Psychology

Women's College

Overview
Major
Minor
Minor in Forensic Psychology
Options for Psychology Majors
Four-Year Plan
Course Descriptions

Maria Mouratidis, Psy.D., Chair
M. Trinitas Bochini, SSND, Ph.D.
Jon P. Stanton, Ph.D.
Sally N. Wall, Ph.D.

The psychology department of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in psychology, as well as a minor in forensic psychology, to Women's College students. Psychology as a science studies mental processes as well as human and animal behavior. While the roots of psychology are in philosophy and the humanities, contemporary developments strongly support grounding the discipline in scientific thought and in empirical practice. These scientific roots place objective method of data collection, critical thinking, analysis and theory construction at the core of the curriculum. The goal is to apply these understandings across settings to advancing science and improving the quality of human life. Our curriculum, grounded in the traditional liberal arts and the value of social responsibility, is consistent with the scientist-practitioner model. Our students learn to think critically and to be critical consumers of the scientific literature. They learn to use the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), take laboratory courses (such as Learning and Motivation), learn about the normal and abnormal functioning of personality with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity and competence, explore the social and biological bases of behavior, are required to use APA Style (version 6), and demonstrate their ability to express themselves both orally and in writing. As a capstone experience, students complete a practicum where they observe and learn (under direct supervision) to interact with clients. Licensed psychologists teach clinical courses in the psychology curriculum.

The psychology curriculum goals are to: (1) develop a strong knowledge base in the discipline; (2) develop discipline specific professional skills including writing, oral presentation, critical thinking, research design and statistics; (3) know and apply a professional ethical code by articulating and applying the relevant ethical principles; (4) prepare for entry-level career placement or graduate school; and (5) contribute to the well-being of self and others (generativity).

Integral to the psychology major is the psychology practicum placement where students apply knowledge and skills in field settings integrating theory, research and practice. The practicum has evolved to include placements of national prominence in which students demonstrate mastery of psychological principles in clinical psychology, school psychology, biopsychology, animal research, clinical/psychiatric research, and guidance and counseling. Students have placements working with diverse patient populations and across all age groups.

The psychology curriculum prepares students for a range of career paths, including graduate school, medical school or entry-level positions that use psychological skills and knowledge. Students can use the principles of psychology in clinical or applied settings, or in the fields of education and training. Psychology complements many other courses of study, especially education, business, art and music, political science, women's studies, biology, pharmacy, criminology and communications. Understanding human behavior and scientific processes of measurement and analysis provides students with a portable skill set.

The minor in forensic psychology assists students in developing counseling and communication skills to prepare them to interface with diverse populations, including victims and offenders. With this minor, graduates will be prepared to succeed in an occupation involving interaction with people, including policy making, community action, social research and social services.  

Graduates of the program are employed in psychology-related careers and in a variety of human service, education, research and business organizations, including Sheppard Pratt Hospital, the Baltimore County Department of Health, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, Kennedy Kreiger Institute, Americorps, Booz Allen Hamilton, the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

PSY-101 Introduction to Psychology fulfills the general education requirement in social science. PSY-375 Sex and Gender, SOC/PSY-271 Psychology/Sociology of Gender Roles and PSY 209 Social Psychology fulfill the general education requirement in gender studies. Students with a 3.0 grade point average in psychology who are in the top 35% of the class may become active members of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in psychology. These students typically pursue an independent study project.

Psychology majors and minors must complete all courses for the major/minor with a grade of C or higher.

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Programs of Study

Required Courses for a Major in Psychology    

PSY-101 Introductory Psychology (4)
MAT-215 Basic Statistics (Strongly recommended to be taken in the first year) (3)
PSY-210 Research Methods I (4)
PSY-420 History and Systems of Psychology (3)
PSY-461 Practicum (4)

One of the following (4)
PSY-340 Quantitative Methods
PSY-380 Qualitative Methods
PSY 409 Psychometrics

One of the following (3)
PSY-411 Special Topics
PSY-406 Advanced Therapeutic Techniques
PSY-463 Independent Research

Biological Bases (choose one)   
PSY-212 Cognition (4)
PSY-223 Biopsychology (3)
PSY-323 Sensation and Perception (4)

Behavioral Bases (choose one)
PSY-325 Learning and Motivation (4)
PSY/BIO-343 Animal Behavior (4)

Developmental (choose one)
PSY-203 Child and Adolescent Development (3)
PSY-233 Human Development (3)
PSY-304 Adulthood and Aging (3)

Social Bases (choose one)
PSY-260 Positive Psychology (3)
PSY-209 Social Psychology (3)
PSY-208 Multicultural Psychology (3)
PSY-375 Sex and Gender (3)

Applied (choose one)
PSY-205 Theories of Personality  (3)
PSY-306 Theories of Counseling (3)
PSY-207 Abnormal Psychology (3)

Two additional courses at the 200-level or above (6-8)
One of these courses must be at the 300- or 400-level (a second practicum does not fulfill this requirement).
The additional courses may be selected from those listed above, as well as from the electives listed below:
PSY-167 Human Relations
PSY-165 Human Sexuality
PSY-130 Psychology at the Movies
PSY-110 Believe it or Not    

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Required Courses for a Minor in Psychology

PSY-101 Introductory Psychology (4)
PSY-210 Research Methods I (4)
(or an acceptable course from the student's major discipline as determined by the psychology department chair)
PSY-420 History and Systems of Psychology (3)
Four additional psychology electives, at least one chosen from each category, and at least two from the 300-level* (12-15)
*Does not include practicum as an option.

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Required Courses for a Minor in Forensic Psychology

PSY-101 Introductory Psychology (4)
CRM-107 Introduction to Criminology (3)
PSY-205 Theories of Personality (3)
PSY-302 Introduction to Counseling (3)
CRM-203 Theories of Crime and Social Deviance (3)
PSY-207 Abnormal Psychology (3)
PSY-420 History and Systems of Psychology (3)

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Options for Psychology Majors

The Behavioral Neuroscience Major

This interdisciplinary program is designed to serve students interested in the biological basis of behavior, with primary emphasis on brain-behavior relationships. (See separate catalog section under behavioral neuroscience). It provides a core of biology, chemistry, psychology, and neuroscience courses. Students interested in this program should contact the department chair in their first year to facilitate graduation within four years.

Art Therapy

The psychology and art departments collaborate in assisting students who wish to pursue the study of art therapy on the graduate level. Students are strongly encouraged to contact specific art therapy graduate programs early in their undergraduate work in order to complete courses required by the graduate program of their choice. The departments also closely monitor the course recommendations of the American Art Therapy Association. The student's program of study in psychology should include six credits earned through PSY-207 Abnormal Psychology and either PSY-233 Human Growth and Development or PSY-203 Child and Adolescent Psychology.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is a graduate course of study. However, the psychology and music departments assist students who desire to pursue an advanced degree in music therapy. These students complete a major in psychology and a minor in music with the advice and close supervision of a faculty member. Students are expected to contact specific music therapy graduate programs early in their undergraduate work in order to identify specific courses required by the graduate program of their choice. The departments monitor the course recommendations of the American Music Therapy Association. The student's program of study in psychology would normally include 6 credits earned through PSY-207 Abnormal Psychology and either PSY-233 Human Growth and Development or PSY-203 Child and Adolescent Psychology.

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Four-Year Plan

Sample program of study for the psychology major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor. It is recommended that students complete MAT- 215 and PSY-210 by their sophomore year.

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Course Descriptions

PSY-101 INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
Examines psychology's perspective on human behavior through many human experiences: learning and memory, perception, motivation and emotion, personality, social interaction, normal and abnormal behavior, and human development. Draws from experience and fosters application to the students' own lives. This is a foundational course, and it meets prerequisite requirements for most psychology courses. Fulfills general education requirement in social science. Lecture and lab. [4 credits]

PSY-110 BELIEVE IT OR NOT
Provides a lively look at critical thinking, fostering in students the skills and experiences that produce fundamental thinking, reasoning and language abilities. Students are guided and motivated to apply analytical thinking to complex and controversial issues through examples drawn from everyday life experiences, the media, the vast market of psychobabble and scholarly works. [3 credits]

PSY-130 PSYCHOLOGY AT THE MOVIES
Explores the impact of psychological themes and theories on popular movies within the context of culture. Consists of an intensive, didactic experience that introduces the student to related psychological research and applications as they apply to a specialty field within psychology. Special emphasis is given to the comparison of cultural and cross-cultural elements embedded and transmitted through the filmmaker's story. [3 credits]

PSY-165 HUMAN SEXUALITY
Examines the role of sexuality in human behavior. Through integration of biological and psychological aspects, attempts to survey the breadth of human sexuality, alternative life styles and deviations. Includes individual differences through the life span. [3 credits]

PSY-167 HUMAN RELATIONS IN A CULTURALLY DIVERSE SOCIETY
Applies psychological principles, theories and research to a broad range of international and interpersonal relationships. Examines self-understanding, personality, friendship, family, group dynamics and work relationships from different cultural perspectives. Investigates the impact of cross-cultural research on belief systems, attitude and behavior. All students complete a group presentation, a relationship analysis paper and a cross-cultural interview/analysis. Prerequisite: PSY-101. [3 credits]

PSY-203 CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
Surveys development from conception through adolescence. Explores methods of developmental research, major developmental theories, ways to analyze evidence generated through research, social and behavioral traits and the impact of cultural context on development. Applies concepts to teaching, parenting and working with children. Prerequisite: PSY-101 or status as an elementary education major. PSY-101 is strongly recommended for elementary education majors and will improve student performance in this course. [3 credits]

PSY-205 THEORIES OF PERSONALITY
Explores the structure, processes and development of personality from major theoretical perspectives, including psychoanalytic, neoanalytic, humanistic, behavioral, social behavioral and trait approaches. Emphasizes the comprehension, application and contrast of theories of personality and the enhancement of the student's critical thinking skills. Prerequisite: PSY-101. [3 credits]

PSY-207 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Considers and studies intensively the wide range of disordered behaviors from the different scholarly perspectives that comment on "abnormality." Explores the nature of abnormality; the relationships between body and mind, and brain and behavior; and the significance of abnormal personal patterns to human relationships. Prerequisites: PSY-205, PSY-210. [3 credits]

PSY-208 MULTICULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
Explores the major ethnic groups and the particular psychological issues and needs relevant to specific groups. The impact of culture, race, and ethnicity on theory, research, and practice are examined. Issues related to diversity, tolerance and social behavior are explored. Specific consideration related to sex/gender differences within various cultures and ethnicities will be integral. Prerequisites PSY 101. [3 credits]

PSY-209 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Investigates the diverse mechanisms through which people influence the individual, particularly cultural socialization, stereotyping and prejudice, membership in formal and informal groups, and in close relationships. Examines topical areas of influence including attitudes, perceptual processes, conformity, conflict and aggression, roles and norms, and helping behavior, with a focus on gender. Emphasizes critical thinking about research and application of concepts to life experience. Prerequisite: PSY-101. Fulfills general education requirement in social science and gender studies. [3 credits]

PSY-210 RESEARCH METHODS I
Introduces the basic methods of research design and report writing in the behavioral sciences. Descriptive, correlational and experimental research strategies will be discussed. Students design original research and select appropriate data analyses. Ethical issues in each type of research design will be explored. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: MAT-215 and one of the following: PSY-101, CRIM-101, or SOC-101. [4 credits]

PSY-212 COGNITION AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Investigates the nature of thinking, including attention, perceptual organization, memory, imagery, concept formation, problem solving and language. Emphasis is placed on both research and practical applications of the decision-making process, strategies for problem solving and the facilitation of memory. Prerequisite: PSY-101. [3 credits]

PSY-223 BIOPSYCHOLOGY
Presents a current understanding of the brain and its relationship to the behaviors of species from simple organisms to humans. Content includes the study of the anatomy and function of neural systems and their relationship to major disorders of the central nervous system. Contemporary techniques of neural investigation are included. The relationship between biopsychology and other content areas within psychology such as cognitive processes, human development, clinical psychology, learning, motivation and perception are highlighted. Prerequisites: PSY-101, BIO-111 with a minimum grade of C.
[3 credits]

PSY-233 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Explores the principles of developmental psychology from infancy through adulthood and includes general consideration of developmental tasks through the lifespan. Prerequisite: PSY-101. [3 credits]

PSY-260 POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Focuses on the theoretical underpinnings and practical application of positive psychology. Students explore the fundamentals of positive psychology including human strength, virtues, positive emotions, happiness, love, humanity, leadership, spirituality, mindfulness, prosocial behavior, humane leadership, and approaches for living a healthy and meaningful life. Students learn how to apply and integrate these concepts into their understanding of the development of health lifestyles. They will also study their role in mitigating pathology, and analyze how these fundamentals are exhibited in work and community settings. Prerequisite: PSY 101 [3 credits]

PSY-304 ADULTHOOD AND AGING
Explores developmental change over the adult life course in physical, cognitive and social domains. Examines issues of continuity and change and the impact of gender, ethnicity, and social and cultural context on the developing person. Gives special emphasis to the mature adult and the process of aging. Prerequisites: PSY-210, PSY-233. [3 credits]

PSY-306 THEORIES OF COUNSELING
Introduces counseling perspectives, models, ethics and counseling skills for students interested in the helping professions. Surveys major theoretical paradigms and emphasizes mastery of basic communication skills useful in interpersonal relations settings. All students participate in lectures, class demonstrations, role playing and peer practice by using departmental counseling suites. This is the foundation course for PSY-406 Advanced Therapeutic Techniques. Prerequisites: PSY-210, PSY-205, and PSY-207. [3 credits]

PSY-311 SPECIAL TOPICS
Provides a contemporary approach to analyzing and evaluating current topics in psychology or behavioral neuroscience through a critical theoretical framework along with empirical evidence. Topics vary. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisites: PSY 101 and PSY 210 (or an equivalent research methods course approved by the psychology department chair) or by permission of the psychology department chair [3 credits].

PSY-323 SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
Investigates the structure and function of sensory receptors and the organization of sensory input for the basic senses of vision, audition, taste, smell and touch. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: PSY-210. [4 credits]

PSY-325 LEARNING AND MOTIVATION
Develops knowledge and research skills in learning and the experimental analysis of behavior in both animals and humans. Covers theoretical issues, basic principles and experimental procedures. Emphasizes biological explanatory mechanisms. Practical applications of basic principles are considered. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: PSY-210. [4 credits]

PSY-340 QUANTITATIVE METHODS
Builds on the content of Research Methods I (PSY-210) to provide hands-on research and data analysis experience using more advanced techniques. Explores multivariate research designs and analysis including multifactor analysis of variance, multiple regression, factor analysis and selected non-parametric techniques. Students design and conduct a research project, write an APA research report, create a poster presentation and use professional statistical analysis software. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: PSY-210. [4 credits]

PSY-342 ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
Surveys the theory and use of a variety of assessment instruments, including personality, aptitude, vocational, intelligence and interest testing. Evaluates the role of tests and questionnaires in placement and counseling.  Prerequisites: PSY-101; statistics highly recommended. [3 credits]

PSY-343 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Studies animal behavior from many perspectives, including the role of genetics and the environment, hormonal influences and neurobiology of behavior. Consideration of evolutionary causes and consequences. Topics include the organization and development of behavior, foraging and feeding, anti-predator behavior, mating and reproductive behavior, parenting, social behavior and animal communication. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory/field experience. Prerequisites: BIO-230 or PSY-101. [4 credits]

PSY-375 SEX AND GENDER
Explores the evidence for the cultural and biological influences on sex differences—the development of gender identity, gender role and sexual orientation. Investigates the impact of the cultural construct of gender on attitudes and behavior. Prerequisites: PSY-101 and junior standing. Fulfills general education requirement in gender studies. [3 credits]

PSY-380 QUALITATIVE METHODS
Explores the nature of qualitative methodologies, identifies which types of research questions are most appropriate for qualitative methods, and examines the assumptions underlying qualitative methods. Course focuses on the acquisition and application of qualitative analytic skills. Students complete a project involving the application of qualitative research skills. Prerequisites PSY 210 (or equivalent research course determined by the psychology department chair). [4 credits]

PSY-406 ADVANCED THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES
Links the practice and application of techniques that flow from basic theoretical personality models. Expands the skills of students with clinical aptitude, background and interests. Therapeutic techniques from various clinical models are examined and tested. Communication, refocusing and redirection, behavioral assessment and change are explored. Prerequisites: PSY-205, PSY-207 and PSY-306. Conference and permission of instructor required. [3 credits]

PSY-409 PSYCHOMETRICS
Provides opportunities for students to learn the principles related to the construction and use of psychological testing experientially by actually taking various tests and analyzing the results of a broad battery of standardized assessment instruments. Applications are made to education, counseling and business. Specific intelligence, aptitude, vocational and personality tests are studied. Controversial issues in testing are discussed. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PSY-210, PSY-205 and PSY-207. [4 credits]

PSY-411 ADVANCED TOPICS
Explores in depth a focused topic in psychology, based on instructor's area of specialization. Topic changes from year to year, with recent offerings including Psychology of Religion, Attachment, Psychopharmacology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Applied Behavioral Analysis and Culture of Violence. All students give a seminar paper and complete a major research paper. Prerequisite: will be noted for specific course, based on topics. Prerequisite: PSY-210, senior status as a psychology major. Not open to minors. [3 credits]

PSY-420 HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY
Considers, through an analytical approach, the history and development of the ideas that shaped psychology as a scientific discipline. Seminar-style deliberation concerning development of the foundational ideas of the field of psychology. Examines how the system of psychology is presently structured. Specific attention is given to the role of women in the development of psychology. Reading of original material from basic theorists in the field is required. Prerequisite: Status as senior psychology major or minor. [3 credits]

PSY-461/462 PRACTICUM I AND II
Provides opportunities for field experience for qualified students under professional supervision. Allows for consultative meeting with practicum coordinator concerning career goals and aspirations, which then determine the nature of a placement most consistent with student abilities and interests. Offers students an additional opportunity for advanced training and increased levels of professional responsibility through Practicum II. Requires students to meet academic and background requirements for chosen placement and to attend an academic seminar in addition to fieldwork. Prerequisite: junior psychology major status and conference with coordinator. Not open to liberal arts majors or psychology minors. [4 credits each term]

PSY-463 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH/ INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent study of a topic and development of a project of a student's choice. Includes directed readings, literature review and clinical study or data collection and analysis. Mentored and supervised by a faculty member of the department. Each student completes a major research paper and oral presentation. Prerequisites: PSY-210, PSY-340 and acceptance for supervision by a department member.
[3 credits]

PSY-464 DIRECTED RESEARCH
Students participate in the work of faculty by serving as members of a research team for one semester. May include input on project design, instrument development, data collection and analysis, literature review and development of a research report. Requirements: 10 hours/week including a one-hour conference or team meeting and one major written assignment to be determined in conjunction with the faculty supervisor. Prerequisites: PSY-210, PSY-340 and acceptance for supervision by a department member. [3 credits]

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