Psychology
Courses
Introductory Courses
PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology (3 cr.)
Required for the major. Can be used for the minor. This course constitutes a series of lectured discussions designed to acquaint students with the major ideas in psychology. Prior knowledge of psychology is not expected. Topics include the history of psychology, sensation and perception, brain and behavior, learning and memory, intelligence, developmental, personality theories, social psychology, and psychopathology. Other topics may include altered states of consciousness, cognition, language, motivation, or emotions. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 1006: Survey of Psychological Research (1 cr.)
This lab course is required for the major. Bi-weekly laboratory sessions will highlight seminal research studies, theory, and methodology in psychology. Laboratory sessions will be comprised of group demonstrations, in addition to data collection and analysis exercises. Written lab reports will be required. Although not required, co-registration with PSY 1004 is strongly encouraged. Meets the requirement of a “W” writing course at Manhattanville College. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology (3 cr.)
Designed for students not majoring in psychology. Can be used for the minor. This lecture-based course will provide students with a general introduction to the main theories, methods, and findings in a variety of areas of psychology. The goal of this course is to provide a broad overview of psychology intended for the general student population, not for the psychology major. Topics include the history of psychology, sensation and perception, brain and behavior, learning and memory, intelligence, developmental, personality theories, social psychology, and psychopathology. Other topics may include altered states of consciousness, cognition, language, motivation, or emotions. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
Elective Courses by Area
Biopsychology Area
PSY 2004: Physiological Bases of Behavior (3 cr.)
This course surveys the current information on brain-behavior relationships. Emphasis is placed on a critical approach to the methods of investigation and how these methods affect our ideas about brain function. The aim is to provide a description of how physiological systems contribute to, cause, or maintain various forms of behavior. Basic concepts in neurophysiology and neurochemistry also will be covered. Physiological processes mediating sensation, perception, development, motivation, hunger, thirst, sleep, arousal, learning, memory, language, mental illness, and consciousness will be examined. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2008: Sensation and Perception (3 cr.)
Sensation and Perception provides for the study of the anatomy and functioning of the sense organs and their associated neural structures. It also examines the adaptability of the organism in acquiring and using information from the environment. The major theories in the fields of sensation and perception will be considered. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 2018: Drug Use and Abuse (3 cr.)
This course surveys the physiological and behavioral effects of “recreational” drugs, drugs of abuse, and drugs used to treat mental illness. Drugs to be discussed include: crack/cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, anabolic steroids, hallucinogens, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antianxiety agents. Issues related to drug tolerance and dependence, and substance abuse treatment and prevention will also be discussed. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2034: Laboratory Methods in Biopsychology (3 cr.)
This lab-based course will review often-used methods employed in biopsychology laboratory research. The initial portion of the course will cover animal care and handling issues, stereotaxic and other surgical techniques, brain lesions, drug preparation and administration, and basic histological and light microscopy methods. This will be followed by a review of various behavioral methods used by biopsychologists in assessing learning, memory, eating, drinking, analgesia, locomotion, motor strength and activity, and drug dependence and tolerance. (The maximum number of registrants is 10; work with laboratory animals is required.) Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 2049: Health Psychology (3 cr.)
(See course description under “Social and Cultural Psychology” section.) (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2061: Psychology of Motivation (3 cr.)
This course will examine the major principles of motivated behavior by examining various issues and controversies in the field from both a theoretical and an empirical perspective. Such issues include the foundational bases and organizing principles of motivation; analysis of some basic motivational systems such as hunger, thirst, sex, sleep, work, play, pleasure, and aggression; and the role that emotions and self-regulation play in modulating these motivational systems. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 3016: Psychopharmacology (3 cr.)
This course provides an in-depth presentation of basic scientific principles in psychopharmacology, followed by a scientifically-oriented consideration of various drugs of abuse and drugs that are used to treat mental illnesses and disorders. Topics include the history of psychopharmacology, neurochemistry of brain function, general pharmacology principles, and methodologies employed in psychopharmacological research. Additionally, drug treatments for a variety of mental diseases and disorders including: anxiety, psychosis, depression, mania, dementia, epilepsy, and obsessive-compulsive behavior; and drugs of abuse such as: amphetamines, alcohol, the opiates, and THC will be examined. Prerequisite: PSY 2004: Physiological Bases of Behavior. (Spring ‘08)
PSY 3022: Neuropsychology (3 cr.)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the field of neuropsychology. It will review the anatomy and function of brain, particularly that of the cerebral cortex. Major neuropsychological dysfunctions related to brain damage, as well as what neurological disorders can reveal about normal brain functioning, will be presented. Specific issues related to brain damage-induced memory loss, language impairments, deficits in attention, alterations in emotionality and affect, and changes in consciousness and perception of self are potential topics of study. Students will also gain an understanding of the typical assessment tools and procedures for diagnosing neuropsychological disorders. The course will also include how basic research in neuroscience informs the practice of neuropsychology. Prerequisite: PSY 2004: Physiological Bases of Behavior. (Fall ’07)
PSY 3023: Biological Bases of Mental Illness (3 cr.)
This course will examine the organic bases of such major psychoses and mental disorders as schizophrenia, manic depression, dementia and psychophysiological dysfunction. The specific cognitive disorders and behavioral abnormalities associated with each syndrome will be reviewed. Background readings will include material on the psychology of mental dysfunction, the genetic determinants of these syndromes, and the relevant neuroanatomical and neurochemical substrates and processes. Prerequisite: PSY 2004: Physiological Bases of Behavior. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 3035: Biopsychology Seminar (3 cr.)
This course will focus on a single contemporary topic in neuroscience. Students will be required to read, discuss, and critique literature focusing on common themes. Examples of themes are the biopsychology of learning and memory, the nature of recovery from brain damage, drug dependency, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Prerequisite: PSY 2004: Physiological Bases of Behavior. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 3333: Psychology of Emotion (3 cr.)
The history of attempts to understand emotions in Western Society and the theories developed in Psychology will be studied. The physiological mechanisms underlying emotions will be stressed including the debate on emotional expression. The primary emotions of joy, distress, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust will be presented and compared with the secondary, social and higher cognitive emotions such as embarrassment, love, guilt, shame, pride, jealousy, etc. The relations between emotions and feelings and consciousness will be explored. Selections from the work of James, Cannon, Arnold, Ekman, LeDoux, Lewis and Damasio will be included. Recommended:
PSY 2004: Physiological Bases of Behavior or similar background. (Spring ‘08)
Clinical/Personality Psychology Area
PSY 2007: Human Psychological Assessment (3 cr.)
This introductory course will examine theories, techniques, and practices concerning the measurement of psychological variables. Major topics include test construction and validation, with attention to statistical techniques; appropriate test use, including legal and ethical issues; and major tests for measuring mental abilities, achievement, personality, and psychopathology. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 2011: Abnormal Psychology (3 cr.)
This course is designed to survey major psychological disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. It begins with general consideration of the study of psychopathology, including philosophical and historical perspectives on the concept of abnormality, as well as issues of assessment and diagnosis. Then, using an integrative theoretical framework, the course examines the clinical descriptions, origins, treatments, and outcomes of specific psychological disorders. A broad sampling of current topics and controversies in the field of abnormal psychology will be highlighted. Lecture material is supplemented with discussion of case material and films. Prerequisite: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2036: Personality Psychology (3 cr.)
This lecture-based course is intended to introduce students to the theory and research of personality psychology. Personality psychology refers to the systematic investigation of people's enduring characteristic patterns of behavior, thoughts, and feelings. This course examines the major theoretical approaches to personality, critically evaluating assumptions and ideas, relevant research, and clinical implications. Emphasis is placed on the value of alternative viewpoints. The appreciation of various personality theories provides a solid foundation for exploring issues of assessment, psychopathology, and behavior change. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08)
PSY 3018: Advanced Personality Psychology (3 cr.)
This seminar course is designed to explore the nature and relevance of individual differences. Various personality theories will be discussed in greater depth than in Psychology 2036: Personality Psychology. This course will also probe special topics in the field of personality theory and research. Such topics may include self-regulation, behavioral genetics and personality, and personality assessment. Amount of material and specific reading selections will depend on available time and level of the class. Prerequisite: PSY 2036: Personality Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 3021: Theories of Psychotherapy (3 cr.)
This seminar course is intended to introduce students to contemporary American psychotherapy. It attempts to define and compare various approaches to psychotherapy within the context of the history of the mental health profession in America. In so doing, it will consider elements common to all psychotherapies. It will explore the relationship between therapist and client as well as the evolving perceptions of its role in the therapy process. Particular emphasis will be given to empathy and empathic responding. In addition, the course will briefly discuss other topics pertaining to psychotherapy such as law and ethics, multicultural diversity, outcome research, and clinical practice. Prerequisite: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 3042: Clinical Psychology (3 cr.)
This seminar course is intended to introduce students to the field of clinical psychology. The course begins with an examination of the historical development, philosophical issues and theoretical bases pertinent to the study of clinical psychology. Using an integrative theoretical framework, the course examines a broad sampling of current topics and controversies in the field of clinical psychology, including: the concept of abnormality, assessment, issues of diagnosis and classification, clinical judgment, the nature and evaluation of psychological intervention, and forensic psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology, PSY: 2036 Personality Psychology, and PSY 2011: Abnormal Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
Cognitive Psychology Area
PSY 2008: Sensation and Perception (3 cr.)
(See course description under “Biopsychology” section.)
(Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 2037: Educational Psychology (3 cr.)
(See course description under “Developmental Psychology” section.) (Spring ’08 & ’09)
PSY 2044: Cognitive Psychology (3 cr.)
Historical and contemporary approaches to the study of the mind including developmental theorists will be surveyed. Topics may include: consciousness, attention, memory, perceptual processes, emotion, information processing, imagery, concepts, language, problem solving, reasoning, intelligence, and creativity. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2048: Learning and Memory (3 cr.)
This survey will take a cognitive approach to an overview of basic principles of learning and memory in humans and non-human animals. It will examine several different theories of how learning occurs and how learned information is stored in memory. Some of the topics covered will be classical and operant conditioning (including fear conditioning, generalization, discrimination, punishment, reinforcement, taste aversion, and learned helplessness), habituation, implicit and explicit memory (including interference, forgetting, decay, encoding and retrieval mechanisms, short and long term memory, spatial memory, amnesia, infantile amnesia and eyewitness testimony), and comparative memory across species. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ’07)
PSY 3005: Psycholinguistics (3 cr.)
This course will consider the psychological and neurobiological factors that enable humans to acquire, use, and understand language. The study of language, including: sentence comprehension and memory, language acquisition and development, and speech perception; the effects of context, perception, and reasoning; linguistic structure on the processing of language; and the underlying brain processes will be examined. Prerequisite: PSY 2044: Cognitive Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 3022: Neuropsychology (3 cr.)
(See course description under “Biopsychology” section) (Fall ’07)
PSY 3059: Child Cognitive Development (3 cr.)
(See course description under “Developmental Psychology” section) (Spring ’09)
PSY 3066: The New Unconscious (3 cr.)
(See course description under “Social Cultural Psychology”) (Summer ’08)
Developmental Psychology Area
PSY 2001: Developmental Psychology: Infancy Through Late Childhood (3 cr.)
This course is a survey of the existing evidence on systematic, stable changes that occur from conception through late childhood. It will explore the current theories about child development and then proceed to examine what current research can tell us about: children's capabilities, changes in these capabilities that occur over time, influences of the environment on children's characteristics, and influences of children on their own environments and development. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2002: Developmental Psychology: Early Through Late Adolescence (3 cr.)
This course takes a developmental approach to the study of theories and research about identity, intimacy, effects of school, factors affecting academic performance, and peer and parent relationships. Prerequisite: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2037: Educational Psychology (3 cr.)
This course will examine how individuals learn in educational settings from elementary school to high school. Issues related to teacher effectiveness, testing and assessment, the social learning environment (including cultural influences), approaches to different learning styles, and teaching both special needs and gifted students are among possible course topics. Also considered is how research from the psychology of learning, motivation, and cognitive and social development has informed the practice of educational psychology. A background in child development or adolescent development is helpful but not essential. Recommended: PSY 2001: Developmental Psychology Infancy Through Late Childhood and PSY 2002: Developmental Psychology Early Through Late Adolescence (Spring ’08 & ’09)
PSY 3052: Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (3 cr.)
After adolescence, we continue to develop as an adaptive response to continuous changes in life circumstances. This course will explore the current theories about adult development and examine what current research can tell us about: adults' capabilities and changes that occur over time, influences of the environment, and how we influence our own environments and development. In addition, it will explore what is known about continuities between childhood/adolescence and adulthood. Prerequisite: PSY 2002: Developmental Psychology: Early through late adolescence. (Fall '07 & ‘08) (Spring ’08 & 09)
PSY 3055: Social Development and Attachment (3 cr.)
The development of attachments and their importance to later development will be covered. The various theories of attachment will then be used to help explain how other types of social behaviors, such as: sharing, caring, empathy, and aggression develop. Prerequisites: PSY 2001: Developmental Psychology: Infancy through late childhood and PSY 2002: Developmental Psychology: Early through late adolescence. (Spring '08 & '09)
PSY 3056: Death, Dying and Bereavement (3 cr.)
The course will offer opportunities to understand the changing demographics of death and terminal illness in America; to compare cultural and developmental differences in approaches to death and dying; to explore some highly controversial current topics in the field; to become acquainted with resources in this area; and to recognize and appreciate one’s own attitudes and reactions to death and dying. This will be accomplished through lectures, videos, class discussions, and presentations. Lectures from individuals “on the front line,” who work in various related fields may also be incorporated. Prerequisite: PSY 2001: Developmental Psychology: Infancy through late childhood or PSY 2002: Developmental Psychology: Early through late adolescence. (Fall '07 & ‘08) (Spring ’08 & 09)
PSY 3059: Child Cognitive Development (4 cr.)
This course will cover theories of the change in cognitive function in children from birth through adolescence and how different theories of development explain how and why developmental change occurs. Some of the theories covered include: neo-Piagetian, information processing and connectionism, dynamic systems, and theories about how children develop theories about the world. This course is intended for students who have already had courses in child and adolescent development and thus, already know the changes in cognitive function over childhood. Prerequisites: PSY 2001: Developmental Psychology: Infancy through late childhood and PSY 2002: Developmental Psychology: Early through late adolescence. (Spring ’09)
History and Theory of Psychology Area
PSY 3004: History and Systems of Psychology (3 cr.)
Although psychology as a formal discipline is little more than a century old, psychological questions and phenomena have been the source of curiosity for millennia. This lecture/discussion course is designed to trace the intellectual roots of psychology (beginning with the early Greeks) by examining persistent ideas, methods of inquiry, significant individuals, and events that have conspired to produce psychology as we know it today. Prerequisite: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology (for juniors and seniors only). (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 3064: The Philosophy of Psychology (3 cr.)
This upper level seminar course will explore the philosophical foundations of scientific psychology. The course will consider the problematic nature of the concept of mind from Descartes to the present. Students will explore various theories postulated to explain the relationship between the brain and the mind. In so doing, students will contemplate the ambiguities surrounding relevant concepts such as causation, reductionism, and explanation. Readings will include primary sources from both psychology and philosophy. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
Humanistic and Self Psychology Area
PSY 2025: Human Sexuality (3 cr.)
This course will examine the physiological, cognitive, social, emotional, and clinical factors affecting human sexuality. Topics include: social and biological foundations of human sexuality; human reproduction and contraception; cross-cultural perspectives on sexual behavior and contemporary society; gender roles and stereotyping; current and controversial issues in sex education; and the effects of economics, class, public policy, and politics on expression of human sexuality. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ’07 & ’08) (Spring ’08 & 09)
PSY: 2061: Psychology of Motivation (3 cr.)
(See course description under “Biopsychology” section) (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 3010: Psychology of the Self (3 cr.)
As a complement to Psychology of Relationships, this seminar will deal with the growth of the Self and how it is conceived and constructed. This material will be examined from historical, developmental, therapeutic, and physiological perspectives and will bring in the subjective experience of the infant and of the person who is developing. Thus, it will contain an experiential appreciation of the self and its conceptualization. This will include information from Developmental Psychology, Social Analysis, and Neuroscience. Included in this course will be readings from Erich Fromm, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, William James, Ronald. D. Laing, Ulric Neisser, and Daniel Stern. Secondary material will deal with the works of Mary Calkins, George Herbert Mead Erik Erikson, Carl Rogers, Antonio Damasio, Jaak Panksepp and Social Constructionism. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ’07 & ’08)
PSY 3013: Psychology of Relationships (3 cr.)
Persistent patterns of dealing with significant others are examined from birth through adulthood. John Bowlby, Ronald Laing, Carl Rogers, Jean Baker Miller, and other topical writers are assigned. Topics include: roles, attachment, love, commitment, symbiosis, autonomy, mutuality, and intimacy. This course will make use of group interaction. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 3025: Psychology of Experience (3 cr.)
Early psychologists, including Wilhelm Wundt and William James, presumed that psychology meant a psychology of experience. This was also true of Freud and Psychoanalysis. It was not true for many years in America thanks to the popularity of John B. Watson and all those who were swayed by the school of Behaviorism. This seminar-discussion course considers several major sources in Early Psychology, including material from William James, Humanistic Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Csikszentmihalyi & Positive Psychology. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ’07 & ‘08)
Social and Cultural Psychology
PSY 2006: Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3 cr.)
This course will introduce students to the study of industrial/organizational psychology, the branch of psychology that is concerned with the study of human behavior in work settings. Through lectures, case studies, and group exercises, students will learn to apply psychological principles to understand human behavior at work and how to change it to meet individual and group objectives. Topics covered in the course will include: job analysis, personnel selection, performance appraisal, assessment validity, the legal context for personnel decisions, work motivation, work attitudes, leadership, and occupational health. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ’07 & ’08)
PSY 2009: Social Psychology (3 cr.)
This course studies how other people affect individuals' behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Social psychology focuses on the situational, social, and interpersonal factors that affect the individual. Questions to be addressed include: How do people influence one another? How can we understand prejudice? What makes people obey or resist authority? How do people form impressions of one another? How accurate are people in their judgment of others? Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2024: Psychology and the Law (3 cr.)
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an overview of psychological theory and data as they relate to the criminal justice system, specifically as they apply in law enforcement, the courts, and in corrections. Specific focus will be given to understanding crime and delinquency, and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system as that system responds to the challenge of crime in a free society. Topics to be covered may include: the insanity defense, eyewitness testimony, involuntary commitment, forensic assessment, and child custody. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Spring ’08 & ’09)
PSY 2041: Environmental Psychology (3 cr.)
Environmental psychology examines the interrelationship between environments and human behavior. This course will provide a basic understanding of the field, its history, development, and interdisciplinary components. In addition, it will examine the social, cultural, psychological and political issues involved in the production, use, design, and occupation of space, place, and nature. A focus will be placed on the applied nature of the field. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 2042: Psychology and Culture (3 cr.)
This course introduces students to the area of cultural psychology, a sub-discipline of psychology that focuses on how culture influences how people think and behave. Students will examine the ways in which culture influences cognition, development, emotion, the self, personality, cultural values and psychological orientations, morality, concepts of gender, and mental health. In addition, the course will focus on the processes of globalization, immigration, and intergroup conflict and social change and how they pertain to our understanding of culture. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ’07 and Fall ’08)
PSY 2046: Psychology of Identity (3 cr.)
This introductory level course examines the ways in which psychology can help us to understand the development of identity. It will emphasize the influence of socialization experiences, the role of maturation, and the importance of social construction, as well as an examination of the linkage between development of identity and sociocultural contexts. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Spring ’08 and Spring ’09)
PSY 2049: Health Psychology (3 cr.)
This course is designed to provide students with a general introduction to the field of Health Psychology. A variety of topics will be included: compliance with the medical system; stress and its relationship to illness; stress and its relationship to pain; causes, treatment, and prevention of a number of diseases; sociocultural factors in disease; and coping with illness. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2062: Psychology of Women (3 cr.)
Students will examine literature and research on women's roles, psychological development, sex differences, parenthood, motherhood, marriage, divorce, and careers. Attention will also be paid to the legal and economic position of women, feminist movements, and the historical changes in women's positions in society. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 3037: Folk Psychology (3 cr.)
This course examines the psychology of everyday assumptions. It will assess assumptions that seem immediately given (normality, health, relationships, self, gender identity, morality, etc.) and which provide the cultural structure of Folk Psychology. Topics also include: cognitive science, cultural psychology, social constructionism, and narrative as a vehicle for Folk Psychology. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 3047: Seminar in Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination (3 cr.)
This upper-level seminar will provide an intellectual forum for discussing the psychology of stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination. Utilizing materials from textbooks, scholarly research articles, and the Internet, students will explore such topics as the social psychology of prejudice, the maintenance of stereotypes and prejudice, the power and consequences of stereotypes, techniques for reducing prejudice, current research on ethnic and gender stereotypes, and coping with prejudice. Recommended: PSY 2009: Social Psychology (Spring '08 & '09)
PSY 3063: Social Influence and Persuasion (3 cr.)
This seminar will provide an intellectual forum for discussing the psychology of social influence and persuasion - the ability of a person or group to change the behavior of others. Integrating theory, scientifically documented research, and practical applications, students will explore such topics as: mindlessness, compliance, obedience, cults, subliminal persuasion, and propaganda. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall '07 & '08)
PSY 3066: The New Unconscious (3 cr.)
This course is designed to illustrate the power of non-conscious processes by presenting compelling evidence that many of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors stem from unconscious processes. Examining the unconscious from social and cognitive viewpoints, this course will provide an intellectual forum for discussing the research that has contributed to our understanding of the “new unconscious.” Utilizing materials from books and scholarly research articles, we will explore such topics as priming research, thin-slicing, implicit vs. explicit learning, automatic vs. controlled process, intuition vs. introspection, subliminal perception, and other unconscious processes. (Summer ‘08)
PSY 3067: Advanced Seminar in Cultural Psychology (3 cr.)
This seminar provides the opportunity to examine in depth, specific areas of theory and research in cultural psychology. Focus is placed on current research in the field, described by primary sources, as a basis for the critical evaluation of the validity of theory. For example, we will look more closely at some of the theoretical work of Lev Vygotsky on the role of culture in development and the influences of Richard Shweder on the theories providing the foundations for cultural psychology. A principal focus of analysis will be whether the particular psychological processes and behaviors in question can be explained more fully in culture-specific or universalistic terms, and how they are related to the salient characteristics of the cultural-historical context in which they are embedded. Through the examination, interpretation, and analysis of these data, critical thinking, verbal communication, and writing skills will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 2042: Psychology and Culture. (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
Tools of Psychology Area
PSY 2007: Human Psychological Assessment (3 cr.)
(See course description under “Clinical/Personality Psychology” section) (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 2012: Statistics for the Social Sciences (3 cr.)
This course is an introduction to elementary statistics for psychology majors or other social science majors. Topics include: techniques for organizing and displaying data (e.g., tables and graphs), statistical techniques for describing data (e.g., percentages, averages, and variability), and statistical techniques for determining relationships or differences (e.g., correlation, probability, z-scores, t-tests, and ANOVA’s, and tests of proportionality). Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08)
(Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2030: Computer Applications in Psychology (3 cr.)
This course will provide a brief introduction to various computer software applications as they relate to professional activities of psychologists. Activities for which software use will be reviewed include writing research proposals and APA-style manuscripts (WORD), the handling, management, and organization of research data (EXCEL), statistical data analysis and graph making (STATISTICA, EXCEL), and developing multimedia conference presentations (POWERPOINT). Other topics may include information retrieval in psychology, using the Internet as a source of scholarly information, and the use of computers in the psychological laboratory. Prerequisite or co-requisite: PSY 2012: Statistics for the Social Sciences. (Offering is tentative based on student interest.)
PSY 2033: Statistics for the Social Sciences Lab (1 cr.)
Bi-weekly laboratory sessions will instruct students on how computer programs are used for the statistical analysis and management of data. Both Excel and Statistica software programs will be used. Although not required, co-registration with PSY 2012 is strongly encouraged. Recommended: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 2040: Research Methods in Psychology (4 cr.)
This course introduces students to research designs and methodologies used to answer questions in various areas of psychology. These include: experiments, quasi-experiments, alternate designs, correlation, anonymous surveys, and naturalistic observations. Important issues such as generation of hypotheses, theory building, randomization, sampling, scales of measurement, matching, validity, reliability, confounds, controls, searching and reading scholarly literature, and research ethics will also be covered. Students will also learn how to select and apply appropriate statistical analyses to particular sets of data, interpret the statistical findings, and relate them to the empirical question under investigation. Finally, students will be taught how to present their research data in manuscript form according to the stylistic guidelines of the American Psychological Association. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: PSY 2012: Statistics for the Social Sciences. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 3058: Qualitative Approaches to Psychology (4 cr.)
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of qualitative research methods. Qualitative and quantitative approaches to research will be discussed as different (not opposing) approaches, influenced and driven by different theoretical perspectives, assumptions, and research questions. Students will acquire knowledge about the historical context of qualitative research. In addition, students will gain specific knowledge and practice in the major qualitative research approaches including interview and ethnography. Methods of analysis for qualitative data will also be examined and utilized. Writing skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08)
PSY 4025: Research and Writing Experience (3 cr.)
In consultation with and under the direction of a full-time faculty member within the Psychology Department, students in this course will work independently on a well-defined empirical research project. Students will be required to complete all aspects of the research process including: generating a research hypothesis and surveying the literature, constructing the study’s methodology, collecting and statistically analyzing data, and writing the results up in manuscript form according to the stylistic guidelines of the American Psychological Association. Prerequisites: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology, PSY 2012: Statistics for the Social Sciences, and PSY 2040: Research Methods in Psychology. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 4030: Field Work Experience (3 cr.)
Students who have arranged an acceptable field work placement and who wish to obtain course credit and supervision should sign up for this course. Weekly meetings with a full-time Psychology Department faculty supervisor and a paper including: a description of the institution and work experience, personal insights and benefits, and a connection to research literature in Psychology are required. Prerequisites: PSY 1004: Fundamentals of Psychology or PSY 1017: Introduction to Psychology and four psychology elective courses. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)
PSY 4496: Independent Study (1 to 3 cr.)
Students interested in conducting independent study projects should consult a full-time Psychology faculty member to determine whether he or she is willing to supervise the proposed project. Possible projects include: library-based research of scholarly psychological literature on a circumscribed topic, data entry and analysis, specialized readings in psychology, and the study of how psychological theory is applied to real-world situations. (Fall ‘07 & ‘08) (Spring ‘08 & ‘09)