Psychology
PSYC 101. Introduction to Psychology (4E)
A survey of the theoretical and empirical foundations of contemporary psychology. This course satisfies the Core Exploration requirement in Social and Behavioral 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. For 397 and 497 only, a maximum of four graded credit hours, completed as 2 credit or 4 credit experiences, may be applied to the upper level elective major requirement. This course 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. A learning contract that specifies the nature of the project, the schedule for accomplishment, and the means of evaluation must be filed with the Office of the Registrar. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Learning contract filed in the Office of the Registrar.
PSYC 204. Psychological Research, Analysis, and Writing I (4)
The first course in a two-course sequence to enhance knowledge of various research designs and data analyses, sharpen digital literacy skills and capabilities for critical thinking, and develop professional written and oral communication skills. This course covers research ethics, descriptive and correlational research design, data collection, qualitative analyses, and quantitative analyses that are conducted with statistical software. Students will learn foundational skills in the design, analysis, evaluation, and communication of psychological research. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the department chair.
PSYC 206. Psychological Research, Analysis, and Writing II (4)
The second course in a two-course sequence to enhance knowledge of various research designs and data analyses, sharpen digital literacy skills and capabilities for critical thinking, and develop professional written and oral communication skills. This course reviews critical concepts from PSYC 204 and expands coverage to experimental design with data collection and quantitative analyses that are conducted with statistical software. Students will learn foundational skills in the design, analysis, evaluation, and communication of psychological research. This course serves as the prerequisite for 300-level psychology laboratory courses. Prerequisite: PSYC 204 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the department chair.
PSYC 211. Topics in Development and Learning (4)
Survey of contemporary knowledge and issues within development and/or learning. Topics vary by semester but may include developmental topics such as adolescence; adulthood and aging; or socioemotional development and/or psychology of learning topics such as adaptation; classical and instrumental conditioning; motivation; or stimulus control. This course satisfies the “Development & Learning” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 221. Cognitive Psychology (4)
An examination of the mental processes that are involved in attention, perception, memory, thinking, decision making, language, and more. This course satisfies the “Social & Cognitive Processes” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 222. Topics in Social and Cognitive Processes (4)
Survey of contemporary knowledge and issues within cognitive and/or social psychology. Topics vary by semester but may include social topics such as person perception, group behavior, attitude formation, attraction, stereotypes, social influence, aggression and other psychological aspects of social interaction and/or cognitive topics such as attention, perception, memory, thinking, decision making, or language. This course satisfies the “Social & Cognitive Processes” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 230. Lifespan Development (4E)
A comprehensive examination of physical, cognitive, social, 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. This course satisfies the “Development & Learning” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
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. This course satisfies the “Biological & Sensory Processes” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 236. Topics in Biological and Sensory Processes (4)
Survey of contemporary knowledge and issues within behavioral, cognitive, or systems neuroscience. Topics vary by semester but may include the brain’s role in perception, motivation, emotional processing, consciousness, mental illness, sexual behavior, thinking, memory, or learning. This course satisfies the “Biological & Sensory Processes” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
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. This course satisfies the “Social & Cognitive Processes” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 263. Multicultural Psychology (4)
This course introduces students to a multicultural perspective on behavior and psychological processes associated with sociocultural diversity. It aims to increase multicultural competency with respect to awareness, knowledge, and skills, and to facilitate students’ understanding of social justice in their personal and professional lives. The course utilizes theories and research from multicultural psychology addressing topics such as: differences in worldviews, social identities (e.g., gender, race, sexual orientation), acculturation process, power, privilege, and oppression. This course satisfies the “Culture & Community” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 264. Topics in Culture and Community (4)
Survey of contemporary knowledge and issues within the development of the discipline of psychology and applications of psychology to society. Topics vary by semester but may include psychology of climate change; ethnic minority psychology; sexual orientation and gender diversity (LGBTQ+ issues); psychology in the news; drugs and society; history of psychology; and/or history of neuroscience. This course satisfies the “Culture & Community” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 280. Counseling Theories and Methods (4E)
An introduction to the major theoretical models of counseling, the methods of counseling, and their current applications and modalities. The course also provides students with an understanding of ethical and professional issues in the field. This course satisfies the “Health & Counseling” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 282. Topics in Health and Counseling (4)
Survey of contemporary knowledge and issues in health and human behavior. Topics vary by semester but may include health topics such as stress and coping and health promotion and communication and/or counseling topics such as a particular theoretical orientation; use of assessment in psychotherapy; legal, ethical, and professional issues in the field; and vocational psychology and career counseling. This course satisfies the “Health & Counseling” Breadth Area. Students will learn foundational skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 307. Classroom Assistantship in Psychology (2-4)
A supervised experience for classroom teaching assistants. Students will meet with the instructor, attend appropriate classes, assist with assignments, and may hold review sessions. This course is repeatable for up to a total of eight credits. Credit/no credit grading. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor, minimum 2.50 GPA, and completion of at least eight credits of 200-level or above coursework in Psychology.
PSYC 310. Scientific Writing and Professional Development (4)
An examination of select research topics in psychology based on the instructor’s expertise. Each student will prepare a written literature review and oral presentation of a question connected to the semester’s topic. The connections between information analysis and synthesis, written and oral expression, and career readiness will be highlighted. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing empirical projects, and communicating psychological research. This course satisfies the LEAD P301 Curriculum requirement. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Students may co-enroll in PSYC 206 and PSYC 310 with consent of the department chair.
PSYC 320. Psychology of Learning plus Laboratory (5)
The scientific analysis of learning in humans and nonhumans. Focuses on the laws of conditioning, adaptive behavior, stimulus control, and motivation of behavior. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. Lecture and laboratory. This course satisfies the “Development & Learning” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 321 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 321. Laboratory Seminar in Learning Theory (4)
The scientific analysis of topics in learning theory utilizing laws of conditioning. Topics vary by semester but may include connections between learning theory and eating, addiction, motivation, and/or adaptive behavior in humans and non-humans. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. Lecture and laboratory. This course satisfies the “Development & Learning” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 320 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 322. Biological Psychology plus Laboratory (5)
The scientific analysis of functional neuroanatomy and brain-behavior interactions in humans and non-humans, including the physiological basis of complex behaviors such as sleep, stress, learning and memory, sexual and emotional behavior, and neuropsychiatric disorders. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. Lecture and laboratory. This course satisfies the “Biological & Sensory Processes” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 323 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 323. Laboratory Seminar in Biological and Sensory Processes (4)
The scientific analysis of topics in biological and sensory processes. Topics vary by semester but may include perception, sensory systems, mood disorders, learning and memory, addiction, and neurodegenerative disorders. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. This course satisfies the “Biological & Sensory Processes” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 322 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 324. Cognitive Psychology plus Laboratory (5)
The scientific analysis of human cognitive functioning and information processing, including perceptual processes, attention, memory, thinking, language, and decision making. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. Lecture and laboratory. This course satisfies the “Social & Cognitive Processes” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 325 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 325. Laboratory Seminar in Cognitive Psychology (4)
The scientific analysis of topics in cognition. Topics vary by semester but may include perceptual processes, attention, memory, categorization, critical thinking, and decision making. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. This course satisfies the “Social & Cognitive Processes” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 324 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 330. Developmental Psychology plus Laboratory (5)
The scientific analysis of human development. Content areas may include perceptual, social, emotional, language, cognitive, moral development, and various contexts of development. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. Lecture and laboratory. This course satisfies the “Development & Learning” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 332 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 332. Laboratory Seminar in Developmental Psychology (4)
The scientific analysis of topics in human development. Topics vary by semester but may include adolescence, adulthood & aging, and socioemotional development. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. This course satisfies the “Development & Learning” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 330 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 340. Social Psychology plus Laboratory (5)
The scientific analysis of human behavior in a social context. Content areas may include self and self-regulation, stereotyping and prejudice, attitudes/persuasion, interpersonal interactions, social influence, and social perception/cognition. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. Lecture and laboratory. This course satisfies the “Social & Cognitive Processes” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 341 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 341. Laboratory Seminar in Social Psychology (4)
The scientific analysis of human behavior in a social context. Topics vary by semester but may include self and self-regulation, stereotyping and prejudice, attitudes/persuasion, interpersonal interactions, social influence, and social perception/cognition. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. This course satisfies the “Social & Cognitive Processes” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who
PSYC 364. Culture and Community plus Laboratory (5)
The scientific analysis of current theoretical and applied topics in culture and community. Topics vary by semester but may include psychology of climate change; ethnic minority psychology; and sexual orientation and gender diversity (LGBTQ+ issues). This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. Lecture and laboratory. This course satisfies the “Culture & Community” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 365 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 365. Laboratory Seminar in Culture and Community (4)
The scientific analysis of theoretical and applied topics in culture and community. Topics vary by semester but may include psychology of climate change; ethnic minority psychology; and sexual orientation and gender diversity (LGBTQ+ issues). This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. This course satisfies the “Culture & Community” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 364 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 370. Counseling Psychology plus Laboratory (5)
The scientific analysis of topics in counseling and clinical psychology. Content focus is on the scientist-practitioner model and on the synthesis of the scholarly and applied aspects of psychotherapy and counseling-related topics. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. Lecture and laboratory. This course satisfies the “Health & Counseling” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 371 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 371. Laboratory Seminar in Health and Counseling (4)
The scientific analysis of theoretical and applied topics in health and counseling psychology. Topics vary by semester but may include health promotion and communication, psychology of food and drink, motivation and emotion, psychotherapy process, multicultural counseling competence, or stress management. This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. This course satisfies the “Health & Counseling” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 370 without consent of the department chair.
PSYC 396. Collaborative Research in Psychology (4)
A research experience under the direct supervision of a faculty member. In this course, students will engage in an in-depth investigation of a psychological research question. Students will participate in multiple aspects of the research process (e.g., literature review, hypothesis generation, study design, data collection, coding, data analysis, report writing, presentation). This course emphasizes developing skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and/or communicating the results of psychological research. This course may be applied to the upper level elective major requirement. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better.
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.
PSYC 414. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior (4)
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 431. Infant and Child Development (4)
A comprehensive examination of physical, cognitive, social, 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. Students will refine skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course satisfies the “Development & Learning” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 331.
PSYC 456. Psychology of Gender (4)
A general introduction to the psychology of gender. Topics covered may include psychological development of gender through the lifespan; gender differences and gender-associated personality, abilities, and behaviors; and gender as it relates to power and status, language, imagery, relationships, work, violence, mental health, and feminist therapy. Discussion of gender will incorporate intersectional identities (e.g., race, culture, sexual orientation) and gender identity outside of the gender binary. Students will refine skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course satisfies the “Culture & Community” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 356.
PSYC 475. Psychopathology (4)
An exploration of perspectives on psychological disorders with emphasis on major diagnostic categories and criteria. The course examines individual and sociocultural factors related to the causes and treatment of psychopathology. Students will refine skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course satisfies the “Health & Counseling” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 375.
PSYC 483. Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology (4)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in developmental psychology and/or psychology of learning. Topics vary by semester but may include developmental topics such as adolescence; adulthood and aging; socioemotional development and/or psychology of learning topics such as adaptation; classical and instrumental conditioning; motivation; or stimulus control. Students will refine skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. This course satisfies the “Development & Learning” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 204 with a grade of C- or better, PSYC 301 with a grade of C- or better, or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 484. Advanced Topics in Biological and Sensory Psychology (4)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in biological psychology and/or sensory processes. Topics vary by semester but may include the brain’s role in perception, motivation, emotional processing, consciousness, mental illness, sexual behavior, thinking, memory, or learning. Students will refine skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. This course satisfies the “Biological & Sensory Processing” Breadth Area. PSYC 204 with a grade of C- or better, PSYC 301 with a grade of C- or better, or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 485. Advanced Topics in Social and Cognitive Psychology (4)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in cognitive and/or social psychology. Topics vary by semester but may include social topics such as person perception, group behavior, attitude formation, attraction, stereotypes, social influence, aggression and other psychological aspects of social interaction and/or cognitive topics such as perception, attention, memory, thinking, language, or decision making. Students will refine skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. This course satisfies the “Social & Cognitive Processes” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 204 with a grade of C- or better, PSYC 301 with a grade of C- or better, or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 486. Advanced Topics in Health and Counseling (4)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in clinical and counseling psychology and/or health psychology. Topics vary by semester but may include health topics such as stress and coping and health promotion and communication and/or counseling topics such as a particular theoretical orientation; developmental psychopathology; use of assessment in psychotherapy; legal, ethical, and professional issues in the field; and vocational psychology and career counseling. Students will refine skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. This course satisfies the “Health & Counseling” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 204 with a grade of C- or better, PSYC 301 with a grade of C- or better, or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 487. Advanced Topics in Culture and Community (4)
An in-depth examination of a particular topic related to the theoretical and applied topics in culture and community. Topics vary by semester but may include psychology of climate change, ethnic minority psychology, sexual orientation and gender diversity (LGBTQ+) issues in psychology, psychology in the news, drugs & society, history of psychology, and history of neuroscience. Students will refine skills in the evaluation and communication of psychological research. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. This course satisfies the “Culture & Community” Breadth Area. Prerequisite: PSYC 204 with a grade of C- or better, PSYC 301 with a grade of C- or better, or with permission of the instructor.
PSYC 493/494. St. Mary’s Project (1-8E)
The project, which may take many forms, draws on and extends knowledge, analytical skills, and creative achievement developed through previous academic work. The project should include a reflection on 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. This course emphasizes refining skills in evaluating psychological research, designing and executing empirical projects, analyzing and interpreting research outcomes, and communicating the results of psychological research. This requirement may be satisfied by completing eight credits 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 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 206 or PSYC 303 and PSYC 310 with a grade of C- or better; Students may co-enroll in PSYC 310 and PSYC 493 with permission of the department chair. Consult faculty mentor for project guidelines.