Courses

PSY 111. INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3) (GEN. ED. #6 WITH PSY 112) (LER-NS WITH PSY 112)
An overview of the contemporary field of psychology. Topics include fundamental issues in psychology, physiological psychology, perception, principles of learning and cognition, theories of personality, and clinical, humanistic, developmental, and social psychologies. Emphasis on philosophical and methodological foundations of a scientific study of mind and behavior. Students intending to become psychology majors should register concurrently for PSY 112.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. McCabe, Grayman-Simpson, Wilterdink, Pederson.

PSY 112. INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: LABORATORY (1) (GEN. ED. #6 WITH PSY 111) (LER-NS WITH PSY 111)
Experiments and laboratory demonstrations illustrating topics covered in PSY 111. Intended either to be taken concurrently with PSY 111 or for students who have previously taken an introductory psychology course equivalent to PSY 111.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, LoPresto.

PSY 200. STATISTICAL METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY (4) (GEN. ED. #5) (LER-MR)
An introduction to and critical examination of statistical and quantitative methods as applied in psychology and related fields. Exploratory, descriptive, and inferential concepts, techniques, and applications are considered including frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, variability and correlation, parameter estimation, and hypthesis testing (binomial tests, t-tests, analyses of variance, chi square, and selected non-parametric approaches). Statistical packages such as SPSS for Windows will be introduced and used throughout the course. Three hours lecture/discussion, 1.5 hours laboratory. Prerequisite: PSY 111 and at least sophomore standing. Open to majors in other departments with permission of the instructor.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, Ghirardelli.

PSY 202. HUMAN LEARNING AND MEMORY (3)
Study of learning and memory phenomena, with an emphasis on those occurring in the everyday world. Topics include childhood memory, eyewitness testimony, and emotionality and memory. The implications that these phenomena have for underlying memory processes are discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Spring semester, McCabe.

PSY 203. HUMAN MOTIVATION (3)
Exploration of theory, research, and application in the field of human motivation. Includes a brief historical overview of some of the major theoretical traditions in the study of human motivation, leading to a focus on contemporary scholarship and application in a variety of domains, including education, sports/recreation, work/management, and health/well-being. Special attention will also be dedicated to an examination of the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic forms of motivation. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Spring semester, Patrick.

PSY 212. EXISTENTIAL AND HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY (4)
Major theories of existential and humanistic psychology are covered, including consideration of the work of May, Laing, Frankl, Fromm, Rogers, and Maslow. Themes of human freedom, love, peak experiences, and optimal development will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Fall semester, Patrick.

PSY 219. CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY (3) (LER-DIV)
Cultural Psychology is a subfield within the areas of Social Psychology and Cultural Anthropology. It involves the study of the interconnections between and among intergenerationally transmitted behaviors, meanings, and symbols, and psychological processes such as cognition, affect, personality structure, and behavior. This course is an introduction to the field. Topics include elements of "deep culture" and cultural relativity, approaches to scientific research within Cultural Psychology, and knowledge of self and others as cultural beings. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Fall semester, Grayman-Simpson.

PSY 220. PERSONALITY THEORY (4)
Examination and appraisal of several theorists and theories from among the following: Freud, Horney, Jung, and others. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. McKim.

PSY 221. INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Theories of counseling. Various approaches such as non-directive, marital, and family counseling (such as establishing rapport and interviewing techniques) are discussed and demonstrated through the use of videotapes and class discussions. Prerequisite: PSY 212 or 220.
Fall semester, Department.

PSY 226. RELATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (4) (GEN. ED. #10)
Moving away from a framework of psychological research, theory, and evaluation that unduly values objectivity, independence, and personal achievement, students explore collaboratively the ramifications of a psychology that places human relationship, connection, community, and care at the center of psychological health and development, where mutual empowerment and empathy, rather than separation from others, are the goals. This feminist, antiracist, and critical psychology recognizes the powerful impact of the sociocultural context in impeding mutuality, and provides an interpretive framework for understanding and reshaping culture, lives, and theory. Specific topics vary from year to year, but include the following: the works of Carol Gilligan, the relational psychology of Jean Baker Miller and the Stone Center, the psychology of gender (e.g., girls' development, the construction of masculinity), the psychology of oppression, and relational classrooms and environments. Prerequisite: PSY 111 or sophomore standing.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, Pringle.

PSY 227. PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN (3)
Examination of sociocultural and biological influences on the psychological development of women. Topics will include feminist scholarship and research; gender role socialization; women's health and well-being; sexuality; and close relationships and family dynamics. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Spring semester, Grayman-Simpson.

PSY 228. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (4)
This course is an introduction to the major principles, theories, research, and limitations of positive psychology. Positive psychology investigates human strengths and positive emotions that promote the enhancement of life on an individual and group level. Major topics include low, optimism, stress and coping, social support, spiritual support, feng shui, self-help, and prosocial behavior. There is an international perspective provided throughout the course. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Fall semester, McKim.

PSY 230. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
Study of how the thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and motivations of individuals dynamically interact with the social context that surrounds them. Topics include close relationships, aggression, conformity and obedience, social cognition, group dynamics, stereotypes and prejudice, and the impact of gender roles and cultural ideology on the development of the social self. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, Patrick and McKim.

PSY 231. PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL RESEARCH IN MONTEVERDE COSTA RICA (4)
This course will survey topics such as: conservation psychology, the psychology of sustainability, cognitive responses to natural settings, cross cultural research, and the effects of tourism on communities. Readings concern these topics, as well as basic quantitative research methods. Students will use their knowledge from the course to work collaboratively to design and conduct a research project on a psychological or social topic in Monteverde Costa Rica. Prerequisite: PSY 111 or Social Science course or permission of instructor.
Spring semester, Mills.

PSY 233. SENSATION AND PERCEPTION (3)
This course is a survey of current theory and research in perception. The primary goal is for students to gain an understanding of how people obtain reliable and useful information about the environment around them through their senses. Exploring several perceptual systems, including vision, audition, touch and pain, and smell and taste, we will cover topics such as the physiological structure of sensory systems, psychophysics, attention, sensory integration, and comparative perception. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Fall semester, Ghirardelli.

PSY 235. COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Examination of the current theories and research concerning structure and process of mind. Topics include attention, memory, levels of information processing, categorization, problem solving, and language structure. Prerequisites: PSY 111 or COG 110.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, McCabe.

PSY 237. PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Investigates physiological and neurological basis of behavior; considers receptor, central, and effector structures; the organization of behavior as it relates to action of the nervous system. Focus is placed on biological contributions to mental and neurological disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Spring semester, Seltzer.

PSY 239. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY (4)
An introduction to the ways in which the mind, body, and behavior interact in health and disease. Topics include health behaviors and behavior change, coping with illness/disability, self-management approaches to physical illness, the impact of stress and coping on disease and on immune function, and the relationship between psychopathology and physical health. Treatment and prevention efforts will be considered. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Spring semester, Friedman-Wheeler.

PSY 242. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY (3)
A study of ways that psychology is applied to a wide variety of problems and settings. Applications are surveyed from selected areas, such as community, clinical, health, industrial, educational, legal, and sports. In addition, selected applications are explored in greater depth to derive general methods for determining how to help people learn more, be more productive, and be more satisfied. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Variable, Department.

PSY 244. LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
A lifespan approach tracing human development from conception through the life cycle until death. Important theoretical contributors are highlighted, including Freud, Erikson, Bowlby. Piaget, Chomsky, Kohlberg, and Kubler-Ross. Topics will include prenatal development, language acquisition, the formation of emotional bonds in relationships, personality and identity development, changes in family and work roles, and the experience of facing one's mortality. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, Choe.

PSY 245 - PSYCHOLOGY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS (3) (ES 245) (GEN. ED. #11)
This course outlines current environmental problems and their historical bases. The course then explores how different psychological perspectives view the relationship between individuals and the environment, as well as reviews psychological research related to environmental sustainability. Guidance for improving environmental sustainability based on the different psychological perspectives are examined. A major goal of this course is for students to develop an understanding of how psychology can contribute to promoting sustainability of the environment. Prerequisite: ES 140, PSC 140, or PSY 111.
Spring semester. Mills. 

PSY 251. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT (3)
An introduction to the theory and practice of psychological assessment including a variety of intelligence and personality instruments for use with children and adults. Acquaintance with the construction and administration of tests. Emphasis upon practical experience in the administration and interpretation of the instruments. Advantages, shortcomings, and abuses of psychometrics are explored. Prerequisites: PSY 111/112 and 200.
Spring semester, Pederson.

PSY 252. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY (4)

This course will address the overall process of psychological research from the development of a research question to the presentation of research results. Topics to be covered include the role of theory in the scientific method, research design, various collection techniques and analytic strategies for quantitative empirical data, and ethical considerations. Students will develop skills in scientific writing (APA style) and critically reading and reviewing the literature. The course will require statistical analysis of research data and interpretation of the results. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: PSY 111 and 200.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, Friedman-Wheeler and Choe.

PSY 255. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY (4) (GEN. ED #7)
An introduction to qualitative empirical methods and their application to selected problems of psychology, providing an introduction to issues of qualitative research design, analysis, and report writing. Central topics include narrative approaches, biography, phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, and case study. These topics are introduced and developed in the context of student-generated, collaborative research projects of significance to researchers and participants and will involve field observations, open interviews, emergent design, and a variety of approaches to data analysis and interpretation. Ethical considerations are emphasized throughout. Three hours lecture/discussion; three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: PSY 111 and 200.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, Pringle and Grayman-Simpson.

PSY 271. PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND DISORDER (4)
This course presents different approaches to understanding and conceptualizing psychological distress and disorder. The major psychological disorders will be examined in cultural context. Different theoretical perspectives will be considered, as well as the ways in which psychological disorders have been and are currently treated. Prerequisite: PSY 111.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, Friedman-Wheeler.

PSY 272G. INTERNATIONAL SERVICE-LEARNING IN BARBADOS (3) (COM 272G) (LER-SA)
PSY/COM 272G is an international service-learning course that takes place in the nation of Barbados. Students either intern with Black Rock Psychiatric Hospital or the Media Campaign Watch with the Center for Gender Studies at the University of West Indies-Cave Hill, while simultaneously engaging in content-driven didactic seminars, structured critical reflection, guest lectures, and cultural excursions. Prerequisite: rising senior or junior status preferred.
Winter, first offered 2012, Burton and Grayman-Simpson

PSY 290. INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY (VARIABLE)
Placements available in clinical, school, business, and research settings. Students work under supervision of professionals in the field. Prerequisites: four courses in psychology and permission of the instructor. Graded pass/no pass only.
Department.

PSY 295. INDEPENDENT WORK (1-4)
Special fields of study within psychology pursued independently under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: PSY 111; sophomore standing; and permission of the instructor.
Department.

PSY 298. DIRECTED RESEARCH (1-4)
This course is designed for students to gain valuable research experience and skills by working in the research lab of a faculty member to assist him/her at a basic level in the planning and/or execution of an empirical research project. Graded pass/no pass only. Prerequisite: PSY 111 and permission of instructor.
Department.

PSY 306. RESEARCH SEMINAR IN THE PSYCHOLOGY OF NARRATIVE AND MEANING (4)
Narrative psychology uses the "storied" nature of human understanding as an integrating paradigm. This course considers the history, methods, and practicality of this perspective in the context of autobiography; identity; encounters and perceptions of self and others; and traumatic disruptions and recovery of self and community. Students use qualitative and literary/narrative methods to explore lived experience and the meanings they hold. Collaborative classroom engagement, including improvisational community-theatre work and storytelling/listening, are required. A qualitative research project and a 30-hour, community based learning experience are required. Prerequisites: PSY 255 and junior or senior standing, or permission of the instructor.
Spring semester, Pringle.

PSY 315. SEMINAR IN EXISTENTIAL AND HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY  (4)
Advanced exploration of a selected topic in the study of human motivation. Topics will be selected from the following: self-determination theory; cognitive dissonance theory; the autonomy relatedness dialectic; motivation in education; sports/recreation motivation; the promotion of health-related behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 212, and either PSY 252 or PSY 255; or permission of instructor.
Spring semester, Patrick.

PSY 316. SEMINAR IN HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Considerations of the antecedents and emergence of modern psychological theory, practice, and application. Particular themes and issues will include selected philosophical, scientific, and sociopolitical-historical influences; the early psychological "schools" and systems of thought; and the more contemporary, competing frameworks of cognitive psychology, social-humanistic psychology, and postmodernist approaches. This course will be conducted in seminar format and will require high-level classroom engagement, oral participation, and writing. Prerequisites: PSY 252 or 255, completion of psychology cluster courses, and senior standing; or permission of instructor.
Variable, Department.

PSY 328. RESEARCH SEMINAR IN RELATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
A collaborative exploration of the social and psychological construction of "race" and "gender" in America and how they shape our lives, relationships, and communities, as well as how we might imagine and effect positive change. Relational and cultural theory will guide our encounters across race, gender, and other socially constructed political realities. Classes will be pedagogically complex, with shared responsibilities for respectfully discussing, brainstorming, problem-solving, and imagining our ways forward, using improvisational theatre, memoir, storytelling/listening/interpreting, case study, biography, phenomenology, and action research to mine knowledge, raise consciousness, and chart imaginative, collaborative interventions with positive outcomes. Prerequisites: PSY 226 and 255, or permission of instructor.
Spring semester, Pringle.

PSY 329. SELF-DIRECTED PROJECTS IN PSYCHOLOGY (4)
This course provides the opportunity for students to consult with each other toward identifying topics of individual interest in psychology and developing those interests into more fully developed projects and proposals. Students will review relevant literature and work with their instructor, a faculty project mentor, and their classmates to clarify and refine their interests into a well-defined topic of inquiry before moving toward the generation of a proposal for empirical research, program development, and/or an intervention project. Alternatively, some students may enter the class with a previously developed project proposal and will use the class as an opportunity to work toward implementation of their project. Counts as a 300-level course in psychology, but not as a seminar. Prerequisite: Junior standing and at least 5 courses in psychology; or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, McKim and Patrick.

PSY 340. SEMINAR IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
In-depth study of a selected topic in developmental psychology. Topic may be a particular stage of life (e.g., infancy, childhood, old age) or a current research issue (e.g., maternal employment, day care, friendship development, moral development). For each topic, attention is given to theoretical underpinnings, methodological issues, assessment of current knowledge, and directions for future investigations. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 244 and 252 or 255, or permission of instructor.
Fall semester, Choe.

PSY 345. SEMINAR IN EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
This seminar serves as an introduction to the experimental study of selected topics in perception and attention through a detailed examination of one or more selected topic(s). Topics are selected from among attention, sensory integration, comparative perception or other related topics. We will approach these topics in the context of the scientific method, research design, data collection techniques, and analytic strategies. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 233 and 252 or 255, or permission of instructor.
Spring semester, Ghirardelli.

PSY 350. SEMINAR IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (4)
The purpose of this course is to investigate key areas of positive psychology. The concepts include optimism, flow, resilience, feng shui, and stress and coping presented in an integrative format. An international perspective is incorporated. There is a strong applied as well as theoretical basis employed throughout the course. Prerequisites: PSY 228 and 252 or 255, or permission of the instructor.
Spring semester, McKim.

PSY 370. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY SEMINAR (4)
Selected topics in social psychology with emphasis on current research. Topics are selected from intrinsic motivation, group behavior, attitudes, and social influence. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 230, and 252 or 255, or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester, Patrick.

PSY 376. SEMINAR IN COGNITIVE STUDIES (3) (COG 376)
This seminar focuses on some aspect of thought, language memory, perception consciousness, psychopharmacology, or action considered from the perspective of cognitive psychology and at least one other discipline (linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience, computer science). May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 202 or 235 or 237 (depending on topic), and PSY 252 or 255, or permission of the instructor.
Spring semester, Seltzer.

PSY 379. SEMINAR IN CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
This seminar is an in-depth exploration into the constructions and reconstructions of Whiteness within the U.S., and their psychological consequences for various U.S. social groups including racial, class, and gender groups. This is an interdisciplinary study, and includes reading in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Autobiography, and Legal Studies. Critical reflection, group discussion, student-centered seminar leadership, and reflective writing are integral to this seminar. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Prerequisites: PSY 219 or 226 or 230, and 252 or 255, or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester, Grayman- Simpson.

PSY 380. SEMINAR IN COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3)
A detailed examination of one or more selected topic(s) in cognitive psychology. Emphasis on critical evaluation of assumptions and methodologies for scientific study of the mind. Topics are selected from representation of knowledge, problem solving, psycholinguistics, reading, language comprehension, and case studies in cognitive processes. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 202 or 235, and 252 or 255, or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester, McCabe.

PSY 386. SEMINAR IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
In-depth examination of selected topics in clinical child psychology and/or advanced clinical psychology. Topics include a discussion of theoretical and social issues in the prevention and treatment of psychological disorders. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: PSY 271 and 252 or 255, or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester, McKim and Friedman-Wheeler.

PSY 390. ADVANCED FIELD WORK IN PSYCHOLOGY (3-4)
Prerequisites: PSY 290 and junior standing. Graded pass/no pass only. Does not fulfill the 300-level course requirement in psychology.
Department.

PSY 392. SENIOR COLLOQUIUM (1)
Speakers from on and off campus will provide different perspectives on psychological topics and issues at departmental colloquia. Student discussion and evaluation of the presentations will be facilitated by the department faculty members in order to aid students' integration of the different perspectives. Prerequisite: PSY 252 or 255.
Variable, Department.

PSY 398. ADVANCED DIRECTED RESEARCH (1-4)
Planning and executing an empirical research project at an advanced level under the supervision of a faculty member. Counts as a 300-level course in psychology, but not as a seminar. Prerequisite: 5 courses in psychology, including PSY 252 or PSY 255; junior or senior standing; and permission of instructor.
Department.

PSY 450. SENIOR THESIS (4/4)
Fall and spring semesters, Department.