Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and cognitive processes, with application to many human and animal concerns. Students with a liberal arts education should develop an understanding of themselves and others that allows them to function effectively in diverse situations, interpersonally and intellectually. The Psychology Department offers a strong curriculum aimed at providing students with a comprehensive conceptual base from a variety of perspectives. Emphasis is placed on critical reading and thinking, and understanding the historical and theoretical framework of psychology and the methodology used in research. Students majoring in psychology are afforded an opportunity to be involved in research as well as to participate in local educational and mental health agencies. Many psychology majors continue their education in graduate school, and the department actively participates in their preparation for this goal. Should a student choose not to attend graduate school, the study of psychology successfully prepares graduates for a variety of career options. The department sponsors two student organizations: Psi Chi, which is the international Psychology honor society and Psi Alpha Omega, which is open to all students who have an interest in the discipline.
The Psychology Department has identified specific learning outcomes for our students. After completing the requirements for a psychology major, students should be able to:
Successful completion of these learning outcomes will be assessed by various assignments in the required components of our psychology curriculum. Students seeking certification in teaching should consult with the department chair.
Study of both descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on their use in psychological research.
PSY111.
Study of human developmental processes from prenatal stages through later adulthood with an examination of the biological, psychological, social, and contextual factors influencing behavior across the lifespan.
PSY111.
PSY211 and junior standing.
PSY111.
PSY111.
PSY111.
This course is an in-depth survey of the major classic and contemporary psychological theories and research in learning. Emphasis will be given to classical and operant conditioning principles, which are the behavioral research standard in the field. Learning will be examined from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives.
PSY111.
PSY111.
This course will provide an over-view of classical and contemporary psychological research pertaining to women. It will explore biological and cultural similarities and differences within topics such as behavior, language, emotion, motivation, mental health, and development. The course will include a special focus on women of different ethnic backgrounds.
This course is an introductory level survey of the major classic and contemporary psychological theories and research in stereotypes and prejudice. We will address psychological issues of diversity, stereotypes, prejudice, and cultural difference with a primary focus on SES, age, appearance, class, ability, race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Correlational and experimental studies are the means through which researchers learn about these topics, so you can expect much of our course’s content to cover research studies’ applications to everyday situations.
PSY111 or PSY260
This course provides an overview of growth and development from conception through middle childhood. Opportunities are provided for observation in an early childhood center or participation in a service learning placement in a community organization or agency serving young children (5 hours). Special emphasis is placed on the cultural contexts of child development.
PSY111.
PSY111.
This course is designed to provide advanced psychology students with the opportunity to examine future career paths in and out of psychology. The course also designed to provide a foundation for professional and career development for entry level positions in human service fields as well as preparation for graduate school. We will work to accomplish these goals by lecture, guest speakers, and professional visits to outside facilities.
PSY111
Senior standing and PSY111 or 260.
The study of classification, assessment, and causes of psychological disorders, reviewing contemporary issues in the study and treatment of psychopathology.
PSY111.
The purpose of this course is to explore modern day slavery both in the United States and Abroad. It will examine topics such as trafficker characteristics, victim vulnerabilities, rehabilitation of victims, human trafficking policies and laws, product supply chain and fair trade, and modern abolition efforts.
Implementation of psychological research processes using topics chosen by individuals or small groups of students in consultation with the professor of the course. Tutorial teaching will replace classroom teaching for most of the semester. Research methods will involve computer and/or paper and pencil techniques.
Consent of instructor.
The focus of this course is the science of positive subjective experiences, positive traits, and positive institutions. This course will present psychological perspectives and research findings on topics such as happiness, life satisfaction, and optimism, as well as character strengths and virtues. The course will also encourage self-exploration of students’ own strengths and virtues and investigate empirically-based strategies for enhancing one’s life.
PSY111.
The application of psychological methods and principles to organizational settings. Topics to be covered include motivation, psychological testing, job satisfaction, training, leadership, employee selection, stress, and performance appraisal.
PSY111.
This course examines the concept of death and our psychological responses to death. This subject is explored across cultures and through history from many viewpoints. The class also has many outside speakers to address multiple views on death and dying.
PSY111.
one course in Psychology and permission of the instructor.
Application of psychological methods and principles to the legal system. Topics to be covered include eyewitness testimony, confessions, the insanity defense, polygraphs, jury selection, profiling, serial killers, and victims.
PSY111 or 260.
This course is designed to guide senior Psychology majors as they examine enduring issues in psychology from the earliest beginnings in the history of psychology to contemporary research and application. Class readings, assignments, and discussions will synthesize material from previous psychology course work and facilitate the development of each student’s conceptual framework to guide his/her career or graduate school decision-making. The class will culminate in the application of theoretical principles and empirical research findings to a senior paper where students will examine and take a position on a debatable issue within the field of psychology. The paper will be assessed by at least two psychology faculty (e.g., the professor of the course and a second departmental faculty member).
Senior standing, major in department, PSY311.
Study of the appraisal and assessment techniques used in clinical settings. Topics covered include effective interviewing strategies, test theory, test development, and administration of tests involving intelligence, achievement, adaptive functions, neuropsychology, clinical symptoms, personality, and vocation/ interest. Emphasis will be placed on ethical standards in interviewing and testing.
PSY111.
PSY355.
This course examines recent research in disorders of childhood and adolescence. The student will review diagnostic systems and contributing factors as well as identify effective evidence-based interventions.
PSY242, 240, or 340.
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of school psychology, from its influential place in the history of psychology to contemporary “best practices.” Readings and assignments will direct the student to examine the roles school psychologists play in the school system as a whole, including: individual assessment and intervention with young children; individual, class-wide and system-wide consultation for learning and behavioral issues; and program development in the areas of crisis prevention and intervention.
This course covers the influence of brain functioning on behavior from physiological, genetic, and evolutionary perspectives. The course will include current research and examine the impact of injury and disease/ disorder on human behavior.
PSY111 and BIO100 or BIO111.
This course will cover a range of issues involving animal consciousness, animal intelligence, and evolution of mind. We will look at what is known about intelligence in other animals, how intelligence is revealed in social and problem-solving behavior, and the ways in which animal cognitive abilities are adaptive.
Consent of professor.
Consent of instructor.
consent of the supervising instructor.
The study of special areas of psychology deemed of value to Psychology majors and minors.
PSY 111.
