Psychology

Courses

Courses in psychology provide a background for a better understanding of the modern world, other academic fields and one's self. Classes can be taken as courses for a major or minor concentration in psychology, as supporting courses for other majors, or because of general interest.

Psychology students can expect courses in experimental psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, cognition, learning, personality, child/adolescent development, adult development, aging and more.

Following is a list of courses offered by the Psychology Department.
Learn more about specific courses offered in 2009-2010.

1500
Introduction to Psychology
4 credits SOC

An introduction to the methods and principles of psychology. Fall/Spring/Summer.

2100
Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience
4 credits SCI

An introduction to psychological processes as they relate to behavior. Basic neurophysiology and sensory processes will be covered along with research relevant to topics or current interest in the field.

Prerequisite: PYC 1500 or BIO 1100. Fall/Spring.
2200
Social Psychology
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Ingrid Tiegel

A study of the ways in which people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Topics include conformity, attitudes, gender roles, interpersonal attraction, competition, aggression, prejudice, and the social construction of beliefs about the self and world amongst others. Fall.

2300
Cognition: Theories and Applications
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Leslie Cameron

A study of both the theories which attempt to explain human thought processes and the applications of these theories to practical concerns such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

Prerequisite: PYC 1500. Fall/Spring.
2450
Abnormal Psychology
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Staff

This course is an introduction to the study of abnormal behavior and psychological or mental disorders. Major psychological disorders will be reviewed. Each disorder will be examined by its description, the etiology of the disorder, and treatment.


Prerequisite: PYC 1500. Fall.
2850
Child and Adolescent Development
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Ingrid Tiegel, Staff

A study of behavioral changes during the first years of life through adolescence and of the important theories and models about these changes. Physical, language (normal and atypical), cognitive, and socio-emotional changes will be considered with specific emphasis on the practical significance of these changes for educators and others. Fall/Spring.

2900
Experimental Psychology
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Robert Maleske

An introduction to research methods in psychology, including the designing and conducting of experiments and the interpretation of results.

Prerequisite: PYC 1500 and SSC 2330 with a grade of "C" or better. Fall/Spring.
3150
Sensation and Perception
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Leslie Cameron

This class tackles the basic, but very complex question of how our sense organs communicate with our brain to process and organize the vast amount of sensory information available in the environment.

Prerequisite: PYC 2100 or PYC 2300.
3350
Tests and Measurements
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Staff

A detailed examination of test construction and standardization and the uses of tests in educational, industrial, clinical, and research settings.

Prerequisite: PYC 1500 and SSC 2330 variable.
3450
Contemporary Issues in Sex and Gender
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Penny Seymoure

This course is an examination of the interaction of the endocrine system and nervous system and the resultant effect on behavior. Gender and sex-related differences are studied from a biological and an environmental perspective. Crosslisted as NEU 3450. Read more about this course.

Prerequisite: PYC 2100 or consent of instructor
3650
Childhood Psychopathology
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Ingrid Tiegel

This course concerns the diagnosis, assessment, and intervention with children and adolescents who are experiencing or are at risk for significant emotional, cognitive or mental disabilities. Specific risk factors for children of the disadvantaged will also be studied.

Prerequisite: PYC 2450 or PYC 2850. Fall.
3700
Thesis Development
4 credits
Instructor: Robert Maleske

An exploration of empirical questions in psychology driven by student interests within the context of identifying theoretical perspectives and designing research strategies to test explicit hypotheses. A main objective is to facilitate the student's development of a Senior Thesis proposal.

Prerequisite: SSC 2330 (with grade of 'C' or better), NEU 2500 (with grade of 'C' or better), and PYC 2900 (with grade of 'C' or better). Junior standing. Spring.
3750
Psychology of Personality
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Ingrid Tiegel

An examination of the major approaches to the explanation of personality. How do various theorists understand the basic processes that are common to all people, the traits which are shared by some people, and the specific ways in which individuals are unique?

Prerequisite: PYC 2200 or PYC 2450. Spring.
3850
Adult Development and Aging
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Staff

The psychology of adult development and the processes of aging will be studied. Theories and empirical study of adult functioning during the contemporary long lifespan will be considered, including the cognitive, social, emotional and physical domains. Practical implications for the education and societal care of a growing population of middle-aged and aging persons will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: PYC 2850.
3950
Neuroscience II: Electrical and Chemical Properties
4 credits SOC
Instructor: Daniel Miller

This course is an examination of the fundamental function of the nervous system is studied, then put into systemic context through examination of pharmacological effects and learning paradigms. Cross-listed in Neuroscience and Psychology.

Prerequisite: Grade of 'C' or better in PYC 2100 and NEU 2500 or PSY 2900, or consent of instructor. Fall.
400T
Topics in Psychology
1-4 credits
Instructor: Staff

A variable content course permitting advanced students the opportunity to study a specific topic in psychology in depth. The course will offer the opportunity for students to specialize in a topic normally given only cursory attention or not covered in other courses.

Prerequisite: PYC 1500 or consent of the instructor.
4000
Senior Seminar
4 credits
Instructor: Robert Maleske

Students conduct the research portion of their Senior Thesis project, analyze the data they've collected, and complete the writing of their thesis. An poster presentation of their thesis is required to complete the process. The classroom portion of the seminar provides instruction and guidance in completing the research project and in preparing a publication-quality document written in the official format of the American Psychological Association.

Prerequisite: SSC 2330 (with grade of 'C' or better), PYC 2900 (with grade of 'C' or better), senior status. Fall.
4700
Field Work in Psychology
4 credits
Instructor: Ingrid Tiegel

Seminar class with psychology instructor combined with field experience under the supervision of psychologists and other professionals in various selected agencies in the community. Must receive approval of department chair before student can register. Graded: A-F.

Prerequisite: Permission of the chair of the department of psychology, senior standing, and Psychology 1500. Fall/Spring.

4990
Senior Thesis Completion
4 credits
Instructor: Ingrid Tiegel

Students should register for PYC 4990 during the semester that they intend to complete their senior thesis.

Course Highlights

People in Nature: A Non-Western Perspective of Psychology. An exploration of the interdependence of psychology and the natural world through the life projects of the Mbya of Argentina. Prof. Seymoure has been conducting research with the Mbya since 2003. Read more.


Research Opportunities

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience leads to real world success. Read more.


Student Voices

"Carthage provides a lot of opportunities as long as you are willing to work toward them."

— James Oren, '12, Algonquin, Ill.

Hear what students have to say about studying psychology at Carthage.