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 (30 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 (30 credits)

ALL of the following courses: 

PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology
PSYC 301 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods 
PSYC 311 Experimental Social Psychology OR PSYC 331 Experimental Developmental
                Psychology 
PSYC 490 Practicum
PSYC 499 Senior Seminar in Psychology 

BOTH of the following statistics courses: 

MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics 
MATH 210 Statistical Inference

ONE ethics course, such as:

PHIL 241 Introduction to Theoretical Ethics
PHIL 245 The Moral Dimension
PHIL 251 Bioethics
PHIL 253 Business and Professional Ethics
PHIL 255 Environmental Ethics

ONE biology course chosen from among: 

BIOL 101 Introduction to Biology 
BIOL 111 General Biology I 
BIOL 112 General Biology II

Courses in mathematics and natural sciences are highly recommended.

General Psychology Cluster (15 credits)

THREE of the following courses: 

PSYC 211 Social Psychology
PSYC 221 Personality and Psychopathology  
PSYC 231 Child Psychology 
PSYC 241 Physiological Psychology 
PSYC 251 Learning

TWO additional psychology electives (6 credits minimum)

Developmental Psychology Cluster (15 credits)

ONE required course in child psychology: 

PSYC 231 Child Psychology 

THREE of the following courses: 

PSYC 261 Psychology of Gender Roles
PSYC 233 Psychology of Adolescence 
PSYC 235 Psychology of Aging
PSYC 325 Behavior Disorders in Children

ONE additional psychology elective (3 credits minimum)

Social Psychology Cluster (15 credits)

ONE required course in social psychology: 

PSY 211 Social Psychology

ONE course chosen from between:

PSYC 221 Personality and Psychopathology
PSYC 231 Child Psychology

TWO of the following courses: 

PSYC 261 Psychology of Gender Roles
PSYC 313 Attribution Theory and Decision Making
PSYC 315 Psychology of Group Behavior
PSYC 317 Psychology of Aggression and Violence

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 PSYC 490 Practica may be taken on a pass/no pass basis. MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics and MATH 210 Statistical Inference may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis. However, required related subjects (BIOL and PHIL) may be taken pass/no pass. 

Senior Assessment: All students are required to take PSYC 499 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 PSYC 499 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 PSYC 301, PSYC 311, or PSYC 331)

• PSYC 499 Senior Seminar

• At least three psychology electives

All other psychology courses, as well as the outside BIOL and PHIL requirements, may be accepted as transfer courses toward the psychology major.

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Course Descriptions

PSYC 101 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). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
FLC Area V
Core II 

PSYC 161 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. Formerly PSY 241 Women: Developmental and Multicultural Perspectives
3 credits
FLC Area V
Core II

PSYC 211 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. Formerly PSY 255 Social Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor

PSYC 221 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. Formerly PSY 258 and PSY 259 Personality and Psychopathology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor

PSYC 231 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. Formerly PSY 257 Child Psychology.
3 credits
FLC Area V
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor

PSYC 233 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. Formerly PSY 261 Psychology of Adolescence.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor

PSYC 235 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.  Formerly PSY 231 Psychology of Aging.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor

PSYC 241 Physiological Psychology
Examines the structure and function of the nervous system as related to behavior and experience. Physiological correlates of psychological phenomena are emphasized. Formerly PSY 322 Physiological Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101; BIOL 101, BIOL 111, or BIOL 112 is recommended

PSYC 251 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. Formerly PSY 384 Learning.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101

PSYC 261 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.  Formerly PSY 205 Psychology of Gender Roles.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor

PSYC 301 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. Formerly PSY 388 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods.
4 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and MATH 110; Junior status (56 completed credits); Psychology and Human Relations majors only

PSYC 311 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. Formerly PSY 386 Experimental Social Psychology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 301 and MATH 110; Junior status (56 completed credits); PSYC 211 is recommended; Psychology majors only

PSYC 313 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. Formerly PSY 311 Attribution Theory and Decision Making.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor

PSYC 315 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.  Formerly PSY 210 Psychology of Group Behavior.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor

PSYC 317 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.  Formerly PSY 204 Psychology of Aggression and Violence.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 211 or permission of instructor

PSYC 323 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. Formerly PSY 333 Criminal and Forensic Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101

PSYC 325 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. Formerly PSY 358 Behavior Disorders in Children.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 231 or permission of instructor

PSYC 331 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. Formerly PSY 387 Experimental Developmental Psychology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 301, and MATH 110; Junior status (56 completed credits); PSY 231 is recommended; Psychology majors only

PSYC 341 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.  Formerly PSY 220 Health Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101

PSYC 343 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. Formerly PSY 212 Drugs and Human Behavior.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and BIOL 101 or BIOL 111 or BIOL 112

PSYC 373 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. Formerly PSY 362 Family Psychology and Family Therapy.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor

PSYC 401 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. Formerly PSY 401A Seminar in Contemporary Psychology: Psychology of Race and Racism.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Prerequisites: Introductory level class in the social sciences

PSYC 490 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. Formerly PSY 500, 501 Practicum.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Minimum of junior status (56 completed credits) as psychology major

PSYC 497 Research Problems in Psychology
Allows in-depth exploration of research topics selected by the student and instructor. Formerly PSY 451 Research Problems in Psychology.
1-4 credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

PSYC 498 Independent Study
Allows students under the direction of a faculty member to construct an individualized course of study in a specific are of psychology. Formerly PSY 499 Independent Study.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

PSYC 499 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. Formerly PSY 480 Senior Seminar in Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Minimum of junior status (56 completed credits) as psychology or human relations major

Additional Accepted Courses

HUMR 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 HUMR course. Formerly HRE 301 Seminar: Perspectives on Gender.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II

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