Psychology

Courses

Courses with * fulfill
General Education requirements

(A-AP) = Arts - Applied

(A-TH) = Arts -
Theoretical/Historical

(A-AR) = Analytical -
Abstract Reasoning

(A-QR) = Analytical -
Quantitative Reasoning

(CP) = Comparative Practices

(D-D) = Diversity - Domestic

(D-I) = Diversity - International

(D-L) = Diversity - Language

(ES) = Earlham Seminar

(IP) = Interpretive Practices

(SI) = Scientific Inquiry

(W) = Wellness

(AY) = Offered in Alternative Year

PSYC 115 INTRODUCTION TO
PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
(3 credits)
An introduction to various perspectives within psychology: physiological, learning, cognitive, developmental, social and clinical. Format is typically lecture and discussion.

*PSYC 150 EARLHAM SEMINAR
(4 credits)
Offered for first-year students. Topics vary. (ES)

PSYC 221 SPECIAL TOPICS IN
PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
An introductory examination of special topics in psychology. Topics include: sex, love and intimacy, sports psychology, and psychology and autobiography.

PSYC 237 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
(4 credits)
Surveys through lecture and discussion major topic areas in social psychology including obedience, conformity, cognitive dissonance, social cognition, prejudice and interpersonal attraction. Lab.

PSYC 238 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (3 credits)
Provides a general introduction to contemporary psychological theory and research of human development. Two weekly classes consist primarily of lecture with some opportunity for class discussion, and one class is devoted to small group discussion of course readings. Students form small research teams to undertake a psychological case study of a single child. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSYC 239 PERSONALITY (3 credits)
Examines the way that psychology has defined persons. Introduces major classical and contemporary theories of personality development and their critiques. Independent project explores the relevance of subjective experience in relation to psychological theory and research evidence. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above and PSYC 115.

*PSYC 342 EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (4 credits)
Introduces students to research design and statistics through coverage of sensation/perception, physiological psychology, learning and memory. In lab, students carry out experiments, analyze the data using the statistical software package, SPSS, and write experimental reports in the style appropriate for the American Psychological Association. Lab. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. (A-QR, SI)

PSYC 351 TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH (3 credits)
Selected topics offered in experimental areas of special interest to faculty. Recent offerings include "Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Learning and Memory" and "Sexual Violence."

PSYC 352 RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Review of major research questions, methodologies and empirical findings in the area of developmental psychology. Recent topics include creativity and adolescent psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 115 or 238.

PSYC 353 PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Advanced seminar examines the physiological mechanisms underlying a variety of psychological processes. Extensive reading of primary source materials. All students prepare a major seminar presentation and paper. Also listed as BIOL 353. (AY)

PSYC 354 INTERVIEWING AND FIELD RESEARCH (4 credits)
Surveys the issues and problems involved in interviewing and observation in real social settings. Includes a major research project based on in-depth interviewing and/or participant observation. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSYC 355 RESEARCH IN COGNITION: REMEMBERING AND FORGETTING
(3 credits)
An examination of theories of human memory in a seminar format with regular student-led discussions. Extensive use of primary source materials. Students design and conduct an experiment on human memory as the major course project. Prerequisite: PSYC 237, 239 or 342.

PSYC 356 PSYCHOLOGY OF PREJUDICE (3 credits)
Through lecture and student-led discussion, explores the psychology of prejudice, including sexism and racism. Prerequisite: PSYC 115.

PSYCH 357 PROPAGANDA AND PERSUASION (3 credits)
Focuses on social influence. Topics include obedience, conformity and attitude change. An empirical research project and mock election bring to life the theories and principles of social influence. Prerequisite: PSYC 115.

PSYC 358 THE SOCIAL SELF (3 credits)
How do we come to know who we are? Examines the social aspects of the self. A research project allows students to pursue their own interests. Topics include the cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects of the self. Also discusses identity and how people give life meaning. Prerequisite: PSYC 115.

PSYC 359 PSYCHOLOGY OF PASSION (3 credits)
Through lecture and student-led discussion, examines the psychology of romantic attraction. Prerequisite: PSYC 115.

PSYC 361 TOPICS IN INTEGRATIVE SYSTEMS (3 credits)
Selected topics dealing with psychological processes in the context of other systems such as biological, philosophical or cultural. Recent topics include East Meets West: Social Services in Japan and Positive Psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 115, 237, 238 or 239.

*PSYC 362 CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Examines the relationship of individual psychological functioning and cultural systems, utilizing a cross-cultural analysis of Japan vs. the U.S. as an illustrative case. Includes a major project focused on the culture(s) of a student's choice. Prerequisite: PSYC 115, 237, 238 or 239. Also listed as JPNS 362. (D-I) (AY)

PSYC 363 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (3-4 credits)
Develops knowledge of psychological disorders and mental illness as well as empathy for individuals with these disorders and their families. Studies disorders in detail and in the context of families, communities, public policy and ethics. Prerequisite: PSYC 115, 237, 238 or 239. (AY)

*PSYC 364 PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN (3 credits)
Examines psychological theory and research from a feminist perspective. Uses historical and developmental frameworks to explore how psychology has contributed to the meaning of gender in the lives of women and girls. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above, varsity athlete and PSYC 115. Also listed as WMNS 364. (D-D)

*PSYC 365 PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT (3 credits)
Examines the application of psychology to the field of exercise and sport from theoretical and applied viewpoints. Service component: students complete a service project coaching youth soccer in the community. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above, PSYC 115 and Varsity Athlete. (W) (AY)

*PSYC 366 THE FAMILY: EAST AND WEST (3 credits)
A seminar engaging in an interdisciplinary approach to the family from a psychological perspective. Comparative analysis of Japanese and American families allows examination of the universality of psychological processes and concepts and of their dependence on the contexts of culture, social class, ethnicity and gender. A major project allows students to investigate the family in a culture of their choice. Prerequisite: PSYC 115, 237, 238 or 239. Also listed as JPNS 366. (D-I) (AY)

PSYC 367 PSYCHOLOGY AND LITERATURE (3 credits)
Analyzes and interprets fiction in the light of psychological theories of personality and human development. More specifically, demonstrates how psychological theories can be used as tools for gaining insight into a fictional character's actions, motivations and development.

PSYC 368 POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
The scientific study of what enables individuals and communities to thrive. Uses readings, lectures and discussions to investigate such topics as happiness, subjective well-being, character strength, gratitude and resiliency. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and above.

PSYC 369 THE SEARCH FOR SELF, MEANING AND GOODNESS (3 credits)
Explores the field of existential psychology. Addresses such issues as the possibilities and burdens of making one's own choices in life, finding meaning in a world that seems to promote isolation and anonymity, discerning one's vocation in life, and leading a life well-lived. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and above.

PSYC 371 TOPICS IN THEORY AND APPLICATION (3 credits)
Selected topics dealing with the interrelationship of psychological knowledge and the practical applications of that knowledge. Recent topics include psychology and public policy issues, multicultural counseling and criminal psychology.

PSYC 372 APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Focuses upon the use of developmental theory and data to foster optimal development of persons through individual interventions and/or public programs and policies. Prerequisite: PSYC 238.

*PSYC 373 MORAL EDUCATION (3 credits)
Examination of psychological theory and research on moral development, various techniques of moral education, and philosophical and psychological perspectives of moral goodness. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. Also listed as EDUC 373. (W) (AY)

*PSYC 374 COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (4 credits)
Emphasizes the study and critique of contemporary theories and techniques of psychotherapy. Lab involves developing basic counseling/helping skills. Includes a substantial practicum component. Prerequisite: PSYC 115, 237, 238 or 239. (W)

PSYC 375 PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LAW (3 credits)
The psychological dynamics of a courtroom trial. Topics include the psychology of the defendant and witnesses, the persuasive tactics of lawyers and jury decision making. A mock trial allows students to see psychological concepts and research findings in action. Prerequisite: PSYC 237, 238 or 239. Also listed as LGST 375.

PSYC 376 INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Explores the psychology of organizations. Topics include group decision making, group performance, leadership and motivation, as well as training and performance appraisal. Students apply their knowledge by serving as consultants to area businesses. Prerequisite: PSYC 115.

PSYC 379 COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Surveys theories and methods of bringing psychology to the community and using research to promote positive social change. Includes a project based on actual work in the community. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

PSYC 480 HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY (2 credits)
Designated for senior Psychology majors. Surveys the origins and development of the history of psychology.

PSYC 481 INTERNSHIPS, FIELD STUDIES AND OTHER FIELD EXPERIENCE
(1-3 credits)
Students completing internships may elect to earn academic credit by registering for this course.

PSYC 482 SPECIAL TOPICS (3 credits)
Selected topics determined by the instructor for upper-level study.

PSYC 483 TEACHING ASSISTANTS (1-3 credits)
Students serving as research or teaching assistants may elect to earn pass/fail credit by registering for this course.

PSYC 484 FORD/KNIGHT RESEARCH PROJECT (1-4 credits)
Collaborative research with faculty funded by the Ford/Knight Program.

PSYC 485 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 credits)
Intended for the advanced student. An investigation of a specific topic conceived and planned by the student in consultation with a faculty adviser.

PSYC 486 COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH PROJECT (3 credits)
All majors are required to design and conduct an independent research project as part of the comprehensive exam.

PSYC 488 SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (2 credits)
Focuses on readings and discussion of history, historiography and philosophy of psychology.