Psychology
Departmental Guidelines
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior. As a behavioral science, psychology focuses on mental states, feelings, overt actions, and physiological processes and how these dimensions of behavior interact and influence one another over time. The courses offered in the Psychology Department examine contemporary psychological theories, research, and special topics in the field; give you the opportunity to learn and practice research methodologies and strategies used in the discipline; and challenge you to apply your knowledge of psychological science to social issues and your everyday life. The Psychology Department is also committed to the University’s focus on educating students in the liberal arts. To this end, the coursework and faculty facilitate your discovery of connections between psychology and other disciplines and, ideally, will foster your development as a human being and citizen.
The course offerings in the Psychology Department strive to:
- Present an overview of contemporary psychology, including both the natural and social science aspects of the discipline.
- Stimulate interest and curiosity about human and animal behavioral phenomena.
- Promote an understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry and the methodologies used in psychological science.
- Explore applications of psychology to personal and social issues. Some examples of these applications include study techniques and academic performance, the effects of anxiety or stress on performance, and the role of prejudice in society.
- Facilitate and encourage the discovery of connections between psychology and other disciplines: For instance, connections to biology (e.g., neuroscience), computer science and philosophy (e.g., cognitive science), psychological questions raised in the humanities and arts, and psychological assumptions reflected in political, social, and economic theories.
The first priority for all majors should be to obtain a strong foundation in the basic topic areas of psychology and in the research methodologies associated with psychological science. For this reason, all students begin with PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology which includes a lab component. Subsequently, all psychology majors and minors take a series of research oriented courses that allow them to develop their understanding of and skills engaging in psychological science. Students also explore specific psychological perspectives and topics in their elective and seminar courses. Psychology majors are urged to select a broad range of courses in addition to those offerings that are relevant to their primary interests. Students of psychology should aim for both breadth and depth of knowledge in the discipline. The requirements for Denison's psychology major are relatively flexible so that students can select courses and experiences that best complement their personal goals. At the same time, the flexibility of these requirements necessitates that psychology majors work closely with their academic advisors to develop an appropriate plan of study.
Writing Program Statement: The curriculum for psychology majors and minors is structured to allow students to develop their writing skills in line with the goals of the Denison Writing Program. First, students learn to tailor their writing style to meet the needs of a scientific audience. Students are provided instruction in APA style and the conventions adopted by psychologists in their written communications. Students learn a scientific writing style characterized by parsimony, objectivity, and the citation of empirical evidence to support one’s claims.The development of these scientific writing skills are coordinated across the department’s research courses. In addition, across the curriculum, students write both formal and informal papers that challenge them to integrate information about a topic from multiple sources, to evaluate the ideas from those sources, and to generate and then defend their own ideas about the topics.
Mission Statement
Psychology, broadly defined, is the science that involves the study of physiological, behavioral, and mental processes in humans and animals. Psychology has several interrelated facets, being a scholarly discipline, a scientific field of study, and an applied profession. As a scholarly discipline, psychology represents a major field of study in academic settings. As a scientific field of study, psychology entails the investigation of human and animal phenomena, principally by examining the factors that affect psychological processes. As an applied profession, psychology involves the application of knowledge, skills, and techniques to the prevention and solution of individual and social problems.
The Department endeavors to introduce students to theories, research and special topics in the field of psychology, enable students’ understanding and development of scientific inquiry skills, and increase students’ awareness of the application of psychology to social issues.
Faculty
Gina A. Dow, Department Chair
Professors: Nida Bikmen, Erin Henshaw, Nestor Matthews, Robert Weis
Associate Professors: Cody Brooks, Seth Chin-Parker, Gina A. Dow, Sarah L. Hutson-Comeaux, Susan L. Kennedy, Kristina Steiner
Assistant Professors: Sydney Green, Frances Kamhi
Academic Administrative Assistant
Sarah Jones
Overview of the Psychology Major and Minor Requirements
A student can complete either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology at Denison University. The primary difference between the two majors is the completion of additional science courses outside of the Psychology Department when pursuing a B.S. degree in psychology (see details below for a more complete overview of the B.S. degree). A student should discuss with a faculty member of the Psychology Department whether the B.A. or B.S. degree is more appropriate for their situation and future plans. A student can also complete a minor in psychology to accompany their major in another program or department.
Requirements for the B.A. degree in Psychology
The B.A. degree in Psychology requires the completion of ten (10) courses in psychology. Required courses for the B.A. include the following:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | |
| Research Methods and Statistics | |
Two Psychology Elective Courses (see details below) | |
One Psychology Seminar Course (either PSYC 300 or PSYC 301) | |
| History and Systems of Psychology | |
One 200 level Topical/Research Course Combination (counts as two separate courses) | |
One 300 level Topical/Research Course Combination (counts as two separate courses) | |
| Assessment Exam (does not count as a course) | |
Requirements for the B.S. degree in Psychology
The B.S. degree in Psychology requires the completion of eleven (11) courses in psychology and four (4) cognate courses from the Natural Science Division departments outside of psychology. Required courses for the B.S. include the following:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | |
| Research Methods and Statistics | |
One Psychology Seminar Course (either PSYC 300 or PSYC 301) | |
| Advanced Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
| History and Systems of Psychology | |
One 200 level Topical/Research Course Combination (counts as two separate courses) | |
Two 300 level Topical/Research Course Combinations (each count as two separate courses) | |
| Assessment Exam | |
Four Cognate Courses in the Natural Sciences Division (not in Psychology). This requirement may be fulfilled by taking two courses from two different departments or by taking all four courses from a single department. Each of the four courses must be courses that meet the requirements for the major in the respective department. Courses offered by disciplines without a major (e.g., Astronomy or Neuroscience) do not meet this cognate requirement. Courses from Environmental Studies and other Departments/Programs outside the Natural Sciences Division do not meet this cognate requirement. | |
Requirements for the Minor in Psychology
A minor in psychology requires the completion of seven (7) courses in psychology. Required courses for the minor include the following:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | |
| Research Methods and Statistics | |
Three Psychology Elective Courses (see details below) | |
One 200 level Topical/Research Course Combination (counts as two separate courses) | |
Students are strongly encouraged to select a Psychology Department faculty member as their primary or secondary advisor when they declare a major or minor in psychology.
The flexibility of the requirements for the psychology majors and minor means that it is the responsibility of the student to select a course of study most compatible with their future goals. We encourage students to study a broad range of topics in psychology.
Students contemplating graduate school are strongly encouraged to become involved in research activities in the department (e.g., Directed Study, Independent Study, Senior Research, Research Assistant, Denison Summer Science Scholars). Students interested in the intersection of biology and behavior may be attracted to the Neuroscience Concentration. Students interested in the application of psychology to organizations and businesses may be drawn to the Organizational Studies (OS) Program. All students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors in developing an appropriate set of career steps and program of courses in the major.
Overview of the Psychology Courses Offerings
PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology
● This course provides an overview of the topics and perspectives in contemporary psychology and an introduction to the methods of psychological science.
● PSYC 100 fulfills the lab science general education requirement (the Y GE).
● PSYC 100 is a prerequisite for all other psychology courses offered.
● Refer to information below regarding Advanced Placement (A.P.) and transfer credit for PSYC 100.
PSYC 200 - Research Methods and Statistics
● This course focuses on the primary research methods and data analysis procedures used by psychologists. Completion of Citi Program's Research Ethics & Compliance training is a requirement of the course.
● PSYC 200 fulfills the quantitative reasoning general education requirement (the Q GE).
● PSYC 200 is a prerequisite for the 200-level research courses.
Psychology Elective Courses
● Elective courses provide an opportunity to study specific topics and perspectives in psychology.
● Psychology electives include topical courses numbered between 206 to 299, 305 to 399, and topical courses numbered above 401. For reference, many of the topical courses are listed below in the 200- and 300-level combination course options. Other topical courses that can be taken as a psychology elective include (but are not limited to):
| Code | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 206 | 200-level Special Topics courses | |
| or PSYC 306 | 300-level Special Topics courses | |
| PSYC 224 | Psychology of Music | |
| PSYC 280 | Psychology of Diversity | |
| PSYC 284 | Self Regulation | |
| PSYC 305 | Psychopharmacology | |
| PSYC 315 | Development of Children with Special Needs | |
● The following courses do NOT count toward the elective courses required for the major:
| Code | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 361 | Directed Study | |
| or PSYC 362 | Directed Study | |
| PSYC 363 | Independent Study | |
| or PSYC 364 | Independent Study | |
| PSYC 451 | Senior Research in Psychology | |
| or PSYC 452 | Advanced Senior Research in Psychology | |
Psychology Seminar Courses (PSYC 300 - Seminars)
● Psychology seminars allow for a “deep dive” into a specific topic in psychology.
● PSYC 300 – Seminars or PSYC 301 – Seminar: Psychology of Women fulfill the psychology seminar requirement.
● PSYC 300 is open to students who have junior or senior status and have completed a 200-level research course combination.
PSYC 401 - Assessment Exam
● A zero-credit course used to track each Psychology major's completion of the required departmental assessment exam during their senior year. The exam provides an opportunity for students to receive feedback on their mastery of psychology content knowledge.
PSYC 410 - History and Systems of Psychology
● This course offers an overview of the ideas and approaches that have informed psychological study since its inception and explores their relationship to contemporary issues.
● Junior or senior status is required to enroll in this course.
Topical/Research Course Combinations
● The topical/research course combinations allow students to study a particular area or approach in psychology while simultaneously conducting related research.
● Research courses must be taken concurrently with their accompanying topical courses. The first topical/research course combination must be at the 200-level; the second topical/research course combination must be at the 300-level.
200-level Topical/Research Course Combinations
● PSYC 200 and successful completion of Citi Program's Research Ethics & Compliance training are prerequisites for all 200-level Topical/Research Course Combinations.
● All 200-level research courses fulfill a writing requirement (a W GE).
● 200-level Topical/Research Course Combination options:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PSYC 210 & PSYC 211 | Development in Infancy and Childhood and Research in Development in Infancy and Childhood |
| PSYC 220 & PSYC 221 | Social Psychology and Research in Social Psychology |
| PSYC 230 & PSYC 231 | Research in Organizational Psychology and Research in Organizational Psychology |
| PSYC 240 & PSYC 241 | Theories of Personality and Research in Personality Psychology |
| PSYC 245 & PSYC 246 | Adolescence and Research in Adolescence |
| PSYC 250 & PSYC 251 | Psychopathology and Research in Psychopathology |
| PSYC 265 & PSYC 266 | Cultural Psychology and Research in Cultural Psychology |
| PSYC 270 & PSYC 271 | Health Psychology and Research in Health Psychology |
| PSYC 290 & PSYC 291 | Psychology of Thinking and Research in Psyc of Thinking |
| PSYC 207 | 200-level Special Topics Research Course (– Special Topics Research Course may be offered in combination with a 200-level topical course that does not have a preassigned research course. ) |
300-level Topical/Research Course Combinations
● Successful completion of a 200-level research course is a prerequisite for all 300-level topical/research course combinations.
● 300-level Topical/Research Course Combination options:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PSYC 310 & PSYC 311 | Research in Psychology of Learning and Research in Psychology of Learning |
| PSYC 330 & PSYC 331 | Cognitive Psychology and Research in Cognitive Psychology |
| PSYC 340 & PSYC 341 | Sensation and Perception and Research in Sensation and Perception |
| PSYC 350 & PSYC 351 | Biological Psychology and Research in Biological Psychology |
| PSYC 355 & PSYC 356 | Clinical Psychology and Research in Clinical Psychology |
| PSYC 380 & PSYC 381 | Nonverbal Behavior in Human Interactions and Research Nonverbal Behavior in Human Interactions |
| PSYC 385 & PSYC 386 | Adult Development and Aging and Research in Adult Development and Aging |
Important Policies Regarding Psychology Courses
Advanced Placement (A.P.) Credit and PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology
Students who earn a 4 or 5 on the A.P. Psychology exam will receive credit toward graduation (it will appear on your transcript as PSYC 096 credit), but this credit does not count towards the psychology major or minor at Denison. Psychology majors/minors (including those with an A.P. Psychology exam score of 4 or 5) must still complete PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology at Denison or an equivalent Introductory Psychology course that includes a rigorous laboratory.
Transfer Credit for an Introductory Psychology Course
Students may waive the PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology requirement with approved PSYC 199 - Introductory Topics in Psychology credit. The student must submit a request for this transfer credit following the successful completion of an introductory psychology course taken at another college or university. However, it is important to note the following:
- PSYC 199 - Introductory Topics in Psychology does not fulfill a Y (Science) GE.
- PSYC 199 - Introductory Topics in Psychology does not count toward the courses for the psychology major or minor. Thus, students with PSYC 199 - Introductory Topics in Psychology credit will need to complete one additional psychology elective course to meet the required number of courses for the B.A. degree or minor in psychology. A psychology minor with PSYC 199 - Introductory Topics in Psychology credit would need to complete four psychology electives, and a student completing a B.A. degree in psychology would need to complete three electives.
- If a student with PSYC 199 - Introductory Topics in Psychology credit elects to take PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology at Denison, the PSYC 199 credit will be forfeited.
- Students with PSYC 199 - Introductory Topics in Psychology credit may begin their study of psychology at Denison with PSYC 200 - Research Methods and Statistics or a psychology elective course.
Study Abroad and the Psychology Major and Minor
Denison University works to make study abroad possible for all students. The Psychology Department encourages students to study abroad during their junior year. You will be able to transfer back one psychology elective course from your study abroad experience.
- For a transfer course to count toward this requirement for the major or minor, the transfer course must be equivalent to 3-4 credit hours in a psychology course at Denison, and must have been reviewed and approved, in advance, by the Psychology Department Chair. To request review of a potential transfer course, please submit to the Psychology Department Chair the Off-Campus Study transfer credit form along with a complete and current syllabus from the transfer course. Transfer and Off-Campus Study courses cannot be approved without a syllabus reviewed by the department chair.
- Additional Psychology courses taken from an Off-Campus Study program will not count toward the Psychology major or minor but may be eligible for credits toward graduation at Denison.
- Some Denison students studying abroad conduct independent research or internships as part of their study abroad experience. We encourage students to visit the Off-Campus Study office to explore options. Students who conduct human subjects research while abroad must follow the policies described on the University IRB website in myDenison at Campus Resources => Provost => Institutional Review Board (IRB) - for Research involving Human Participants, and then scroll down to "Off-Campus Study & Human Subjects Research."
General Information for Students Transferring from other Universities and Colleges:
The Psychology Department strives to help transfer students settle in and succeed at Denison. We attempt to provide a fair assessment of psychology courses taken at other institutions in order to facilitate the transition of transfer students to Denison. Because of some unique qualities of the psychology curriculum at Denison, e.g. offering Introduction to Psychology as a lab science and the topical/research course combinations, we are not able to guarantee that all psychology courses taken at another college or university will fulfill course requirements for the Psychology major or minor at Denison. The transfer credit decisions are made on a course-by-course basis by the Psychology Department at Denison.
Courses
PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
A laboratory course that provides an introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Topics include the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior, sensation, perception, learning, cognition, development, social processes, personality, abnormal psychology, and possibly others. The course emphasizes current knowledge and research in the field and its application. The laboratory component of this course examines the strengths and limitations of correlational, experimental, and observational research methods, and enhances understanding of course concepts and principles. Laboratory experiences include development of research questions, design of studies, data collection in classroom laboratories and field settings, data analysis and interpretation. Laboratory assignments involve written reports and demonstration of critical thinking skills about psychological concepts and scientific research. This course has a research participation (or equivalent activity) requirement. PSYC 100 is a prerequisite for all other courses in the department.
PSYC 199 - Introductory Topics in Psychology (1-4 Credit Hours)
A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Please see the notes under the B.A. degree regarding Transfer Courses and PSYC 199 credit.
PSYC 200 - Research Methods and Statistics (4 Credit Hours)
This course examines the primary research methods and data analysis procedures used by psychologists to describe, predict, interpret and/or explain psychological phenomena and behavior. Observational, experimental, and quasi-experimental methods are studied along with principles of research design, control, validity, reliability, and ethical practice. Throughout the course, methodological procedures are considered in conjunction with principles and methods of data analysis, presentation, and interpretation. The logic and procedures of descriptive and inferential statistics are emphasized. This course prepares students to design, conduct, analyze and evaluate psychological research and is a prerequisite for all psychology research courses at the 200 and 300-level. To promote research ethics, all PSYC 200 students must successfully complete the Citi Program's Research Ethics & Compliance training.
PSYC 206 - 200-level Special Topics courses (4 Credit Hours)
The study of significant and contemporary psychological topics and perspectives at the 200 level. May be taken more than once for credit, unless otherwise noted.
PSYC 207 - 200-level Special Topics Research (4 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience in psychological science. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
PSYC 210 - Development in Infancy and Childhood (4 Credit Hours)
Psychological development through late childhood and preadolescence. Topics covered include biological foundations, prenatal development, infancy, cognitive and language development, personality and social and emotional development (including attachment, development of self concept, peer relations, gender differences), family and social policy issues, and developmental psychopathology.
PSYC 211 - Research in Development in Infancy and Childhood (4 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in infant and child development. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199 and PSYC 200.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 210.
PSYC 220 - Social Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
Social Psychology is the study of persons in contexts. The major aim of this course is to provide students with the ability to consider the various determinants of people’s behaviors in specific social and cultural contexts. We will learn about social psychological research on how individuals define themselves as social beings (the social self), how they perceive, make sense of and evaluate the social world (social cognition), and how they think and act with and toward others (social influence). We will also discuss some of the applications of social psychological research to social issues, such as facilitating intergroup harmony, promoting healthy behaviors, or engaging in environmentally sustainable practices.
PSYC 221 - Research in Social Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in social psychology. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199 and PSYC 200.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 220.
PSYC 224 - Psychology of Music (4 Credit Hours)
This course adopts a scientific approach to understanding the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings associated with music. Students will increase their scientific literacy by reading and presenting texts that relate music perception and music performance to topics from Introduction to Psychology. These topics include Biological Psychology, Sensation; Perception, Learning, Cognition, Development, Social Psychology and Cultural Psychology. The course is appropriate for music novices and music experts alike. This course fulfills the Oral Communication (R) GE requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199.
PSYC 230 - Organizational Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
This course considers the application of psychological theory and methodology to problems of organizations and the functioning of individuals and groups within organizations. Topics include team development and performance, organizational power and politics, organizational culture, leadership and motivation at work, job commitment and satisfaction, organizational change and organizational development. Required for students completing the Organizational Studies certificate.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 231 - Research in Organizational Psychology (4-8 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience on problems of relevance to industrial-organizational psychology. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
PSYC 240 - Theories of Personality (4 Credit Hours)
This course offers a systematic introduction to "normal" human personality and addresses both historical and contemporary approaches to the study of individual differences, with an emphasis on primary research and debate in the field. Within each perspective, basic theoretical assumptions, relevant research, traditional assessment methods, and current applications (i.e., to the workplace, close relationships, or health behavior) are discussed. Recurring themes regarding the structure, origin, and function of personality are explored and compared across the different perspectives.
PSYC 241 - Research in Personality Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience addressing problems of current interest in the study of personality. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199 and PSYC 200.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 240.
PSYC 245 - Adolescence (4 Credit Hours)
Psychological development from late childhood through early adulthood. Topics covered include biological foundations, cognitive development, personality and social and emotional development (including development of self concept, family and peer relations, gender differences, and sexuality), culture, ethnicity and social policy issues, and developmental psychopathology in adolescence.
PSYC 246 - Research in Adolescence (4 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in adolescent development. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199 and PSYC 200.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 245.
PSYC 250 - Psychopathology (4 Credit Hours)
This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of psychopathology. We will consider contemporary approaches to defining abnormal behavior and the current diagnostic system: DSM-5. For each disorder, we will examine its essential features, associated characteristics, prevalence, course, and etiology. We will also examine both pharmacological and psychosocial treatments for each disorder. This course is especially designed for students interested in clinical/counseling psychology, psychiatry, social work, neuropsychology, or other helping professions.
PSYC 251 - Research in Psychopathology (4 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience on problems of relevance to psychopathology. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199 and PSYC 200.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 250.
PSYC 265 - Cultural Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
This course is a survey of theory, methods, and research in culture and psychology. This course examines the ways in which culture shapes psychological and physiological functioning, and the cyclical nature of that relationship. The course will also draw from other areas such as anthropology, sociology, history, and biology to give a holistic overview of the dynamic and non-essentialist nature of culture. Special emphasis will be placed on topics such as health disparities, internalized stigma, race and ethnicity, and immigration. Critically, this course will emphasize the use of an intersectional (interacting social identities) perspective in the study of culture, with specific considerations of gender, sexuality, age, and ability status. This course fulfills the Power and Justice (P) GE requirement.
PSYC 266 - Research in Cultural Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience on problems of relevance to cultural psychology. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199 and PSYC 200.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 265.
PSYC 270 - Health Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
The field of health psychology investigates the relationship between health, mental processes and behavior. This course considers the role of health habits in the development of disease and the impact of psychological factors on the course of disease. In addition, the course explores the ways in which psychological principles can aid in the development of both individual and medical interventions to prevent disease and promote health. Topics include stress, immunity, the management of chronic illness, and the contribution of psychological and social factors to cancer, cardiovascular disease, AIDS, and autoimmune diseases. In addition, health enhancing and health compromising behaviors such as exercise, diet, and smoking will be examined. Social, historical and cultural factors associated with health will also be considered in this course.
PSYC 271 - Research in Health Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
This course provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in health psychology. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
PSYC 280 - Psychology of Diversity (4 Credit Hours)
This course will introduce students to issues that characterize diverse societies and will present analyses of these issues from a psychological perspective. We will learn how social categories, such as race, social class, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. inform individuals’ identities, the way they make sense of their social world, and the way they act in it. The social hierarchies and power inequalities between different groups that characterize the U.S. and many other societies in the world will be at the heart of our analysis. We will read theory and research on social identities, origins and functions of prejudice and stereotyping, their effects on the targeted populations and on ways of reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations as well as redressing inequality. This course fulfills the Power of Justice (P) GE requirement.
PSYC 284 - Self Regulation (4 Credit Hours)
Self-regulation skills allow individuals to resist temptation and make good choices for the long term (self-control). Alternatively, many social problems may reflect at least a partial failure of self-regulatory ability. In this class we will consider how our self-regulatory skills are shaped and how they may be changed based on a critical examination of the current research. We will consider ways that these self-regulatory behaviors may be related to our own lives as well. This course fulfills the Oral Communication (R) GE requirement.
PSYC 290 - Psychology of Thinking (4 Credit Hours)
This course provides an introduction to the study of higher order cognition. The course will focus on reasoning, decision making, problem solving, creativity, and related issues. In class, we will consider current theories of cognition, explore the methodologies used to study higher order cognition, and uncover how these issues relate to our own thinking. We will also use this inquiry to examine and develop our critical thinking skills.
PSYC 291 - Research in PSYC of Thinking (4 Credit Hours)
This class provides students with research experience focusing on issues relevant to thinking and reasoning. Students engage in multiple empirical studies during the course of the semester, learning about the application of descriptive, correlational, and simple experimental methods. This course provides a “W” toward the GE writing requirement.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199 and PSYC 200.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 290.
PSYC 299 - Intermediate Topics in Psychology (1-4 Credit Hours)
A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.
PSYC 300 - Seminars (4 Credit Hours)
Seminars are designed for majors in special areas within Psychology. Content will vary with staff and student interest. Typically, seminars include lecture/discussion and student presentations. Open to students in their junior and senior years only.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, one 200-level research course combination.
PSYC 305 - Psychopharmacology (4 Credit Hours)
This course begins with an overview of the ways in which psychoactive drugs work, including discussions of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, neuronal function, neurotransmitters, dose response functions, tolerance and sensitization and toxicity. Agonistic and antagonistic drug effects are then studied, including the specific ways in which neurotransmitters may be affected by such actions. In the second half of the course, specific drugs used in the treatment of psychological disorders are studied, including drugs to treat anxiety disorders, clinical depression and schizophrenia. Finally, "recreational" drug use is examined, including discussions of alcohol and marijuana. Issues of drugs, culture, and behavior are emphasized throughout the semester. This course fulfills the Oral Communication (R) GE requirement.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199 and/or BIOL 220, or permission of instructor.
PSYC 306 - 300-level Special Topics courses (4 Credit Hours)
The study of significant and contemporary psychological topics and perspectives at the 300 level. May be taken more than once for credit, unless otherwise noted.
PSYC 310 - Psychology of Learning (4 Credit Hours)
An intensive survey of experimental research on fundamental emotional cognitive processes of learning and memory, with a focus on how those processes manifest themselves in, influence, and determine behavior. The learning processes of instrumental and Pavlovian conditioning, and the interactions of those learning processes, comprise the main focus of the course. Theory, research, implications and applications pertaining to the basic principles of behavior are emphasized. The course, and learning/conditioning research traditionally, is valuable because of the use of models to understand learning about biologically and emotionally significant experiences. Unconscious learning and seemingly irrational reactions are considered in depth. Much of the course content is relevant to applied topics such as behavior modification, substance abuse problems, anxiety, depression, other behavior disorders, education and parenting practices. This course does not cover techniques for improving academic learning skills for students.
PSYC 311 - Research in Psychology of Learning (4 Credit Hours)
Offers the student experience conducting research in and/or out of the learning laboratory, using a variety of methods. Research requires time outside of class. Some work with live animals is usually involved. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 310.
PSYC 315 - Development of Children with Special Needs (4 Credit Hours)
Disability is a facet of human diversity that is often overlooked. This course explores a wide range of developmental disabilities, focusing mostly on physical impairments and intellectual disabilities. We will discuss the impact of disabilities on the individual's development and how families respond to the various challenges that often arise. In addition, we will review some general concepts concerning disabilities, including prenatal development and testing, ethical issues, cultural influences, relevant public policy including federal and state laws and regulations, early intervention, and the family-centered approach. Some of the disabilities that will be examined include metabolic errors, disorders of hearing and communication, neural tube defects, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, Fragile X, ADHD, and disorders on the Autism Spectrum. This course fulfills the Power and Justice (P) GE requirement.
PSYC 320 - Culture and Human Development (4 Credit Hours)
Cultural psychology is an examination of the influence of cultural processes on a wide range of psychological topics, including perceiving, thinking, child development, language, and social cognition. Its unifying theme is the claim that complex psychological phenomena need to be understood as being situated in a cultural context. Some broad topics considered in the course are the nature of human nature, the psychological properties of tools and technology, and research methods for the study of cultural psychology.
PSYC 330 - Cognitive Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
This course examines how people acquire, remember, and use knowledge. Topics covered include memory, attention, perception, imagery, and cognitive neuroscience. Applications to contexts such as learning and teaching, social behaviors, and individual behavior and performance will be considered.
PSYC 331 - Research in Cognitive Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in cognitive psychology. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 330.
PSYC 340 - Sensation and Perception (4 Credit Hours)
This course explores sensory and perceptual systems. Discussions on these topics will reflect biological, ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include sensitivity to light and sound; color perception; depth and form perception; perceptual illusions; music perception, and speech perception. Power and justice issues associated with sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness and deafness) will be emphasized. This course fulfills the Power and Justice (P) GE requirement.
PSYC 341 - Research in Sensation and Perception (4 Credit Hours)
This course offers experience in conducting research on sensory processes and perception. Students are exposed to different research techniques and investigate problems relating to the various sensory modalities. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 340.
PSYC 350 - Biological Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
This course explores the relationships between the brain and nervous system and behavior, and includes topics ranging from neuroanatomy and pharmacology of the nervous system to the biological bases of mental illness. The interactions among the nervous and endocrine systems are emphasized in an attempt to understand how basic physiological principles can serve in the understanding of complex phenomena, including emotion, learning, sleep and arousal and sexual behavior. Required for students pursuing the neuroscience concentration.
PSYC 351 - Research in Biological Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
This course focuses on basic research methodologies and techniques that are commonly used to examine the biological bases of behavior. Students are given "hands on" experience in the design and execution of several research projects. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 350.
PSYC 355 - Clinical Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
This course introduces students to the discipline of clinical psychology from the scientist-practitioner perspective. Topics include psychological assessment, diagnostic interviewing, and evidence-based psychotherapies. We will also examine the efficacy and effectiveness of psychosocial treatments for mental disorders, professional ethics, and recent developments in the field of clinical/counseling psychology.
PSYC 356 - Research in Clinical Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
This course provides students with experience conducting empirical research related to the field of clinical psychology. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 355.
PSYC 361 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
PSYC 362 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
PSYC 363 - Independent Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
PSYC 364 - Independent Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
PSYC 370 - Advanced Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4 Credit Hours)
An introduction to techniques of data analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Special emphasis is placed on sampling theory, tests of significance, analysis of variance, regression and using SPSS for analysis. Cannot be taken for credit by students who have already taken both MATH 220 (formerly MATH 242) and PSYC 200. Cannot be taken concurrently with MATH 120 (formerly MATH 102.
PSYC 380 - Nonverbal Behavior in Human Interactions (4 Credit Hours)
This course explores questions about how people communicate with their bodies. How do we perceive such nonverbal cues? How do they affect our interactions and relationships with others? To what extent are we aware of our own nonverbal behavior and what it communicates to others? The research areas include interpersonal accuracy (e.g., emotion recognition, deception detection, etc.); embodied cognition (e.g., behavioral mimicry, the role of gestures in learning, etc.), and ecological psychology (e.g., territoriality, personal space, seating arrangements, etc.). The course also addresses cultural similarities and differences, and how nonverbal behavior affects interpersonal as well as intergroup relations.
PSYC 381 - Research Nonverbal Behavior in Human Interactions (4 Credit Hours)
This course offers experience in conducting research on how people communicate with their bodies. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.
Corequisite(s): PSYC 380.
PSYC 385 - Adult Development and Aging (4 Credit Hours)
The purpose of this course is to explore the theories and research on adult development and aging using the lens of developmental psychology. We will explore aging and how development is influenced by psychological, biological, social, cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Additionally, we will investigate discrimination against older adults and how ageism factors into almost all contexts around development and aging, with a goal of reducing our own aging stereotypes and ageism. Specific topics include theoretical perspectives, age stereotypes and ageism, biological and physical changes, health and illness, stress and coping, social networks and support, cognitive changes, racial and cultural contexts of aging, sexuality, and death and dying. Implications for social programs and services, public policy, and gerontological education will also be examined.
PSYC 386 - Research in Adult Development and Aging (4 Credit Hours)
Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in adult development. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and a PSYC 200-level research pairing.
PSYC 399 - Advanced Topics in Psychology (1-4 Credit Hours)
A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.
PSYC 401 - Assessment Exam (0 Credit Hours)
A course used to track all psychology majors’ completion of the required departmental assessment exam. Earning the required S (satisfactory) in the course entails attending an informational session explaining the psychology department’s assessment exam, and taking the exam in good faith. This course is required for students matriculating in and after fall 2019 (graduating in spring 2023 and beyond).
Prerequisite(s): Senior Psychology Major status.
PSYC 410 - History and Systems of Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
This course examines major issues in psychology as they have been addressed throughout its history, from the writings of the Greek philosophers to 20th and 21st century theories and experimental investigations. These issues include mind-body relations; processes of knowledge acquisition such as perception and learning; nature and nurture; the nature of mind and consciousness; characteristics of human motivation and personality; and the nature of thought and memory. The philosophy of scientific inquiry in relation to the field of psychology is also considered. Many issues considered connect to the current states of modern psychology. The course is a unifying experience for psychology majors.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, junior or senior status or consent.
PSYC 451 - Senior Research in Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
For seniors desiring to conduct advanced research in psychology. PSYC 451 is intended to provide an initial examination of the topic of interest, e.g. review of the relevant literature and development of methodologies that could be used in the research project. The content and scope of the work to be completed are determined in consultation with the advising faculty. Students with prior, substantial experience with the research topic may petition to move directly into PSYC 452. Prior, substantial experience consists of at least one of the following completed within 12 months before beginning the course: summer research; independent study; directed study; or an alternate research experience approved by the psychology department. Students who plan to submit for recognition of a Senior Thesis with Distinction must either complete PSYC 451 followed by PSYC 452 or complete a summer research project followed by PSYC 452 in the fall of the same year. Consent of the advising faculty is required for registration in PSYC 451. The grade is determined by the advising faculty. Completion of PSYC 451 does not fulfill a course requirement for the major.
PSYC 452 - Advanced Senior Research in Psychology (4 Credit Hours)
For seniors working on advanced research in psychology. Following the completion of PSYC 451 or another prior, substantial research experience, students may take PSYC 452. PSYC 452 provides the opportunity for the student to conduct research on the topic of interest. Consent of the advising faculty is required for registration in PSYC 452. The grade is determined by the advising faculty. Students enrolled in PSYC 452 have the option of applying for the recognition of completing a Senior Thesis with Distinction only if they previously completed PSYC 451 or a summer research project. Interested students should speak with their research advisor to learn more about the recognition process and expectations. Completion of PSYC 452 does not fulfill a course requirement for the major.