Faculty
Deborah Harris O'Brien, Associate Professor of Psychology (Program
Chair)
Jonathan Segal, Associate Professor of Psychology
Carlota Ocampo, Assistant Professor of Psychology
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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 College of Arts and Sciences and a
minor in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of
Professional Studies. Psychology also supports the human relations major
in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional
Studies.
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Major Requirements
In addition to completing a set of required courses (32 credits), all
psychology majors are required to complete one of three course
clusters (15 credits): 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 (32 credits)
ALL of the following courses:
PSY 121 Introductory Psychology
PSY 388 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods
PSY 386 Experimental Social Psychology OR PSY 387 Experimental
Developmental Psychology
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
PHI 211
PHI 212
PHI 213
PHI 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)
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Minor Requirements
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.
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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:
-
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.
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Course Descriptions
PSY 121 Introductory Psychology
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).
3 credits
FLC Area V
Core II
PSY 201 Computers in Psychology
Instructs students in computer applications in psychology. Hands-on
projects focus on data analysis in SPSS, visual presentation of
information using graphics software, and database and Internet search
techniques.
3 credits
PSY 204 Psychology of Aggression and Violence
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 205 Psychology of Gender Roles
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 206 Psychology, Cognition, and Art
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.
3 credits
PSY 210 Psychology of Group Behavior
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 212 Drugs and Human Behavior
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 and BIO 101 or BIO 151 or BIO 152
FLC Seminar II
PSY 220 Health Psychology
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, stress,
hypertension and women's health.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121
PSY 231 Psychology of Aging
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 241 Women: Developmental and Multicultural Perspectives
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
FLC Area V
PSY 242 Transcultural Leadership
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 255 Social Psychology
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 257 Child Psychology
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. Note: This course replaces PSY
251 Developmental Psychology. Students may not elect PSY 257 if PSY 251
has been taken previously.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
FLC Area V
PSY 258 Personality and Psychopathology
Surveys different perspectives on personality and behavior disorders.
Emphasis is on theories of normal personality development and on the
continuum between normality and abnormality, classification of abnormal
behavior, and therapeutic methods of bringing about behavior change.
Offered in only in the College of Arts and Sciences.
4 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 259 Personality and Psychopathology
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 School of Professional Studies only.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 261 Psychology of Adolescence
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 311 Attribution Theory and Decision Making
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 322 Physiological Psychology
Examines the structure and function of the nervous system as related to
behavior and experience. Physiological correlates of psychological
phenomena are emphasized.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121; BIO 101, BIO 151 or BIO 152 is recommended
PSY 333 Criminal and Forensic Psychology
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121
PSY 358 Behavior Disorders in Children
Studies childhood psychological disorders within a framework of normal
development. Emphases include etiology, diagnosis, treatment methods,
current research, and case studies.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSY 121 and 257 or permission of instructor
PSY 362 Family Psychology and Family Therapy
Focuses on both normal and pathological family processes, and on
therapeutic approaches to the latter, with an emphasis on a systems
approach. Alternatives to the traditional nuclear family are
explored. Real life applications are emphasized.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor
PSY 384 Learning
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 121
PSY 386 Experimental Social Psychology
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.
5 credits
Prerequisites: PSY 121, PSY 388 and MAT 110; Junior status (56 completed
credits); PSY 255 is recommended; Psychology majors only
PSY 387 Experimental Developmental Psychology
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.
5 credits
Prerequisites: PSY 121, PSY 388 and MAT 110; Junior status (56 completed
credits); PSY 257 is recommended; Psychology majors only
PSY 388 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods
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.
5 credits
Prerequisites: PSY 121 and MAT 110; Junior status (56 completed
credits); Psychology and Human Relations majors only
PSY 401 Seminar in Contemporary Psychology
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
FLC Seminar II
PSY 401A Seminar in Contemporary Psychology: Psychology of Race
and Racism
Utilizes current and groundbreaking 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 psychosocial effects of
being targeted by racism or prejudice. Special emphasis is placed on
solution-oriented strategies for dealing with prejudice and
racism.
Prerequisite: Introductory level class in the social sciences
3 credits
Prerequisite: Introductory level class in the social sciences
FLC Seminar II
PSY 451 Research Problems in Psychology
Allows in-depth exploration of research topics selected by the student
and instructor.
1 credit
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
PSY 452 Research Problems in Psychology
Allows in-depth exploration of research topics selected by the student
and instructor.
2 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
PSY 453 Research Problems in Psychology
Allows in-depth exploration of research topics selected by the student
and instructor.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
PSY 454 Research Problems in Psychology
Allows in-depth exploration of research topics selected by the student
and instructor.
4 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
PSY 480 Senior Seminar in Psychology
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Minimum of junior status (56 completed credits) as
psychology or human relations major
PSY 500, 501 Practicum
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Minimum of junior status (56 completed credits) as
psychology major
Additional Accepted Courses
HRE 301 Seminar: Perspectives on Gender
Approaches the concept of gender from the standpoints of psychology
and sociology. Specifically, the topics of socialization, language and
communication, sexuality and the media, and work and the family will be
addressed in an interdisciplinary fashion. Emphasis will be placed on
synthesis and integration, while applying course material to real-world
events. Note: This may count as a PSY, SOC, or HRE course.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
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