Psychology
PSYC 101. Introduction to Psychology (4E)
A survey of the theoretical and empirical foundations of contemporary psychology. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Social Sciences.
PSYC 197/297/397/497. Directed Research in Psychology (1-4E)
A laboratory or field research experience under the direct supervision of a faculty member. A learning contract that specifies the research goals and methodology must be filed with the Office of the Registrar. A maximum of four credit hours of directed research in psychology (397 or 497 only) may be applied to major requirements in psychology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Learning contract filed in the Office of the Registrar.
PSYC 199/299/399/499. Independent Study (1-4E)
An independent creative or research project designed by the student and supervised by a psychology faculty member. The nature of the project, the schedule for accomplishment, and the means of evaluation must be formalized in a learning contract prior to registration. (See “Independent Study” under “Academic Policies” section.)
PSYC 205. Learning and Cognition (4E)
An examination of human and non-human learning and cognition including, principles of learning theory, information processing theory, and neural network models. An introduction to empirical and methodological approaches in the field. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 230. Lifespan Development (4E)
A comprehensive examination of physical, social, cognitive, and emotional developmental processes from conception to death. Various theoretical approaches to human development are considered, as are empirical and methodological issues in developmental research. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 235. Physiological and Sensory Psychology (4E)
An introduction to the nervous system with a focus on brain-behavior relationships, including neural communication, basic sensory processes, and complex behavior. An introduction to the theoretical, empirical, and methodological approaches in the field. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 250. Social Psychology (4E)
A comprehensive study of how cognition, affect, and behavior are shaped by social and situational factors with a focus on current theories and methods in social psychology. Topics include: person perception, group behavior, attitude formation, attraction, stereotypes, social influence, aggression and other psychological aspects of social interaction. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 270. Personality Psychology (4E)
An examination of theory and research in the field of personality. The course covers major theoretical perspectives (psychoanalytic, behavioral, humanistic,trait, and biological) and selected research topics. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 301. Psychological Statistics (4E)
The analysis of experimental data, including data from both laboratory and natural settings. Parametric analysis through two-way analysis of variance and nonparametric statistics. This course is cross-listed as MATH 201. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 201
PSYC 303. Writing and Research Methods in Psychology (4E)
An examination of methodological, philosophical, and ethical issues in psychological research. Methodological instruction in library research techniques, professional writing in psychology, research design, and data collection and analysis. Prerequisite: PSYC 301 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 201 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 203.
PSYC 314. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior (4E)
An examination of recreational and therapeutic drugs that act on the brain. Topics include the biology of the drug’s effects on the brain; drug effects on behavior; and the use of psychoactive drugs in the treatment of psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or consent of the instructor.
PSYC 320. Psychology of Learning with Laboratory (4S)
The experimental analysis of learning in humans and non-humans. Focuses on the laws of conditioning, adaptive behavior, stimulus control, and motivation of behavior. Emphasis on interpretation of empirical data and the relationship to current theory. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 205 with a grade of C- or better and PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 203 a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 420.
PSYC 322. Biological Psychology with Laboratory (4F)
The experimental analysis of functional neuroanatomy and brain-behavior interactions in humans and non-humans, including the physiological basis of complex behaviors, including sleep, stress, learning and memory, sexual and emotional behavior, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Emphasis on aspects of experimental design, research methodologies, and data analysis and interpretation within the field. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: PSYC235 with a grade of C- or better and PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 203 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 422.
PSYC 324. Cognitive Psychology with Laboratory (4F)
The experimental analysis of human cognitive functioning and information processing, including perceptual processes, attention, memory, and decision making. Emphasis on understanding basic research techniques, interpretation of research findings, and the relationship of research findings to current theory. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 205 with a grade of C- or better and PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 203 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 424.
PSYC 326. Perception with Laboratory (4S)
An examination of the theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of human and animal perception. Focuses on the neurological and psychological theories of perception and the experimental analysis of perceptual processes in humans. Topics include the principles of vision, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 235 with a grade of C- or better and PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 203 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 312.
PSYC 330. Developmental Psychology with Laboratory (4F)
A survey of the methodologies and techniques used in the study of human development. Content areas may include perceptual, social, language, cognitive, and moral development. Practical experience using observational, experimental, and interview methods, with participation in all phases of research (design, data collection and analysis, report writing). Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 230 with a grade of C- or better and PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 203 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 430.
PSYC 331. Infant and Child Development (4E)
A comprehensive examination of physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development from conception through the beginning of adolescence. Special consideration is given to contexts of development (e.g., family, school, peers). Theoretical approaches to child development and empirical and methodological issues in developmental research are considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 333. Adolescence (4F)
A comprehensive overview of normal development during the second decade of life (and beyond). Topics focus on major changes and transitions in adolescent development, the contexts in which these changes occur, and the psychosocial issues that arise as a result. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 340. Social Psychology with Laboratory (4S)
The analysis of human behavior in a social context using the experimental method, with participation in all phases of research. Content areas may include helping behavior, prejudice and discrimination, persuasion, attraction, aggression, social influence, and social cognition. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 250 with a grade of C- or better and PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 203 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 450.
PSYC 356. Psychology of Women (4AF)
A general introduction to the psychology of women. Topics covered may include psychological development of women through the lifespan; gender differences and gender-associated personality, abilities, and behaviors; women and language; images of women; women and work; violence against women; women in relationships; women of color; lesbians and bisexuals; women’s mental health; and feminist therapy. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 363. Cross-Cultural Psychology (4AF)
A multicultural and global perspective on human development, thought, emotion, and behavior. Topics include cross-cultural theory and research in the domains of development of the self, moral development, aggression, gender, cooperation/conflict resolution, motivation and emotion, psychopathology, and acculturation. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 368. Educational Psychology (4E)
An exploration of the teaching/learning process. Students analyze various factors that affect the process: developmental and learning theory, motivation, planning, content, methodology, and discipline. Attention is also given to human interaction in educational settings through a study of maturation, individual differences, self-concept, group processes, and socioeconomic stratification. Lecture and field experience. This course is cross-listed as EDUC 368. Students may receive credit for either course but not both. This course is a pre-requisite for the Masters of Arts in Teaching. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 370. Counseling and Psychotherapy with Laboratory (4S)
An analysis of major theoretical and applied topics in counseling and clinical psychology, as well as the statistical and research methods used in the field. Lab will include demonstrations and the execution of independent research projects. Focus is on the scientist-practitioner model and on the synthesis of the scholarly and applied aspects of psychotherapy and counseling-related topics. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 270 with a grade of C- or better and PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 203 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 470.
PSYC 373. Psychology of the Family (4AF)
An exploration of family theories and empirical research used to understand diverse family structures, forms, functions, processes, and influences. In addition, broader historical, cultural, and contemporary influences on families are considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 375. Abnormal Psychology (4E)
An exploration of the historical views and current perspectives on abnormal behavior. Emphasizes major diagnostic categories and criteria, and individual and social factors related to the causes and treatment of psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 378. Counseling (4E)
An exploration of the major models of counseling and psychotherapy, including their theoretical foundations, their goals, and their specific techniques. The course also provides students with an understanding of ethical and professional issues for counselors and psychotherapists. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 398/498. Off-Campus Internship (4-16E)
A variety of off-campus experiential learning opportunities can be arranged through the Career Development Center. The off-campus internship is an individually designed experience that allows the student to explore the relationship between learning in the classroom and the practical application of knowledge in everyday work situations. All interns are required to maintain regular contact with the faculty supervisor. Credit/no credit grading. May not be used to fulfill requirements for the psychology major. Consult with the Career Development Center. Prerequisite: Admission to the Internship Program. (See “Internships” under “Academic Policies” section.)
PSYC 402. Advanced Research Design and Statistics (1-4AF)
An exploration of the advanced topics in statistics and research design, including higher-order analysis of variance and appropriate post-hoc analyses, multiple regression, complex designs with categorical data, nonparametric statistics, partial correlation, multivariate analyses, factor analysis, and more. Content may vary with each offering. Prerequisite: PSYC 301 or PSYC 201 or consent of the instructor.
PSYC 405. History and Systems of Psychology (4F)
The philosophical and scientific background of modern psychology. An examination of some of the historical approaches to the fundamental and persisting problems of psychology and their relationship to contemporary approaches. Prerequisite: At least one 200-level PSYC course. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 305.
PSYC 410. Service Learning in Psychology (4AS)
A combination of formal coursework with practical experience in an approved human-services setting. This course is designed primarily for psychology majors. Knowledge acquired from psychology courses is applied to community-identified needs in order to enhance students’ professional skills and sense of civic responsibility. Prerequisite: PSYC 303 or PSYC 203 or consent of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 393. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World.
PSYC 474. Psychological Assessment (4AS)
A history of psychological assessment; reliability and validity; tests of intelligence, personality, and vocational interests; other methods of assessment; legal and ethical issues in psychological assessment. Prerequisite: PSYC 301 or PSYC 201. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 374.
PSYC 481. Special Topics in Cognition (4S)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in cognitive psychology. Examples include: Knowledge, Choice, and Decision Making; Behavior and Economics; Human Memory; Critical Thinking. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 205.
PSYC 482. Special Topics in Learning (4)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in learning. Examples include: Comparative Cognition; Psychology of Aggression; The Role for Learning Theory in the Classroom; Comparative Psychology. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 205.
PSYC 483. Special Topics in Developmental Psychology (4)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in developmental psychology. Examples include: Adulthood and Aging; Socioemotional Development. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 230.
PSYC 484. Special Topics in Biological Psychology (4)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in biological psychology. Examples include: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory; Neurobiology of Disease; Evolutionary Psychology. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 235.
PSYC 485. Special Topics in Social Psychology (4F)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in social psychology. Examples include: Social Cognition; Stereotypes and Prejudice; Attitudes; Intimate Relationships; Psychology and Media. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 250.
PSYC 486. Special Topics in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (4)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in clinical and counseling psychology. Examples include: Developmental Psychopathology; Psychology and the Law. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 270.
PSYC 490. Senior Seminar (4S)
An investigation of selected current topics and problems in psychology. Each student is responsible for the preparation of one major project, which includes both written and oral-presentation components. Prerequisite: PSYC 303 or PSYC 203 or consent of the instructor.
PSYC 493/494. St. Mary’s Project (1-8E)
The project, which may take many forms, draws on and extends knowledge, skills of analysis, and creative achievement developed through previous academic work. The student initiates the project, identifies an area to be explored, and proposes a method of inquiry appropriate to the topic. The project should include a reflection on the social context, the body of literature, or the conceptual framework to which it is a contribution. It must be shared with the College community through posters, presentations, or other means. With the approval of the department, this requirement may be satisfied by completing eight credit hours of the St. Mary’s Project in any discipline or cross-disciplinary study area. The project is supervised by a faculty mentor, appointed by the department chair. This course is repeatable for up to a total of eight credit hours. Prerequisite: PSYC 303 or PSYC 203; Approval of faculty mentor and department chair of the student’s major(s). Consult faculty mentor for project guidelines