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Courses availableThe program in psychology exposes the student to a broad spectrum of courses in psychology which are useful both to the general student and to those students who are interested in pursuing graduate or professional training. Although the overall emphasis of the program is to provide students with a broad background in the scientific aspects of the discipline, students are also required to obtain the skills necessary to apply that knowledge, whether that be in the laboratory or in an applied setting. One-on-one work with a faculty member is strongly encouraged for every major, either in empirical research or clinical experience. After satisfaction of the basic requirements of the major, students may focus their study on one or several different areas that encompass the field of psychology. Note, that you may also download requirements for the psychology major and course descriptions from the registrar's psychology web page. All psychology courses except 210, 295, and 420 will serve to partially fulfill Group 1 (Social Sciences) distribution requirements for graduation.PSYC 110 - INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY(CORE COURSE: required for the major and prerequisite for all courses in the Department except PSYC 190 and 210) - DiLillo, Dolgin, Freeman, Hall, Hothersall, Leavy, Robbins, Smith, Swartzentruber The scope and content of psychology, a working knowledge of its vocabulary, and an understanding of the research methods used are included in this survey of the basic facts and principles underlying behavior. Specific areas examined may include: history and research methodologies, growth and development, physiological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, animal and human learning and memory, cognitive processes, motivation, emotion, personality, adjustment, behavior disorders and treatment, and social behavior. As part of the course requirements all students must satisfy a departmental requirement for participation in empirical research as either a subject or an experimenter. Frequent objective examinations are a component of most sections of PSYC 110. Several sections require either a term paper or completion of a computerized simulation experiment. For the primary focus and requirements of specific sections, please check with the individual instructor. Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 190 Series - FRESHMAN TUTORIAL(Restricted to freshman honors students) - Staff Individual study with faculty within the Department. Open only to honors students during their freshman year. This individualized "one-on-one" arrangement with a faculty member normally encompasses a combination of directed readings, discussions, and an empirical or library project. Some students enroll in this course in lieu of PSYC 110 and as part of the tutorial experience read a comprehensive introductory psychology textbook. Students selecting the latter option normally also attend class lectures in PSYC 110 in addition to their weekly individual meetings with a faculty member. Students who satisfactorily complete a comprehensive examination similar to those given as final exams in PSYC 110 are exempt from the PSYC 110 prerequisite for other courses in the Department and their transcripts indicate that they have satisfactorily completed a competency examination in introductory psychology. Among the tutorials offered by the department are:
Note: these tutorials are not offered every semester and enrollment is limited. Course numbers may vary from semester to semesterPSYC 210 - QUANTITATIVE METHODS(CORE COURSE: required for the major) - Hall, Swartzentruber In this course students learn the theory behind the fundamental statistics used in the field of psychology. Descriptive statistics, such as measures of central tendency and measures of variability, and inferential statistics, which help researchers evaluate the results of their work, are discussed in depth. Students will use MINITAB, a computerized statistical program, to complete regular assignments. Other course requirements include midterm exams and a comprehensive final. Students may exempt PSYC 210 by taking MATH 105. Students may not receive credit for this course and MATH 105. Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 222 - PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT(GROUP E: Psychological Health) - Freeman Emphasis is placed on theories of personality, techniques of assessment, determinants of personality, and concepts in adjustment such as anxiety, stress, frustration, and conflict. There is discussion of psychological research that deals with current issues in society, such as aggressive behavior and sex- roles. There are usually four exams and a final and an optional research project. Opportunity is provided both within and outside of class to take personality tests. Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 233 - LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT(GROUP C: Psychology Across the Lifespan) - Dolgin This course reviews development through the entire lifespan. Each developmental stage - fetal growth, infancy, toddlerhood, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and maturity - will be discussed in terms of the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical changes that occur. Theoretical approaches to psychological development are also presented. Grades are based upon several midterm quizzes or exams and a comprehensive multiple choice final. In addition, students are expected to make several hours of observation at the Ohio Wesleyan Early Childhood Center and to write a 7-10 page paper. STUDENTS MAY NOT TAKE BOTH THIS COURSE AND PSYCH 333 FOR CREDIT. Not recommended for the major but recommended as a cognate for other majors. Fall Semester (Not offered in 2004-05) PSYC 243 - BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR(GROUP A: Neuroscience) - Tarou An introduction to the study of brain-behavior interactions. This course will emphasize the molar aspects of human neuroscience, particularly as they relate to how brain functioning and alterations affect human experience and behavior. Topics covered include the electrochemical mechanisms that underlie mental dysfunctions, motivation, and emotion; neurological aspects of aging; and the means by which humans consciously experience their world. Related approaches such as physiological psychology (focusing on the manipulation of the nervous system, psychopharmacology (an applied research area which exams the effects of drugs on the nervous system), neuropsychology (focusing on the behavioral deficits produced in humans by brain damage), psychophysiology (focusing on the relationship between physiology and behavior, traditionally in humans), and comparative psychology (focusing on animal behavior in semi-natural laboratory environments) will be briefly introduced. This course is not recommended for those students who have a natural science background and normally students would not take this course and PSYC 343. Spring Semester PSYC 252 - SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY(GROUP D: Social Aspects) - Smith An introduction to the scientific study of how individuals think, feel, and behave with regard to other people, as well as how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by other people. Topics include the self-concept, social perception, stereotyping and prejudice, persuasion and attitude change, conformity, group behavior, close relationships, altruism, aggression, and applications to fields such as business and law. Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 295 - COUNSELING AND STUDENT PERSONNEL WORK IN HIGHER EDUCATION(Restricted enrollment) - Leavy This course is the training vehicle for resident assistants employed in Ohio Wesleyan residence halls. In order to be enrolled in the course, students must first have been selected by Student Services personnel to serve as resident assistants. The course involves laboratory and didactic experience with communication and counseling skills and also involves learning administrative and program development skills. It is a modular, .50 credit course, and is offered the first half of the semester Prerequisite: PSYC 110 and resident assistant status. Spring Semester PSYC 300.6 - BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION(GROUP B: Thinking and Adaptive Behavior) - DiLillo Behavior modification is a comprehensive technology for the improvement of behavior based on scientifically derived and empirically demonstrated principles of learning. Behavior modification has been applied to a wide variety of populations and many different types of issues. This course is designed to give students fundamental knowledge concerning the philosophy, history, principles, and procedures used in behavior modification. Additionally, students will formulate, design, conduct, write, and present a self-modification project employing an empirically based intervention. Spring semester PSYC 310 - RESEARCH METHODS (1.25 unit)(CORE COURSE: Required for the major) - Smith, Swartzentruber and Hall The primary objective of this course is to give students first-hand experience with empirical data in psychology and with problems of deriving generalizations from such data. Other important objectives cover knowledge of scientific methodology and of principles involved in designing psychological investigations. Students gain experience in organizing and interpreting observations from psychological experiments. They also gain practice in writing research reports and in using the computer as a tool in statistical analysis. The course involves introductory lectures on experimental design; the performance of several research projects in the laboratory; the analysis of data from these experiments by means of the computer; and the preparation of research reports. A discussion of ethical issues related to research is also presented. Three objective examinations are given that emphasize material from the lectures, the research projects, and the readings. Each project is preceded and followed by lecture and discussion dealing with the issues raised, the methods used, the analysis, and the interpretation of the data. Prerequisite: PSYC 210 (W-course). Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 321 - PERSONALITY AND ASSESSMENT(GROUP D: Social Aspects) - Freeman The study of the qualities, traits, and behaviors that characterize a person's individuality. The course provides exposure to the diversity of theories conceptualizing human personality, the assumptions they make, the evidence they consider, and the procedures they use for systematically gaining information about the personality of individuals. Fall, Spring Semester. PSYC 322 - ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR(GROUP E: Psychological Health) -Leavy The major forms of abnormal behavior are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the descriptions, causes, and treatments of the disorders. Most of the disorders are discussed from several theoretical viewpoints. Both research and clinical perspectives are offered. There are generally four tests and a final, each containing multiple choice and short answer questions. Assignments can include engaging in a subtle act of deviance and writing a short paper about the experience, reading and critiquing a book, designing a research study, or writing a script for an educational video. Tapes, films, role-playing, and group discussions are utilized. It is recommended that students take PSYC 321 prior to PSYC 322. Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 323 - COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY(GROUP D: Social Aspects) - Leavy Theory, research, and practice of prevention. Topics include community mental health, crisis intervention, and primary and secondary prevention of mental disorders. Students are trained in basic helping skills so they can appreciate professional work in the community. Students are given exposure to area agencies to increase their awareness of community efforts and link the course with contemporary practice. PSYC 322 or permission of instructor. Fall Semester PSYC 324 - HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY(GROUP E: Psychological Health) - DiLillo The study of the role that psychological factors play in the production of harmful bodily changes and physical illness, and in the maintenance and restoration of health. Among topics covered are the mind-body issues, stress, personality, disease, pain, and the possible contribution of psychological factors in several major physical disorders. The role of the individual behavior in maintaining health and producing illness, and behavior-based ways of treating physical disorders are also addressed. Spring Semester PSYC 325 - ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR(GROUP D: Social Aspects) - Leavy The application of psychological theory and research to understanding work behavior and the management process. Topics include leadership styles, communication, job motivation and satisfaction, decision-making strategies, organizational behavior modification, Total Quality Management, work stress, employee selection and evaluation, and organizational development. There are three in-class exams, several case reports, and other out-of-class assignments which require students to interview an experienced manager. Occasionally students are led through a game simulation of an organization. Also listed as EMAN 325. Spring Semester PSYC 327 - COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY(GROUP E: Psychological Health) - Freeman This course attempts to present a broad survey of the field of counseling from the perspective of a psychologist. Various aspects of counseling will be discussed, including its definition, theoretical foundations, and specifics of the counseling relationship and process. There is an in-depth study of approximately seven major therapies. For each therapy the students read primary source material. There are audio-visual aids accompanying each therapy. Students have the opportunity to participate in class discussion, empathy training, and role playing. The examinations are essay. In addition, there is usually a reaction paper to the therapies presented in class. Prerequisite: PSYC 321. Spring Semester PSYC 328 - DRUGS AND BEHAVIOR (0.5 unit)(GROUP E: Psychological Health) - Leavy This class may be seminar or lecture format. Major topics include the scope of drug use in society, the history of social control efforts, the epidemiology of drug problems, psychopharmacology, the cause of addiction, and treatment and prevention efforts with specific interest in alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, marijuana, nicotine, and hallucinogens.. There is a midterm and a final, both of which are 1/2 objective and 1/2 essay. There is a required project which entails recording all drug-related stimuli in a daily log and writing a paper summarizing these observations. The course puts emphasis on both the development of knowledge and also provides a more personal look at values and the place of drug use in society. Class participation affects the final grade. (Not offered in 2001-02) PSYC 333 - CHILD PSYCHOLOGY(GROUP C: Psychology Across the Lifespan) - Dolgin This course focuses on the psychological development of the child from conception through pre-adolescence (about 11 years of age). Major topics include prenatal development, cognitive and emotional change, language and communication, the development of sex roles, moral development, the family, and peer interactions. There are four short answer midterm exams and a comprehensive, multiple choice final. Students will, as a class, conduct an observational research project at the Ohio Wesleyan Early Childhood Center, and each student will have the option of writing a 7 to 10 page paper on some aspect of child development. STUDENTS MAY NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR BOTH THIS COURSE AND PSYC 233. Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 335 - ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY(GROUP C: Psychology Across the Lifespan) - Dolgin This course is a study of the outstanding characteristics of the adolescent child. We'll discuss issues including puberty, cognitive development, the identity search, peer and family relations, educational and career development, sexuality, delinquency, and substance abuse. There are four midterms and a comprehensive final. Each student must observe a group of 13-15 year olds and a group of 18-20 year olds and complete a 10-page term paper. Spring Semester PSYC 336 - PSYCHOLOGY OF PHYSICALLY AND BEHAVIORALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN(GROUP C: Psychology Across the Lifespan) - Dolgin This course focuses upon children who are exceptional or atypical in some fashion. Issues covered include mental retardation, learning disabilities, visual and auditory handicaps, communication disorders, behavioral and emotional disorders, and abused and neglected children. There are four short-answer midterms and an objective comprehensive final. Students will be expected to write a 10-12 page paper on a topic of their choice. Prerequisite: PSYC 110 plus one additional psychlogy course. Fall Semester PSYC 337 - HUMAN SEXUALITY(GROUP D: Social Aspects) - Dolgin This course provides an in-depth analysis of human sexual behavior. Topics such as the sexual response cycle, birth control, abortion, sexual morality, love and intimacy, sexual orientation, developmental changes in sexuality, sexual dysfunctions and disabilities, prostitution, pornography, and sexual violence will be discussed. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. (Not offered in 1999-00) PSYC 339 - PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN(GROUP D: Social Aspects) - Dolgin This course deals with theory and research relevant to the psychology of women. Topics include biological and psychological sex differences, psychological theories of women's development, socialization and sociocultural factors, women's mental health and psychotherapy, female sexuality, and women and violence. There are a midterm and final, a journal, and a project or book review. (Not offered in 2001-02) PSYC 341 - COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY(GROUP B: Thinking and Adaptive Behavior) - Heingartner The focus of this course is on the behavior of animals, not humans. Major topics are the nature-nurture issue, sensation and perception, motivation, learning, intelligence, species- specific behaviors and social behavior, the latter receiving considerable emphasis. There are two exams during the term and a comprehensive final exam. Each exam consists of multiple choice, fill-in, and short answer questions. A paper and/or a computer simulation experiment on imprinting are optional. A number of films and videotapes are shown, giving an opportunity for some observation of animal behavior. (The course does not have a lab.) The course overlaps to some extent with Zoology 343 (Animal Behavior), and it is not recommended that a student take both of these courses. Spring Semester PSYC 343 - PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY(GROUP A: Neuroscience) - Robbins This course is a global introduction to the biological mechanisms and processes underlying animal and human behavior, sensory functions, and internal regulation. Topics of major emphasis are the gross anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, the structure and function of individual neurons, and the operation of a number of neural systems including the biological drives of hunger, thirst, sex, and sleep (circadian rhythms); voluntary and involuntary motor systems, the sensory systems, emotional arousal, psychopharmacology (including drug dependency and withdrawal) and behavior pathology (biological bases of abnormal behavior). There are three examinations plus a comprehensive final; each a combination of objective, short answer, and matching questions. Students are required to view and summarize the contents of six selected videotapes as outside assignments. An optional term paper can be submitted either for credit or to qualify for honors in course. There is an optional laboratory with this course in which students may enroll (PSYC 344) for 1/4 unit of additional credit. No previous biological background is necessary. Weekly discussion/help sessions will be available to those students who would like to participate in them. A study guide for each chapter, lecture outlines, and diagrams of neural circuits will be available. Fall Semester PSYC 344 - LABORATORY IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (0.25 unit)(GROUP A: Neuroscience) - Robbins Selected laboratory exercises will focus on the anatomical organization of the brain (human and sheep) and spinal cord, histological procedures to identify brain sections, electrophysiological assessments of neural activity (gross EEG, evoked potentials and single cell recordings), and the behavioral effects of brain lesions and stimulation. This laboratory, if taken, must be taken concurrently with PSYC 343. Two laboratory practicums plus a midterm exam will be given. In place of a final examination students will be expected to complete an independent laboratory exercise and to present the results in written and oral form (brief 15 minute presentation) prior to the end of the semester. Fall Semester PSYC 346 - SENSATION AND PERCEPTION(GROUP A: Neuroscience) - Robbins The primary focus of this course involves the processes by which organisms acquire and organize sensory and perceptual information. Each sensory system imposes limits on what an organism experiences and can bias its understanding of the world. This course will explore the nature and biological reasons for these limits and biases. Basic research methodologies and data will be discussed for each sensory system. The major emphasis, however, will be on the visual system, which will be used as a prototype for the understanding of the other sensory systems. Major topics emphasized within the visual system will include basic visual processes (anatomy and physiology), color, contrast sensitivity, form perception, depth and size discriminations, movement detection, and the effects of experience on the growth and development of the sensory system. Other sensory systems discussed are audition, touch, temperature, pain, taste and smell. The nature of consciousness, the selective sensitivities of each sensory system, and the selective attention mechanism will also be explored. There are two examinations and one midterm during the semester followed by a comprehensive final emphasizing the last half of the course. Each test is a combination of objective and short answer questions. An optional term paper can be submitted for honors in the course or to count as 10% of the final grade. The course assumes no prior knowledge of sensory anatomy and physiology or of perception beyond the PSYC 110 level, although some exposure to zoology or other courses dealing with the biological bases of behavior may be helpful. Weekly discussion/help sessions are offered on a voluntary basis. Spring Semester PSYC 347 - TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE(GROUP A: Neuroscience) - Robbins An in-depth examination of selected activities of the nervous system, with particular emphasis on an understanding of the relationships between neuroanatomy, physiology and biochemistry in relation to understanding human and animal behavior. Topics such as the mechanisms of sleep and associated sleep disorders, the biological bases of memory storage and loss (senility and Alzheimer's disease), hunger and eating disorders (including induced obesity), reproductive behavior, and hemispheric specialization and dominance will be examined using a neurobiological approach. Students should have a strong biological background and/or credit for PSYC 343 (Physiological Psychology) before enrolling in the course. Student presentations and discussions create a seminar format for this course. A midterm and final will be given. In addition, students must write two research papers covering topics of their choice which they have discussed in class. An optional laboratory project can be completed for honors in the course. (Not offered in 2001-02) PSYC 348 - MATURITY AND AGE (0.5 unit)(GROUP C: Psychology Across the Lifespan) - Robbins A study of the psychological aspects of the mature and aged individual with emphasis on the intellectual, emotional, social, economic, political, physiological, and medical concerns experienced during these developmental periods. There are two exams plus a comprehensive final. Optional assignments for credit include one or more of the following: viewing and summarizing six videotapes, a 9-12 page term paper, and/or a community project involving volunteer work plus a brief paper. Fall Semester PSYC 363 - LEARNING(GROUP B: Thinking and Adaptive Behavior) - Swartzentruber This course begins with consideration of issues and tools involved in a scientific investigation of learning processes. Next, the primary areas of learning are examined, which include nonassociative learning, Pavlovian and instrumental associative learning, and principles of behavior modification. These topics are discussed from both the cognitive and behaviorist perspectives, and the contributions of each perspective to our knowledge of learning are examined. The course grade is based on four exams, a comprehensive final exam, and a term paper. Spring Semester PSYC 364 - COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY(GROUP B: Thinking and Adaptive Behavior) - Hall This course begins with a brief history of the study of the mind, followed by an examination of current models of human information processing. Special emphasis is placed on attention processes, memory processes and characteristics, organization of semantic knowledge, comprehension, language, and reasoning and problem solving. Course requirements include midsemester exams, a comprehensive final, and a written assignment. E-mail is employed to continue discussion of course material outside of class hours. Fall Semester PSYC 410 - ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS(GROUP F: Advanced Studies) - Staff Semester-long individual empirical research which builds upon the fundamentals covered in PSYC 310. The supervising professor, whose agreement must be obtained in advance, can be any member of the Psychology Department faculty, including those whose primary responsibilities are in Counseling Services. A written research report and brief oral presentation are due at the end of the semester. The instructor in charge of the course will meet periodically with the group to discuss students' research proposals, protocols for use of either animal or human subjects, progress on their projects, and preparation of their presentation to the psychology faculty and fellow class members. Prerequisite: PSYC 310 and permission of instructor. (W-course). Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 420 - ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE METHODS(GROUP F: Advanced Studies) - Hall This course deals with the interpretation of quantitative data in the field of psychology. Heavy emphasis is placed on the rationale and use of analysis of variance, multiple comparison, and linear regression problems. The SPSS computer program is used both for learning concepts and computing statistics. Course requirements include midsemester exams, data analysis projects, and a comprehensive final. There are numerous computing exercises. Prerequisite: PSYC 210 or permission of instructor. Spring Semester PSYC 430 - PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES: PAST AND PRESENT(GROUP F: Advanced Studies) - Hothersall This course examines the history and the present status of psychological knowledge. Psychological issues are traced from their philosophical origins to present formulations, and the history of psychology is examined as a series of methodological innovations. These innovations have made it possible to bring observations to bear upon many questions which were formerly thought to be outside of the realm of science. Psychological schools of thought are discussed in terms of their contributions to psychology and to society in general. The relationship of psychological knowledge to other sources of knowledge regarding human experience are discussed. An effort is made to show the relevance of psychology to many of the problems and interests of 20th century human beings. The student should gain better insight into the contributions, limits, and prospects of psychology. Two midsemester examinations and a final examination are given. Reading materials include a paperback text, a more comprehensive text, and some additional references. A term paper is required. Fall Semester PSYC 452 - SOCIAL COGNITION(GROUP D: Social Aspects) - Smith An advanced course examining the processes and mechanisms that underlie our thinking about ourselves and others. Topics to be covered include the consequences of automatic social processes, the causes and nature of stereotyping, how and why our judgments about ourselves and others go awry, the effects that our preconceptions and desires have on information processing and how we can use physiological data to investigate social cognitive processes. Spring Semester. PSYC 490 - INDEPENDENT STUDY(GROUP F: Advanced Studies) - Staff Individually supervised empirical projects in psychology. It is normally expected that the student have a "B" average in psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 210 and 310 and consent of instructor. Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 491 - DIRECTED READINGS(GROUP F: Advanced Studies) - Staff Individually supervised in-depth reading on a psychological topic selected by the student and approved by a staff member. The scientific journal literature should be the main focus of concentration. Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 495 - APPRENTICESHIP(GROUP F: Advanced Studies) - Staff Junior or senior psychology majors under faculty supervision will locate a job in an area in which the student is qualified. Frequent contact with the supervisor, extra readings or an empirical project, and a final report summarizing the work experience to academic experience is required. Students must keep a journal of their activities during the semester. One unit of academic credit requires 8-10 hours of service per week over the 15-week semester (120-150 hours total). Only one unit may be counted toward the major. The course is graded S or U only. Before beginning work on an apprenticeship students' sign a contract which specifies in some detail the tasks and responsibilities that they, in consultation with the supervising faculty member, agree to carry out. PSYC 322 is a prerequisite for clinical or counseling apprenticeships. Fall, Spring Semester PSYC 499 - SEMINAR(GROUP F: Advanced Studies) - Staff The seminar focuses on a psychological topic of contemporary concern. Student oral reports/discussion are an important part of the course. This course may be taken twice and is open to junior and senior majors and minors.
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