Psychology

Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Psychology addresses the fundamental premises of human behavior and the brain’s complex role in determining who we are. Students are kept abreast of the latest scientific advances and research methods in this burgeoning field. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in experimental psychology, as well as two specialized programs: a Bachelor of Arts concentration in clinical/counseling and a Bachelor of Science concentration in behavioral neuroscience.

The curriculum in psychology is designed to provide a strong background in the biobehavioral sciences and to prepare students for entry into graduate programs in experimental psychology, clinical/counseling psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and related fields. The course offerings reflect both the basic scientific content of psychology and its application in the clinical setting or in the business world. The department heavily stresses faculty-student interaction through laboratories and internships. A psychology club is open to all interested students, and a chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, hosts speakers and supplementary activities.

The curriculum is three-tiered. Students first survey the domain through a year-long general psychology course sequence (tier 1) and then progress through a two-semester methods sequence in statistics and research design while they broaden and deepen their understanding through lab-oriented coursework (tier 2). Students preparing for graduate or professional school are encouraged to work with faculty in a mentor-apprentice fashion no later than their third year; such work often culminates in faculty/student presentations at conferences or co-authored professional publications. Junior seminar (PSY 399) helps students prepare for the senior year as well as consider post-graduate plans. In their last year, majors design and conduct an original research project or write a theoretical review to address some unanswered question in the field under the guidance of a faculty mentor (tier 3). The conceptualization of the senior capstone project is typically proposed during the spring of the junior year. In addition to the written thesis, the results are presented in poster format during the second semester of the senior year. Senior Capstones judged by the departmental faculty to be outstanding earn honors status, and the author of one exceptional project per year can be granted the Psychology Department Senior Capstone Award.

The Virginia Conner ’85 Prize is given annually to the graduating psychology major “who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the biobehavioral sciences.” Additional senior awards are given by the department faculty for outstanding achievement and extraordinary promise in the field of psychology. Recent graduates have earned their Ph.D. or M.D. from such universities as Toronto, Columbia, Purdue, Delaware, Drexel, South Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia Commonwealth.

Grants awarded to the department by the National Science Foundation and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund have provided state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation within our renovated facility. The Daniel Z. Gibson/John A. Wagner Psychology Department Fund provides honoraria for prominent speakers. Money is also available to support student travel to professional conferences.

Teaching and research facilities include computerized labs in biostatistics, biofeedback/psychophysiology, cognition, and sensation and perception; developmental, social, and health labs with digital recording capabilities, a psychometric testing lab complete with personality and cognitive instrumentation, a neuroscience lab with histology and surgery capabilities, a computer-driven operant conditioning lab, and transcranial doppler and topographic EEG machines to map brain functioning.

Qualified students may spend a semester or longer during their junior and/or senior year in which they earn academic credit while gaining experience in the helping professions. A wide array of internship experiences in local schools and therapeutic settings are available. Students can also be trained as Wellness Advocacy Coaches who provide peer-to-peer support on campus. A junior year abroad program allows students to broaden their horizons at approved institutions; if possible, Psychology majors are encouraged to choose the fall semester of the junior year to go abroad because Junior Seminar is offered each spring.

First-Year and Sophomore Courses

PSY 111 General Psychology and PSY 112 General Psychology, the General Psychology sequence, count toward Social Science distribution requirements. PSY 111 is not a prerequisite for PSY 112; they can be taken in any order. Students interested in pursuing psychology beyond the introductory sequence should complete PSY 209 Statistics & Research Design I with Lab, by the end of their sophomore year. Many 300- and 400-level offerings have PSY 209 as a prerequisite or recommendation.

Writing in the Major Courses

PSY 309 Statistics & Research Design II With Lab and Junior Seminar (PSY 399) focus on psychological research. Together, these two courses refine reading, writing, and thinking skills necessary for performing research. Written components of these courses are specifically designed to hone students’ ability to write in APA style and create succinct research proposals.

PSY SCE Senior Capstone Experience 2 Credits

The culmination of student academic experiences, the SCE in Psychology is intended to provide each student with an opportunity to deeply explore a research topic in psychology. In consultation with a faculty mentor, a process of active inquiry is facilitated that requires critical thinking, integration of acquired knowledge and skills, and mastery of intellectual accomplishment beyond the classroom. A theoretical review of a problem/question in the field or a data-driven research project is completed by each student.

Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years

PSY 111 General Psychology 4 Credits

An introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mind, embracing all aspects of human experience. This course introduces the student to the cognitive, neurological, and biological aspects of psychology in addition to basic research methodologies and major findings in these areas. Topics include the anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system, consciousness, learning, and memory.

Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years

PSY 112 General Psychology 4 Credits

An introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mind, embracing all aspects of human experience. This course introduces the student to the clinical/counseling, developmental, personality, and social aspects of psychology in addition to basic research methodologies and major findings in these areas. Topics include social interactions, theories of personality, psychopathology, and development. PSY 111 is not a prerequisite for PSY 112.

Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years

PSY 194 Special Topics 4 Credits

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Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 202 Life-Span Development 4 Credits

This course provides a broad overview of human growth and development from infancy to late adulthood. Changes in biological, cognitive, emotional, and social domains are discussed at each period of the lifespan. Topics include heredity, learning, emotional development, temperament, attachment, gender development, developmental disorders, peer relationships, families, and aging. Recent research in these domains is also highlighted.

Term(s) Offered: Other, All Years

PSY 205 Drugs & Behavior 4 Credits

A survey of human physiological and behavioral responses to commonly used drugs. Special emphasis is placed on nonprescription drugs (nicotine, alcohol, caffeine), psychotherapeutic agents (anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressant medications, anti-psychotic drugs), and other psychoactive drugs (opiates, hallucinogens, marijuana). Societal issues related to illicit and therapeutic drug use, abuse, legislation and policies also are topics of exploration and discussion.

Term(s) Offered: Other, All Years

PSY 209 Statistics & Research Design I with Lab 4 Credits

Consideration of sampling theory, the design of experiments, and the analysis and presentation of data with emphasis on correlation, t-test, chi square, and the analysis of variance. Attention is given to parametric and non-parametric procedures. Students learn both to hand calculate and to use a simple computer analysis package to analyze data.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and 112, or two Sociology courses.

Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years

PSY 210 Biopsychology with Lab 4 Credits

The study of the biological bases of human and non-human behavior. The emphasis is on the organization of the nervous system as it relates to behavior and conscious thought. Specific topics may include: structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems; mechanisms of neurotransmission; neurologic disorders; feeding; reproduction; aggression; sleep and dreaming; functional organization of sensory and motor systems; lateralization of function and language disorders; learning and memory; and the biological bases of emotion and psychopathology.

Requisites: Pre or co-req: BIO 111 and BIO 112, or PSY 111 and PSY 112

Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years

Fees: $50 Lab Fee

PSY 220 Human Sexuality 4 Credits

A biological approach to the study of human sexuality. This course emphasizes topics such as the anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive system, conception and contraception, STDs and infertility and then continues on to discuss the influences that shape sexual attitudes as well as the values and behavior systems that influence human sexual behavior. An overview of attitudes towards sexuality across cultures is included.

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 221 Social Psychology 4 Credits

The course surveys the major topics and theories of social psychology, such as social perception, attitudes, altruistic behavior, aggression, attraction, social cognition, as well as applied areas of social psychology and the legal system and the social psychology of health behavior. Special emphasis is placed on original research and recent developments in the field.

Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years

PSY 231 Personality 4 Credits

Discussion of the major approaches to personality from the psychodynamic approach of Freud to the contemporary cognitive approaches of Kelly, Bandura, and Mischel. Research regarding major personality attributes (need for achievement, authoritarianism, intelligence) may also be discussed.

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 233 Traditional Psychiatric Disorders 4 Credits

Evaluation of the etiology of various forms of behavior disorders (anxiety, mood, substance abuse, psychotic), their symptoms, and treatment. These disorders are considered in relation to clinical theories, research, and practice.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112

Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years

PSY 234 Medical and Developmental Disorders 4 Credits

Evaluation of the etiology, symptoms, and treatment of behavior disorders within the broad areas of childhood/developmental disorders and medical/organically induced abnormal behavior. Specific topics include disorders of personality, impulse-control, eating, sleep, sex, and neurocognition. Disorders are considered in relation to clinical theories, research, and practice.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 240 Practicing Mindfulness 2 Credits

This course will provide students with an introduction to mindfulness through a combination of lecture, practice, and class discussion. Students will learn the core principles of mindfulness and how to apply them to their daily lives. A key component of this experiential course will involve students developing their own mindfulness practice, as they explore different strategies and develop skills to enhance their awareness of the mind-body connection.

Cross-listed as: PSY 240/WPD 240

Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years

PSY 294 Special Topics 2 Credits

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Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 297 Independent Study 4 Credits

An agreement between a sponsoring faculty and a student letting the student study a topic of interest not offered at WC. 45 hours are required per credit.

Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years

PSY 302 Social and Personality Development W/Lab 4 Credits

This course explores the current theories and research of social and personality development from infancy to adolescence. Topics include emotional development, temperament, attachment, aggression, moral development, self-concept, and gender-role development. We also discuss the effects that parents, peers, and the media can have on children's development. Students have the opportunity to conduct a developmental psychology research project. PSY 209 is recommended.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 202

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 304 Theories and Processes of Counseling 4 Credits

This course examines the major theories of counseling, including humanistic, psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, action-oriented, and multicultural theories, among others. This course also examines key common factors across theories and provides opportunities to acquire practical counseling process skills such as active listening and problem-solving skills.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112, or two Sociology courses

Term(s) Offered: Other, All Years

PSY 305 Psychopharmacology with Lab 4 Credits

An in-depth study of the chemistry and pharmacology of the nervous system. Laboratory exercises emphasize the use of laboratory animal models in pharmacological research. The actions of pharmacological agents on both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system are explored. Laboratory exercises emphasize the use of behavioral measures used by pharmaceutical researchers to assess dose effects, drug tolerance, withdrawal, and drug interactions.

Requisites: Pre or co-req: PSY 210, or BIO 111 and BIO 112

Term(s) Offered: Spring, Non Conforming

PSY 309 Statistics & Research Design II With Lab 4 Credits

A survey overview of appropriate research designs employed in psychological research. Emphasis is on evaluation and application of scientific methods and data analysis in inferential statistics. Specific topics include factorial designs and analysis of variance, appropriate group comparison tests of significance, prediction and multiple regression, and an overview of other advanced research designs and analyses. Examples are drawn from a wide range of behavioral sciences. Principles relating to the planning, implementation, and ethics of psychological research are examined and emphasis is placed upon critical evaluation of published research. A significant portion of the course is devoted to instruction in SPSS, a computer-based statistical package.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112, and PSY 209 or MAT 109

Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years

PSY 310 Human Neuropsychology with Lab 4 Credits

Human Neuropsychology examines brain structure-function relationships. Students are exposed to mental status screening techniques and neuropsychological evaluation methods, incorporating these tools as part of their semester-long, lab research projects. Students become familiar with the major neurological disorders, including the typical brain structures involved, how the disorders are diagnosed, their differential functional impact, and common rehabilitative treatments.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112; Pre or co-req: PSY 209 or MAT 109

Term(s) Offered: Fall, Non Conforming

Fees: $50 Lab Fee

PSY 313 Learning & Appl Behavioral Anal. w/Lab 4 Credits

Reviews of theoretical and empirical research related to classical, operant and cognitive aspects of learning. Emphasis in lectures and the laboratory is on the use of these theoretical contributions within the discipline of Applied Behavioral Analysis.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 316 Cognitive Neuroscience with Lab 4 Credits

Cognitive neuroscience investigates the biological basis of higher order cognition and complex human behavior. Topics include perception, attention, memory, language, and executive function. The laboratory portion provides opportunities to discuss, demonstrate, and experience cognitive and neural phenomena.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112

Term(s) Offered: Other, All Years

PSY 317 Princ of Sensation & Perception w/Lab 4 Credits

A survey of the methods by which humans detect and process external stimuli and the brain pathways involved in creating meaningful perceptions out of sensory information. Special attention is directed to sensory physiology, perceptual illusions and deficits in each sensory modality, including vision, audition, olfaction, taste, and touch. Laboratory demonstrations and simulations are intended to provide concrete examples and provide a mechanism for exploring each sensory modality.

Requisites: Pre or co-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 320 Health Psychology with Lab 4 Credits

An examination of the psychological effects of health behavior, physical effects of psychological experiences, and theories of health behavior. Applies social psychological perspectives to such topics as stress-related diseases, placebo effects, doctor-patient interactions, dying, and the hospital environment. Additionally, the course covers theories and research on preventive health behavior; adherence to medical treatment; health lifestyles; substance use and abuse; and anxiety and depression in medical illness. Laboratory component is a qualitative study of individuals' health experiences.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112. PSY 209 or MAT 109

Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years

PSY 321 Experimental Social Psychology with Lab 4 Credits

Thorough and critical examination of current social-psychological thought and theory through discussion of primary experimental reports and review articles. The issues addressed in this course vary from year-to-year, but have included social exclusion, self-regulation, lying and detecting deceit, gossip, violent video games, sexism, racism, humor, terror management, happiness, awe and humility. The laboratory component involves student-initiated research in laboratory or natural settings.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111, PSY 112 or two semesters of Sociology.

Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years

PSY 323 Industrial/Organizational Psychology 4 Credits

Examines work and organizational behavior from psychological, business science, and sociological viewpoints. Topics include personnel psychology, job motivation, and job satisfaction, and other job attitudes are examined along with organizational culture, group process, leadership, and organizational development. Concepts are appropriate for application to corporations and small businesses as well as community groups and nonprofit organizations.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111, PSY 112 OR two semesters of Business Management OR

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 333 Psychological Testing 4 Credits

An analysis of the construction, interpretation, and application of various psychological tests and measurement tools. Personality, intelligence, vocational, achievement, and aptitude tests are evaluated.

Requisites: Pre or co-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112

Term(s) Offered: Fall, Odd Years

PSY 382 Introduction to Social Welfare 4 Credits

This course offers students a broad understanding of contemporary social problems and the social welfare policies, programs and services designed to address them. The history, individual and social consequences, and programmatic approaches to the amelioration of each social problem area is explored. A primary goal of this course is to introduce students to the profession of social work: its fields of practice, values and ethics. This course integrates core social work competencies and has particular relevance to students considering practice, administrative or policy careers in the helping professions.

Requisites: Pre-req: SOC 101 or PSY 112

Cross-listed as: PSY 382/SOC 382

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 394 Special Topics 2 Credits

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Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 395 On-Campus Guided Research 2 Credits

An agreement between a sponsoring faculty member and a student researching a topic of interest that is relevant to a student's major or minor. Research is conducted on campus. Students must be enrolled before the research can begin. 45 hours are required per credit.

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 396 Off-Campus Research 4 Credits

An agreement between a sponsoring faculty member and a student researching a topic of interest that is relevant to a student's major or minor. Research is conducted off-campus. Students must be enrolled before the research can begin. 45 hours are required per credit.

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 397 Psychology Independent Study 4 Credits

An agreement between a sponsoring faculty and a student letting the student study a topic of interest not offered at WC. 45 hours are required per credit.

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 399 Junior Seminar 2 Credits

This required 2-credit course, normally taken during the second semester of the junior year, teaches foundational skills essential to psychology as a professions, such as ethics certification, writing in the discipline, and proposal development. By taking this seminar, students have the opportunity to clarify achievement goals and develop academic and career plans.

Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years

PSY 404 Multicultural Competence with Lab 4 Credits

Multicultural Competence provides an introduction to multicultural and diversity issues in psychology. This course examines topics such as: multicultural issues in counseling, power and privilege, cultural humility, intersectionality, the link between oppression and mental health, advocacy, and social justice. This course encourages personal reflection and the development of self-awareness in order to understand how our own cultural identities and backgrounds - including experiences of privilege and marginalization and the intersections of these experiences- shape our ways of being in the world. During lab, students have the opportunity to engage in interactive activities and projects to enhance understanding of course material.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111 and PSY 112

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 410 Neuroscience Research Methods w/Lab 4 Credits

This course is recommended for students who are preparing for graduate study in neuroscience or medicine and combines seminar and lab work. The topics discussed in the seminar vary from year to year (e.g., psychopharmacology of mood disorders, animal models of mental illness, traumatic brain injury, cognitive & neurological assessment) and may be repeated with permission of the concentration advisor. During the final portion of the course, students design and conduct a pilot research project. The project should be a means for the student to hone skills (e.g., perfect a specific surgical procedure) or apply specific research techniques (e.g., neural tract-tracing, histochemistry, clinical neurological assessment, animal behavioral assessments, or topographic EEG mapping) available to students in the department laboratories for his or her senior thesis project.

Requisites: Pre-req: BIO 111 and 112, or PSY 111 and PSY 112. PSY 209 or MAT 109

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

Fees: $50 Lab Fee

PSY 433 Child Assessment with Lab 4 Credits

This course provides the student with knowledge and experience in the clinical assessment of children. In addition to clinical report writing, students learn observational techniques, interviewing skills, behavioral/emotional scales, and measures of cognitive assessment that are specific to children and adolescents.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 333

Term(s) Offered: Spring, Even Years

PSY 490 Psychology Internship 2 Credits

Supervised experience in a community agency or on-campus providing some aspect of wellness prevention or psychological intervention services. The class includes seminar sessions to help students achieve a fuller understanding of their placement experiences. A large variety of placements are available. PSY 490 is used for 2 and 4 credit experiences. A maximum of 12 internship credits can be earned between on-campus and community/off-campus options, but no more than eight community internship credits can be accrued.

Requisites: Pre-req: PSY 111, PSY 112, Junior or Senior status.

Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years

PSY 494 Special Topics 2 Credits

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Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 495 On-Campus Guided Research 4 Credits

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 496 Off-Campus Research 4 Credits

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

PSY 497 Psychology Independent Study 4 Credits

An agreement between a sponsoring faculty and a student letting the student study a topic of interest not offered at WC. 45 hours are required per credit.

Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming

Catalogs & Handbooks

Psychology

First-Year and Sophomore Courses

Writing in the Major Courses

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