PsychologyFacultyCarlota Ocampo, Assistant Professor of Psychology (Program Chair) DescriptionThe 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 (Weekday Program) and a minor (Weekday and Weekend Programs). Psychology also supports the Human Relations Program (Weekday and Weekend Programs). Major RequirementsAll 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: PSY 121 Introductory Psychology In addition, students must take one ethics course chosen from the Philosophy Program such as PHI 210, 211, 212, 213, or 215. Courses in mathematics and natural sciences are highly recommended. The three course clusters are as follows: General Psychology: At least three out of the following five general psychology courses must be taken: PSY 255 Social Psychology At least six additional hours of psychology electives are required. Developmental Psychology Child Psychology (PSY 257) is required. At least three out of the following four courses must be taken: PSY 205 Psychology of Gender Roles At least three additional hours of psychology electives are required. Social Psychology Social Psychology (PSY 255) is required, as well as Child Psychology (PSY 257) or Personality and Psychopathology (PSY 258). At least two out of the following four courses must be taken: PSY 204 Psychology of Aggression and Violence At least three additional hours of psychology electives are required. Minor RequirementsPsychology minors are advised to pursue a pattern of courses similar to the major described above; 18 credit hours are required, in addition to permission of the program chair. Program PoliciesAdvanced 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: 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. The minimum grade for any psychology course to be accepted toward the major is "C" (2.0). Pass/No Pass: No major courses, with the exception of the Psychology Practica (PSY 500, 501), may be taken on a pass/no pass basis. Required related subjects (BIO and PHI) may be taken pass/no pass, however. Statistics (MAT 110 and 210) may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis. Senior Assessment: All students are required to take the Senior Seminar in Psychology (PSY 480), which will help in preparing for the Senior Assessment. Students receive eight comprehensive questions by the end of the fall semester in which PSY 480 is elected. Two of these questions are chosen for the assessment, which occurs early in the spring semester. Two three-hour sessions are used to test the answers to the two chosen 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: 1. At least one of the two required experimental psychology courses (either PSY 386 or PSY 387). 2. PSY 480 (Senior Seminar). 3. At least three psychology electives. 4. All other psychology courses, as well as the outside BIO and PHI requirements, may be accepted as transfer courses toward the psychology major. Course Descriptions121 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Weekday Program only. 259 Personality and Psychopathology 3 cr See above description for PSY 258. Offered Weekend Program only. 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. HRE 301 Seminar: Perspectives on Gender 3 cr 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 century -- the problem of the color line." 451, 452, 453, 454: Research Problems in Psychology 1, 2, 3, and 4 cr, respectively Research topics selected by the student and instructor will be developed in depth. 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. By arrangement with psychology faculty, practica in areas such as developmental, clinical, experimental, and social psychology. |
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