Psychology (Major, Minor)

Introduces the basic ideas of statistics: descriptive statistics, central tendency variability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, multinomial experiments, contingency tables and analysis of variance. A statistical software package is used. Designed for students in a variety of fields that rely on regular statistical analysis in decision-making. Fulfills general education requirement in mathematics. Prerequisite: Placement in MAT 215 or successful completion of MAT 100 or MAT 103 is recommended. [3 credits]

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 and thinking critically and analytically. Lecture and lab. [4 credits]

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY 101 focused on concept development and discipline specific skills.

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]

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]

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]

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. Fulfills cross-cultural and/or gender studies requirement. [3 credits]

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 for gender studies. Fulfills the social science requirement for Morrissey only. [ 3 credits ]

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 PSY-101 or CRM-101 or SOC-101. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [4 credits]

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY 210 focused on concept development and discipline specific skills.  

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]

This course is an introduction to the human nervous system exploring bio-behavioral relationships of the brain, mind, and behavior from a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics will include the sturcture and function of the nervous system, sensory and motor functioning, cognition, motivation, emotion, consciousness, neuroplasticity, behavioral genetics, and nervous system disorders. Prerequisites: BIO-111 or PSY-101. [ 3 credits ]

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 high-lighted. Prerequisites: PSY-101 or BIO-111 with a minimum grade of C. [3 credits]

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]

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]

An analysis of the social sources and psychological mechanisms that shape gender role differentiation. Special attention will be given to the political, ideological behavior and social construction of gender. Historical and cross-cultural data will be used to demonstrate patterns of inequality. The psychological and social impact of gender inequality will be examined. Prerequisite: Morrissy scholar or permission. Fulfills general education requirements in social science and gender studies. [3 credits]

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]

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 depart-mental counseling suites. This is the foundation course for PSY-406 Advanced Therapeutic Techniques. Prerequisites: PSY-210, PSY-205, and PSY-207 and Technical Standards as evaluated by the department. [3 credits]

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY 306 focused on concept development and discipline specific skills. 

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]. 

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]

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY 323 focused on concept development and discipline specific skills.  

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]

The lab is a co-requisite for PSY 325 focused on concept development and diiscipline specific skills.

Builds on the content of Research Methods (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]

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY 340 focused on concept development and discipline specific skills.  

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]

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY 343 focused on concept development and discipline specific skills.  

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]

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]

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY 380 focused on concept development and discipline specific skills.  

Provides a practical and theoretical basis in personal and career development. Topics focus on occupational-educational information, career exploration techniques, vocational choice theory, and ethical standards, all within a context of diverse populations. Applications include computer-assisted career development and inventories. Prerequisite: PSY-101. [3 credits]

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 and Technical Standards as evaluated by the department. Conference and permission of instructor required. [3 credits]

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY 406 focused on concept development and discipline specific skills.  

Provides opportunities for students to learn the theoretical and statistical principles related to the construction and use of psychological tests. Students will learn the standard administration, scoring, and interpretation of a borad battery of standardized cognitive and psychological assessment instruments. Students will become aware of the ethical issues related to cognitive and psychological testing. Student will be required to complete a clinical psychological assessment report analyzing and interpreting psychometric data. This course serves as an upper level research course. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PSY-210, PSY-205 and PSY-207 and Technical Standards as evaluated by the department. [4 credits]

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY 409 focused on concept development and discipline specific skills.  

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, Evolutionary Psychology, 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]

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]

Examines the dynamics of trauma and resilience through service-learning working with women recovering from trauma, cultivating resilience, and building peace following the Balkan Wars. Students will explore psychological processes through the lens of psychological theories, including psychodynamic and social psychology, and analyze the impact of gender, attitudes and values in the experience of stress, trauma, coping, and resilience. Students will deepen their understanding of the attitudes, values, cultural and gender factors influencing the experience of and recovery from trauma of women through direct service and through emersion into the local cutlture. Students will reflect upon the psychological factors that contribute to resilience, conflict resolution, and peace building in the context the attitudes and values related to the culture of the region and the role of women in these processes. Fulfills an upper leve course requirement for the psychology major, and the general edcuation requirements for cross-cultural studies and gender studies. [3 credits ]

Provides an overview of the treatment of addiction in the context of an integrated health delivery system including substance abuse, mental health, medical, and legal systems. Students learn and practice assessment strategies to determine the appropriate level of care. Students learn strategies for advocacy and assisting clients in gaining access to care with an intentional focus on reducing health disparities. Techniques for providing psychoeducation to clients, their families, and the community are acquired. Students practice constructing an integrated treatment plan and strategies for navigating complex treatment systems as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team. [ 3 credits ]

Examines the biological, genetic, and behavioral relationships in understanding the etiology of addiction. Students identify the various characteristics and classifcations of drugs of abuse and effects on the body and the mind and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and gender differences. Students will describe the pharmacology and mechanisms of action of the major classes of drugs of abuse and alcohol. Students learn to identify symptoms of withdrawal and tolerance. Explores the relationship between medical illnesses and addiction potential to medications. Biological treatments for addiction are explored as part of an integrated treatment plan and as part of an integrated system of care. [ 3 credits ]

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. Prerequisites: junior psychology major status and conference with coordinator. Not open to liberal arts majors or psychology minors. Technical Standards as evaluated by the department. Cannot retake if student receives a failing grade. Students will not be permitted to repeat PSY 461 or PSY 462 if they  receive a failing grade (D or F) or are removed from their practicum site due to an ethical violation. Ethical violations are defined by the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Ethical violations may include plagiarism. The practicum requirement cannot be waived or completed through another institution. [4 credits]

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. Prerequisites: junior psychology major status and conference with coordinator. Not open to liberal arts majors or psychology minors. Technical Standards as evaluated by the department. Cannot retake if student receives a failing grade. Students will not be permitted to repeat PSY 461 or PSY 462 if they receive a failing grade (D or F) or are removed from their practicum site due to an ethical violation. Ethical violations are defined by the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Ethical violations may include plagiarism. The practicum requirement cannot be waived or completed through another institution. [4 credits]

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]

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]

Examines the dynamics of trauma and resilience through service-learning working with women recovering from trauma, cultivating resilience, and building peace following the Balkan Wars. Students will explore psychological processes through the lens of pschological theories, including psychodynamic and social psychology, and analyze the impact of gender, attituded and values in the experience of stress, trauma, coping, and resilience. Students will deepen their understanding of the attitudes, values, cultural and gender factors unfluencing the experience of and recovery from trauma of women through direct service and through emersion into the local culture. Students will reflect upon the psychological factors that contribute to resilience, conflict resolution, and peace building in the context the attitudes and values related to the culture of the region and the role of women in these processes. [ 3 credits ]