Psychology
Chair: Bianca Cody Murphy
Department home page: http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/Acad/Psychology/
The offerings of the Psychology Department are intended to reflect the remarkable diversity of topics and approaches that constitute modern-day psychology. Many students may want to begin their exploration of psychology by taking a 200-level course focused on a particular topic. Psy 101, which is not required for the major, is intended as an overview of the field for those who do not expect to concentrate in psychology. It can, however, be counted toward either the major or the minor. Students with scores of 4 or 5 on the AP psychology test will be credited for Psychology 101.
Laboratories and field placements
On-campus laboratory facilities include the Elisabeth Amen Nursery School, human and animal experimental labs and a psychobiology lab that includes a vivarium. Off-campus field work with either children or adults may be conducted in community-intervention agencies, psychiatric mental hospitals, social service agencies and industrial organizations.
Major
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The major consists of at least 10 credits.
Statistics
Math 141, Math 151, or Bio 212.
Psychology
Psy 202 Quantitative Research Methods
Biological
Two of the following:
Psy 225 Brain, Mind, and Behavior
Psy 226 Comparative Animal Behavior
Psy 227 Drugs and Behavior
Psy 235 Human Sexuality
Psy 261 Psychobiology of Sex and Gender
Psy 265 Health Psychology
Psy 275 The Body in Human Experience
Psy 341 Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Psy 348 Laboratory in Animal Communication and Cognition
Psy 367 Cognitive Neuroscience
Individual
Two of the following:
Psy 203 Developmental Psychology
Psy 211 Learning and Memory
Psy 221 Experiencing: The Phenomenology of Everyday Life
Psy 222 Cognition
Psy 241 Personality -- The Study of Lives
Psy 247 Abnormal Psychology
Psy 312 Perception
Psy 315 Social and Emotional Development
Psy 324 Childhood Behavior Disorders
Psy 330 Scientific Approaches to Consciousness
Psy 343 Laboratory in Cognitive Psychology
Psy 344 Laboratory in Qualitative Research
Psy 345 Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Psy 369 Clinical Psychology
Sociocultural
Two of the following:
Psy 232 Social Psychology
Psy 251 Multicultural Psychology
Psy 260 Psychology of Religion
Psy 270 Adolescent Development
Psy 272 Psychological Anthropology
Psy 290 Psychology of Women
Psy 306 Infancy across Cultures
Psy 326 Political Psychology
Psy 334 Practicum in Human Services
Psy 336 Child Development in the Navajo Nation
Psy 340 Laboratory in Social Psychology
Of the six courses in the above three categories, one must be a 300-level course and one must be a laboratory course (i.e., at least two 300-level psychology courses are required).
Seminar or thesis
Psy 400 Psychology Senior Seminar
Honors Work
Students with an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher are encouraged to consider completing an honors thesis in psychology. Proposals for honors theses must be reviewed and approved by the department, generally in the spring of the junior year.
Psy 500 Senior Honors Thesis
Students who undertake a senior thesis must also take the Senior Seminar in Psychology.
Courses in the following subject areas outside of psychology are also recommended: writing; philosophy, including logic and ethics; other social sciences; computer science; biology and the physical sciences.
Minor
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Students minoring in psychology should take five psychology courses, at least one of which is at the 300 level. A minimum of five credits is required.
Courses
101. Introductory Psychology
A survey of the basic principles and findings of psychology as a social and biological science and practice.
202. Quantitative Research Methods
Surveys fundamental principles of quantitative research methodology, including both experimental and correlational methods, as well as basic issues in research ethics. This course is foundational to the departmental program of literacy in psychology and exemplifies infusion of race, ethnicity, and gender perspectives into psychology. Majors in psychology and psychobiology are advised to take this course in their sophomore year if possible.
203. Developmental Psychology
An introduction to concepts and methods for a scientific and ecologically sensitive approach to development, with a primary focus on the multiple influences that create change and continuity, universals and cultural specificity. Development from conception to late childhood is emphasized. Includes observation in the Elizabeth W. Amen Nursery School.
(Peony Fhagen-Smith, Derek Price)
211. Learning and Memory
A study of memory from behavioral, cognitive and biological perspectives. Reviews principles of classical and operant conditioning as they have been established through animal research and applied in behavior therapy; takes a cognitive approach to human memory, with an emphasis on information-processing theories; and explores recent work in functional brain imaging and with neuropsychological patients.
(Rolf Nelson, Jason E. Reiss)
221. Experiencing: The Phenomenology of Everyday Life
An introduction to the phenomenological approach in psychology and its use for illuminating ordinary, everyday experiences as well as uncommon ones. Applies phenomenological methods and interpretations to achieve new insights into such activities as writing, imagining and driving a car, as well as to the less-accessible experiential worlds of children and autistic, blind or paralyzed adults.
(David Wulff)
222. Cognition
A survey of scientific studies of everyday thinking, with particular attention to language, problem solving, reasoning and decision making. Serves as an introduction to cognitive neuroscience, which examines information processing in conjunction with its underlying neural mechanisms. Current experimental research will be incorporated into the classroom discussions.
(Rolf Nelson, Jason E. Reiss)
Connections:
Conx 20061 Body and Mind
225. Brain, Mind, and Behavior
An introduction to biopsychology through a survey of topics such as nervous system structure and function; neuronal physiology; structure and function of the sensory and motor systems; and the physiological bases of emotion, motivation, learning, and abnormal and social behaviors.
(Meg Kirkpatrick, Kathleen Morgan)
226. Comparative Animal Behavior
An introduction to evolutionary theory as an organizing framework for comparing representative behavior patterns in humans and other animal species. Includes analysis of both the mechanisms and the functions of behaviors.
(Kathleen Morgan)
Connections:
Conx 23013 Animal Power in Religion, Art and Science
227. Drugs and Behavior
An introduction to the study of drug use, abuse and addiction, with a focus on recreationally used drugs. Topics range from the neurochemical action of drugs to the consequences of their use for society.
(Meg Kirkpatrick, Kathleen Morgan)
Connections:
Conx 20049 Psychoactive Sacramentals
Conx 20069 Structure and Function of Drugs
232. Social Psychology
An introduction to the systematic study of human social behavior. Considers how people perceive and react to others and how they are affected by social situations. Topics include attitudes, prejudice, helping, aggression and interpersonal attraction.
(Gail Sahar, Michael Berg)
235. Human Sexuality
A comprehensive introduction to the biological, behavioral, psychological and cultural aspects of human sexuality. Considers the relation of sexual values and behavior; anatomy, arousal and response; sexual behavior and orientation; issues of gender; sexuality through the lifespan; sexual problems; and important social issues such as rape, abortion and pornography. Classroom exercises, films and guest presentations.
(Linette G. Liebling, Nancy Olin)
Connections:
Conx 23006 Sexuality
241. Personality -- The Study of Lives
A study of the nature of human personality, including its structure, development and ongoing dynamics. Employing a variety of classic and modern theoretical perspectives and research findings, this course addresses the fundamental question of how we are to understand ourselves and others in the diverse situations in which humans find themselves.
(Cooper R. Woodard, David Wulff)
247. Abnormal Psychology
A survey of the chief forms of psychological disorder and current modes of explanation and treatment. Issues include the definitions of normality and abnormality and the goals of intervention. Case studies focus the discussion.
(Bianca Cody Murphy)
251. Multicultural Psychology
Multicultural psychology is the systematic study of all aspects of human behavior as it occurs in settings where people of different cultural backgrounds encounter each other. Multiculturalism has been considered a "fourth force" in the field of psychology, supplementing behaviorism, psychodynamic theories, and humanistic psychology. Readings, discussions and films will be used in this course to explore such topics as differences in worldviews and in means of communication; the acculturation process; stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and racism; cultural identity development; and building multicultural competence.
(Peony Fhagen-Smith)
Connections:
Conx 23016 Race as a Social Construct
260. Psychology of Religion
A descriptive and interpretive study of religious content and of religious attitudes, experiences and practices. Drawing on biological, behavioral, psychoanalytic, Jungian, existential-phenomenological and humanistic viewpoints, this course considers the nature of religious experience; the meaning of religious images, creeds and rituals; and the origins and significance of individual differences in religious outlook.
(David Wulff)
Connections:
Conx 20050 Quest for Transcendence
Conx 20054 The Religious Response
261. Psychobiology of Sex and Gender
An exploration of the possible biological underpinnings of sex differences in human behavior. Examines the relationship between hormones and the central nervous system in determining how the sexes participate in many different areas of human behavior. Some of the main topics of this course are the sexual differentiation of the brain, how the brain and behavior connect, sex differences in animal behaviors, the evolution of sexual differences, the biology of sexuality and sexual attraction, and sex differences in parenting, aggression and aging
(Meg Kirkpatrick)
Connections:
Conx 23004 Gender
Conx 23006 Sexuality
265. Health Psychology
Presents a biopsychosocial model of health that addresses how biological, psychological and social processes and their interaction influence our physical well-being. Topics include mind-body interactions, health behavior and interventions, patient-doctor relationships, and chronic and advanced illnesses.
(Michael Berg)
Connections:
Conx 20005 Microbes and Health
270. Adolescent Development
Multiple perspectives on the physical, cognitive and psychosocial transitions related to adolescent development. Topics include current versions of developmental theory; specific issues related to adolescence and emerging adulthood; the adolescent peer culture; sexualities and sex education; multicultural issues in adolescence; and changing male/female roles.
(Peony Fhagen-Smith)
Connections:
Conx 23006 Sexuality
272. Psychological Anthropology
See Anth 270.
275. The Body in Human Experience
A survey of the many ways that the body conditions or is an object of our daily experience and is framed by history, culture, religious tradition, ethnic identity, gender, age and health. Among the topics will be the effects of human physiology and posture on human experience, language, and symbols; the body image and bodily experience; and efforts to transform the body through tattooing, piercing, mutilation, body-building and plastic surgery.
(David Wulff)
Connections:
Conx 23004 Gender
Conx 23006 Sexuality
290. Psychology of Women
Examines psychological theories and research about women and gender. Discusses similarities as well as gender differences and the multiple causes for those differences. Explores the ways in which ethnicity, class and sexual orientation interact with gender in the U.S.
(Bianca Cody Murphy)
Connections:
Conx 23004 Gender
Conx 23005 Women in the United States
298. Experimental Course
306. Infancy across Cultures
The nature and nurture of infants from the perspectives of Western research, and of selected non-Western contemporary societies, especially the Navajo. Examines childbirth, newborn capacities, caretaker-infant relationships, early experience and changes during infancy, all in cultural contexts. Includes field observations.
(Derek Price)
312. Perception
A detailed look at the processing of visual information, from the moment that photons of light enter our eyes to the experience of seeing the world spread out before us. Topics include depth perception, perspective in art, color, perceptual organization, motion, attention and awareness.
(Rolf Nelson, Jason E. Reiss)
Connections:
Conx 20061 Body and Mind
Conx 23012 Visualizing Information
315. Social and Emotional Development
In this course the growth of social and emotional competence that emerges from children's experiences in their relationships with others (e.g., parents, other children, cultural context) will be explored through in-depth reading and discussion of such topics as attachment, emotions, gender role development, development of the self, moral development and more.
Special attention will be given to books such as Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls by Rachel Simmons; Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson's Raising Cain: The Emotional Life of Boys; and The Skin We're In: Teaching our Teens to Be Emotionally Strong, Socially Smart, and Spiritually Connected by Janie Ward.
(Peony Fhagen-Smith)
324. Childhood Behavior Disorders
A survey of behavioral disorders of childhood in both clinical and educational settings, with a review of various perspectives on etiology and treatment. Emphasis on evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment.
(Grace Baron)
Connections:
Conx 20060 The Genetics of the Autism Spectrum
326. Political Psychology
The study of psychological influences on political thinking and behavior. Personality and politics, intergroup conflict, political cognition and genocide are some of the topics to be considered.
(Gail Sahar)
330. Scientific Approaches to Consciousness
How does the brain give rise to a conscious awareness of our surroundings? What is the relation of the body to the mind? Are animals conscious? This course approaches the recently emerging field of consciousness studies, which attempts to address questions like these and others, from a cognitive, neuroscientific, and philosophical perspective.
(Rolf Nelson)
Connections:
Conx 20061 Body and Mind
334. Practicum in Human Services
Students intern in a community mental health or human service agency for one day or two half-days a week. They receive supervision both at the agency and by the professor. The weekly class meeting integrates the field work experience with the theoretical literature. Placements may address issues such as homelessness, family violence, adolescent pregnancy, AIDS, mental illness and child care.
(Grace Baron)
336. Child Development in the Navajo Nation
A cultural perspective on child development is sought through service learning relationships with a Navajo community school and domestic hosts in Arizona during January. Service may include classroom instruction and field supervision of students, as well as domestic chores for our host families. Readings, reflective exercises, journal writing and literature searches all will contribute to papers developed during spring semester. Additional fees may be necessary for travel.
(Derek Price)
337. Practicum in Psychological Research
Students intern in one of several research laboratory settings for six to eight hours a week, receiving supervision by the laboratory manager. A weekly class integrates student experiences with the variety of research methods in psychology and with the theoretical literature. Placements may be in a number research setting, including both on- and off-campus programs.
(Rolf Nelson)
340. Laboratory in Social Psychology
The study of the important conceptual, practical and ethical issues involved in doing social psychological research. Students will conduct studies using experimental and correlational methods and learn to write an APA-style paper.
(Gail Sahar, Michael Berg)
341. Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
An introduction to the physiology of behavior, with a special focus on neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and sensory physiology. Six hours a week, lab/lecture combined.
(Meg Kirkpatrick)
343. Laboratory in Cognitive Psychology
The design, implementation, evaluation and interpretation of experiments in memory, perception and other topics in cognitive psychology. Following experience in carrying out pre-designed laboratory experiments, students will work in groups on developing and carrying out their own original research projects.
Understanding of the scientific process will be further facilitated through discussions of journal articles in the field.
(Rolf Nelson, Jason E. Reiss)
344. Laboratory in Qualitative Research
An introduction to and exploration of qualitative research methods in psychology and the emerging frameworks in which they situated today. Methods include memory work, Q-methodology, phenomenology, narrative psychology and grounded theory, among other possible approaches.
(David Wulff)
345. Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Students will address research questions in early childhood development through quantitative or qualitative research methods. Students will design and implement the specific methodologies in the Elizabeth W. Amen Nursery School, analyze the data, and interpret the results in written APA format. Ethical issues will be addressed.
(Peony Fhagen-Smith, Derek Price)
348. Laboratory in Animal Communication and Cognition
A comparative introduction to current theories and methodologies for investigation of the nature of communication in, and cognitions and problem-solving abilities of, nonhuman animals. Lab/lecture combined.
(Kathleen Morgan)
367. Cognitive Neuroscience
An investigation into the field of Cognitive Neuroscience, which unifies several sub-disciplines such as cognitive psychology, neuropsychology and neuroscience in order to understand the biological mechanisms that underlie key components of the human mind such as perception, attention, memory and language.
(Jason E. Reiss)
369. Clinical Psychology
An introduction to the field of clinical psychology. Considers the basic tools of the clinician, including interviewing, observation and assessment; the major theories of counseling and psychotherapy; and professional and ethical issues. Case studies, demonstrations and videotapes will be used.
(Bianca Cody Murphy)
398. Experimental Course
400. Psychology Senior Seminar
Senior psychology majors will participate in a capstone experience in a seminar format. Students will engage in critical thinking about current trends in psychology as well as considering applications of psychological concepts to real-world problems.