Psychology

Associate Professors Bish, DaCosta, Frymiare (Chair), Mattingly; Assistant Professors Makuch, Reinka ; Instructors C. Bailey, Hanlon, Lawrence, Lederach.

The Department of Psychology offers a comprehensive curriculum characterized by breadth and depth of study. A major in psychology prepares students for immediate employment in a wide variety of positions (e.g., human services, health care, research, sales and marketing) as well as for graduate study in psychology or another field (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, law, elementary and secondary school counseling, school psychology). Pennsylvania certification in social studies for grades 7-12 is also attainable; students and their advisors should consult the Education Department for more information.

The general learning objectives of the department of psychology are that students:

1. develop a knowledge base of key concepts and perspectives of the various content areas and applications of psychology;

2. engage in scientific inquiry and develop critical thinking skills;

3. develop an understanding of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world;

4. develop strong oral and written communication skills; and

5. refine skills relevant to their professional development such as project management skills and teamwork capacity.

In order to meet these objectives, the psychology major requirements are divided into five components as explained below: foundation courses, content courses, advanced research methods courses, capstone course, and elective courses. Recommended courses for majors pursuing graduate school in psychology or a related field and minor requirements are also explained below.

Psychology majors fulfill the writing requirement by completing the Advanced Research Methods (ARM) courses.

Requirements for Majors

1. Foundation Courses: PSYC-100, 200Q.

2. Content Courses: Each student must select four courses, each one from a different content area, at least two of which must be at the 300-level.
a. Health: PSYC/GWSS/IDS-214; PSYC-311, 312.
b. Clinical/Personality: PSYC-220, 320, 322.
c. Cognitive/Cognitive Neuroscience: PSYC/NEUR-230, PSYC-232, PSYC/NEUR-330, 332.
d. Developmental: PSYC-240, 340, 342.
e. Social: PSYC-250, 252, 350, 352.

3. Advanced Research Methods Courses: Each student must select one course from at least two different content areas (two courses total).
a. Health: PSYC-410W.
b. Clinical/Personality: PSYC-420W.
c. Cognitive/Cognitive Neuroscience: PSYC/NEUR-430W, 432W.
d. Developmental: PSYC-440W.
e. Social: PSYC-450W.

4. Capstone Course: One seminar course (numbered in the 460s or 470s), or honors research (numbered PSYC-491 or PSYC-492).

5. Elective Courses: Eight additional elected credits in Psychology.

Recommended Courses

These are not required but rather intended for the student who plans to pursue graduate study in psychology or related fields.

1. STAT-141Q, 242, or 243W.
2. PSYC-481, 482, 491, or 492.
3. At least three electives from departmental offerings at the 300-400 level.
4. BIO-101Q or BIO-102Q.

Requirements for Minors

A minor concentration in psychology comprises PSYC-100; four courses, each in different content areas: health psychology chosen from PSYC/GWSS/IDS-214, PSYC-311, or 312; clinical/personality psychology chosen from PSYC-220, 320, or 322; cognitive psychology/cognitive neuroscience chosen from PSYC/NEUR-230, PSYC-232, PSYC/NEUR-330, or 332; developmental psychology chosen from PSYC-240, 340, or 342; and social psychology chosen from PSYC-250, 252, 350, or 352. At least one course is required at the 300-level.

PSYC-100. Introductory Psychology 

This course will cover key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology. A range of topics will be covered, such as biological psychology, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, cognition, intelligence, human development, personality, social behavior, stress and health, and psychological disorders and treatment. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

PSYC-150. Your Brain on College

A famous Public Service Announcement in the 1980s featured an egg in a frying pan with the tagline, “This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?” In this course, students will be encouraged to ask questions about how college affects the brain and behavior based on psychology concepts, research, and theories. Topics may include learning and memory, concussion, exercise, sleep, alcohol and drugs, and relationships. Emphasis will be placed on application of psychological knowledge (e.g., how should college students study for exams based on research on learning and memory). In addition, this course will address how psychologists from different perspectives (e.g., cognitive, social, developmental) and other disciplines approach the same topic. This psychology-based course will be linked to the neuroscience-based version of the same-titled course (NEUR-150) in a learning community. Furthermore, content from the neuroscience-based course will be referenced in this course. However, in contrast to the neuroscience-based course which will emphasize brain structures and functioning, this course will focus on the mind and its psychological processes. Three hours of lecture. Four semester hours. (LINQ, SS.)

Note: Students must also enroll in NEUR-150.

PSYC-200Q. Introductory Research Methods and Statistics 

This writing-intensive course is an introduction to research methods and statistics in psychology. Emphasis will be placed on information literacy, scientific reasoning, interpretation of research design, evaluation of ethics in psychological science, and quantitative analysis of data. Students will frequently practice statistical analysis and APA writing. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Four hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC/GWSS/IDS-214. Human Sexuality 

A multidisciplinary study of the development and expression of human sexuality through the ages, across cultures, and through the lifespan of the individual. Topics include how is “having sex” defined, sexual anatomy and physiology, sexual behaviors and response cycles, development of gender identity, sexual orientations, relationships, atypical sexual practices, sexual dysfunctions, sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive methods, conception and birth. A working knowledge of sexual intelligence will be developed. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. 

PSYC-220. Mental Health and Abnormal Psychology

Mental health problems will be examined from the biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic/existential and sociocultural perspectives. Topics include reactive, anxiety, mood, and personality disorders, brain disorders, and substance abuse. Prevention and treatment of mental illness will be discussed. A working knowledge of abnormal psychology will be developed. This course will address sociocultural factors related to psychopathology, and how sensitivity to individual differences can promote outcomes that benefit society. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC/NEUR-230. Sensation and Perception

This course will explore fundamental sensory processes with an emphasis on vision and audition. We will discuss how sensory stimulation modulates neuronal activity in distinct regions of the nervous system. Additionally, this course will explore how our brain interprets or perceives sensory information. Topics related to perception may include object recognition, color, motion, depth and size, pitch, auditory localization, speech. A working knowledge of sensation and perception will be developed. Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-232. Learning

This course is an introduction to how we acquire new behaviors, skills, and knowledge. Topics include habituation, sensitization, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, schedules of reinforcement, extinction, observational learning, and the roles of attention, memory, and motivation. A working knowledge of learning will be developed.   Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-240. Lifespan Development 

This course will examine the individual, universal, and collective experiences of human development across the lifespan. Lifespan development includes the range of development from conception to older adulthood, with a focus on adulthood and aging. Topics cover the various stages of development and key social and cultural institutions (such as schools, work, and family) and key experiences (such as infant/toddler milestones, puberty, marriage, grief and dying) related to each of these stages. Throughout this course, a working knowledge of lifespan development will be developed as we examine these topics through the fundamental areas related to human development: physical/sexual development, cognitive development and psychosocial development. This course will address sociocultural factors related to human development and how knowledge of human development can promote outcomes that benefit society. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. 

PSYC-250. Industrial / Organizational Psychology 

This course will examine psychological processes and human behavior in business and other organizational settings. A range of topics will be covered, such as psychological assessment, group processes, teams and teamwork, leadership, organizational attitudes, motivation, decision making, workplace satisfaction, and job productivity. A working knowledge of industrial/organizational psychology will be developed. This course will address sociocultural factors related to industrial/organizational psychology, and how industrial/organizational psychology can promote outcomes that benefit society. Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN.)

PSYC-252. Relationship Science

This course will examine the psychological science of close relationships (primarily romantic relationships). Of particular importance, this course will focus on critical examination and application of scientific research. A review of classic and contemporary literature is an integral component of this course. Topics may include attraction, attributional processes, interdependency, self-concept changes, relationship stressors (e.g., infidelity, jealousy), motivation, relationship maintenance, conflict and conflict resolution, and dissolution. Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC/ENVS-260. Environmental Psychology 

This course is an overview of approaches to understanding the psychological relationship between human beings and the natural world and to a lesser extent our built environment. Humans, based on our nature and behavior, have created problems in the natural environment. In this course we will examine environmentally problematic human behavior from the perspective of all major psychological disciplines (behavioral, developmental, cognitive, social, Gestalt, and more). We will explore how we might use psychological modifications, based on these psychological approaches, to change thinking and behavior and become better stewards of the environment. A working knowledge of psychological principles and their application to solving global environmental issues will be developed. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. 

PSYC-262. Psychology and Law 

This course examines the American legal system in light of basic and applied psychological research and theory. The efforts of psychologists in the legal system have generated various legal, moral, and political controversies which will be discussed and debated in this course including the practice of criminal profiling, jury selection, jury deliberation and decision-making, police interrogations and confessions, use of deception detection techniques, eyewitness testimony, repressed and recovered memories, child witnesses in sex abuse cases, perceptions of guilt versus innocence, the death penalty, the insanity defense, the role of psychologists as trial consultants and expert witnesses and more. Perceptions of differential application of laws with respect to gender, ethnicity and SES will also be examined. A working knowledge of psychological principles and their application in the legal system will be developed. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. 

PSYC-264. Psychology of Power and Privilege.

Starting from a consideration of power as ability to influence (others, resources, events, etc.) and privilege as unearned advantages resulting from group membership (or assumed group membership), this course draws from developmental, social, and cognitive psychology to examine power and privilege in our own lives and in our society and culture. Power and privilege as related to race, gender, class, ethnicity, and the intersectionality of these areas is considered. In addition to work on several group and individual projects, critical reading and critical thinking of all students is expected in support of a discussion-based format. Prerequisites: PSYC-100 or permission of instructor. Registration in another course is required if taken for LINQ credit. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (O, SS.)

PSYC-266. Exploring Autism with Open Minds.

This is a discussion-based course exploring the autism spectrum from multiple perspectives. The overall goals of this course are to understand the autism spectrum, to develop a greater appreciation of neurodiversity, and to consider society’s obligations to autistic people. This course is intended for sophomores, but is open to all students. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Three hours of lecture. Four semester hours. (O, SS.)(

PSYC/MCS-268. In Their Voices: Disability, Media, and Me.

Students will be encouraged to meaningfully explore the intersection of disability and national discourse by synthesizing multiple perspectives from humanities and social science disciplines. We will consider representation of four types of disabilities: physical or mobility disabilities, sensory disabilities, mental health conditions or psychiatric disabilities, and the autism spectrum using film, media, and print narratives. Students will produce podcasts and participate in analytic discussions throughout their journey. Prerequisite: PSYC-100 or MCS-205. Three hours of lecture. Four semester hours. (DN, LINQ, O.)

PSYC-273. Special Topics in Psychology

An occasional content course that will focus on a special topic in psychology. This course is offered as needed. A working knowledge of this special topic will be developed. Graded: S/U. Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Two hours per week. Two semester hours. 

PSYC-274. Special Topics in Psychology

An occasional content course that will focus on a special topic in psychology. This course is offered as needed. A working knowledge of this special topic will be developed. Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Two hours per week. Two semester hours. 

PSYC-275. Special Topics in Psychology

An occasional content course which will focus on a special topic in psychology. This course is offered as needed. A working knowledge of this special topic will be developed. Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-311. Health Disparities

Disparities in health continue to persist in the United States, with individuals from marginalized backgrounds (i.e., marginalized on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc.) bearing a disproportionate amount of physical and mental health challenges (NIMHD, 2016). This course will integrate institutional, interpersonal, and individual-level factors to examine both the health challenges and strengths of individuals from marginalized communities. Through this course, students will gain foundational knowledge that will enable them to build successful initiatives for social justice and health equity at individual and organizational levels. This course will incorporate many discussions and students should come prepared to co-construct meaning and critical analysis of course readings through active participation. Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (O.)

PSYC-312. Health Psychology: Health Beliefs, Behaviors, and Behavior Change

This course offers an introduction to the psychological factors that contribute to the beliefs we hold about health, the health behaviors we practice, and what motivates us to change our behaviors (for better or worse). We will focus on the social, developmental, and cognitive factors that predict behavior, including self-efficacy, social support, internal/external motivation, stages of change, persuasion, message framing, and motivational interviewing. Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-320. Psychopathology and Psychotherapy 

This course will explore clinical and experimental approaches to the understanding and treatment of psychosis, anxiety disorders, and related conditions. Selected topics will be studied intensively to illustrate the wide variety of contemporary viewpoints and techniques. A working knowledge of psychotherapy approaches and clinical research strategies will be developed. This course will address sociocultural factors that influence psychotherapy, and how appropriate choice of therapeutic interventions can promote outcomes that benefit society. Prerequisites: PSYC-100, 220. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-322. Personality 

This course is a comprehensive survey of psychological theory and research on the normal aspects of human nature with focus on individual differences. This emphasis distinguishes the field of personality psychology. The psychoanalytic, biogenetic, trait, humanistic, social cognitive and behavioral perspectives will be explored. Throughout this course, a working knowledge of personality psychology will be developed as we examine these perspectives through the critical appraisal of the interactions among personality theory, research, and applications (assessment and therapeutic change). Prerequisites: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. 

PSYC/NEUR-330. Behavioral Neuroscience

This course will build on knowledge of basic neuroanatomy and neuroscience techniques in the exploration of the neural substrates of behavior. Topics may include neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, sensorimotor processes, perception, attention, and learning. A working knowledge of behavioral neuroscience will be developed. Prerequisites: PSYC-100 or NEUR-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

PSYC/NEUR-332. Cognitive Neuroscience 

This course will build on knowledge of basic neuroanatomy, behavioral measures, and neuroscience techniques in the exploration of cognitive and neural processes supporting higher-level cognitive functions. Topics may include attention, object recognition, motor control, memory, language, cognitive control, and consciousness. A working knowledge of cognitive neuroscience will be developed. Prerequisite: PSYC-100 or NEUR-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

PSYC-340. Child Development 

This course is an overview of modern child development. We will be critically considering the history, theories, research methods, empirical findings, and applications of findings. We will discuss development in all domains—cognitive, social, physical, and emotional—from conception to adolescence—and draw from diverse fields of study including psychology, biology, anthropology and neuroscience. A working knowledge of child development and applications in research, policy making, child care, education and parenting will be developed. This course will address sociocultural factors related to child development including, cultural differences, the impact of differential environments and current dilemmas and controversies in child rearing, and how knowledge of child development can promote outcomes that benefit society. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. 

PSYC-342. Adolescent Development 

This course will examine the individual, universal, and collective experiences of adolescence. Topics covered include adolescence as a socio-cultural construct, adolescent experiences with work, family, schools, media, gender and within other social and cultural contexts. Throughout this course, a working knowledge of adolescent psychology will be developed as we examine these topics through the fundamental areas related to human development: physical/sexual development, cognitive development, and psychosocial development. This course will address sociocultural factors related to adolescent development, and how knowledge of adolescent development can promote outcomes that benefit society. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. 

PSYC-350. Social Psychology: Social Cognition and Influence 

This course will examine how individuals think about, make judgments about, behave towards, and are influenced by the social world. A range of topics will be covered, such as impression formation, stereotypes and prejudice, attitudes and attitude change, conformity, obedience, and social influence. A working knowledge of the social psychology will be developed. This course will address sociocultural factors related to social cognition and influence, and how social cognition and influence can promote outcomes that benefit society. Three hours per week. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Four semester hours. (DN.)

PSYC-352. Social Psychology: Self and Interpersonal Relations

This course will examine how the social world influences individuals’ self-knowledge and interactions with others. A range of topics will be covered, such as the self-concept, self-esteem, group processes, interpersonal relationships, and prosocial and antisocial behavior. A working knowledge of the social psychological aspects of self, identity, and interpersonal relations will be developed. This course will address sociocultural factors related to self and interpersonal relations, and how self and interpersonal processes can promote outcomes that benefit society. Prerequisite: PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN.)

PSYC-381. Internship 

An academic/work experience under the supervision of an internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. Contact departmental chair for further information. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: nine credits in psychology and approval of a faculty internship adviser. Three semester hours. (XLP.)

PSYC-382. Internship 

An academic/work experience under the supervision of an internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. Contact departmental chair for further information. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 160 hours of work. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: nine credits in psychology and approval of a faculty internship adviser. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

PSYC-391. Reading in Psychology

Reading in psychology is an individual study and directed reading course in which a student can further develop an interest. In order to register for this course, a student must have a clear goal and present a preliminary reference list to the faculty member who will be supervising the course. Students will work closely with a member of the psychology faculty in selecting, reading, and discussing the topic, and in determining a proper written assignment. Prerequisite: PSYC-100 and permission of instructor. Three hours of reading per week. One semester hour.

PSYC-392. Reading in Psychology

This course is a continuation of PSYC-391. Prerequisite: PSYC-391 and permission of instructor. Three hours of reading per week. One semester hour.

PSYC-410W. Advanced Research Methods in Health Psychology

This course will apply students’ knowledge of health psychology through the development and execution of an empirically-based research project or assessment that meets ethical standards. Projects will focus on the application of psychological theories and factors to health behaviors, conditions, and outcomes. Topics may include stress and coping, sleep, cardiovascular risk, eating behaviors, exercise, short-term health prevention/intervention projects, and the intersection of mental and physical health. Methods will vary according to survey, experimental, or interview designs. Emphasis will be placed on cultural sensitivity, effective communication, teamwork, and management skills. This course may be especially beneficial for students considering careers in the health/medical professions, occupational and physical therapy, public health, and health and exercise physiology. Prerequisites: PSYC-200Q; and PSYC-310 or 312. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-420W. Advanced Research Methods in Psychopathology 

This course will apply students’ knowledge of abnormal psychology and psychotherapy through the development and execution of an empirically based research project that meets ethical standards. Topics may include randomized controlled trials of experimental therapeutic interventions, as well as personality and interpersonal correlates of psychopathology. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication, teamwork, and management skills. Prerequisites: PSYC-200Q; and PSYC-320 or 322. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC/NEUR-430W. Advanced Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience 

This course will apply students’ knowledge of behavioral neuroscience through the development and execution of an empirically based research project or assessment that meets ethical standards. Topics may include sensorimotor processes, perception, attention, and learning. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication, teamwork, and management skills. Prerequisites: PSYC-200Q or NEUR-200Q; and PSYC/NEUR-330. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (S.)

PSYC/NEUR-432W. Advanced Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience 

This course will apply students’ knowledge of cognitive neuroscience through the development and execution of an empirically based research project or assessment that meets ethical standards. Topics may include neuropsychological assessment, attention, object recognition, motor control, memory, language, cognitive control, and consciousness. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication, teamwork, and management skills. Prerequisites: PSYC-200Q or NEUR-200Q; and PSYC/NEUR-332. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (S.)

PSYC-440W. Advanced Research Methods in Development 

This course will apply students’ knowledge of developmental psychology through the development and execution of an empirically based research project that meets ethical standards. Topics may include cognitive, social, physical, language, intellectual and emotional development. Methods vary according to survey, experimental, or interview designs. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication, teamwork, and management skills. Prerequisites: PSYC-200Q, 340 or 342, and may require necessary security clearances. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-450W. Advanced Research Methods in Social Psychology 

This course will apply students’ knowledge of social psychology through the development and execution of an empirically based research project that meets ethical standards. Topics may include attitudes and persuasion, prejudice, social perception, self-esteem, self-concept structure and change, interpersonal relationships, group processes, prosocial and antisocial behavior, social motivation, and/or social influence. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication, teamwork, and management skills. Prerequisites: PSYC-200Q; and PSYC-350 or 352. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-460. Seminar: Depression 

This course will examine depression and related disorders in depth, which will require critical examination and application of scientific research. Topics may include depression etiology, treatment strategies, and prevention techniques. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication skills. Prerequisites: Junior standing and PSYC-100; PSYC-200Q recommended. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP.)

PSYC-462. Seminar: Cultural Psychology 

Cultural psychology is a field that introduces the idea of “psychological pluralism.” This course emphasizes a perspective that acknowledges multiple psychologies rather than a one-size-fits-all psychology for a diverse range of people worldwide. With specific attention to “non-western” cultural traditions, this course will examine cultural psychology through fundamental questioning of the meaning of “culture” and in-depth analysis of cross-cultural variations in psychological processes. These investigations will require critical examination and application of scientific research. Topics may include cultural psychology of emotions, self, moral judgment, appetite/eating behavior, and intelligence. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication skills. Prerequisites: Junior standing and PSYC-100; PSYC-200Q recommended. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP, GN.)

PSYC/NEUR-464. Seminar: Psychopharmacology 

This course will build on basic understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system, neurotransmitters, and psychological disorders to explore how drugs affect the brain and behavior. This course will examine psychopharmacology in depth, which will require critical examination and application of scientific research. Topics may include chemical signaling, neurotransmitter systems, recreational and illegal drugs, pharmacotherapy, and substance abuse and addiction. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication skills. Prerequisites: Junior standing and PSYC-100 or NEUR-100; PSYC-200Q or NEUR-200Q recommended. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP.)

PSYC/NEUR-465. Seminar: Biological Bases of Learning and Memory

The brain allows organisms to have an incredible capacity to acquire information about the world and to encode, store, and later retrieve that knowledge, but what is the biological basis of learning and memory? How does the brain come to learn whether a stimulus is annoying, rewarding or neutral, and how does remembering how to ride a bicycle differ from remembering scenes from a movie? In this course, students will explore the concept that learning and memory have a physical basis that can be observed as biochemical, physiological and/or morphological changes to neural tissue. We will critically read and discuss primary research articles to become familiar with several different types of learning and memory and the experiments that have enabled them to be distinguished. Different cellular and synaptic mechanisms are thought to underlie distinct types of learning and memory. Newly learned information is encoded through changes in the strength of existing neuronal connections or by formation of new connections and/ or elimination of others. We will discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate these changes by exploring concepts such as synapse formation, synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, neuromodulation and experience-dependent circuit remodeling, among others. With this knowledge, we will discuss how researchers use cutting edge technologies to introduce false memory in animals or enhance learning and memory. Our goal will be to understand the strategies and techniques researchers use to search for the memory trace. Prerequisites: PSYC-100 and Junior standing. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP.)

PSYC-470. Seminar: Minority Health and Health Disparities

Disparities in health continue to persist in the United States, with individuals from marginalized backgrounds (i.e. marginalized on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc.) bearing a disproportionate amount of physical and mental health challenges (NIMHD, 2016). This seminar course will integrate institutional, interpersonal, and individual-level factors to examine both the health challenges and strengths of individuals from marginalized communities. Through this course, students will gain foundational knowledge that will enable them to build successful initiatives for social justice and health equity at individual and organizational levels. The majority of course material will focus on the African American community and draw from Critical Race Theory, feminist, and Afrocentric psychological perspectives. This course will be discussion-based and students should come prepared to co-construct meaning and critical analysis of course readings through active participation. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor or 1) Junior Standing and 2) PSYC-100.Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-471. Seminar Social Stigma

Goffman (1963) defined stigma as a “spoiled identity”: one which makes a person othered, subjugated, and vulnerable to harassment and discrimination. In this course, we will examine what it means to live with a stigmatized identity: what are the social, cultural, educational, interpersonal, and health outcomes that are associated with the burden of stigma? Furthermore, we will examine interventions that work to ameliorate some of these disparities. This is a discussion-based course; therefore, students are expected to co-construct meaning with their peers using the course readings as a guide for their analysis. Prerequisites: Junior standing and PSYC 100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP.)

PSYC-472. Seminar: Development in Context

This course explores human development and particular contexts within which development emerges. Individuals develop within multilayered, distinct ecological contexts that have bidirectional relationships with the individual. This course may include the study of developmental topics ranging from cognitive, social, affective, and identity development at any time in the lifespan. These will be considered in contexts ranging from families, peer groups, schools, as well as larger social and cultural influences. Students will come to appreciate the complex interplay between individual development and contextual influences. Students will be able to understand major concepts in development, and apply and synthesize these concepts within various contexts. These investigations will require critical examination and application of scientific research. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication skills. Prerequisites: Junior standing and PSYC-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP.)

PSYC-475. Seminar: Special Topics in Psychology 

An occasional seminar course which will focus on a special topic in psychology. This course is offered as needed. This course will examine this special topic in depth, which will require critical examination and application of scientific research. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication skills. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

PSYC-480. Directed Research

Research experience under the direction of a faculty member designed to introduce students to research procedures and data analysis skills in the context of a research project. This course can be taken more than once. Pre-requisite: PSYC-200Q and permission of instructor. Two semester hours.

PSYC-481. Research 

Research experience under the direction of a faculty member designed to further develop students’ research procedures and data analysis skills in the context of a research project. The preparation of a written and oral scientific report is required. Prerequisites: PSYC-200WQ and permission of instructor. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

PSYC-482. Research 

This course is a continuation of PSYC-481. Prerequisites: PSYC-481 and permission of instructor. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

PSYC-491. Independent Research/Honors 

This course is open to candidates for departmental honors and to other students with permission of the departmental chair. This course involves independent or student-initiated research experience under the direction of a faculty member. The preparation of a written and oral scientific report is required. Prerequisites: Junior standing, PSYC-200WQ, and permission of instructor. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

PSYC-492. Independent Research/Honors 

This course is a continuation of PSYC-491. Prerequisite: PSYC-491 and permission of instructor. Four semester hours. (XLP.)