2002 - 2003 Psychology Courses

Introductory course to acquaint students with the scientific study of mind and behavior. A broad survey of historical developments and current dimensions of the field.

A special topics course highlighting specific areas or themes in psychology. Recent topics have included Family Violence, Parenting, American Families and Divorce, Seminar in Child Development, Behavioral Pharmacology, Topics on Aging, Childhood Psychopathology, the Physiological Basis of Mental Illness, Psychology and Literature, and Death and Dying. Prerequisites may vary with course content.

This course is designed to increase students' breadth of knowledge of the field of social science by providing an opportunity to think about and discuss issues relevant to the field. Students will be introduced to specific disciplines, but the focus of the course is to integrate them into an interdisciplinary understanding of human behavior. The objectives of the course are: (1) to familiarize students with the research methods used by social scientists; (2) to allow students the opportunity to apply a social science perspective to real world situations; (3) to facilitate an understanding of the similarities and differences found among the various disciplines. Same as ANTH/SOC 200FN.

Physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development of the individual from birth through 12 years of age. Course includes discussion of current research in child development. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 302.

This course integrates field experiences in community agencies which provide services to children with materials presented in PSYC 301. Twenty-five hours of service learning are required in addition to weekly seminars. If this class is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 301. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 301.

The psychological study of human development from conception to death. Current theories, research, and social issues relevant to development are addressed.

Physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development of the individual from puberty to adulthood. Common adolescent problems are considered from research and clinical perspectives. Required for secondary education majors. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 306.

This course integrates field experiences in community agencies that provide services to adolescents with materials presented in PSYC 305. Twenty-five hours of service learning is required in addition to weekly seminars. If this class is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 305. Prerequisite: PSYC 105. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 305.

Focuses on concepts of measurement and the development of psychological tests and other forms of assessment. Students are introduced to intellectual, career interest, achievement, and personality tests. Prerequisites: PSYC 105; MATH 150. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 311.

This lab is an optional accompaniment to PSYC 310. Students learn to define a test, select a scaling method, construct test items, administer a test and revise test items. If this class is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 310. Prerequisites: PSYC 105; MATH 150. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 310.

An investigation of how people interact with and think about others. Areas of focus include research methodology, person perception, attitudes, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, aggression, and group behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 105.

An experiential group learning situation leading to increased understanding of interpersonal communication skills such as self-disclosure, listening, conflict resolution, and assertiveness. The interactive focus allows students to understand the effects and meaning of their interpersonal styles. Prerequisite: PSYC 105.

An overview of major theories of women's development, applications of feminist theory, gender-related research and women's health issues across the life span. Psychological issues important to women during childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age are discussed, such as gender role acquisition, pay inequities in the work force, adjustment to menopause and violence against women. Focus is given to research on women in relation to diverse socioeconomic classes, ethnic backgrounds and cultures. Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or SOC 105.

Exploration of the biological, psychological, cultural, and social factors affecting personality acquisition, including a survey of the major competing views of personality (Freud, Jung, Rogers, Skinner, et al.). Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or consent of instructor.

A course emphasizing the exploration of behavior problems using the scientific methods. Content includes issues in sensation, psychophysics, perception and learning (animal and human). Prerequisites: PSYC 105; MATH 150. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 355.

A supplement to PSYC 354. Requires laboratory experiments in humans and in animals (via virtual experiences) to enhance the content of PSYC 354. If this course is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 354. Prerequisites: PSYC 105; MATH 150. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 354.

Eclectic introduction to abnormal human behavior; source materials from psychology, sociology, and biology. Prerequisite: PSYC 105.

A survey of the scientific methods of data collection as a means of approaching problems in anthropology, political science, psychology, and sociology, Laboratory exercises illustrating the various methods are required. It is strongly recommended that this course be taken during the junior year. Prerequisites: PSYC 105 or SOC 105; MATH 150. Same as SOC 390.

A tutorial-based course used only for student-initiated proposals for intensive individual study of topics not otherwise offered in the Psychology Program. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and school dean.

Applications of counseling approaches are explored. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of the variables that contribute to effective or ineffective counseling. Opportunity is provided to practice and refine counseling skills. Course is well suited for students interested in pursuing a counseling related profession. Prerequisites: PSYC 105, 352, 362, junior or senior status, or consent of instructor.

An introductory course in the psychobiology of behavior. Behavioral and mental processes are viewed from a biological perspective with particular emphasis on the role of neurochemical and endocrine factors on central nervous system function. Topics covered include basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and development, sensation, motor function, sleep, memory, learning, and psychophysiology. Prerequisite: PSYC 105; BIOL 101 and BIOL 104 are highly recommended. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 407.

A supplement to PSYC 406. Emphasizes clinical correlates to alterations in brain function, but also provides experiences in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Service learning in agencies devoted to stroke, epilepsy, AIDS, Alzheimer's, and other neurological diseases may be required. If this course is chosen, student must be concurrently enrolled in PSYC 406. Prerequisite: PSYC 105; BIOL 101 and BIOL 104 are highly recommended. For Psychology majors, this course must be taken with PSYC 406.

The influence of great individuals and societal change on the evolution of psychology. A survey of how psychology grew from its ancient roots into a modern science. Especially useful for seniors or students considering graduate training. Prerequisites: PSYC 105, junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.

The study of macro-organization theory or structure of organizations, their components, dynamics, and behavioral aspects with respect to their environment. How organizations deal with and initiate change. Prerequisite: MGMT 305, or consent of instructor. Same as MGMT 433.

Offers students the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge with practical experience. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing (for transfer students, at least 15 hours completed at Westminster), minimum 2.5 GPA, completion of the Career Resource Center Internship Workshop, and consent of program director and Career Center Internship Coordinator.

The senior project is a year-long seminar for senior-level psychology majors to share their research, practical, and/or theoretical knowledge of a concentrated topic in psychology. Each student works with a faculty member to develop and implement his or her project. The seminar portion of the course is a forum for the presentation and discussion of these efforts. At the end of the course, each student is required to present, orally and in writing, a formal, integrative paper on his or her chosen topic. Prerequisites: PSYC 390; senior standing; a declared major in psychology, and consent of instructor.