Psychology

Major

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Major (48 credits)

I. All of the following courses (24 credits):

• PSYC 3/Introduction to Psychology (4)
• PSYC 4/Writing in the Discipline of Psychology (4)
• PSYC 14/Research Methods in Psychology (4)
• PSYC 19/Biological Psychology (4)
• PSYC 120/History of Psychology (4)
• MATH 3/Introductory Statistics (4)***

II. At least two of the following courses (8 credits):

• PSYC 11/Life Span Development (4)
• PSYC 107/Theories of Personality (4)
• PSYC 108/Abnormal Psychology (4)
• PSYC 113/Principles and Methods of Social Psychology (4)

III. At least two of the following courses (8 credits):

• PSYC 115/Learning and Behavior (4)
• PSYC 117/Cognition (4)
• PSYC 118/Cognitive Neuroscience (4)

IV. At least four (4) credits from the following courses:

• PSYC 140/Psychology Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Psychology (1-4)
• PSYC 142/Seminar in the Psychology of Women (2-4)
• PSYC 143/Seminar in Developmental Psychology (2-4)
• PSYC 144/Seminar in Biopsychology (2-4)
• PSYC 145/Seminar in Social Psychology (2-4)
• PSYC 146/Seminar in Learning, Memory, and Cognition (2-4)
• PSYC 147/Seminar in Social Issues in Psychology (2-4)
• PSYC 148/Seminar in Psychotherapy (2-4)
• PSYC 149/Seminar in Industrial Organizational Psychology (4)

V. At least four (4) additional credits in psychology at the intermediate or advanced level

(not including PSYC 124, 134)

Recommended: PSYC 114; INTR 50 in psychology; four credits of BIOL courses.

***Beginning in Fall 2011, students must earn a minimum grade of a C- in Statistics to meet the requirements of the Psychology Major or Minor.***

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Minor (28 credits)

I. Required Courses (16 credits):

• PSYC 3/Introduction to Psychology (4)
• PSYC 4/Writing in the Discipline of Psychology (4)
• PSYC 14/Research Methods in Psychology (4)
• MATH 3/Introductory Statistics (4)***

II. Two courses (8 credits) chosen from among the following:

• PSYC 11/Life Span Development (4)
• PSYC 19/Biological Psychology (4)
• PSYC 107/Theories of Personality (4)
• PSYC 108/Abnormal Psychology (4)
• PSYC 113/Principles and Methods of Social Psychology (4)
• PSYC 115/Learning and Behavior (4)
• PSYC 117/Cognition (4)
• PSYC 118/Cognitive Neuroscience (4)
• PSYC 120/History of Psychology (4)

III. Any additional four (4) credits in psychology at the intermediate or upper level

(not including PSYC 124, 134)

***Beginning in Fall 2011, students must earn a minimum grade of a C- in Statistics to meet the requirements of the Psychology Major or Minor.***

Faculty

Faculty

• Professors: Janet Davis, Ann Saltzman, C. Robin Timmons, Jill Cermele
• Associate Professors: Patrick Dolan, Jessica Lakin (Chair), George-Harold Jennings (adjunct),
• Assistant Professors: Graham Cousens

Courses

Courses Offered

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PHYS AA2 - Laboratory in Cognition (2)

An optional laboratory course to be taken with or after completing . Students will explore the methodological and measurement practices that are commonly employed in cognitive psychology research by completing hands-on activities and projects. Multiple lab reports will be required.
Prerequisite: Required. Corequisite: .
Fulfills: WI

PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - Introduction to Psychology (4)

A consideration of the methods and discoveries of psychology in the study of behavior and experience. Includes both theoretical and experiential components. A prerequisite to all intermediate- and upper-level courses in psychology.
Students may not receive credit for both AP psychology and PSYC 3. Offered every semester.
Fulfills: BSS

PSYC 110 - Formerly 4 - Psychology Preceptorial (4)

Topics in psychology are examined through reading, writing, critical analysis, and class discussion. Emphasis is on critiquing the literature and methods of psychology and on scientific writing in the style of the American Psychological Association.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - Corequisite or Prerequisite: MATH 117 - Formerly 3 -
Fulfills: WM

PSYC 230 - Formerly 11 - Life Span Development (4)

An examination of development across the life span with an emphasis on evaluation of major theoretical approaches to biological, social, cognitive, and personality development.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - .

PSYC 211 - Formerly 14 - Research Methods in Psychology (4)

An examination of research methods and statistical analysis in psychology, with emphasis on experimental methodologies. Students will gain experience in all aspects of empirical research and writing.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - , PSYC 110 - Formerly 4 - , and a C- or better in MATH 117 - Formerly 3 -
Fulfills: Q

PSYC 207 - Formerly 17 - Small-Group Dynamics (4)

An examination of the phases of small-group development and the intrinsic factors that influence its unique evolution.
Enrollment limit: 12 Enrollment priority: first- and second-year students Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 -

PSYC 220 - Formerly 19 - Biological Psychology (4)

An examination of the biological bases of behavior. Topics include the anatomy and physiology of neuronal interactions, sensory systems, behavioral development, motivation, learning, memory, and psychopathology.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - and either PSYC 110 - Formerly 4 - or a BIOL laboratory course. Same as: NEUR 220 - Formerly NEURO 19 -
Fulfills: BI

PSYC 220L - Formerly 19L - Laboratory in Biological Psychology (1)

An optional laboratory course correlating with PSYC 220 - Formerly 19 - . Hands-on experience with physiological manipulations and behavioral measurement techniques used by biopsychologists.
Enrollment limit: 12 Enrollment priority: Students concurrently enrolled in PSYC 19. Meets: Three hours laboratory Corequisite: PSYC 220 - Formerly 19 -

PSYC 208 - Formerly 27 - Educational Psychology (4)

An exploration of the factors that facilitate learning within a classroom setting and implications for effective teacher practices. Focuses on cognitive development and socio-emotional learning, individual and cultural differences, intelligence, classroom processes, testing, and schools as social systems. Does not satisfy a portion of teacher certification requirements unless PSYC 230 - Formerly 11 - is also taken.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.

PSYC 270 - Formerly 30 - Selected Topics in Psychology: (2-4)

An examination of a contemporary issue or topic in psychology. Selected topic and number of credits is determined at time of registration.
Course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - Offering to be determined

PSYC 345 - Formerly 107 - Theories of Personality (4)

An examination of major theories of personality with emphasis on strategies for studying personality, including psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, trait and factor, and transpersonal. Also examines psychotherapies as implementations of personality theory.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - , second year or higher standing

PSYC 348 - Formerly 108 - Abnormal Psychology (4)

An examination of the theories of psychopathology with emphasis on current theoretical models and the relationships of the study of psychopathology to social issues. Discussion of the nature, classification, causes, and treatment of major forms of psychopathology.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - , second year or higher standing required Offered spring semester.

PSYC 342 - Formerly 113 - Social Psychology (4)

An examination of how people think about, influence, and relate to others, as well as the ways in which their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by situations and social contexts. Topics include the social self, attribution, social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, social influence, attraction and relationships, stereotyping, aggression, and pro-social behaviors.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - , PSYC 211 - Formerly 14 - and third-year or higher standing Offered every semester.

PSYC 312 - Formerly 114 - Advanced Research Project in Psychology (4)

A course in advanced research methodology in which upper-level students will design and execute an independent research project in psychology.
Strongly recommended for all psychology majors, especially those who intend to complete an honor's thesis in psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 - Formerly 14 - , third year or higher standing. General topic and other prerequisites announced at time of registration. Offered each semester.
Fulfills: WI

PSYC 351 - Formerly 115 - Learning and Behavior (4)

This course examines the mechanisms of learning, with content derived from human and non-human research. Topics include non-associative learning, classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, observational learning, drug addiction, and the biological substrates of learning. In addition to examining basic learning mechanisms, the course explores the ways in which principles derived from basic research are applied in educational and clinical settings.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - , PSYC 110 - Formerly 4 - , and PSYC 211 - Formerly 14 - , or one year of college biology.

PSYC 353 - Formerly 117 - Cognition (4)

An examination of both the data and theory of cognition including such topics as: attention, perception, memory, imagery, language, problem solving, reasoning, and decision making.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - and either PSYC 211 - Formerly 14 - or one year of college biology Offered annually.

PSYC 354 - Formerly 118 - Cognitive Neuroscience (4)

This course examines the mechanisms by which the nervous system supports higher mental functions, with a focus on how neural structures represent and transform information. The course draws on a variety of disciplines including cognitive psychology, neurobiology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. Discussion topics include perception, attention, memory, language, executive function, emotion, development, social cognition, consciousness, and neuroethics. Laboratory and off-campus activities will expose students to a variety of empirical research techniques, such as functional neuroimaging, single-neuron electrophysiology, and electroencephalography, commonly employed in cognitive neuroscience research.
Meets: Three hours class Prerequisite: NEUR 210 - Formerly NEURO 10 - or PSYC 211 - Formerly 14 - and PSYC 220 - Formerly 19 - or permission of instructor Offered annually Same as: NEUR 354 - Formerly NEURO 118 -

PSYC 120 - History of Psychology (4)

A consideration of the origins of psychology with attention to its European roots, development in the American schools, and transition to its current forms.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - and third-year or higher standing Offered fall semester.

PSYC 394 - Formerly 124 - Directed Research in Psychology (1-4)

Laboratory or field experience in psychology. Students participate in weekly lab meetings and all phases of ongoing psychological research.
Final paper required. Number of credits are established at the time of registration. May be repeated for credit up to four times. Enrollment priority: Limited enrollment; consult department chair. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - and PSYC 211 - Formerly 14 - Offered each semester.

PSYC 370 - Formerly 130 - Advanced Topics in Psychology (2-4)

An in-depth exploration of a specialized issue or topic in psychology. Selected topic and number of credits is determined at time of registration.
Course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - and second-year standing or higher. Other prerequisites to be announced at time of registration. Offering to be determined

PSYC 396 - Formerly 134 - Independent Research in Psychology (2-4)

Independent laboratory or field research in psychology on a topic chosen in consultation with a faculty sponsor.
A final research report is required. An approved research proposal is required prior to the beginning of the research project. Amount of credit established at time of registration. Signature of instructor is required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - , PSYC 211 - Formerly 14 - , and PSYC 312 - Formerly 114 - .

PSYC 360 - Formerly 140 - Psychology Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Psychology (1-4)

A review and discussion of contemporary issues in psychological theory and practice. Issues explored change from time to time. Selections are made by the department and announced prior to registration.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: Announced at time of registration Offering to be determined.

PSYC 362 - Formerly 142 - Seminar in the Psychology of Women (2-4)

A review of research focusing on women. Draws upon findings from the various subfields of psychology, including stereotyping, the social construction of gender, female personality development, women and mental health, gender differences in brain lateralization, hormonal influences on behavior, the psychology of women's health, and coping with victimization. Considers how psychological methodology enhances (or obfuscates) our knowledge about women's lives and experiences. The interface between psychology of women as a subfield of psychology and mainstream psychology is explored.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 -

PSYC 363 - Formerly 143 - Seminar in Developmental Psychology (2-4)

An investigation of one or more subject areas in developmental psychology. Topics vary with instructor expertise. Specific topic is announced prior to registration.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 230 - Formerly 11 - offering to be determined

PSYC 364 - Formerly 144 - Seminar in Biopsychology (2-4)

A review and discussion of current problems in the biological determinants of behavior. The particular issues explored are announced prior to registration.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 220 - Formerly 19 - Offering to be determined Same as: NEUR 364 - Formerly NEURO 144 -

PSYC 365 - Formerly 145 - Seminar in Social Psychology (2-4)

An investigation of one of more subject areas in social psychology. Topics vary with instructor expertise.
Specific topic is announced at registration. Amount of credit is established at the time of registration. Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor is required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 342 - Formerly 113 - Offering to be determined.

PSYC 366 - Formerly 146 - Seminar in Learning, Memory, and Cognition (2-4)

An investigation of one or more subject areas in learning, memory, or cognition. Topics vary with instructor expertise. Specific topics are announced prior to registration.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 351 - Formerly 115 - or PSYC 353 - Formerly 117 - as announced at registration Offering to be determined.

PSYC 367 - Formerly 147 - Seminar in Social Issues of Psychology (2-4)

Psychology has an almost 60-year history of involvement with social issues and social reform. This seminar focuses on psychological research on specific social issues as well as psychology's role in developing social policy and social intervention related to that issue. Possible issues include poverty and homelessness; prejudice, racism, and genocide; and war and peace. The specific social issue to be studied is announced prior to registration.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - Offering to be determined

PSYC 368 - Formerly 148 - Seminar in Psychotherapy (2-4)

A detailed study of the theory of specific psychotherapies with an emphasis on the implications of those theories for our understanding of both normal and abnormal human functioning. Not intended as training in psychotherapeutic technique. At times the course reviews a variety of therapeutic systems, and at times the focus is on a specific approach to therapy. The specific topic for each offering of the seminar is announced prior to registration.
This course may be repeated for credit when the specific therapeutic systems reviewed are different. Open only to students with third year or higher standing. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - Offering to be determined

PSYC 369 - Formerly 149 - Seminar in Industrial Organizational Psychology (4)

A review of psychological theory and methodology as it applies to human behavior in the workplace. Topics include basic measurement theory, testing and assessment, personnel selection, job satisfaction, work motivation, leadership, and organization theory.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Recommended: A course in statistics such as MATH 3 or equivalent Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 - , third-year or higher standing

PSYC 231 - Formerly AA1 - Infancy and Childhood (4)

Infancy and Childhood. An examination of biological, cognitive, and social development during infancy and childhood. The course focuses on major theoretical approaches as well as current research findings and their application to understanding development during these life periods.
Enrollment priority: Psychology Prerequisite: PSYC 101 - Formerly 3 -

AP Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

A score of 4 or 5 on the psychology examination exempts a student from PSYC 3.