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Two semesters of Introductory Psychology:
Introduction to Psychology II: Behavior in Context (102) *
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| Two Courses in Basic Processes: | Two Courses in Behavior in Context: | |||
| One Research Methods Course in Basic Processes: | One Research Methods Course in Behavior in Context: | |||
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Individual Study
PSYC 493-494 (1 unit)
StaffThe student conduct independent research under the supervision of a member of the department. This course is restricted to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and department chair, along with demonstrated special interest.
Senior Honors
PSYC 497-498 (1 unit)
StaffThis is a program for senior candidates for honors in psychology, culminating in a senior honors thesis. The course will consist of either an experimental research investigation or independent study in some area of psychology. Students who wish to conduct an honors project must meet each of the following three criteria: (1) the student must have a GPA of 3.5 in psychology and an overall GPA of 3.3; (2) the student must have participated in a psychology-department-approved research experience (which might be research in a research methods course, independent study, or summer lab work); and (3) the student must have completed a minimum of 4 units in psychology and have taken the appropriate core courses for the proposal before the senior year. It is also recommended that the student have had exposure to calculus and other courses within the Natural Science Division.
Courses usually offered in the Fall semester
Introduction to Psychology: Basic Processes
PSYC 101 (1/2 unit)
StaffPsychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. In this introductory course, which is a prerequisite for all of the other psychology courses, you will explore a variety of areas in which psychologists conduct research, and you will learn about the process of conducting research. For example, you will study the biological foundations of behavior, sensory and perceptual processes, and learning and memory processes. The course is for first-year students and sophomores.
Statistical Analysis in Psychology (QR)
PSYC 200 (1/2 unit)
Murnen, Smolak, or KriegIn this course, which is required of all majors starting with the Class of 2000, students will learn to conduct a variety of statistical tests that are commonly used in psychological research. In addition, the skills of choosing the appropriate statistical tests for particular research designs, and writing and interpreting the results of statistical analyses, will be emphasized. The computer statistical package SPSS will be used. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Enrollment limited.
Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 301 (1/2 unit)
PayneThis course will consider research and theories regarding basic cognitive processes such as perception and memory, as well as higher-level thinking processes, such as decision-making, language processing, and social cognition. Emphasis will be on the study of laboratory research, with discussion of how the findings relate to real-world cognition. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 102. Enrollment limited.
Psychology of Learning and Motivation
PSYC 303 (1/2 unit)
WilliamsThis course is concerned with the basic theories and principles underlying the concepts of learning and motivation as they apply to animal and human behavior. A thorough review will be made of the theoretical issues, experimental methods, and findings relevant to the processes of learning and motivation. Finally, a major part of the course will be concerned with how the fields of learning and motivation have been applied to societal problems (e.g., special education, drug addiction, behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and self-control). Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Enrollment limited.
Sensation and Perception
PSYC 307 (1/2 unit)
NiemiecThis course focuses on the ways in which the brain gathers, processes, and interprets information from the external environment in order to construct an internal representation that the organism construes to be reality. The goal is to provide students with an understanding of the evolution, structure, and function of various sensory systems as well as an understanding of how the brain interprets incoming sensations and turns them into perceptions that allow organisms to act on their environment. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Enrollment limited.
Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 321 (1/2 unit)
LevineThis course provides students with an introductory overview of the nature, causes, and treatment of adolescent and adult mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, emotional disorders, schizophrenia, and organic mental disorders. In the process, there will be discussion of critical issues and controversies in this field, such as the definition of abnormality and the labeling of abnormal behavior. Students will also read detailed case histories. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102. Enrollment limited.
Adult Development
PSYC 322 (1/2 unit)
StaffA course description is not available at this time.
Child Development
PSYC 323 (1/2 unit)
SmolakThis course focuses on normal human development from conception through adolescence. Biological and social influences on development are considered with an emphasis on their interaction. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 102. Enrollment limited.
Social Psychology
PSYC 325 (1/2 unit)
FenigsteinSocial psychology is the systematic study of social behavior. In general, it examines how we are affected by our social environment: how we perceive and interpret the behavior of others and the social situation, how we respond to others and they to us, and the nature of social relationships. Application of social psychological theory and methodology is encouraged through participation in small-scale laboratory or field observational studies. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102. Enrollment limited.
Clinical Psychology
PSYC 342 (1/2 unit)
ShpunginThis course will focus on the practice of psychotherapy, or the clinical treatment of psychological disorders. Through readings, in-class exercises, discussions, and films, students will be exposed to several major schools of therapeutic thought (e.g., psychodynamic, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, systems). The strengths, limitations, and criticisms of these therapeutic modalities will be explored, and their usefulness with diverse psychological problems and populations will be discussed. Case studies from the instructor's experiences as a therapist will be used to further highlight the material. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102. Enrollment limited. More information is available on Fall 2003 course website: http://psychology.kenyon.edu/shpungin/Clinical.html
Health Psychology
PSYC 343 (1/2 unit)
LevineCourse description will be posted soon.
Human Sexual Behavior
PSYC 344 (1/2 unit)
FenigsteinThis course examines the biological, psychological, and social bases of human sexuality. Topics include the physiology of sex functions, variations of sexual behavior, nature and treatment of sexual malfunctions, sexual identity and attitudes, sex differences in social behavior, and the social dynamics of sexual interaction. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102. Enrollment limited.
Psychology of Race and Ethnicity
PSYC 345 (1/2 unit)
LyubanskyThis course explores theoretical and experiential issues pertaining to race, culture, and ethnicity in the field of psychology. These issues are considered both individually and in social contexts, as they relate to human behavior. Readings, films, discussions, in-class exercises and out-of-class assignments will be used to investigate the development of racial and ethnic identity, stereotypes, and prejudice, as well as to examine the impact of race and ethnicity on various aspects of living, including intelligence, social and sexual relationships, and mental health. As part of the course requirements, students will be asked to interpret and process personal experiences with these issues and integrate them with class readings and lectures. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102 (1). Enrollment limited. (More details on course web page)
Psychology of Women
PSYC 346 (1/2 unit)
Murnen, SmolakPsychological research about women is examined critically in this course. Topics such as gender differences, gender stereotypes, hormonal effects on women's behavior, eating disorders, and violence against women will be addressed with particular attention to the effects of sociocultural factors on the research in these areas. A variety of learning tools (e.g., conducting projects, engaging in discussion, taking exams) will be used by the class. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102. Enrollment limited.
Psychopharmacology
PSYC 347 (1/2 unit)
McFarlaneIn this course, the actions and effects of legal and illegal psychoactive drugs are discussed. The course has two halves. It begins with brief discussion of the history of psychopharmacology, followed be an in-depth examination of the biological basis of drug action in the brain. This is followed be a brief discussion of the principles of addiction and drug dependence, the mechanisms of drug tolerance, and the basis of drug classification. In the second half of the course, specific drugs are discussed. These include illicit drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. Legal psychoactive drugs, including caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are also discussed. The course concludes with a discussion of the action of drugs used in the treatment of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Prerequisites: PSYC 101. Recommended but not required: PSYC 305 or NEUR 112. Enrollment limited.
Community Psychology is concerned with social and community problems, and with how social systems affect the lives of individuals. In addition to regular class meetings (3 hrs/week), students will spend 6 hours a week working with preschoolers from low-income families at the local Head Start. Please note that this course is worth .75 credit units, due to the out-of-class service component. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102. Students must have recent proof of TB testing to work in a Head Start classroom; a valid driver's license is recommended but not necessary. Preference given to Juniors and Seniors. Enrollment limited to 15 students. Permission of Instructor required. More information available on Spring 2004 course website: http://psychology.kenyon.edu/shpungin/Community.html
Community Psychology: A Service-Learning Course
Psyc 350 (3/4 unit)
Shpungin
Research Methods in Sensation and Perception (QR)
PSYC 406 (1/2 unit)
NiemiecThis methods course teaches students the skills necessary for conducting research in sensation and perception. It will provide students with firsthand experience with a number of concepts and measurement techniques as well as an understanding of the ways in which sensory psychologists investigate how the brain gathers, processes, and interprets information from the external environment in order to construct an internal representation of reality. Students will learn to design experiments; collect, analyze, and present data using computer software packages; and write a scientific paper. Prerequisites: PSYC 200 (20) and previous or concurrent enrollment in either PSYC 307, PSYC 301, or PSYC 305 as well as permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited.
Research Methods in Cross-Cultural Psychology (QR)
PSYC 424 (1/2 unit)
LyubanskyThis course, which is structured to facilitate “learning by doing,” explores methods for examining psychological constructs within and between cultures. In addition to learning through lectures and discussions, students will work with existing datasets. They will also undertake their own studies examining some aspect of culture, race, or ethnicity—designing the study, collecting and analyzing data, and writing up the results. In addition to a variety of different qualitative and quantitative methodologies, research ethics, critical evaluation of research studies, and report writing will also be emphasized. Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and one of the following: PSYC 325, PSYC 345, or PSYC 326. Enrollment limited. (More details on course web page)
Research Methods for Studying Gender (QR)
PSYC 425 (1/2 unit)
MurnenThis course explores methods for studying gender and gender-role influences on behavior. The topics to be discussed include ways to study societal representations of gender, ways to measure gender-role adherence and feminist identity, and specific methodologies such as meta-analysis. Students will critique articles, collect and analyze data, and report on a topic related to gender and gender roles. Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and either PSYC 323 or PSYC 346.
Research Methods using Qualitative Approaches
Psyc 426 (1/2 unit)
Shpungin
This course will introduce students to qualitative methods in psychological research. Topics will include data collection methodologies (e.g,. interviews, focus groups, participant observation), coding strategies (e.g., thematic coding, content analysis, grounded analysis), ethics, and writing. As part of the course, students will be required to design, conduct, analyze, and write-up a qualitative study. Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and one advanced level Behavior in Context course (i.e., topics like Developmental, Social, Gender, Race, Community, Clinical, Abnormal). Enrollment limited to fifteen students.
Memory Seminar
PSYC 444 (1/2 unit)
StaffThis seminar will survey basic experimental and theoretical work on memory processes. Depending on the interest of students, additional topics for in-depth study may include memory and aging, implicit memory, memory disorders, memory improvement, the relationship between memory and attention, the role of memory in language processing, or eyewitness memory. Prerequisites: PSYC 101. Enrollment limited.
Gender and Race Issues in Sports
PSYC 447 (1/2 unit)
MurnenDoes the institution of sports perpetuate or attenuate gender and racial inequality in American society? In this seminar we will examine gender and race issues in American sports. We will start by examining the history of women and ethnic minority individuals' participation in sports. We will then question the existence of gender and race inequality in sports through readings and discussion concerning a variety of topics. Some of the issues include: sports as a male preserve; sports and male aggression; gender and race stereotyping of sports in the media; homophobia in sports; feminist transformation of sports; and the influence of sports on the construction of gender and ethnic identities. Prerequisites for the course include PSYC 101 and 102 (1) and a course that deals with feminist perspectives in social science, such as PSYC 346, SOCY 230, SOCY 256, or WMNS 111. Enrollment limited.
Courses usually offered in the Spring semester
Introduction to Psychology: Behavior in Context
PSYC 102 (1/2 unit)
Lyubansky, ShpunginThis is the second part of the introductory psychology course. While PSYC 101 dealt with basic processes of behavior, in PSYCH 102 you will examine behavior in context. You will study developmental psychology, personality and social psychology, psychological disorders, and other issues. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
Statistical Analysis in Psychology (QR)
PSYC 200 (1/2 unit)
Murnen, Smolak, KriegSee first-semester course description.
Comparative Psychology
PSYC 302 (1/2 unit)
NiemiecComparative psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes of organisms, including humans. Until Darwin published his theory of evolution, it was commonly accepted that a huge gulf exists between human and nonhuman animals. In this course we will examine human and animal behavior and mental activity from an evolutionary perspective, that is, from a perspective in which humans are part of the continuum of life forms that inhabit the planet. We will consider the notion that, in contrast to the usual anthropocentric view of behavior and mental processes, many of the same evolutionary and ecological principles explain both human and animal behavior. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or NEUR 112. Enrollment limited.
Neuropsychology
PSYC 304 (1/2 unit)
McFarlaneThis course will examine recent advances in our understanding of brain mechanisms involved in human higher mental processes. With a focus on cortical functions, the course will range from the study of brain development in infancy, across a variety of deficits attributable to brain dysfunction, to a consideration of assessment and treatment. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Enrollment limited.
Physiological Psychology
PSYC 305 (1/2 unit)
McFarlaneThis course will investigate the relationships among the brain, the body, and behavior. Material covered will include neuroanatomy as well as the organization and function of the central, peripheral, and endocrine nervous systems. The ways in which this knowledge can be used to understand sensory and motor phenomena will be explored as a prelude to attempts to relate knowledge of human and animal physiology to psychological processes such as motivation, thought, mood, and emotion. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Enrollment limited.
Psychology of Language
PSYC 306 (1/2 unit)
StaffThis course studies language from a psychological point of view, considering language within the context of the human cognitive system. We will survey research and theories on the basic aspects of language use, including acquisition, perception, comprehension, and production. Other topics will include the biological basis of language, the social aspects of communication, and the relationship between language and thought. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102. Enrollment limited.
Child Development
PSYC 323 (1/2 unit)
SmolakSee first-semester course description.
Theories of Personality
PSYC 326 (1/2 unit)
LevineThis course introduces students to major approaches to understanding both consistencies in individual behavior and differences between individuals. This survey will focus on six paradigms: psychodynamic, phenomenological, dispositional, social learning, cognitive, and existential. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102. Enrollment limited.
Adolescent Development
PSYC 348 (1/2 unit)
KriegThis course will provide students with an overview of important issues in adolescent psychology, from early adolescence to young adulthood. The major physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developments that occur during this transitional period will be covered. Influences on adolescent development such as family, peers, school, work, and culture will also be explored. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102. Enrollment limited.
Child-Adolescent Psychotherapy with Service-Learning Option
Psyc 392 (1/2 unit with OPTIONAL 1/4 unit of service credit)
Shpungin
This course will focus on theories and techniques of play therapy with young children, as well as family systems and group therapy with adolescents. The main focus of the course will be treatment rather than psychopathology. Case illustrations will supplement readings, films, and discussions. Students will also have the option of participating in a service-learning component for an additional .25 credits, in which they will spend 6 hours a week working with preschoolers from low-income families at the local Head Start. Students must have proof of TB testing in order to participate in the service-learning option; a valid driver's license is recommended but not necessary. Prerequisites for all students: PSYC 102. Preference given to Juniors and Seniors. Enrollment limited to 20 students.
Research Methods in Biopsychology (QR)
PSYC 401 (1/2 unit)
Niemiec and WilliamsThis introductory course teaches students the skills necessary for conducting research in biopsychology and neuroscience. It will provide students with firsthand experience with a number of concepts and measurement techniques as well as an understanding of the ways in which biopsychologists investigate the brain and its relationship to behavior. Students will learn to design experiments; collect, analyze, and present data using computer software packages; and write a scientific paper. Prerequisites: previous or concurrent enrollment in either PSYC 101 or NEUR 112 as well as permission of the instructor.
Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology (QR)
PSYC 402 (1/2 unit)
PayneThis course is designed with three specific goals. 1) To provide an understanding of basic research and design, 2) To cover essential issues, history, and debate in the field of cognitive psychology, and 3) to give students “hands-on” experience with some of the classic experiments in the field. The course will include lecture, discussion, and laboratory exercises in which students will participate in computerized experiments, collect data, and learn how cognitive psychologists make inferences about mental processes using observable performance measures. The course also requires students to create their own research proposal and present it in class.
Research Methods in Learning and Motivation (QR)
PSYC 403 (1/2 unit)
WilliamsThis methods course provides students with the critical skills for understanding and conducting research of behavior. By having direct experience in performing a variety of experiments, using both human and animal subjects, students will be actively engaged in collecting, analyzing, presenting, and interpreting data. Students will also learn about designing research projects, making valid conclusions, critiquing journal articles, and writing a scientific paper. Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and previous or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 302 or PSYC 303 or PSYC 305. Enrollment limited.
Research Methods in Physiological Psychology (QR)
PSYC 405 (1/2 unit)
McFarlaneThis is a laboratory methods course that focuses on research methods used in physiological psychology and behavioral neuroscience. The emphasis of the course will be on designing, conducting, and presenting research, as well as on mastering specific laboratory techniques. The primary goal is to examine the relationships between brain chemistry and behavior. To this end, students will engage in the designing and implementation of projects that examine these relationships using animal subjects. The course will also focus on data analysis and experimental design. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and one of the following: PSYC 347 or PSYC 305 or NEUR 112. Enrollment limited. (More details on course web page)
Research Methods in Developmental Psychology (QR)
PSYC 421 (1/2 unit)
SmolakThis course explores the methods used in life-span developmental psychology research. Among the issues addressed are: ethics of research with children and elderly, developmental research designs, developing measures, and data analysis. Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and either PSYC 323 or PSYC 322. Enrollment limited to fifteen.
Research Methods in Personality (QR)
PSYC 422 (1/2 unit)
LevineThis course will examine a variety of methodologies used by psychologists who conduct research in the area of personality, individual differences, and abnormal psychology. The course includes lectures, discussions, laboratory demonstrations, and assignments designed to give students hands-on experience in designing research, collecting and analyzing data, and relating their work to larger theories. During the course students will also learn how to design research that is ethical, how to critically evaluate research, and how to write professional reports in the style developed by the American Psychological Association. Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and one of the following: PSYC 326, PSYC 321 or PSYC 346. Enrollment limited.
Research Methods in Social Psychology (QR)
PSYC 423 (1/2 unit)
FenigsteinSocial psychology attempts to understand the ways in which our thoughts and processes are affected by others. This course will examine the principles, methods, and problems of research in social psychology. Using a variety of formats, ranging from lectures and discussion of research to class and field demonstrations, students will become familiar with the ways in which research ideas are generated, with critical evaluation of relevant research literature, with research design and methodology, with data collection procedures using both laboratory and naturalistic settings, with statistical analyses, and with ways of presenting research consistent with journal publication. Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and past or current enrollment in PSYC 325. Enrollment limited.
Seminar in Animal Behavior: Canine Evolution, Domestication, and Behavior
PSYC 441 (1/2 unit)
NiemiecReadings, discussions, and student research presentations will be used to explore aspects of canine evolution, domestication, and behavior. The course will examine the unique set of circumstances surrounding canine evolution and domestication as well as the mutualistic relationship that developed between humans and dogs. Additional topics that may be addressed include artificial selection and the resulting differences in breed behaviors, as well as canine perceptual specialization, cognition, social organization, and communication. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or NEUR 112, and PSYC 302 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment is limited to fifteen students.
Child Psychopathology
PSYC 442 (1/2 unit)
LyubanskyThis seminar provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the nature, causes, and treatment of child and adolescent mental disorders, including ADHD, conduct disorder, autism, and emotional disorders. Primary materials (e.g., journal articles), as well as videos, lectures, and case-studies will be used to explore critical issues and controversies in this field. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 102 and either PSYC 321 (abnormal) or PSYC 342 (clinical). Enrollment limited. (See course web page for more information)
Psychology of Eating Disorders
PSYC 443 (1/2 unit)
LevineThis advanced seminar will explore the psychology of eating disorders through readings, discussion, lectures, student research and presentations, and visits by clinicians. We will examine the full spectrum of problems linked to negative body image, the definition of self in terms of weight and shape, calorie-restrictive dieting, and chaotic eating patterns. Issues to be investigated include comorbidity with other psychological disorders, gender differences, behavior genetics, and treatment and prevention. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. Prerequisites: (1) Junior or Senior psychology major; and (2) a grade of B or better in one or more of the following: Child Development, Abnornal Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Psychology of Women.
Psychobiology of Abnormal Behavior
PSYC 445 (1/2unit)
McFarlaneIn this seminar, we examine the interplay of biological and psychological factors in the development, nature, and treatment of various forms of psychopathology. The concept of "mental illness" is examined from perspectives relevant to psychobiology and psychiatry. We study claims for the biological basis of any particular behavioral disorder by becoming familiar with diagnosis, neurochemistry, behavior genetics, endocrinology, and psychopharmacology. Behavioral problems discussed include schizophrenia, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, organic brain disorders, personality disorders, and "addictions." Prerequisite: PSYC 305 or NEUR 112 or permission of instructor.
Sexual Violence Seminar
PSYC 446 (1/2 unit)
MurnenIn this seminar students will read and discuss contemporary empirical articles and books pertaining to the topic of sexual aggression. A variety of theoretical explanations of the high rate of sexual violence against women in the United States will be considered, including the feminist social-control model. A background in psychology, sociology, and/or women's studies would be of advantage to course participants.
Psychology of Ethnic Conflict
PSYC 450 (1/2 unit)
LyubanskyAlthough group conflict is hardly new, the last decade has seen a proliferation of conflicts engaging intra-state ethnic groups, with approximately thirty such conflicts being fought each year in every part of the globe, including North America. Unlike traditional warfare, civilians comprise over eighty percent of the casualties and the economic and psychological impact on survivors is often so devastating that some experts believe that ethnic conflict is the most destabilizing force in the post cold-war world. Although these conflicts also have political, economic, and other causes, the purpose of this advanced seminar is to develop a psychological understanding of ethnic warfare. More specifically, the course will explore the function of ethnic, religious, and national identities in inter-group conflict. In addition, it will examine the roles of leaders, extremists (terrorists/ freedom fighters), victims, and bystanders using psychological theory and research about individual and group behavior. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be used as a case-study. However, most readings will not be conflict-specific, and students will be able to pick a different conflict for their written assignments. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. Prerequisites: PSYC 102 and Junior or Senior status.
Last updated 4/16/03.