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Psychology (PSY)

Associate Professors: Beery, Holstein (Chair)
Assistant Professors: Curtindale, Drumm-Hewitt, Norton, Olsen

• Major: Psychology
• Courses required for major: 9 (B.A.), 15 (B.S.)
• Capstone requirement: PSY 424, 432, or 433
• Minor: Psychology

The major provides training in both theoretical and applied psychology. It is designed to meet the needs of students seeking careers in psychology or other natural or social sciences. It also meets the needs of students seeking a better understanding of human behavior as a means of furthering individual and career goals in other areas. Psychology majors and others are urged to discuss course selections in psychology with members of the department to help ensure appropriate course selection.

Major Requirements

The B.A. Degree

To earn the B.A. degree, students must complete PSY 110, 212, 312, one laboratory course  from PSY 424, 432, or 433, and four additional PSY courses. A statistics course of at least 3 credits is also required. No more than two of the elective PSY courses can be from PSY 412, 448, 449, independent study, internship, or honors courses.

The B.S. Degree

It is strongly recommended that students have a math placement level of 3 or 4 if they plan to pursue the B.S. degree. Strong math skills are needed for many of the Natural Science and Computer Science courses required for this degree.

To complete the B.S. degree, students must complete the B.A. requirements as described above and take the following additional courses:

• One additional laboratory course from PSY 424, 432, or 433
• Three of the following Natural Science courses from at least two prefixes: BIO 110, 111, 323, 338; CHEM 122/123, 124/125; NEURO 210, 211; PHYS 225, 226
• One of the following computation courses: CPTR 125; MATH 128, 214; ECON 340
• Completion of PSY 412, an Individual Studies or Honors Project in Psychology or, with department permission, an Internship or Practicum in Psychology. Students may also participate in an approved REU (research experience for undergraduates), complete an approved summer research fellowship at Lycoming College, or complete another appropriate research opportunity, pending departmental approval.

Students are also recommended to take one of the following: PHIL 225, 333, or 335.

Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education listing.

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete PSY 424, 432, or 433.

Diversity and Writing Courses

The following course satisfies the Global Diversity Requirement: PSY 245.The following course satisfies either the Domestic or Global Diversity Requirement: PSY 341. A list of courses that, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the Writing Requirement, can be found on the Registrar’s website and in the GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS section of the catalog.

Minor Requirements

A minor in psychology consists of PSY 110, PSY 212, and three additional PSY courses (two of which must be numbered 200 or higher). No more than one course can be from PSY 412, 448, 449, independent study, internship, or honors courses.

110
INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the empirical study of human and other animal behavior. Areas considered may include learning, personality, social, physiology, sensory, cognition, and development.  Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

115
DEVELOPMENT FROM INFANCY TO MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
Examines how children grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. A detailed analysis of development over the infancy, early, and middle childhood years of life. Reviews the implications of development at different points in life for parenting and education. Recommended for students pursuing additional education and career paths in fields that focus on early childhood development.  Prerequisite: PSY 110. 

116
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the patterns of deviant behavior with emphasis on cause, function, and treatment. The various models for the conceptualization of abnormal behavior are critically examined. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

120 
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
Examines how children and adolescents grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. An introduction to theoretical influences, fundamental concepts, and empirical research on development during the infancy, childhood, and adolescent years of life. Reviews the implications of development at different points in life for parenting and education. Recommended for students pursuing additional education and career paths in fields that focus on childhood and adolescent development. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

138
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the empirical study of the teaching-learning process. Areas considered may include educational objectives, pupil and teacher characteristics, concept learning, problem-solving and creativity, attitudes and values, motivation, retention and transfer, evaluation and measurement. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

211
LEARNING DISABILITIES
An examination of learning disabilities, emotional problems, and social problems of children. Topics include the legal and educational rights of children with disabilities, the categories of disability qualifying for Special Education services, assessment of children with learning disabilities, characteristics of and interventions to help children with learning disabilities and attention difficulties, available educational placements and support services, and Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs). Prerequisite: PSY 110. 

212
RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
A study of the scientific method and the application of statistics to psychology. Compares qualitative methods such as case studies, ethnographies, and naturalistic observations with quantitative methods such as correlational research, surveys, experiments, and quasi-experimental designs. Focuses on quantitative methods and highlights the relative strengths and weaknesses of the different research approaches. Emphasis is placed on understanding the place of research in the field of psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and a statistics course of at least 3 credits, or consent of instructor.

216
ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
Examines in detail the symptoms, assessment, causes, and treatments for psychological disorders primarily experienced by children and adolescents. These include separation anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, learning disabilities, autism, Asperger’s disorder, and mental retardation. Also explores the application of specific treatment approaches to children/adolescents for disorders that can be experienced by both children and adults (e.g., phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder). Also considers interventions for peer/social problems; physical conditions/illness; traumatic brain injury; and the effects of poverty, divorce, and abuse. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

217
LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT
A general introduction to lifespan development. Provides a broad overview of several areas of development (e.g., physical, cognitive, emotional, social, moral) from prenatal development to death. Recommended for students who are interested in pursuing careers as physical therapists, occupational therapists, physicians’ assistants, and other health-related or human service fields.  Credit may not be earned for both PSY 239 and SPLED 335. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

220
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS
Reviews current theory and research on love. The progress of close, interpersonal relationships from initiation to termination will be discussed. Also explores the relation between love and sex  and reviews current research on sexuality. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

221
ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Explores the relationship between the individual and the environment. Uses theory and research to explore issues concerning the relationship between the physical environment and human behavior. Environmental Psychology promotes a more socially conscious relationship between humans and our physical environment. Topics include population control, conservation, urbanization, and environmental design. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

223
FOUNDATIONS OF SPORT AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to sport and exercise psychology, from the history and development of the field to the theories and principles that are central to its study. Topics include the evolution of the field of sport psychology, theories surrounding sport participants and sport environments, the group processes that are an essential part of sport, the basic principles of performance enhancement within the field, issues related to enhancing health and well-being in sport and exercise, and issues related to the facilitation of psychological growth and development in sport and exercise. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

225
INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
The application of the principles and methods of psychology to selected industrial and organizational situations. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

237
COGNITION
An in-depth examination of the field of human cognition. Topics include perception, attention, short and long term memory, reading comprehension, problem solving, and decision making. Emphasis is placed on understanding the scientific nature of the discipline. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

239
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
A detailed examination of the applied analysis of behavior. Focuses on the application of experimental method to the individual clinical case. Covers targeting behavior, base-rating, intervention strategies, and outcome evaluation. Examines learning-based modification techniques such as contingency management, counter-conditioning, extinction, discrimination training, aversive conditioning, and negative practice. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.   Credit may not be earned for both PSY 239 and SPLED 335.

242
DRUGS, BEHAVIOR, AND SOCIETY
Examines the effects of drugs on the brain, behavior, and society. Focuses on legal and illegal psychoactive drugs, including their origins, history of use, mechanisms of action, and physical and behavioral effects. Distinctions are made between drug use, abuse, and addiction, with special emphasis placed on the transition from recreational drug use to addiction. Various approaches to the prevention and treatment of addiction are discussed, and the societal impact of drug use and addiction, including their intersection with the criminal justice system, are explored. Students are encouraged to think critically about drug use and its impact on society. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

245
CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY: SPECIAL TOPICS
An introduction to the field of cross-cultural psychology that examines how cultural factors influence various aspects of the human experience. Topical focus of the course will vary according to the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topics are different. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.

310
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
An examination of psychological theories and research on topics related to psychology and law. Areas covered include forensic pathology, psychological theories of criminal behavior, eyewitness testimony, jury decision making, expert witnesses, the insanity defense, and criminal profiling analysis. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and 116.

312
PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH PROSEMINAR
Students are led through the process of independent research from conception of research, development of design, conduction, analysis, and presentation of work. Students are supervised as they devise and conduct their own research projects. Prerequisites: PSY 110, a statistics course of at least 3 credits, and grade of C- or better in PSY 212, or consent of instructor.

315
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
An examination of the structure and function of the human nervous system through the exploration of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This course provides students with an in-depth analysis of the symptoms, etiology, and treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders through the analysis of case studies and primary scientific research. Prerequisite: PSY 110 and either PSY 116 or PSY 216.

317
ATTACHMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Attachment refers to the emotional bonds that we form with other individuals. These “bonds” are more than mere “ties” to others—according to attachment theory, our attachment to others influences our self-perceptions, social cognition, and social interaction. This class is an upper-level seminar where students engage in an in-depth exploration of the literature pertaining to attachment from infancy into adulthood. Students complete advanced readings, are actively engaged in in-class discussions, and make several in-class presentations. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

334
PRINCIPLES OF MEASUREMENT
Psychometric methods and theory, including scale transformation, norms, standardization, validation procedures, and estimation of reliability. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and a statistics course of at least 3 credits.

336
PERSONALITY THEORY
A review of the major theories of personality development and personality functioning. In addition to covering the details of each theory, the implications and applications of each theory are considered. Best taken by Psychology majors in the junior year, because it integrates material from diverse areas of psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

341
PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN
A review of contemporary theory and research on the psychology of gender differences. Special topics include sex differences in achievement, power, and communication; sex-role stereotypes; beliefs about masculinity and femininity; and gender influences on mental health. Prerequisite: PSY 110. Fulfills either Domestic or Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.

342
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Serves as an introduction to the field of Health Psychology, which is concerned with the role of biological, social, and psychological factors in health and illness. Addresses the relevant research methodology and ethical considerations of four general topic areas: 1) attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyle factors affecting disease prevention and development; 2) stress and the related personality and social processes associated with disease development and progression; 3) social and psychological implications of chronic illness; and 4) social and psychological factors involved in the illness experience. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

410
DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Explores the relations between a variety of types of family dysfunctions and child development and psychopathology. Topics include child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and children from violent homes and homes with mentally ill parents. The course focuses on empirical literature about dysfunctional families and child development, biographical, and political perspectives. Prerequisites: PSY 116, 120, 216, or 217, or consent of instructor.

412
ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH PROSEMINAR
Provides additional experience with independent research. As in PSY 312, students are led through the process of independent research from conception of research, development of design, conduction, analysis, and presentation of work. Students are supervised as they devise and conduct their own research projects; however, students are expected to work more independently than in PSY 312. Students should take this course to explore new areas of research or extensions of previous work. Prerequisites: PSY 312 and consent of instructor.

424
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
The scientific exploration of interpersonal communication and behavior. Topics include attitudes and attitude change, attraction and communication, social perception and social influence, prosocial and antisocial behavior, and group processes. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in 312 and a statistics course of at least 3 credits, or consent of instructor.

432
SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
The examination of psychophysical methodology and basic neurophysiological methods as they are applied to the understanding of sensory processes. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in 312 and a statistics course of at least 3 credits, or consent of instructor.

433
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the biological psychologist’s method of approach to the understanding of behavior as well as the set of principles that relate the function and organization of the nervous system to the phenomena of behavior. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in 312 and a statistics course of at least 3 credits, or consent of instructor, 

448
PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY I
An off-campus experience in a community setting offering psychological services, supplemented with classroom instruction and discussion. Covers the basic counseling skills. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

449
PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY II
An off-campus experience in a community setting offering psychological services, supplemented with classroom instruction and discussion. Covers the major theoretical approaches to counseling. Prerequisite: PSY 448 or consent of instructor.

470-479
INTERNSHIP 
Internships give students an opportunity to relate on-campus academic experiences to society in general and to their post-baccalaureate objectives in particular. Students have, for example, worked in prisons, public and private schools, county government, and for the American Red Cross.

N80-N89
INDEPENDENT STUDY 
Independent study is an opportunity for students to pursue special interests in areas for which courses are not offered. In addition, students have an opportunity to study a topic in more depth than is possible in the regular classroom situation.

490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
Honors in psychology requires original contributions to the literature of psychology through independent study.