Psychology Faculty Deborah Harris O'Brien, Associate Professor of Psychology (Program Chair) Anne Coates-Conaway, Associate Professor of Counseling Jonathan Segal, Associate Professor of Psychology Carlota Ocampo, Assistant Professor of Psychology   Description The study of psychology emphasizes the behavior and experience of the individual. Psychology investigates the effects on the individual of other individuals, groups, the environment, and the world of sensation and perception. This investigation can be undertaken from a number of different perspectives: physiological, sociocultural, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and psychoanalytic. Psychology thus interfaces with fields such as sociology, economics, political science, education, biology, and philosophy. In summary, psychology contributes to an understanding of how people behave, think, interact, and make sense of the world around them. The goals of the Psychology Program are to prepare students to continue on to graduate training in psychology or related fields (such as counseling or social work); to enable students to apply psychological theory and research to everyday experience; and to provide students with the skills to devise, execute, analyze, and write reports of psychological studies. In accordance with the overall goals of Trinity College, the Psychology Program strives to heighten student awareness of the diversity of human behavior and experience, notably with respect to gender, race, and age, as well as to teach and instill an ethical approach to the study of human behavior and cognition. Psychology supports a major in the Weekday Program and a minor in the Weekday and Weekend College Programs. Psychology also supports the Human Relations major in both the Weekday and Weekend College Programs. Major Requirements In addition to completing a set of required courses, all psychology majors are required to complete one of three course clusters: general, developmental, or social psychology. Each cluster is designed to give the student a degree of expertise within a given area of psychology. All psychology majors must take the following courses: Required Courses (30-34 credits) ALL of the following courses: PSY 121 Introductory Psychology PSY 386 or 387 Experimental Social Psychology or Experimental Developmental Psychology PSY 388 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods PSY 480 Senior Seminar in Psychology PSY 500 Practicum BOTH of the following statistics courses: MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics MAT 210 Statistical Inference ONE ethics course, such as PHI 210, 211, 212, 213, or 215 ONE biology course chosen from among: BIO 101 Introduction to Biology BIO 151 General Biology I BIO 152 General Biology II Courses in mathematics and natural sciences are highly recommended. General Psychology Cluster (15 credits) THREE of the following courses: PSY 255 Social Psychology PSY 257 Child Psychology PSY 258 Personality and Psychopathology PSY 322 Physiological Psychology PSY 384 Learning TWO additional psychology electives (6 credits minimum) Developmental Psychology Cluster (15 credits) ONE required course in child psychology: PSY 257 Child Psychology THREE of the following courses: PSY 205 Psychology of Gender Roles PSY 231 Psychology of Aging PSY 261 Psychology of Adolescence PSY 358 Behavior Disorders in Children ONE additional psychology elective (3 credits minimum) Social Psychology Cluster (15 credits) ONE required course in social psychology: PSY 255 Social Psychology ONE course chosen from between: PSY 257 Child Psychology PSY 258 Personality and Psychopathology TWO of the following courses: PSY 204 Psychology of Aggression and Violence PSY 205 Psychology of Gender Roles PSY 210 Psychology of Group Behavior PSY 311 Attribution Theory and Decision Making ONE additional psychology elective (3 credits minimum) Minor Requirements (18 credits) Psychology minors are advised to pursue a pattern of courses similar to the major described above. Eighteen credits are required for the minor; additionally students must obtain permission of the program chair to minor in psychology. Program Policies Advanced Placement: Credit is granted for a 4 or 5 on the AP examination. These credits may count toward the major and may be accepted as FLC credits upon consultation with psychology faculty members. CLEP Policy: CLEP examination scores will not be accepted as qualifying for psychology credits or requirements. Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C"(2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major or the minor. In addition, a GPA of 2.0 or better must be maintained in the first three psychology courses taken in order to be accepted as a psychology major. Pass/No Pass: No major courses, with the exception of the PSY 500, 501 Psychology Practica may be taken on a pass/no pass basis. MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics and MAT 210 Statistical Inference may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis. However, required related subjects (BIO and PHI) may be taken pass/no pass. Senior Assessment: All students are required to take PSY 480 Senior Seminar in Psychology, which prepares students for the Senior Assessment. Students receive eight comprehensive questions by the end of the fall semester in which PSY 480 is taken. Two of these questions are chosen for the assessment, which occurs early in the spring semester. Two three-hour sessions are used to develop and present analyses of two selected questions, one question per session. TELL Policy: Psychology faculty review TELL portfolios and will accept up to nine credits toward the major. Transfer Credits: The following courses must be taken at Trinity: PSY 388 Experimental Psychology. One of the three experimental psychology courses (either PSY 386, PSY 387, or PSY 388). PSY 480 Senior Seminar. At least three psychology electives. All other psychology courses, as well as the outside BIO and PHI requirements, may be accepted as transfer courses toward the psychology major. Course Descriptions PSY 121 Introductory Psychology 3 cr Introduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation, and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). FLC, Area VI, Level 1 Core, II PSY 201 Computers in Psychology 3 cr Instructs students in computer applications in psychology. Hands-on projects focus on data analysis in SPSS, visual presentation of information using graphics software, database and Internet search techniques, and much more! PSY 204 Psychology of Aggression and Violence 3 cr Examines interpersonal, intergroup, and international violence and aggression. The topic is approached from the standpoints of physiological, motivational, learning, cognitive and interpersonal factors, and structural and ecological factors. Aspects of the psychology of nonviolence are covered. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor PSY 205 Psychology of Gender Roles 3 cr Studies theories and relevant research on the development of gender roles and the impact of gender roles on self-impression formation, achievement, interpersonal relations, and sexuality. Other topics include an analysis of gender stereotyping, the influence of biology, the concept of androgyny, and the reciprocal qualities of gender roles. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor   PSY 206 Psychology, Cognition, and Art 3 cr Explores the amazing brain and the processes of sensation and perception that result in the cognition of art. Investigates the science of vision and how figure, form, and depth perception are integrated to produce both perception and visual illusions. Also investigates the psychological components of music and literature. PSY 210 Psychology of Group Behavior 3 cr Analyzes the effects of the individual on the group and the group on the individual. Topics include unstructured collective behavior, group formation and development, member characteristics, conformity, cohesiveness, and leadership. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor PSY 212 Drugs and Human Behavior 3 cr Focuses on the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs, including medications (anti-depressants, neuroleptics) as well as alcohol and illegal substances (narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, etc.). Creative class formats utilize video, exercises, discussion, and readings to examine the biological, behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial consequences of drug use and effective approaches to treatment. Prerequisite: PSY 121 and BIO 101 or 151 or 152 FLC, Area VI, Level 2, Seminar II PSY 220 Health Psychology 3 cr Explores the correlates of behavior and physical health. The course focuses on psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors in disease and disease prevention. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to special topics in behavioral medicine, including AIDS, chronic pain, and rehabilitation. Prerequisite: PSY 121 PSY 231 Psychology of Aging 3 cr Studies human development from early adulthood to old age. Interaction of social, psychological, and physiological aspects of development are emphasized. The course is of special relevance to students planning careers to serve the growing population of senior citizens. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor PSY 241 Women: Developmental and Multicultural Perspectives 3 cr Emphasizes the experiences of women in theories and research which provide a framework for examining adult development. An interdisciplinary and multicultural approach is used which stresses the interrelatedness of psychological, sociocultural, and biological factors in human growth. Central issues of identity, interpersonal relationships, productivity, gender roles, self-concept, and adaptation to transition are explored. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor FLC, Area II, Level 1 PSY 242 Transcultural Leadership 3 cr Investigates theoretical and practical approaches to leadership in a multicultural context. Topics include motivational factors, vision, personal values and commitments, shared power, and collective action. Structured exercises facilitate the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills which promote effective interpersonal relationships and ethical leadership in a global society. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor PSY 255 Social Psychology 3 cr Studies the individual interacting in a social context. Theories of attitude formation and change, social perception, and small group behavior are examined, as well as current theories, research, and methodology. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor FLC, Area VI, Level 2 PSY 257 Child Psychology 3 cr Reviews theories of development and contemporary research and how they relate to current social issues concerning children. The developmental period from conception through middle childhood is the focus, with topics including cognitive changes, language acquisition, sensory-motor, moral, and socioemotional development. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor Note: This course replaces PSY 251 Developmental Psychology. Students may not elect PSY 257 if PSY 251 has been taken previously. PSY 258 Personality and Psychopathology 4 cr Surveys different perspectives on personality and behavior disorders. Emphasis is on the continuum between normality and abnormality, classification of abnormal behavior, and therapeutic methods of bringing about behavior change. Offered in the Weekday Program only. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor FLC, Areas IV and VI, Level 2 PSY 259 Personality and Psychopathology 3 cr Provides Weekend College students with a survey of different perspectives on personality and behavior disorders. Emphasis is on the continuum between normality and abnormality, classification of abnormal behavior, and therapeutic methods of bringing about behavior change. Offered in the Weekend Program only. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor PSY 261 Psychology of Adolescence 3 cr Studies the theories and current research in adolescent development. Topics include the psychological impact of puberty, cognitive development, personality development, and the interaction of the adolescent with peers, family, and others. Emphasis is given to the impact of culture, gender, and ethnicity on the adolescent's development. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor PSY 311 Attribution Theory and Decision Making 3 cr Analyzes the way people interpret the causes of events in their lives. Topics include personal and impersonal causality, the issues of control and freedom, person perception, objective self-awareness theory, analysis of emotional states, the psychology of decision making, and an attributional approach to psychopathological disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor PSY 322 Physiological Psychology 3 cr Examines the structure and function of the nervous system as related to behavior and experience. Physiological correlates of psychological phenomena are emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 121; BIO 101, 151 or 152 are recommended FLC, Areas V and VI, Level 2 PSY 333 Criminal and Forensic Psychology 3 cr Introduces students to psychological issues in the area of criminal justice, including the topics of juvenile delinquency, mental illness and criminal responsibility, and rehabilitation of offenders. Psychological theories and research on the causes of criminal behavior and the role of the psychologist in the criminal justice system are presented. Prerequisite: PSY 121 PSY 358 Behavior Disorders in Children 3 cr Studies childhood psychological disorders within a framework of normal development. Emphases include etiology, diagnosis, treatment methods, current research, and case studies. Prerequisites: PSY 121 and 257 or permission of instructor PSY 361 Family Systems Theory 3 cr Examines family systems theory and the influence of the family unit on individual development and behavior. Students will apply the process of multi-generational transmission of individual behaviors and traits to the analyses of genograms. Aspects of Bowen's theory will be emphasized. Prerequisites: PSY 121 and either one additional PSY course, or SOC 261, or permissioin of instructor. PSY 362 Family Psychology and Family Therapy 3 cr [Description Unavailable] Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor PSY 384 Learning 3 cr Studies the principles of learning and the theories of the conditions necessary for discovery, fixation, and retention of information. Classical and operant conditioning, social learning theory, and insight learning are emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 121   PSY 386 Experimental Social Psychology 5 cr Approaches experimental social psychology through active involvement in the methods used to study the individual in a social context. Field and lab experiments are devised, performed, and analyzed. Methodology, systematic thinking, and analysis are stressed. Prerequisites: PSY 121 and MAT 110; PSY 255 is recommended PSY 387 Experimental Developmental Psychology 5 cr Introduces students to experimental developmental psychology through active involvement in the methods used to study behavior throughout the lifespan. Students conduct field and laboratory research, score and statistically analyze data, and write reports using APA style. Attendance at professional conferences and workshops is part of the course. Prerequisites: PSY 121 and MAT 110; PSY 257 is recommended PSY 388 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods 5 cr Introduces students to research methods in various areas of psychology through active involvement in field and laboratory research, data analysis and interpretation, and written presentation of results. Computer technologies are integrated throughout the course for literature reviews, experimental simulations, and statistical analysis of data. Prerequisites: PSY 121 and MAT 110; Junior status (56 completed credits); for psychology majors only. PSY 401 Seminar in Contemporary Psychology 3 cr Provides an opportunity for students to explore in-depth contemporary issues in psychology of particular interest to them. Possible topics include psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology, and biological boundaries of behavior. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor FLC, Seminar II PSY 401A Seminar in Contemporary Psychology: Psychology of Race and Racism 3 cr Utilizes some of the most current and groundbreaking psychological theory and research to examine constructs of prejudice and racist behavior. Examines how psychologists explain the acquisition of racist attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors by individuals and groups. Creatively explores the short-and long-term psychological and psychosocial effects of being targeted by racism. Special emphasis will be placed on effective solution-oriented strategies for dealing with what DuBois called "the issue of the 20th centurythe problem of the color line." Prerequisite: Introductory level class in the social sciences FLC, Seminar II PSY 451 Research Problems in Psychology 1 cr Allows in-depth exploration of research topics selected by the student and instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor PSY 452 Research Problems in Psychology 2 cr Allows in-depth exploration of research topics selected by the student and instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor PSY 453 Research Problems in Psychology 3 cr Allows in-depth exploration of research topics selected by the student and instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor PSY 454 Research Problems in Psychology 4 cr Allows in-depth exploration of research topics selected by the student and instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor PSY 480 Senior Seminar in Psychology 3 cr Explores major issues in both the history of psychology and current research. Students are exposed to both classic works in psychology and recent theories. The impact of psychology on society is stressed. Prerequisite: Minimum of junior status as psychology or human relations major   PSY 500, 501 Practicum 3 cr Provides students with practical experience in the field of psychology. By arrangement with psychology faculty, practica may concentrate in areas such as developmental, clinical, experimental, and social psychology. Prerequisite: Minimum of junior status as psychology major Additional Accepted Courses HRE 301 Seminar: Perspectives on Gender