Course Catalog 2007-2008

Associate Professor Sarah Hutson-Comeaux, Chair

Professors Harry Heft, Samuel J. Thios; Associate Professors Douglas Cody Brooks, Gina A. Dow, Frank Hassebrock, Sarah Hutson-Comeaux, Susan L. Kennedy, Nestor Matthews, David P.J. Przybyla, L. Kaye Rasnake; Assistant Professors Nida Bikmen, Seth Chin-Parker, Robert Weis; Visiting Asst. Professors Diane Bonfiglio, Nida Bikmen; Visiting Professor, part-time, Stephanie Gray Wilson; Visiting Instructor, part-time Jean M. Lamont; Academic Secretary Flo Hortz

Some of the major goals of our course offerings in the Department include:

The first priority for all majors should be to obtain a firm foundation in the basic topic areas of psychology and in research methodologies. For this reason, psychology majors are urged to select a broad range of courses in addition to those offerings that are particularly relevant to their primary interests. Students of psychology should aim for both breadth and depth of knowledge in the discipline. The requirements for a major in psychology at Denison are relatively flexible in order to provide students with the opportunity to select those courses and experiences that best complement their personal goals. At the same time, however, the flexibility of these requirements requires that psychology majors work closely with their academic advisors to develop an appropriate plan of study.

Degree Alternatives: The B.A. and the B.S. Students may obtain either a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in psychology at Denison University.

The B.A. in Psychology requires 38-semester hours of credit in Psychology. Required courses include:

200-Level Courses (3 hours)

300-Level Courses (3 hours)

The B.S. in Psychology requires 41 semester hours of psychology credits and 16 semester hours of cognate courses from the Natural Sciences departments (not including astronomy or neuroscience) outside of psychology. Required psychology courses for the B.S. include:

a. Introduction to Psychology (100) (4 hours); (Honors 142 can be substituted for 100)

b. Research Methods in Psychology (200) (4hours)

c. History and Systems of Psychology (410) (4 hours)

d. Three research courses (rather than two required for the B.A.) taken concurrently with an accompanying topical course; the first research course must be at the 200-level; the second and third at the 300-level. (21 hours)

e. One 300-level or 400-level Seminar course (4 hours)

f. Statistics for Behavioral Science (370) (4 hours)

g. FOUR courses in the Natural Sciences (outside of the Psychology Department) or Mathematics and Computer Science. This can be accomplished by taking TWO courses in two different departments or all FOUR may be in the same department. All courses must be courses that meet requirements for the major in that department. Computer Science and Mathematics courses are considered as separate departments. Astronomy and neuroscience courses are not eligible.

The flexibility of these requirements places maximum responsibility upon the student to select a course of study most compatible with future goals. For example, Statistics for Behavioral Science is helpful for many upper-level courses and is required for admission into most graduate schools, and either is a prerequisite for or must be taken concurrently with Psychology 451-452 (Senior Research). Also, the Graduate Record Examination is required for students applying to graduate schools, and careful course selection is important to insure appropriate breadth of knowledge. Those contemplating graduate work also should consider courses in the natural sciences, computer science, and foreign languages, as well as opportunities to become involved in research activities in the department (for example, Directed Study, Senior Research, Research Assistant, etc.) All students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors in developing an appropriate program in the major.

Students with a major in one of a number of departments will find a minor in psychology to be a significant contribution to their education. In order to best complement the major area of study, students should carefully select those psychology courses that have the most direct relevance to the major. These choices should be made in consultation with the academic advisor, as well as a member of the psychology faculty. A psychology minor requires 27 semester hours of credit in psychology. The required courses are:

The specific courses that fulfill the lecture and research courses are listed above.

Introduction to Psychology (PSYC-100).  An introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Topics include cognition, behavior change and development, individual differences, social processes, and the biological bases of behavior. The course emphasizes current knowledge and research in the field and its application. The laboratory component of this course examines the strengths and limitations of observational and experimental methods, and enhances understanding of course concepts and principles. Laboratory experiences include development of research questions, design of studies, data collection in classroom laboratories and field settings, and data analysis and interpretation. 100 (or Honors 142) is a prerequisite for all other courses in the department. (Offered each semester) Staff. 4

Introductory Topics in Psychology (PSYC-199).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4

Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC-200).  This course examines the primary research methods and data analysis procedures used by psychologists to describe, predict, and explain behavior. Observational, experimental, and quasi-experimental methods are studied along with principles of research design, control, validity, reliability, and ethical practice. Throughout the course, methodological procedures are considered in conjunction with principles and methods of data analysis, presentation, and interpretation. The logic and procedures of descriptive and inferential statistics are emphasized. This course prepares students to design, conduct, and analyze psychological research and is a prerequisite for all psychology research courses at the 200 and 300-level. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. (Offered each semester) Staff. 4

Field Experience in Psychology (PSYC-202).  This course provides practical experience working in some area of applied psychology. Students participate in a minimum of four hours of field experience per week at human-service agencies and schools in the Granville, Newark, and Columbus areas. Students are supervised by agency staff and participate in weekly didactics and discussion at Denison, facilitated by the instructor. The purpose of the field experiences is to help students integrate and apply information from their traditional courses, to discern future career goals, to assist in personal development, and to serve the community. This course is graded S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) and may be taken a maximum of two times for a total of four credit hours with the following stipulations: 1) only two credit hours will count toward the requirement for a Psychology major or minor; 2) if taken twice, the two settings must be substantially different and approved by the instructor in advance. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Students interested in taking this course must gain permission of the instructor during pre-registration. Weis. 2

Intermediate Studies in Psychology (PSYC-205).  The study of significant and contemporary psychological topics and perspectives at the intermediate level. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Staff. 4

Development in Infancy and Childhood (PSYC-210).  Psychological development through late childhood and preadolescence. Topics covered include biological foundations, prenatal development, infancy, cognitive and language development, personality and social and emotional development (including attachment, development of self concept, peer relations, gender differences), family and social policy issues, and developmental psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Dow. 4

Research Development in Infancy and Childhood (PSYC-211).  Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in infant and child development. Must be taken concurrently with 210. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and PSYC 200. Dow. 3

Adult Development and Aging (PSYC-215).  This course examines the psychological development and change in adults from young adulthood through old age. Topics include theoretical perspectives, biological and physical changes, individual differences in health and disease, memory and intellectual performance, Alzheimer's disease, personality, gender and social roles, family and intergenerational relationships, friendships, sexuality, career development and work, caregiving, and death and dying. Implications for social programs and services, public policy, and careers and education in gerontology will also be examined. Social, ethnic, historical, and cultural contexts of aging will be considered throughout the semester. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Hassebrock. 4

Research in Adult Development and Aging (PSYC-216).  Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in adult development. Must be taken concurrently with 215. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 200. Hassebrock. 3

Social Psychology (PSYC-220).  The study of the nature and causes of individual behavior in social situations. Topics covered include attribution theory, social cognition, non verbal communication, attitude change, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal attraction, prosocial behavior, aggression, and application of social psychology to the legal system. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Hutson-Comeaux, Przybyla. 4

Research in Social Psychology (PSYC-221).  Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in social psychology. Must be taken concurrently with 220. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 200. Hutson-Comeaux, Przybyla. 3

Environmental Psychology (PSYC-225).  An examination of the relationship between the environment and psychological processes. Topics examined in this course include how the character and the design of our environments can affect psychological well-being, and how certain ways in which we perceive and think can constrain our efforts to comprehend and confront environmental problems. Other topics explored are early environmental experiences and development, environmental stressors such as crowding and noise, territoriality and privacy, environmental aesthetics, cognitive maps and way-finding behavior, effects of institutional size on performance, and attitudes toward the natural environment. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Heft. 4

Research in Environmental Psychology (PSYC-226).  Provides the student with experience in conducting field research. A variety of approaches are utilized, including field experiments and naturalistic observation. Must be taken concurrently with 225. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 200. Heft. 3

Organizational Psychology (PSYC-230).  This course considers the application of psychological theory and methodology to problems of organizations and the functioning of individuals and groups within organizations. Topics include team development and performance, organizational power and politics, organizational culture, leadership and motivation at work, job commitment and satisfaction, organizational change and organizational development. Required for students completing the Organizational Studies certificate. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or consent of instructor. Przybyla. 4

Research in Organizational Psychology (PSYC-231).  Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in organizational psychology. Must be taken concurrently with Psychology 230. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 200. Przybyla. 3

Theories of Personality (PSYC-240).  This course offers a systematic introduction to "normal" human personality and addresses both historical and contemporary approaches to the study of individual differences, with an emphasis on primary research and debate in the field. Within each perspective, basic theoretical assumptions, relevant research, traditional assessment methods, and current applications (i.e., to the workplace, close relationships, or health behavior) are discussed. Recurring themes regarding the structure, origin, and function of personality are explored and compared across the different perspectives. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Hutson-Comeaux. 4

Research in Personality Psychology (PSYC-241).  Provides the student with research experience addressing problems of current interest in the study of personality. Must be taken concurrently with Psychology 240. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 200. Hutson-Comeaux. 3

Adolescence (PSYC-245).  Psychological development from late childhood through early adulthood. Topics covered include biological foundations, cognitive development, personality and social and emotional development (including development of self concept, family and peer relations, gender differences, and sexuality), culture, ethnicity and social policy issues, and developmental psychopathology in adolescence. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Dow. 4

Research in Adolescence (PSYC-246).  Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in adolescent development. Must be taken concurrently with PSYC 245. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 200. Dow. 3

Abnormal Psychology (PSYC-250).  The study of "psychopathology," its development, course and treatment. Emphasizing definitions of abnormality, problems with diagnoses and labeling and ethical issues. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Rasnake, Weis. 4

Research in Abnormal Psychology (PSYC-251).  Provides the student with research experience on problems of relevance to abnormal psychology. Must be taken concurrently with Psychology 250. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 200. Rasnake, Weis. 3

Human Sexuality (PSYC-260).  A survey of psychological and biological aspects of sexuality. Topics include prenatal sexual differentiation, sexual anatomy, physiology of sexual response, contraceptive behavior, sexually transmissible infections, sexual dysfunction, and cancer and other diseases of the reproductive system. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Przybyla. 4

Intermediate Topics in Psychology (PSYC-299).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4

Seminars (PSYC-300).  Seminars in special areas within Psychology. Content will vary with staff and student interest. Designed for both majors and non-majors. Typically, seminars include lecture/discussion and student presentations. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, 200, and junior or senior status, or consent of instructor. Staff. 4

Seminar: Psychology of Women (PSYC-301).  This course reviews psychological research and theories on women. Topics include sex bias in psychological research, gender differences and similarities in personality and abilities, lifespan development, problems of adjustment and psychotherapy, language and communication, women's health, female sexuality, and violence against women (rape and wife battering). Prerequisite:s PSYC 100, PSYC 200, and junior or senior status, or consent of instructor. Hutson-Comeaux, Rasnake. 4

Advanced Studies in Psychology (PSYC-304).  The study of significant and contemporary psychological topics and perspectives at the advanced level. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Staff. 4

Psychopharmacology (PSYC-305).  This course begins with an overview of the ways in which psychoactive drugs work, including discussions of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, neuronal function and neurotransmitters, dose-response functions, tolerance and sensitization and toxicity. Agonistic and antagonistic drug effects are then studied, including the specific ways in which neurotransmitters may be effected by such actions. In the second half of the course, specific drugs used in the treatment of psychological disorders are studied in detail, including drugs to treat anxiety disorders, clinical depression and schizophrenia. Finally, "recreational" drug use is examined, including discussions of alcohol and marijuana. Issues of drugs, society and behavior are emphasized throughout the semester. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Kennedy. 4

Psychology of Learning (PSYC-310).  An intensive survey of experimental research on fundamental emotional-cognitive processes of learning and memory, with a focus on how those processes manifest themselves in, influence, and determine behavior. Theory, research, implications and applications pertaining to the basic principles of behavior are emphasized. The course, and learning/conditioning research traditionally, is valuable because of the use of models to understand learning about biologically and emotionally-significant experiences. Unconscious learning and seemingly irrational reactions are considered in depth. Much of the course content is relevant to applied topics such as behavior modification, substance abuse problems, anxiety, depression, other behavior disorders, education and parenting practices. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Brooks. 4

Research in Psychology of Learning (PSYC-311).  Offers the student experience conducting research in and/or out of the learning laboratory, using a variety of methods. Research requires time outside of class. Some work with live animals is usually involved. Must be taken concurrently with 310. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course. Brooks. 3

Cultural Psychology (PSYC-320).  Cultural psychology is an examination of the influence of cultural processes on a wide range of psychological topics, including perceiving, thinking, child development, language, and social cognition. Its unifying theme is the claim that complex psychological phenomena need to be understood as being situated in a cultural context. Some broad topics considered in the course are the nature of human nature, the psychological properties of tools and technology, and research methods for the study of cultural psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Heft. 4

Cognitive Psychology (PSYC-330).  This course examines how people acquire, remember, and use knowledge. Topics covered include memory, attention, perception, imagery, problem solving, decision making, language and comprehension, social cognition and cognitive neuroscience. Applications to contexts such as learning and teaching, social and cultural factors, and individual behavior and performance will be considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Chin-Parker, Hassebrock. 4

Research in Cognitive Psychology (PSYC-331).  Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in cognitive psychology. Must be taken concurrently with 330. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 200 and one 200-level research course. Chin-Parker, Hassebrock. 3

Sensation and Perception (PSYC-340).  This course involves analysis of sensory processes and perceptual systems. Discussions on these topics will include a consideration of biological, ecological, evolutionary, and cross-cultural perspectives. Topics include sensitivity to light and sound; color perception; depth and form perception; perceptual illusions; and perception of environment and self-motion. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Matthews. 4

Research in Sensation and Perception (PSYC-341).  This course offers experience in conducting research on sensory processes and perception. Students are exposed to different research techniques and investigate problems relating to the various sensory modalities. Must be taken concurrently with 340. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 200 and one 200-level research course. Matthews. 3

Biological Psychology (PSYC-350).  This course explores the relationships between the brain and nervous system and behavior, and includes topics ranging from neuroanatomy and pharmacology of the nervous system to the biological bases of "mental" illness. The interactions among the nervous and endocrine systems are emphasized in an attempt to understand how basic physiological principles can serve in the understanding of complex phenomena, including emotion, learning, sleep and arousal and sexual behavior. Required for students pursuing the neuroscience concentration. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Kennedy. 4

Research in Biological Psychology (PSYC-351).  This course focuses on basic research methodologies and techniques that are commonly used to examine the biological bases of behavior. Students are given "hands on" experience in the design and execution of several research projects. Must be taken concurrently with 350. Prerequisite: PSYC 100, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course. Kennedy. 3

Clinical Psychology (PSYC-360).  This course introduces students to the discipline of clinical psychology from the scientist-practitioner perspective. Topics include psychosocial and biological models of adult psychopathology, psychological assessment and diagnostic interviewing, and empirically supported psychotherapy with individuals and families. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. It is also recommended that students have basic knowledge of abnormal psychology (e.g., Psyc 250) before taking this course. Weis. 4

Directed Study (PSYC-361).  Staff. 1-4

Directed Study (PSYC-362).  Staff. 1-4

Independent Study (PSYC-363).  Staff. 1-4

Independent Study (PSYC-364).  Staff. 1-4

Statistics for Behavioral Sciences (PSYC-370).  An introduction to techniques of data analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Special emphasis is placed on sampling theory, tests of significance, analysis of variance, regression and using SPSS for analysis. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 200. Not open for credit to students who have already taken both MATH 242 and PSYC 200. Cannot be taken concurrently with MATH 102. Hutson-Comeaux, Matthews. 4

Advanced Topics in Psychology (PSYC-399).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4

History and Systems of Psychology (PSYC-410).  This course examines major issues in psychology as they have been addressed throughout its history, from the writings of the Greek philosophers to twentieth century theories and experimental investigations. These issues include mind-body relations, processes of knowledge acquisition such as perception and learning, characteristics of human motivation and personality, and the nature of thought and memory. The philosophy of scientific inquiry in relation to the field of psychology is also considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Brooks, Heft, Rasnake. 4

Senior Research (PSYC-451).  Either must have taken or be taken concurrently with Psychology 370. Staff. 4

Senior Research (PSYC-452).  Either must have taken or be taken concurrently with Psychology 370. Staff. 4

Honors Project (PSYC-461).  Staff. 4

Honors Project (PSYC-462).  Staff. 4