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Presbyterian College psychology majors are trained to be “scientific problem solvers.” The abilities to think critically, to conduct research, to analyze data, and to apply those skills to the study of behavior are just the tools required for many of the careers of the 21st century.
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205. Experimental Study of Behavior (4) (3 hrs lecture, one lab weekly; prereq: PSYC 201)
Experimental, survey, and observational methods of data collection. Emphasis on the role of theories, the logic of hypothesis testing, control of variables, correlational techniques, and data description and interpretation. Includes student participation in research projects covering a variety of content areas.
212. Child Psychology (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201)
A study of developmental psychology from conception to adolescence, including theories of child psychology and descriptive characteristics marking physical, social, and cognitive growth at each period of development. Special attention is given to the cultural and social forces that influence children and their development. Field experiences with children are available.
213. Adolescent Psychology (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201)
Principles and theories of adolescent psychology, including biological, cognitive, social, identity, and moral development. Attention to topics of current interest and opportunities for field experience with adolescents.
214. Psychology of Adulthood and Aging (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201; open to sophomores and above)
A study of the theoretical and research knowledge about physical, intellectual, social and personality development that takes place from adulthood until death. Several specific issues of adulthood and aging such as marriage, parenthood, family, vocations, retirement, and death are discussed. (Fall)
258. Special Topics (1-6). See page 37 in Book of Majors.
301. Abnormal Psychology (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201)
Integrative and multidimensional study of abnormal behavior. Disorders studied according to diagnostic classification, etiology, and treatment. Includes case studies presented in person by persons with disorders.
(Fall)
303. Educational Psychology (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201)
The principles and procedures of learning psychology applied to education with study of such topics as variables that affect learning, planning, directing, and evaluating learning. Attention is directed to contrasting theories of human learning as applied in educational settings. (Spring)
305. Developmental Psychopathology (3) (Prereq: PSYC 212 or 213)
A study of emotional and behavioral dysfunction during childhood and adolescence. Explores relationship between adaptive and maladaptive behavior, drawing on theories and research from both normal and abnormal psychology. Focus on perspectives that guide understanding of childhood mental disorders. Examine causes, possible outcomes, and intervention opportunities for disorders such as autism, anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, and attention deficit disorder. (Alternate years)
307. Tests and Measurements (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201)
A study of the basic theory of testing as it relates to the practices of test construction, evaluation, and interpretation. Emphasis on a thorough treatment of the principles of achievement, aptitude, intelligence, and personality assessment. (Spring)
310. Theories of Personality (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201)
A detailed study of classical and contemporary theories of personality. Theories studied according to classification, image of human nature, place in history of psychology, key concepts, personality development and dynamics, research methods and findings, application, and evaluation. (Fall)
311. Personality Development in Young Adulthood (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201; PSYC 310 recommended)
An applied course in personality development derived from Erikson’s theory of young adulthood. Topics and issues of relevancy in this life stage are studied in-depth. Increased self-understanding is the objective. (Spring)
312. Social Psychology (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201 or SOC 201; cross-listed with sociology)
A study of the relation of the individual to the social group. Topics include conformity, obedience, attitudes and persuasion, aggression, prejudice, and attraction. (Spring)
316. Systems and Theories of Psychology (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201)
A study of the history of psychology and its development as a science. Emphasis on the major schools of thought of the past century including structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, and Gestalt psychology. The effect of these movements on approaches to contemporary problems is stressed. (Fall)
317. Group Dynamics (3) (2 hrs lecture; 3 hrs lab weekly; prereq: PSYC 201)
Integrates theories, topics, and techniques for leading groups in human service settings. Students participate in experiential learning. Limited enrollment. (Fall)
318. Physiological Psychology (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly; prereq: PSYC 201; recommended: BIOL 101-102 and minimum of 6 hrs in psychology)
Examines the biological bases of human behavior with primary emphasis upon the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the nervous system. The biological substrates of motivation, sensation perception, emotion, and learning are investigated. Also designed to acquaint student with research techniques and subsequent theories that comprise physiological explanations of behavior.
322. Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201 or ECON 201; cross-listed with business administration)
The application of psychology to workplace settings, including not only business and industry but also non-profit organizations such as hospitals, government, and social agencies. Topics include employment recruitment and selection, organizational communication, motivation of workers, and performance evaluation. Topics are of special relevance to students who at some point in their careers expect to be in managerial or administrative positions within an organization, be it a business or non-profit organization. (Fall)
324. Sports Psychology (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201; cross-listed with physical education)
Application of psychological principles to various aspects of sport. Topics include behavioral principles, motor learning, anxiety and arousal, mental preparation, leadership, team cohesion, audience effects, aggression, personality, assessment, gender roles, youth sport, coaching, and exercise psychology. (Upon availability of instructor)
330. Human Sexuality (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201)
Sexuality is studied as a component of human behavior including such topics as biologically based behaviors, psychosocial influences, and communication within relationships. Informed decision-making is addressed within the contexts of respect, responsibility, and reality with sensitivity to diversity, moral values, and ethics. (Spring)
360. Psychology and Medicine (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201)
Explores the areas of health, illness, treatment and delivery of treatment, and the psychological context in which these processes occur. Selected topics include health-enhancing and compromising behaviors; patient-practitioner interaction; management of chronic and terminal illness, including psychoimmunology, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and AIDS.
361. Drugs and Behavior (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201 and junior status)
This course examines basic pharmacological principles and the physiological responses and behavioral effects of drugs on humans. Considered are the psychological effects, brain mode of action, and patterns of use of psychoactive agents including: stimulants, sedative/hypnotics, hallucinogens, marijuana, alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, cognitive enhancers, anti-anxiety agents, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. (Fall and Spring, alternating)
398. Honors Research (3-6). See page 44.
Available for students during the junior and senior years with approval of the departmental faculty. Students with a 3.20 GPA in all courses and a 3.40 GPA in major courses may undertake an honors research program. Oral and written presentations of the results of the project will be required. Students who successfully complete the departmental honors research program will graduate with honors in the major discipline. (Fall or Spring, or Fall and Spring)
402. Principles and Procedures of Counseling (3) (Prereq: PSYC 201; PSYC 310 recommended; limited to juniors and seniors)
Study of theories, principles, and procedures of counseling. Emphasis on dynamics of behavior and communication skills. Application to human services professions (Spring)
403. Experimental Psychology: Principles of Learning and Behavior (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly; prereq: PSYC 201 and 205)
Theoretical and atheoretical approaches to the study of classical and instrumental conditioning, discrimination learning, and reinforcement. Includes discussion of the practical applications of these principles and an opportunity for individual investigation.
405. Applied Psychology (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor)
An in-depth study of several topics within contemporary psychology conducted in seminar style with the emphasis on integrating and applying sound principles of psychology. (Upon availability of instructor)
406. Experimental Psychology: Cognition (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly; prereq: PSYC 201 and 205)
A study of human information processing, including a critical examination of attention, pattern recognition, memory, thinking, and problem solving. Emphasis on the evaluation of theoretical approaches both in discussion and in laboratory work.
407. Experimental Psychology: Sensation and Perception (4) (3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly; prereq: PSYC 201 and 205)
Survey of the various sensory modalities and principles of perception that contribute to conscious experience. Topics include perception of depth, color, motion, objects, and illusions as well as clinical deficiencies and psychophysics. Lecture supplemented by lab experiments and demonstrations.
442. Directed Studies in Psychology (1-3). See page 36. (Limited to junior and senior departmental majors)
In-depth study of the literature in an assigned area of psychology closely directed and supervised by instructor.
444. Internship in Psychology (3-6). See page 37. (Open to junior and senior departmental majors)
Student observation and participation in a psychologically oriented activity approved by the instructor and department chairman. The student’s off-campus program is closely coordinated and structured by instructor and field supervisor.
446. Readings. See page 37.
448. Research in Psychology (3-6). See page 37. (Limited to junior and senior departmental majors)
Empirical research in some assigned area in psychology.
450. Seminar. See page 37.
452. Special Projects. See page 37.
458. Special Topics. See page 37.
Statistics (STAT)
320. Research Statistics (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly)
A basic course in statistics with special attention to applications in behavioral, biological, and social science research. Includes organization and presentation of data, measures of central tendency and variability, sampling, regression and correlation, and hypothesis testing to include analysis of variance. (Fall)
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