Chair: Matt Findley
Faculty: Lisa M. Brown, Renee A. Countryman, Peter Marks, Elizabeth Preas
Adjunct Faculty: Danielle Franks, Michele Helfrich
Emeriti: Hank Gorman, Gerald Middents, Karen Nelson, Howard Starr
The Psychology Department offers students exposure to the subject matter, methodologies, and professional practice of psychology. As a subject matter, psychology is the study of the brain, behavior, and human experience. Students explore the methodologies of psychology in the required courses for the minor and the major, with specialized courses, internships, and practica encouraging students to use experimental, correlational, and observational approaches in research and practice.
Both research and practice raise ethical questions embedded in most of the courses offered and in individualized study through internships, honors theses, and directed studies. Psychology graduates pursue studies in psychology, medicine, related health sciences, law, administration, education, divinity, business, and social work. The multidisciplinary inquiry necessary for investigating many topics in psychology attracts students with interests the sciences, humanities, and other social sciences.
Degree Plans Offered in Psychology
Major in Psychology
Minor in Psychology
A major in psychology consists of:
Required Psychology Core Courses (3 courses)
PSY 101 General Psychology
PSY 120 Statistics for Psychologists (or equivalent 120-numbered statistics course)
PSY 201 Research Methods in Psychology
Core Disciplinary Courses (2 courses)
PSY 215 Behavioral Neuroscience
PSY 240 Social Psychology
PSY 281 Psychopathology
PSY 296 Life Span Psychology
Disciplinary Elective (1 course)
PSY 200 level
Advanced Courses (2 courses)
PSY 300 level or higher
PSY 300 level or higher
Advanced Seminar (1 course)
PSY 400 level
Other Considerations When Planning for the Major or Minor:
- Courses for the major or minor may not be taken S/D/U.
- Psychology 101 is a prerequisite for all other courses in psychology unless the course description states otherwise.
- Mathematics 120, Social Sciences 120, or 120-numbered statistics courses from other departments may be substituted for Psychology 120 if already taken.
- If possible, students should take Psychology 120 and Psychology 201 in consecutive semesters.
- In most cases, successful completion of Psychology 201 is required for enrollment in courses at the 300 and 400 level. As such, students should aim to complete Psychology 201 prior to the end of their sophomore year; each additional semester reduces flexibility in terms of upper-level course options and scheduling. Psychology majors who have not completed Psychology 201 prior to the spring of their junior year should consult the Psychology Department chair and their mentor to determine a plan for on-time graduation.
- The choice of electives for the major and minor should take into account both the qualifications and objectives of the individual student and the depth and breadth of psychological knowledge generally considered desirable for an undergraduate with an in-depth study of psychology. Students aiming at graduate programs in a particular area of psychology are encouraged to investigate relevant graduate program requirements when choosing courses at the 200 level and above.
- Psychology 491 or 495 is strongly recommended as preparation for graduate study in psychology.
- Students must earn a C or above in Psychology 101, Psychology 120 (or equivalent), and Psychology 201 in order to graduate with a major or minor in psychology. Please note, too, that a C in Psychology 120 (or equivalent) is required for enrollment in Psychology 201.
Total Credits Requirement = 9 course credits
A minor in psychology consists of:
Required (2 courses)
PSY 101 General Psychology
PSY 201 Research Methods in Psychology
Electives (3 courses)
PSY 200 level or higher
PSY 200 level or higher
PSY 300 level or higher
Supporting Course
PSY 120 Statistics for Psychologists (or equivalent 120-numbered statistics course)
See additional specifications above in Other Considerations When Planning for the Major or Minor.
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
COURSES
PSY 101 General Psychology
A general study of the field of psychology, suitable for both the student who wishes only one course in psychology and the student desiring a basic course as foundation for further study in psychology. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Each fall and spring)
PSY 120 Statistics for Psychologists
An introduction to the standard statistical tools used in psychology to summarize data, describe relationships among variables, and make inferences from samples to populations with discussion of theory of probability and probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and exploration of computer packages. Examples and problems are derived from psychology research. May not be taken by students who have completed Social Sciences 120, Mathematics 120, or equivalent. Requirements Met: Quantitative Competency (pre-Fall 2019) and Quantitative Competency (Fall 2019 & after). (Each fall and spring)
PSY 125 Research Practicum
Supervised research study in psychology using analytical and behavioral science research techniques. PREQ: Psychology 101 and Psychology 201. 0.25 course credit unit. May be repeated for a total of one course credit unit.
PSY 201 Research Methods in Psychology
Study of the basic research techniques used in the scientific study of psychological processes. Extensive laboratory work includes application of inferential statistics to psychological data. Comparison of the strengths and weakness of various experimental, quasi-experimental, and qualitative research designs, with attention to ethical and theoretical issues as well as methodological ones. Involves completing a review of the literature in a defined area of psychology culminating with a detailed research proposal. Ensures that all students can adhere to standards outlined in The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. PREQ: Psychology 101 and Psychology 120 or Social Science 120 or Mathematics 120 or equivalent. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover, Full Writing Competency, Advanced Writing Competency, Quantitative Competency (pre-Fall 2019), and Quantitative Competency (Fall 2019 & after). (Each fall and spring)
PSY 215 Behavioral Neuroscience
An introduction to the study of the physiological, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience with an emphasis on the relationship between the brain and behavior. Topics covered include the structure and function of the neuron, basic neuroanatomy, wakefulness and sleep, learning and memory, psychological disorders, emotional behavior, and reproductive behavior in humans and animals. PREQ: Psychology 101. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover or Non-Lab Science Breadth/Discover. (Each fall or spring).
PSY 220 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
An examination of some of the problems studied by psychologists in the fields of information-processing, perception, and cognition together with representative theories and methods proposed for their solution. Includes lab work with Logo programming or robotics. This course is cross-listed as Cognitive Science 120. PREQ: Psychology 101. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Each fall or spring)
PSY 222 Environmental Psychology
An examination of the relationship between humans and built, natural and virtual environments. The course explores topics such as environmental health and justice, planning and design, personal space, noise, crowding, and pro-environmental behavior. Students will have an opportunity to apply environmental psychology in community settings through needs assessment, research, and intervention. PREQ: Psychology 101. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. Cross-listed with Social Justice and Community Engagement 203. (Every other year)
PSY 225 Research Practicum
Supervised research study in psychology using analytical and behavioral science research techniques. PREQ: Psychology 101 and Psychology 201. 0.25 course credit unit. May be repeated for a total of one course credit unit.
PSY 235 Psychology of Gender
Surveys the field of gender psychology, considering the views of experts in the field. Course explores gender differences and possible etiology of these differences; gender identity development and sexual orientation; communication styles; gender and violence; and gender issues in physical and mental health. PREQ: Psychology 101. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Every other year)
PSY 240 Social Psychology
An examination of scientific theory and research concerning how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals are affected by other individuals or by the group. The course investigates such topics as attraction, persuasion, and attitudes. PREQ: Psychology 101. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Typically each spring)
PSY 250 Topics in Psychology
A study of selected topics offered on an occasional basis. PREQ: Psychology 101. May be repeated when topic varies.
PSY 255 Health Psychology
An exploration of the relationship between psychological factors and physical health. Specific topics include stress and coping, seeking medical treatment, patient-practitioner interaction, adherence to medical advice, and health disparities. Students will have an opportunity to apply health psychology in community settings through needs assessment, research, and intervention. PREQ: Psychology 101. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Typically each fall)
PSY 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Freshman January term or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
PSY 265 Human Sexuality
An examination of biological, psychological, and social aspects of sexuality. Includes: methodologies to study human sexuality; sex-related anatomy and physiology; sex, gender and transgender; attraction, arousal and response; sexual behavior; sexual orientation; sexuality across the lifespan; sexual relationships; fertility, pregnancy and childbirth; contraception and abortion; sexually transmitted infections; atypical sexuality; sexual disorders; sexual assault, harassment and intimate partner violence; pornography, prostitution, exotic dancing and sex trafficking. PREQ: Psychology 101. Requirements met: Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality and either Social Sciences Breadth/Discover or Non-Lab Science Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
PSY 281 Psychopathology
This class focuses on learning diagnostic criteria for use in psychology and related helping fields, although anyone with an interest in abnormal psychology is encouraged to enroll. The course will consider the possible definitions of forensic assessment, ahistorical ways of thinking about mental illness, up to and including our present standards as defined in the DSM-5. The course will cover diagnostic criteria, prevalence, cultural and special population considerations, and how disorders are portrayed in the media. PREQ: Psychology 101. Formerly PSY 320. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Typically each spring)
PSY 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to psychology, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
PSY 296 Life Span Psychology
This course will examine human development from the prenatal period through old age. Topics covered will include development of thought, perception, language, parent-child relationships, peer relationships, aggression, morality, identity, and the developmental contexts of family, school, and culture. The course will be primarily conducted as lecture and discussion, with some videos and activities. PREQ: Psychology 101. Formerly PSY 345. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Each fall or spring)
PSY 314 Psychopharmacology
A study of how drugs enter and travel through the body, the various actions of psychoactive drugs on the brain, and the many types of behavioral and physiological effects brought about by the actions of drugs in the brain and body. We will study the major classes of drugs including psychotropic medications and drugs of addiction. PREQ: Psychology 215. Formerly PSY 214. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover or Non-Lab Science Breadth/Discover. (Offered occasionally)
PSY 315 Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience
An in-depth study of selected fields within behavioral neuroscience including experience-dependent synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, addiction, emotions, and aging. Neuroanatomy and the neural mechanism of behavior in animals are investigated through laboratory demonstrations and student-conducted experiments PREQ: Psychology 201 and 215 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Science Breadth/Discover. (Typically each fall)
PSY 325 Research Practicum
Supervised research study in psychology using analytical and behavioral science research techniques. PREQ: Psychology 101 and Psychology 201. 0.25 course credit unit. May be repeated for a total of one course credit unit.
PSY 340 Cultural Psychology
An exploration of the ways in which different cultures lead people to vary in basic psychological processes. The course will particularly focus on collectivism and individualism. Topics include language development, moral reasoning, mental health, self-concept, and parenting styles. PREQ: Psychology 101 and Psychology 201. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Global Diversity. (Typically each spring)
PSY 341 Interpersonal Relationships
This course will consist of an overview of relevant research pertaining to interpersonal relationships with a particular emphasis on intimate relationships. Topics include initial attraction, love, interdependence, commitment, communication, and relationship deterioration/maintenance. The course is structured to familiarize students with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings within the study of interpersonal relationships. In addition, the course gives students the opportunity to think critically about relationships in their own lives. PREQ: Psychology 101 and Psychology 201. (Spring, alternate years)
PSY 350/450 Advanced Topics in Psychology
A proseminar on contemporary issues relevant to psychology offered on an occasional basis. Open to juniors and seniors by instructor permission. PREQ: Psychology 101 and Psychology 201 and Junior or Senior Standing. May be repeated when topic varies.
PSY 355 Learning, Memory, and Cognition
Investigation of fundamental principles of learning and conditioning including animal cognition, the application of conditioning to clinical and classroom settings, and the human cognitive processes of knowledge acquisition, categorization, memory, problem-solving, and reasoning. Extensive laboratory exercises involve hands-on exploration of classic experiments in cognitive psychology, the application of cognition, and the observation of cognition and learning. PREQ: Psychology 101 and either Psychology 201 or Education 225, and at least Junior standing. Formerly called Conditioning and Cognitive Processes. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Each fall or spring)
PSY 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
PSY 375 Psychology and Law
The course examines how psychology can inform the application of justice. The trial process is thoroughly explored, comparing the law’s informal theories of human behavior to what psychologists know based on theory and research. The application of psychological research and theory to various controversial courtroom issues is discussed. These issues include eyewitness identification and testimony, witness interrogations and confessions, use of the polygraph as a lie-detector test, child witnesses in sexual abuse cases, the death penalty, and the role of psychologists in jury selection and the trial process. PREQ: Psychology 101 and Psychology 201 or instructor permission. Formerly Psychology 275. (Every other year alternating with 270 Introduction to Forensic Psychology)
PSY 381 Psychotherapy and Assessment
This course guides students through the clinical responsibilities of mental health practitioners. Students interested in counseling/clinical psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, school counseling, educational psychology, or medicine will especially benefit from this class. The major focus of this course is the varied models and modalities of psychotherapy. The secondary focus is the clinical assessment methods clinicians use to diagnose, treat, and track outcomes in their clients. PREQ: Psychology 201 and 281. (Each fall or spring)
PSY 382 Foundations of Clinical Practice
This course is designed to give students a deeper understanding of how clinical practice in mental health is delivered. The course will focus on therapeutic microskills (e.g., understanding non-verbal behavior, how to ask effective questions) and targeted interventions (e.g., anxiety management, assertiveness) via readings, demonstrations, role plays, and reflective processing. The class will also emphasize ethical practice and self-care in this challenging field. The course will help students determine if mental health services is a career path for them, and what is learned will be of service in a number of human service professions (e.g., medicine, teaching, care management). Those students who want to take the clinical psychology practicum capstone course need to take this course as a prerequisite. PREQ: Psychology 201 and 282. (Each fall or spring)
PSY 394/494 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to psychology suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Offered for variable course credit from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
PSY 397/497 Psychology of Aging
The research literature on the psychology of aging continues to expand rapidly, reflecting both the rising interest of the scientific community and the needs of the rapidly expanding older population. This seminar is an intense examination of aging from a psychological perspective. Topics will include neurological changes associated with aging, psychosocial factors affecting the rate of aging and optimal aging, learning and memory changes due to aging, personality and aging, and psychological diseases of aging. Beyond the effects of aging themselves, social, cultural, and mental health issues relevant to elderly populations will also be examined. PREQ: Grade of C or higher in Psychology 201. Requirements met: Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Typically spring, alternate years)
PSY 410 Stigma and Prejudice
A critical examination of a social psychological perspective of stigma (stigma being ways in which people experience others’ prejudice toward themselves). We investigate stigma based upon ethnicity, gender, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other characteristics. We also investigate historical changes in the conceptualizations of stigma and prejudice. PREQ: Psychology 101, Psychology 201, and Psychology 240 (or instructor permission to bypass Psychology 240). Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Typically each fall)
PSY 414 Understanding and Treating Addiction
The course examines the physiological, neurological and psychological underpinnings of drug addiction (including alcohol) and compulsive gambling. PREQ: Psychology 201 and Psychology 214 or Psychology 215 or instructor permission. (Fall terms only).
PSY 416 Neuroscience of Learning and Memory
Students interested in the neurosciences with a special interest in behavior are the intended audience for this course. We will cover up-to-date information of the neuroscience behind learning and memory using multiple levels of analysis from cellular to behavioral neuroscience. We will focus on the many types of memory, the multiple brain regions related to learning & memory, and applications of the scientific study of learning and memory to aging, drug addiction, neurodegenerative diseases, and models for memory enhancement. PREQ: Psychology 201 and 215 or instructor permission. (Fall, even years)
PSY 425 Research Practicum
Supervised research study in psychology using analytical and behavioral science research techniques. PREQ: Psychology 101 and Psychology 201. 0.25 course credit units. May be repeated for a total of one course credit unit.
PSY 451 Clinical Neuroscience
Students with a special interest in cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, neurology, or general medicine are the intended audience for this course. The main goal is to correlate neuroanatomic structures with clinically relevant information. Case presentations provide the framework for all communications about patient care. Actual clinical cases are used as both a teaching instrument and the motivating force to encourage each student to delve into further study of normal neuroanatomy and function. Special attention will be devoted to new treatments thanks to recent advances in neuroscience in a wide variety of clinical populations. Behavioral and brain alterations due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or degenerative diseases will be at the core of many of the clinical cases that we will examine during the semester. This course will require substantial time outside of class to review appropriate materials concerning each case covered. PREQ: Psychology 201 and 215, or instructor permission. (Each fall or spring)
PSY 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular psychology course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
PSY 490 Independent Study
Student-driven independent work to produce a high-quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
PSY 491 Honors Thesis in Psychology
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
PSY 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
Student-driven independent study in a topic related to the major completed at an off-campus site. See Off-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
PSY 495 Senior Research Seminar
See program faculty for more information.
PSY 496 Parents, Peers, and Media Socialization
This course will consist of a broad overview of topics in social development, with a particular emphasis on how children and adolescents are socialized within our society and across cultures. The course is structured with four units: (1) Parent-child relationships, with a focus on how parents influence children as well as how children affect behaviors and practices of their parents. (2) Peer relationships, friendships, and interpersonal behavior. (3) Media, including the effects of watching television on aggression, academic achievement, and body image. (4) Romantic relationships, including such topics as maintaining romantic relationships and sexual behavior in young adulthood. PREQ: Grade of C or higher in Psychology 201.