required of all Psychology majors):
PSY 161
PSY 394
One course in statistics (INT 201 or MAT 347-348)
Concentrations:
Psychology Specialist
This program of study provides a broad foundation in psychology and prepares students for careers and graduate study in a wide variety of psychology subfields. It allows for specialization through the careful selection of psychology elective courses and courses in the wider context (see psychology handbook and advisor for recommendations).
- Three foundation courses (see major description above);
- One course in personality/social psychology selected from PSY 274, 276, 279, or 381;
- One course in experimental psychology selected from PSY 272, 273, or 370;
- One course in developmental psychology selected from PSY 277, 278, or 386;
- One course in biological processes selected from PSY 281, BIO 141 (Foundations: Cellular Biology), or relevant topics courses in psychology;
- Three elective courses in psychology;
- Capstone course: PSY 483; and
- Two courses on the wider context selected from: ANT 101 (Cultural Anthropology); ECB 101 (Macroeconomics), 102 (Microeconomics); EDU 215 (Educational Psychology), 230 (Exceptional Learner); EST 123 (Introduction to Ethnic Studies); POL 111 (Politics), 262 (American Politics); REL 222 (Religions of the World); SOC 101 (Sociological Perspectives: Structure, Diversity, and Interaction), 273 (Families in Social Context), 361 (Crime and Deviance), 363 (Juvenile Justice and Delinquency), 365 (Sexualities); or WST 171 (Introduction to Women's Studies). Depending on the specific programs of students, other courses may be considered on a case by case basis.
Psychological Scientist
This program of study is recommended for students who are considering graduate study in biological, learning, cognitive, or other subfields of psychology in which biological and/or quantitative factors are important, as well as for those interested in neuroscience or health-related careers.
- Three foundation courses (see major description above);
- One course in personality/social psychology selected from PSY 274, 276, 279, or 381;
- One course in experimental psychology selected from PSY 272, 273, or 370;
- One course in developmental psychology selected from PSY 277, 278, or 386;
- One course in biological processes selected from PSY 281, BIO 141 (Foundations: Cellular Biology), or relevant topics courses in psychology;
- Two elective courses in psychology;
- INT 202 (Statistical Methods II);
- Capstone course: PSY 483; and
- Two courses in the wider scientific and quantitative context: BIO 141 (Foundations: Cellular Biology), 142 (Foundations: Organismal Biology); CHE 121, 122 (Chemical Principles I and II), 161 (Accelerated General Chemistry); or MAT 120 or 121 (Calculus of a Single Variable). Depending on the specific programs of students, other courses may be considered on a case by case basis.
Psychological Services
This program of study prepares students for work in psychological services following the completion of their undergraduate degree, and provides a foundation for those planning to pursue a master's degree program in an applied area of psychology or a related field. Students who plan to pursue doctoral level graduate study in psychology or related fields are strongly urged to enroll in the PSY 483 (Senior Seminar) capstone course.
- Three foundation courses (see major description above);
- One course on theoretical foundations for practice selected from PSY 279 or 381;
- One course in developmental psychology selected from PSY 277, 278, or 386;
- One course selected from PSY 276 or 374;
- One course on an area of practice or applied psychology selected from PSY 379, 382, 384, or relevant topics courses (e.g., Topics in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine);
- Two elective courses in psychology;
- Capstone experience: PSY 360 or 483; and
- Three courses on the wider context selected from: ANT 101 (Cultural Anthropology); ECB 101 (Macroeconomics), 102 (Microeconomics); EDU 215 (Educational Psychology), 230 (Exceptional Learner); EST 123 (Introduction to Ethnic Studies); POL 111 (Politics), 262 (American Politics); REL 222 (Religions of the World); SOC 101 (Sociological Perspectives: Structure, Diversity, and Interaction), 273 (Families in Social Context), 361 (Crime and Deviance), 363 (Juvenile Justice and Delinquency), 365 (Sexualities); or WST 171 (Introduction to Women's Studies). Depending on the specific programs of students, other courses may be considered on a case by case basis.
Teaching Major: PSY 161, 272, 273, 274, 277, 279, 381, one other 300-level Psychology course, and one course in statistics (INT 201 or MAT 347-348). In addition to the foregoing requirements, prospective teachers must also apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program (preferably at the start of their sophomore year) and complete a second major in Secondary Education described under Education.
Second Teaching Area in Psychology: The following program in conjunction with a teaching major in Anthropology (individualized major), Economics and Business, History, Politics, or Sociology will enable the student to apply for licensure to teach both the major subject and Psychology: PSY 161 and any three of the following Psychology courses: 272, 273, 274, and 277.
Minor: A minimum of six course credits in Psychology which
include PSY 161, at least two 200-level courses, and at least two
300-level courses. Although students who are completing the minor may
enroll in the following courses to expand their exposure to psychology,
these courses may not be included in the six course credits
required for the minor: PSY 280/380 and
290/390. A student must be a
declared major in order to enroll in PSY 394 or 483.
161. Fundamentals of Psychological Science
Scientific study of behavior. Topics may include learning, development, personality, perception, physiological bases of behavior, the behavior of individuals in groups, and abnormal behavior. (Social Science)
255 through 260. Topics in Psychology
Selected topics of current interest in psychology. Topics courses for 2006-07 include: ``Seminar in Public Health'' (PSY 256) and ``Religion and Psychosocial Health: Japan and the United States'' (PSY 259). See Topics Courses. (Social Science)
272. Cognitive Psychology
A critical examination of memory and thought processes. Topics are likely to include: object recognition, attention, concept formation, memory systems, visual imagery, problem solving, judgment, language, and individual differences in cognition related to age, gender, and culture. Laboratory sessions will give students first-hand experiences with the phenomena covered in the class. Prerequisite: PSY 161. (Social Science) ASTLEY
273. Learning and Behavior
Experimental and theoretical approaches to the understanding of classical and instrumental conditioning. Among the topics to be covered are learning of causal relationships, choice behavior, learned food preferences, behavior modification, and biological constraints on learning. Prerequisite: PSY 161. (Social Science) ASTLEY
274. Social Psychology
An examination of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals
within their social environment. Topics will include: conformity,
propaganda, persuasion, social cognition, self-justification, human
aggression, prejudice, attraction, and loving relationships. Emphasis
will be placed on critically examining experimentally-derived theories and
testing them within naturalistic settings. (Social Science)
DRAGON
276. Multicultural Psychology
An examination and critique of psychological knowledge from a
multicultural perspective. Topics include: the social construction of
Western psychology; cultural variations in concepts of personality,
intelligence, human development, social behavior, gender, and abnormal
behavior; research methodology issues; culture and communication; and
psychological perspectives on oppression, prejudice, and racism.
Alternate years. (Social Science) ENNS
277. Child Development
Physiological, cognitive, social, and cultural influences on development from conception through middle childhood. Emphasis on building an integrated picture of child development and an appreciation of how theory and data can be applied to the analysis of practical issues. Prerequisite: PSY 161. (Social Science) GANZEL or JANSSENS-RUD
278. Adolescence
Investigation of research on biological, cognitive, and cultural influences on adolescent development. Includes the impact of family, peers, school, media, and work, as well as identity, gender, and sexuality development. Also includes a discussion of problem behaviors (e.g., eating disorders, juvenile delinquency, alcohol use/abuse) often associated with adolescence. Course involves application of research findings to individual cases. Suggested prerequisite: PSY 161. (Social Science) GANZEL
279. Personality Theories
Survey of major research and theoretical approaches to personality, including psychodynamic, humanistic, learning, cognitive, and dispositional theories. Research evidence and theoretical consistency/usefulness concerning each approach. Current issues and debates. (Social Science) ENNS or BUSHA
281. Biopsychology
Neural and endocrine systems and their relationships with sensation,
learning and memory, eating and drinking, sleep, sex, emotion,
consciousness, communication, and psychological disorders.
Prerequisite: PSY 161.
290/390. Individual Project: see Courses 290/390.
355
through 360. Advanced Topics in Psychology
Critical evaluation of an issue currently under serious discussion by
psychologists or of a contemporary problem to which a psychological
perspective is relevant. Topics courses for 2006-07 include: ``Abnormal Child/Adolescent Psychology'' (PSY 352) and ``Human Services Practicum and Seminar'' (PSY 360). See Topics Courses. (Social Science)
370. Memory
Research and theory about remembering and forgetting. Topics will
include: models of memory (including neural network approaches), brain
processes in memory, the role of images in memory, reconstructive
processes in memory, memory and development, and how to improve memory.
Prerequisites: PSY 161 and any 200-level Psychology
course. (Social Science) ASTLEY
374. Psychology of Women and Gender
Critical examination of theories, research, and historical perspectives relevant to women and gender. Topics include socialization, stereotyping and bias, life choices and roles, nature/nuture questions, physical and mental health, violence against women, and diversity among women and men. Prerequisite: PSY 161 or any 200-level Psychology course. (Social Science) ENNS or GREEN
379. Intimate Relationships
An examination of the theoretical and experimental psychological
literature on loving and romantic relationships. Topics discussed
include: interpersonal attraction, relationship development, sexuality,
social power, communication, jealousy and envy, conflict and
dissolution, loneliness, social networks, and relationship counseling.
Prerequisite: any 200-level Psychology course. (Social Science)
DRAGON
380. Human Services Practicum
(1/2-1)
Application of psychological principles in an
applied off-campus setting. Prerequisites: a declared major in
Psychology, two course credits in Psychology relevant to the topic of
the practicum, and permission of instructor. The maximum credit
that may be earned in a Psychology practicum is three course credits.
See Index. Courses 280/380. (CR)
381. Abnormal Psychology
Etiology, dynamics, and treatment of mental disorders. Problems of diagnosis, prevention, and therapy in relation to such disturbances as transient and long-term reactions to stress, depression, anxiety disorders, addictions, schizophrenia, somatoform and dissociative disorders, and other problems in living. Field trips to selected institutions. Prerequisite: any 200-level Psychology course. (Social Science) ENNS or GREEN
382. Counseling and Psychotherapy
Major theories of therapy and counseling. Views of practitioners and theorists of various orientations. Prerequisite: any 200-level Psychology course. Recommended prerequisite: PSY 279. (Social Science) ENNS or GREEN
384. Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Psychology applied to work. Topics will include: personnel decisions,
personnel training, performance appraisal, job satisfaction, work
motivation, leadership, organizational communication, organizational
development, union/management relations, and work conditions. Emphasis
will be placed on critically examining the methods and practices of
personnel decisions and performance appraisal through role-playing
exercises and consideration of the theoretical and empirical literature
on these topics. Prerequisites: two 200-level Psychology courses.
Alternate years. (Social Science) DRAGON
386. Adult Development and Aging
Cognitive, social, and personality development from early through late
adulthood. Themes of continuity and change in examining issues of
family, work, gender, biological changes, and death and bereavement.
Prerequisite: any 200-level Psychology course. Alternate years. (Social
Science) GANZEL or JANSSENS-RUD
394. Research Methods
Examination of research designs, statistical tests, and procedures used to establish principles of psychology. Laboratory exercises and research reports written in APA style. Prerequisites: any 200-level Psychology course and statistics (either INT 201 or MAT 347-348). (Social Science)
483. Senior Seminar
Each participant chooses a topic within psychology to be explored through periodic presentations and discussion. A paper critically reviewing research and theorizing on the topic chosen. Group discussions of current issues in the field such as gender and cultural diversity in psychology, the balance between research and clinical practice in professional development, and animal welfare. Prerequisites: PSY 394 and Psychology major with senior standing.
485. Research in Psychology (1/2-1)
Reading in depth on a topic in a selected area and the pursuit of an empirical problem related to the topic. May be repeated for credit to a maximum in both PSY 485 and PSY 511 of three course credits. Prerequisites: a declared major in Psychology, one Psychology course relevant to the topic, and permission of the instructor.
511. Extended Research in Psychology
(1/4)
Reading in depth on a topic of current interest
and the pursuit of an empirical problem related to the topic. Must be
taken over four consecutive terms. Maximum number of credits allowed:
same as for PSY 485. (CR)
512. Reading and Conversation in Psychology (1/4)
Weekly discussion of articles and topics of interest in psychology.
Three meetings per term for four terms, with one or two hours of outside
reading in preparation for each discussion. Prerequisite: one college-level
course in Psychology. (CR)
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