Catalog 2024-2025

Psychology

Teaching Faculty

Professors Bonebright, Kennedy, Penner, Peszka, Templeton, and Zorwick (chair)
Assistant Professors Battle, Irons, Merrick, and Root

Description

Major in Psychology

10 courses distributed as follows:

Students with no background in psychology are encouraged to begin with PSYC 110 Introduction to Psychology.*
Students with background in psychology are encouraged to begin with PSYC 220 and/or PSYC 230.

4 required courses

  • PSYC 220 Brain and Behavior ***
  • PSYC 230 Social Psychology
  • PSYC 290 Statistics**
  • PSYC 295 Research Methods** *

1 elective course in each of the 5 core areas of psychology (5 total electives)

  •  Learning and Cognition
    • PSYC 319 Cognitive Psychology
    • PSYC 330 Learning
    • PSYC 352 Social Cognition
  • Biology and Behavior
    • PSYC 300 Comparative Animal Behavior (w/Lab)
    • PSYC 310 Social Neuroscience (w/Lab)
    • PSYC 335 Sensation and Perception
    • PSYC 360 Behavioral Neuroscience (w/Lab)
    • PSYC 363 Cognitive Neuroscience (w/Lab)
  • Social and Personality
    • PSYC 255 Stereotyping and Prejudice
    • PSYC 341 Psychology of Morality
    • PSYC 365 Emotions
    • PSYC 370 Personality
  • Applied and Helping Professions
    • PSYC 243 Counseling Theory & Practice
    • PSYC 251 Introduction to Clinical Psychology
    • PSYC 270 Community Psychology
    • PSYC 282 Sport Psychology
    • PSYC 314 Human Factors (w/Lab)
    • PSYC 340 Psychological Assessment
    • PSYC 350 Conservation and Human Behavior
    • PSYC 351 Health Psychology
    • PSYC 367 Psychology and Law
    • PSYC 385 Abnormal Psychology
    • PSYC 397 Theories of Psychotherapy
  • Intersectional Themes
    • PSYC 110 Introduction to Psychology
    • PSYC 185 Sleep & Dreaming
    • PSYC 210 Developmental Psychology
    • PSYC 260 Human Sexuality
    • PSYC 285 Cross Cultural Psychology
    • PSYC 355 Evolutionary Psychology
    • PSYC 490 Special Topics

1 Capstone course

  • PSYC 400 Psychology of Gender
  • PSYC 415 Psychology Practicum
  • PSYC 425 History and Systems
  • PSYC 480 Advanced Research
  • PSYC 497 Senior Seminar

 

  • At least 1 elective course must have a laboratory.
  • A minimum of 4 of the 10 courses must be at the 300-level or above.

*PSYC 110 Introduction to Psychology is limited to students who have completed fewer than 2 psychology courses at the 200 level.
**PSYC 290 Statistics is a prerequisite for PSYC 295 Research Methods.
***PSYC 295 Research Methods and/or PSYC 220 Brain & Behavior is a prerequisite for most laboratory courses in the department.

Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experience for the psychology major consists of successful completion of two parts: a Capstone course and the Major Field Test (MFT) in Psychology. The MFT in Psychology is a standardized exam offered by Educational Testing Services (ETS) that consists of multiple-choice items covering the major areas of psychology. It is intended as an assessment device for senior psychology majors which is taken during the final semester of the senior year. Students receive a course grade on their academic transcript for the Capstone course, and a letter grade based on their score on the Psychology MFT is displayed on their academic transcript as the Senior Capstone Experience grade.

 

Minor in Psychology

Requirements

Six courses in psychology, of which three must be at the 300-level or above.

 

Note(s):

PSYC 415 Psychology Practicum does not count toward the minor.

Program Course Listings

The courses for this program are organized into the following categories:

Required Courses

PSYC 220

Brain & Behavior

An introduction to the scientific study of the brain and how we use it to think about and behave in the world. Special focus will be placed on the physiological and biological mechanisms that underlie behavior, the evolution of the brain and behavior, and how the brain interacts with our environment to produce behavior. Topics may include evolution and genetics, the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems, emotion and motivation, consciousness and awareness, learning and memory, and social behavior.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
PSYC 230

Social Psychology

The influence of interpersonal processes on individual behavior. Methods of research, conformity, attribution, prosocial behavior, attitudes, impression management, environmental factors, and ethics in research. Small group research activities.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
PSYC 290

Statistics

Descriptive and inferential techniques for analyzing research data. Factorial analysis of variance, Chi square, nonparametrics, and experimental design. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher

Sophomore standing or higher
Quantitative Studies QS
PSYC 295

Research Methods (w/Lab)

Introduction to the procedures psychologists use to study behavior, cognition, and emotion. Students evaluate, design, conduct, and present research. With laboratory. Prerequisite: PSYC 290

PSYC 290
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Learning and Cognition Elective Courses

PSYC 319

Cognitive Psychology

Introduction to the concepts, theories, and methods of cognitive psychology, which is the study of the mind and mental processes. Topics include attention and consciousness, memory, language, cognitive development, and neurocognition. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher

Sophomore standing or higher
PSYC 330

Learning

The course uses a behavioral and experimental approach to examine basic forms of learning. Content covers both theory and experimental methodology, maintaining a critical eye toward empirical evidence to support theoretical interpretations. The basic principles of learning are described first, followed by examples of ways in which these principles have been applied. Prerequisite: one psychology course

one psychology course
PSYC 352

Social Cognition

This course provides an introduction to research in social cognition. Social cognition is the study of the cognitive underpinnings of social behavior and the ways in which we think about ourselves, other people, social groups, and our social worlds. Prerequisite: PSYC 230

PSYC 230
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Biology and Behavior Elective Courses

PSYC 300

Comparative Animal Behavior (w/Lab)

Study of the genetic, developmental, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary bases of behavior of animals, including humans. Particular emphasis is placed on how humans and other animals face various adaptive problems, like finding food, learning about their environment, avoiding predators, finding mates, caring for offspring, and getting along with others. In laboratory and classroom activities, students observe animal behavior in the laboratory and the field, design experiments, collect data, conduct statistical analyses, write scientific papers, and present their findings. Laboratory course. Cross-listed as BIOL 300. Prerequisite: BUSI 250 or MATH 215 or PSYC 290 or SOCI 210; PSYC 220 or BIOL 220

BUSI 250 or MATH 215 or PSYC 290 or SOCI 210; PSYC 220 or BIOL 220
PSYC 310

Social Neuroscience (w/Lab)

An introduction to the concepts, theories, and methods of social neuroscience, which makes use of biological and social approaches to understand the mechanisms that underlie social behavior. Topics vary but may include the interplay between physiology and social psychology on person perception, groups and identity, emotion and motivation, social interactions, and empathy. Laboratories include hands on experience with social neuroscience methods, such as electrocardiography, facial electromyography, and eye tracking. With Laboratory. Prerequisite: PSYC 220 or permission of the instructor

PSYC 220 or permission of the instructor
PSYC 335

Sensation and Perception

Examination of sensory systems and perceptual processing of external stimuli and their relation to psychological and behavioral processes. Particular emphasis is placed on the nature of the visual system, and comparisons are made to other special senses.

PSYC 360

Behavioral Neuroscience (w/Lab)

The anatomical, physiological, and chemical bases of normal and abnormal behavior are considered, followed by the close examination of specific areas in neuroscience such as motivation, feeding, consciousness, and learning. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: PSYC 220 or permission of the instructor

PSYC 220 or permission of the instructor
PSYC 363

Cognitive Neuroscience

This course will examine the neural mechanism underlying mental processes such as attention, memory, language, higher-level perception, awareness, decision-making, and action. Emphasis on the biological substrates of human cognition, and the relationship of mind to brain. With laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 220 or permission of the instructor Corequisite: PSYC 363L.

PSYC 220 or permission of the instructor Co PSYC 363L.
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Social and Personality Elective Courses

PSYC 255

Stereotyping & Prejudice

This course examines the psychological basis of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. It discusses the psychological processes at play for both those who hold stereotypes and prejudice and those who are the targets of prejudice and discrimination. It also discusses issues of stereotyping and prejudice in real world contexts, specifically focusing on race-based and gender-based stereotyping.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
PSYC 341

Psychology of Morality

This course explores the psychological theories and empirical research of human morality and prosocial behavior. It considers definitions of morality and discusses the roles of emotions, reason, and motivation on moral decision making and the roles of personal conscience and social influence on moral character.

PSYC 365

Emotions

Examination of the history of emotion research, as well as related topics such as psychological well-being, physical health, culture, and decision-making. Introduction to research methods in the field.

PSYC 370

Personality

An overview of the major theories of personality with special focus on contemporary personality theory and research.

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Applied and Helping Profession Elective Courses

PSYC 243

Counseling Theory & Practice

This course introduces students to theory, techniques, practice, and case application of helping skills used by mental health care professionals. The course provides students with the basic foundations of a toolkit needed to establish effective helping relations in the field of counseling psychology.

PSYC 251

Introduction to Clinical Psychology

This course is an overview of clinical psychology as a science and clinical profession. Topics include descriptions of how clinical psychologists are trained among the mental health professions and how they perform assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health problems within the broader context of the mental health treatment enterprise. The origins and history of the discipline are addressed along with the challenges and controversies of delivering mental health services in a rapidly changing health care environment.

PSYC 270

Community Psychology

This course examines the theory and application of community psychology through lecture and discussion as well as experiential learning. Students examine all aspects of the psychological health and well-being of the community and its members. Assignments focus on social issues (justice, sexuality, gender, religion, etc.), public health, cultural awareness, policy and its psychological impact.

PSYC 282

Sport Psychology

Students enrolled in this course explore the world of human performance from a psychological perspective. The course is an introduction to the fundamental foundations of sport psychology theory and practice, examining topics such as motivation, team dynamics, the anxiety-performance relationship, leadership, personality, and techniques for mental performance enhancement.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
PSYC 314

Human Factors (w/lab)

Human Factors provides an overview of the role of psychology in the design and evaluation of the systems and objects with which humans interact in their everyday lives. The course examines how knowledge of the psychological capabilities, limitations, and preferences of humans can and should be used in design and practical applications to increase the efficiency, usability, and desirability of systems and decrease human errors, accidents, and annoyance. An accompanying lab provides hands-on experience with human factors methods. Prerequisite: PSYC 295 or consent of instructor

PSYC 295 or consent of instructor
PSYC 340

Psychological Assessment

An introduction to the major psychological assessment techniques and the psychometric principles on which they are based. Topics include test construction, intelligence testing, and personality assessment; broader social issues related to psychological testing are also considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 295

PSYC 295
PSYC 350

Conservation & Human Behavior

The course explores the ways in which humans value, interact with, think about, and care for the natural environment, and how these connections can inform and motivate individual and collective change aimed at promoting the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, while also promoting human well-being and equitable conservation practice. It examines the unique contribution that social scientists make to conservation science, including how they work with individuals and communities to promote a more mutualistic and sustainable relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world. Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of one of the following Statistics courses: PSYC 290, SOCI 210, BUSI 250, or MATH 215

Junior standing and completion of one of the following Statistics courses: PSYC 290, SOCI 210, BUSI 250, or MATH 215
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
PSYC 351

Health Psychology

The course focuses on psychological approaches to health and disease. Using the biopsychosocial approach, topics include changing health habits, coping with stress, dealing with pain, and treating health problems. Prerequisite: one psychology course, Junior standing

one psychology course, Junior standing
PSYC 367

Psychology and Law

This course surveys research and theory in social justice and legal psychology. It addresses various controversies in the law, including jury selection, jury decision-making, police interrogations and confessions, use of lie-detector tests, eyewitness testimony, repressed and recovered memories, and the role of psychologists as expert witnesses. Prerequisite: PSYC 295 or consent of instructor

PSYC 295 or consent of instructor
PSYC 385

Abnormal Psychology

An overview of the main psychological disorders, focusing on the major scientific theories of their etiology and treatment. Prerequisite: one of the following courses: PSYC 320, PSYC 330, PSYC 360, or PSYC 370

one of the following courses: PSYC 320, PSYC 330, PSYC 360, or PSYC 370
PSYC 397

Theories of Psychotherapy

This course examines the major theories of psychotherapy, including cognitive, psychoanalytic, behavioral, existential-humanistic, family systems, eclectic approaches. The class also addresses topics such as the overall efficacy of psychotherapy, the body of research that compares the various therapies, and the methodological challenges that confront psychotherapy researches. Prerequisites: PSYC 385

PSYC 385
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Intersectional Themes Elective Courses

PSYC 110

Introduction to Psychology

An introduction to the scientific study of behavior and its underlying cognitive and biological processes. Students who have already taken two or more psychology courses at the 200-level or above are not allowed to take this course.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
PSYC 185

Sleep & Dreaming

This course covers basic psychological principles by applying them to the study of sleep and dreaming. Students will combine hands-on experiences (e.g., keeping a wake-sleep diary, observing a night in a sleep lab) with theoretical readings and discussion on topics such as, what is sleep, measurement of sleep, circadian rhythms, sleep hygiene, sleep disorders, sleep deprivation, and dream theories.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
PSYC 210

Developmental Psychology

Overview of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of humans throughout the lifespan.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
PSYC 260

Human Sexuality

A contemporary, cross-disciplinary examination of human sexuality and sexual behavior in an evolutionary, physiological, reproductive, social, and cultural context. Topics include but are not limited to mate choice, attraction and love, emotion, and parental care. Prerequisite: PSYC 220; Sophomore standing or higher

PSYC 220; Sophomore standing or higher
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
PSYC 285

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Students examine psychological theories and research from a cross-cultural perspective. Topics include cultural perspectives on cognition, emotion, motivation, development, social interaction, health psychology, and psychopathology, focusing on the ways cultural differences are expressed.

PSYC 355

Evolutionary Psychology

Examination of the evolutionary basis of human behavior, focusing on how natural selection has shaped the social, cognitive, developmental, and emotional processes of humans. Topics include mating strategies, altruism and cooperation, parental care and family relations, theory of mind, neuropsychology, and language. Prerequisites: PSYC 220

PSYC 220
PSYC 490

Psychology: Special Topics

An in-depth examination of major topics within the discipline. The content and format of this course vary according to the interests of students and faculty. Prerequisite: consent of instructor is recommended

consent of instructor is recommended
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Capstone Courses

PSYC 400

Psychology of Gender

Examination of the biological, social, and psychological differences and similarities of females and males, with a focus on the nature/nurture debate within the field. Prerequisites: PSYC 290 and PSYC 295 or consent of instructor; junior or senior standing

PSYC 290 and PSYC 295 or consent of instructor; junior or senior standing
Undergraduate Research UR
PSYC 415

Psychology Practicum

A service-learning course that enables students to obtain practical experience in education or services-oriented community organizational and institutions. Class meetings include discussions of students' work experiences and selected readings. Prerequisite: junior standing and consent by instructor

junior standing and consent by instructor
Professional and Leadership PL
PSYC 425

History and Systems

Historical roots of contemporary psychology, including the systematic positions of early psychologists. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing

junior or senior standing
PSYC 480

Topics: Advanced Research

A course designed to provide students with hands-on experience with an actual, ongoing research program. Students participate in the ongoing research program of an instructor and thus learn by doing. Instructor, and thus content, will rotate. Course may be repeated for multiple credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 295 and consent of instructor

PSYC 295 and consent of instructor
Undergraduate Research UR
PSYC 497

Senior Seminar Psychology

Discussions of current and classic controversies in psychology. Contemporary theoretical and research trends, critical assessment of readings, student-guided discussions, and independent analyses of major topics. Content changes annually as a function of faculty interests within the discipline. Prerequisite: PSYC 295

PSYC 295
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