PSY-110 Life Span Development (4 credits)
The student examines human development and learning for the entire life span with emphasis on major theories and current research. They are expected to identify and analyze behavioral of human subjects representing the life stages. The student is expected to acquire problem-solving techniques and skills in theory evaluation and comparison, in identification and evaluation of contemporary and global aspects of development, and in communication.
PSY-210H Life Span Development (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to give you a solid foundational understanding of the nature of human psychological development. The course is not about the details of "what happens at what age?". Instead the course will focus on the place of development in the larger field of psychology and on the "big picture" issues: adaptation, learning, evolution, socialization and identity development, and so on at the various stages of life. The course will cover the entire lifespan; this is not just a course in child development, though, of course, much of the focus will be on the childhood years. Course open to Prerequisite DEMSN students only.
PSY-250 Abnormal Psychology (4 credits)
The student studies the major theories, classification, significant research, and methods of treatment related to abnormal behavior. They have the opportunity to improve their communication skills, social-interaction ability, and understanding of contemporary issues in mental health. The student analyzes current issues in the context of mental health from a cross-cultural perspective.
Prerequisite(s): PSY-110
PSY-250H Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
The primary objective of this course is to develop an understanding of observed human behavior. "Normal" and "abnormal" behaviors are reviewed through historical and cross-cultural perspectives, culminating in the classification system outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the categorization adopted by most mental health professionals. Psycho-diagnostic methods and treatment approaches are examined within the course. These perspectives become the basis for addressing current social issues in mental health, such as involuntary commitment, group home alternatives for care, client therapist confidentiality, and other pertinent topics. Course open to Prerequisite DEMSN students only.
PSY-301 Analytic Reading in Psychology (4 credits)
Students will learn to enter the academic discourse in psychology by reading scholarly journal articles related to central theories and/or issues in the discipline. They will weigh evidence from a variety of viewpoints and draw conclusions about the strength of the evidence as well as limitations of the theoretical frameworks. They will learn how researchers in psychology frame arguments, and practice using those techniques to conduct their own analyses of evidence on significant psychological theories.
PSY-302 Classic & Contemporary Psychology Theory (4 credits)
The student reviews major topic areas of psychological research, tracing the development of arguments from original formulations to modern applications. The course covers major content area recognized by the American Psychological Association as crucial core knowledge, including cognitive, developmental, social/cultural, and physiological psychology.
Prerequisite(s): For PSY Majors only. CM-225 & BSC-255 & BSC-256 completed.
PSY-321A Neuroscience of Addiction (2 credits)
Students will deepen their understanding of addiction by applying our understanding of brain mechanisms. Students will learn the methods used by neuroscientists to understand the brain and how to relate that understanding to behaviors. They will learn to apply this knowledge to theories of addiction which will include how addictions develop, as well as the complexity of treatment and recovery.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-321B Gender & Neuroscience (2 credits)
Students will deepen their understanding of how neuroscience can challenge our stereotypes of gender. Students will learn to use research findings in the field of neuroscience to question popular views of gender. We will also discuss the limitations of the methods used by neuroscientists to create images of brain activity to explain human behaviors.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-321C Neuroscience of Concussion (2 credits)
Students will deepen their understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying concussions. Students will learn the different methods used by neuroscientists to study conditions that lead to a loss of consciousness and disruption of behavioral and cognitive function. In this course, students will also learn about neuroplasticity and how research in this field is used to help people recover loss of function.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-321D Neuroscience of Memory (2 credits)
Students will deepen their understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying memory. Students will learn the different techniques used by neuroscientists to study how the brain encodes, retains, and forgets information. Students will use appropriate evidence from brain research to support theories of how memories occur in the brain.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-323A Conspiracy Theories (2 credits)
This course focuses on the question "Why do people believe conspiracy theories?" We will take care to consider scholarly empirical and theoretical perspectives and to challenge assumptions about why people hold extreme beliefs.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-323B The Adaptive Unconscious (2 credits)
Why do people typically not know themselves very well? This course focuses on the challenges to self-knowledge and the limitations of self-report, introspection, and self narratives. We will consider the role of the adaptive unconscious in our personality, motivation, judgement and behavior.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-323C Human Language (2 credits)
What is a word? How many words are there in English? When does a baby speak its first word? What is the longest word in the world? What is the correct way to pronounce "lingerie"? Do you really have to not split your infinitives? What's the literal translation of this sentence into Chinese? These all seem like simple questions with factual answers, but that's far from the case. In this course, we will look into the mysteries of words, how they are built from parts (morphology) that have sounds (phonetics and phonology) and meanings (semantics), how they go together (syntax), how they are used socially (pragmatics), and more (how to learn a new language, how children pick up language, etc). Be prepared to see what you say every day in a completely new way.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-323D Cognitive Science of Literacy (2 credits)
Educational policy regarding literacy practices, especially reading, has been remarkably rife with political wrangling. However, the science has been remarkably consistent. This course traces the science of reading (and a little bit of writing) through decades of development, up through the present day. Open to all majors. 2 credits.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-324A Motivation and Persistence (2 credits)
When we think about how to achieve a goal, we often focus on building and sustaining motivation, and motivation can be important. But motivation alone will not get you to your goal. In this course we will look at goal pursuit in a broader context and think about how you can use psychological research to set up strategies and situations that will get you to where you want to be.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-324B Psychology & Law (2 credits)
Must be at least a junior. Students apply psychological theory to the understanding of aspects of the legal system. Topics include the reliability of eyewitness testimony, factors that affect jury decision making, law enforcement techniques such as interrogation, the clinical determination of insanity, race and the law, and myths associated with psychological profiling.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at a Junior standing (at least 45 cr)
PSY-325A Self-Awareness & Multicultural Competency (2 credits)
Self-awareness and active listening for multicultural competency: This course is designed for all majors and will focus on developing cultural competence in any profession by developing self-awareness, and understanding of intersectional frameworks, and communication skills. Students will develop their understanding of the counseling field's focus on valuing diversity and using strengths-based approaches when working with others. A primary focus of the course will be on self-awareness. Students will explore how being aware of our own identities and their own development makes us better prepared to appreciate others' experiences and perspectives. The course will use the Multicultural Competencies model developed and endorsed by Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, which posits that awareness of self is the foundation for more advanced skills, such as knowledge of others and knowledge of others makes us better able to work with others. Students will also develop active listening skills and communication styles focused on hearing and then making others feel heard that are transferable to any profession or personal context. This is a CAE sponsored course, and students must be CAE eligible, a member of the Doherty Scholar learning community, or have a specific academic or strong personal interest in the topic and approved by the instructor.
PSY-325B Intro to Counseling (2 credits)
A course designed to introduce the student to the general principles of psychological counseling and psychotherapy. In addition, examples of counseling approaches from the psychodynamic, behavior and learning, cognitive, humanistic, and current models are discussed. A brief introduction to group counseling, family therapy, and crisis intervention is also included.
Prerequisite(s): Must be a least a junior.
PSY-325C Child Psychopathology (2 credits)
A survey of a broad range of psychopathological disorders that can affect children and adolescents. Attention is given to description, assessment, theoretical and empirical explanations for and treatment of the disorders.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-325D Applied Behavior Modification (2 credits)
A focus on practical techniques derived from behavioral theory and research in learning. Emphasis on assessment, evaluation, and behavioral intervention planning in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-326A Forgiveness (2 credits)
Forgiveness is a choice. Beginning with the groundbreaking work of Wisconsin psychologist Robert Enright, this course explores what forgiveness is -- and isn't, what we know about the outcomes of practicing forgiveness and how we know it, what the process involves for those who choose to forgive, and how to avoid common pitfalls in approaching the topic of forgiveness. Complex thoughts and feelings welcome!
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-326B Environmental Psychology (2 credits)
Physical environments are not neutral. From the small scale (classroom setup) to the medium scale (buildings and neighborhoods) to the large scale (air, water, climate), physical environments affect our lives: socially, emotionally, cognitively, financially, and health-wise. But far from fatalistic resignation, this course will also open students' eyes to the ways that they can engage in modifying their environments, for their own and others' sakes.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-326C Music, Thought and Emotion (2 credits)
Students will apply psychological perspectives to questions about how we create and enjoy music. These will include questions about the sources of individual differences in musical preferences and of musical ability, questions about the role of music in community-building, and questions about how the elements of a musical piece affect us. Open to all majors.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-326D Psychology and Democracy (2 credits)
Effective participation in a modern democracy requires a considerable amount of counterintuitive thinking. In this course students will analyze the ways that normal human thought and emotion interfere with our ability to take common action to resolve the problems that we face. They will consider policies and systems that might be put into place to overcome that interference and promote effective action. Open to all majors.
Prerequisite(s): Must be at least a junior.
PSY-326E Happiness, Stress, Resilience (2 credits)
This course reviews the types of stressors people experience across the lifespan and the impact stress has on their overall physical, cognitive, psychological, and social well-being. It reviews aspects of happiness, what happiness means, and how it can be developed further as a coping mechanism to deal with life stressors. Building resilience, grit, and mental wellness will also be explored. The course ends with students developing a final plan to reduce stress, increase happiness, and build grit and resilience.
Prerequisite(s): Must be a least a junior.
PSY-340 Contemporary Topics in Psychology (4 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BSC-255 & BSC-256, Spring 2022: Course is part of a travel course and all students must register for the trip to Guatemala. Deposit of $1200 is due by 1/15/22. All travelers must be vaccinated. Class meets on 02/09/22, 03/09/22, and 04/07/22.
PSY-350 Experimental Psychology (4 credits)
The student learns to analyze scientific literature and psychological processes through systematic study of research investigations conducted and reported in psychology. They develop problem-solving skills through the vehicles of assigned laboratory study and a major laboratory or field investigation on a topic of their selection.
Prerequisite(s): For PSY majors only. PSY-301 and PSY-302 completed., CM-225 or 1-3 ICM., PSY-399 completed or concurrent.
PSY-397 Independent Study (1-3 credits)
To undertake this work in independent research or study, a student must demonstrate their ability to make a statement of their goals and of the procedural measures for achieving them with minmal faculty direction. Faculty consent is required for registration: the student needs to make arrangements with a faculty member to serve as mentor for the course before registering.
PSY-399 Formal Introduction to Advanced Work (0 credits)
The Advanced-Level Event marks a significant accomplishment for each student as they proceed into the work of their major department. When a department determines that a student is ready for advanced work within a discipline, the student is invited to participate in a ceremony that is both a celebration and an explanation of future requirements of the major and support areas. The student registers for this experience at a point determined by their major department: for most majors the registration is connected to the taking of a particular course. Students and faculty gather for an afternoon during Mid-semester Assessment Days. Following a general program, students meet in departmental sessions with their faculty to discuss advanced outcomes, department courses, advising procedures, and so on. Concurrent enrollment with 1st 300 level course in Major.
Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment with 1st 300 level course in Major.
PSY-441 Animal Behavior (4 credits)
Offered Spring Term in alternate years. The student investigates mechanisms underlying patterns of animal behavior and their ecological, physiological, and evolutionary basis. They identify differences and commonalities between the fields of comparative psychology, behavioral ecology, and neurophysiology in their approach to examining animal behavior. They focus on the selective value of various behaviors and uses behavioral models to describe and interpret behavior. The student designs, conducts, and evaluates behavioral experiments. They work extensively with the primary literature of animal behavior.
Prerequisite(s): 1 course from BI or PSY at 300 or 400 level
PSY-483 Advanced Internship Seminar (2 credits)
Based on their personal, academic, and professional goals and interests, the student does individual fieldwork at a job setting related to their major. An on-campus interdisciplinary seminar accompanies the internship, and helps them develop their professional abilities and effectively transfer classroom skills to the working world.
Prerequisite(s): For PSY Majors: to be taken concurrently with Internship placement. Departmental consent, confer with advisor. Preplacement workshop required. Contact Internship Office for details and preplacement.
PSY-491 Senior Seminar (2 credits)
The course focuses on the integration of psychological methods and theories. The student who has selected psychology as a major area of concentration, with faculty and peer assistance, chooses a major issue within psychology to investigate and discuss in ongoing seminar sessions. Their work culminates in a major class presentation and theoretical paper written in APA format.
Prerequisite(s): Psychology majors only. Must be in good standing or completion of General Permit Form. PSY-350 and one 300-level course (not 383) completed.
PSY-497 Independent Study (1-4 credits)
To undertake this work in independent research or study, a student must demonstrate their ability to make a statement of their goals and of the procedural measures for achieving them with minimal faculty direction. Entry to the course depends ultimately upon faculty consent to provide a mentor for the course.