Course Descriptions • Psychology • Carthage College

Psychology courses at Carthage 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. Scroll down to read descriptions of the psychological science courses offered at Carthage, or click on the following links for additional resources.

Introduction to Psychological Science (SOC) (SE)

PYC 1500 / 4 credits
A team-taught introduction to the methods and principles of psychological science. NOTE: Majors must pass this course with a grade of C- or better to move on in the major courses.
Offered in Fall/Spring

Lifespan Developmental Psychology for the Health Professional (SI)

PYC 1850 / 4 credits
The course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social, and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes normal developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing lifetime demands. This course is designed for students in the health professions. This course may not be applied to the Psychological Science major or minor. Prerequisite:
Prerequisite: None

The Cognitive Science of Magic (SOC) (IDP)

PYC 1900 / 4 credits
This course will provide an immersive introduction to the burgeoning psychological “science of magic” with a specific focus on the contributions that stage magic can make to the study of cognition. Students will explore how magicians exploit the fallibility of the human mind through an examination of experimental work from the world of psychology and theoretical work from the world of magic. During the course, students will be exposed to a variety of magical styles and schools of thought via occasional visits from prominent magicians and scientists with an interest in magic as well as field trips to magical performance venues.

Research Methods and Statistics I (SOC) (QR)

PYC 2010 / 4 credits
An introduction to statistical and research methods in psychological science, including the design and execution of research projects and the organization, analysis, and interpretation of results.
Prerequisite: PYC 1500 with a grade of C- or better
Offered in Fall/Spring

Comparative Psychology (SOC)

PYC 2020 / 4 credits
In this course, students will explore the key themes and classic studies of comparative psychology, or the psychological investigations of the similarities and differences of animal species. This course will cover the types of comparisons made in the discipline, the overarching questions that provide structure to the field, and the more recent expansion of new technologies and taxonomic scope that comparative psychology has experienced. Students will both critique and implement the way in which comparative psychology bridges both subfields of psychology (e.g., neurophysiology, cognition, emotion, perception) and other realms of social sciences and natural sciences (e.g., ethology, behavioral economics, evolutionary biology, artificial intelligence).
Prerequisite: PYC 1500

Interpersonal Dynamics

PYC 2110 / 4 credits
A study of issues and concepts related to human interactions in pairs, triads, and small groups. Theoretical perspectives are reviewed with a focus on practical strategies and problem-solving in everyday encounters.
Prerequisite: PYC 1500

Sensation and Perception (SOC)

PYC 2150 / 4 credits
A survey of research and theory that addresses the 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. Particular emphasis is placed on applying the scientific method to perceptual psychology.
Prerequisite: PYC 2010 with a grade of C- or better

Social Psychology (SOC)

PYC 2200 / 4 credits
A survey of research and theory that illuminates how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals are influenced by the presence of others. Topics include social cognition, attitudes, social influence, conformity, stereotyping and prejudice, emotions, attraction, close relationships, group processes, aggression, and prosocial behavior.
Prerequisite: PYC 2010 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor
Fall/Spring

Cognitive Psychology (SOC)

PYC 2300 / 4 credits
A survey of research and theory that attempts to explain human thought processes. Topics include perception, attention, memory, language, and problem-solving. An emphasis is placed on research methodology and the evaluation of data from online laboratories.
Prerequisite: PYC 2010 with a grade of C- or better
Fall/Spring

Child and Adolescent Development (SOC) (SI)

PYC 2850 / 4 credits
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.
Offered in Fall/Spring

Research Methods and Statistics II (SOC) (WC)

PYC 3010 / 4 credits
An advanced introduction to statistical and research methods in psychological science, including the design and execution of research projects and the organization, analysis, and interpretation of results.
Prerequisites: PYC 2010 with a grade of C- or better and PYC 2150, PYC 2200, PYC 2300 or NEU 2100
Offered in Spring

Psychological Science of Teaching and Learning

PYC 3200 / 4 credits
The Psychological Science of Teaching and Learning helps us understand the social, emotional, and cognitive processes that constitute learning throughout the lifespan. Psychological theory and research address the multiple factors (e.g., cognition, creativity, social environment, motivation) that should inform the design of educational programs and interventions for learners in settings that include schools, communities, and organizations. Participants in the class will research, design, and test an evidence-based educational intervention for a specified learner, or group of learners.
Prerequisites: PYC 2010 and PYC 2850

Hormones and Behaviors (SOC)

PYC 3400 / 4 credits
This course aims to explore the role hormones play in the study of behavior and development across various stages in the life course. We will explore how biological mechanisms take part in explaining many different aspects of human (and nonhuman) behavior, and how these explanations fit into discourse from both psychology and the fields of evolutionary biology, neurophysiology, and behavioral economics.
Prerequisites: PYC 2010 and one of PYC 2150, PYC 2200, PYC 2850 or NEU 2100

Abnormal Psychology (SOC)

PYC 3500 / 4 credits
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
Prerequisites: Any PYC breadth course and PYC 2010
Offered in Fall/Spring

Organizational Psychology

PYC 3600 / 4 credits
Organizational Psychology applies social psychological methods and principles to understand how interactions among individuals, groups, and the broader social context impact organizations. By examining topics such as motivation, leadership, intergroup dynamics, conflict, and organizational culture, this course will prepare students to be successful members and leaders in organizations.
Prerequisite: PYC 2200

Childhood Psychopathology (SOC)

PYC 3650 / 4 credits
This course concerns the diagnosis of, assessment of, 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.
Prerequisites: PYC 2850 and PYC 2010
Offered in Spring

Psychology of Personality (SOC)

PYC 3750 / 4 credits
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 that are shared by some people, and the specific ways in which individuals are unique?
Prerequisites: PYC 2200 and PYC 3010

Adult Development and Aging (SOC)

PYC 3850 / 4 credits
The psychology of adult development and the processes of aging will be studied. Theories and empirical study on 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
Offered in Fall

Psychology of Stress

PYC 4010 / 4 credits
This course places a timely emphasis on the role of stress in production of disorders in health and psychological status. Some treatment of subcultural and cultural definitions of stress will be included. This course can be counted as a depth course.
Prerequisite: PYC 2200 or PYC 2150 or PYC 2850 or NEU 2100

Cultural Psychology

PYC 4150 / 4cr
This course places a timely emphasis on the global applicability of principles and research on human behavior. Further, cross-cultural research methodologies will be considered.
Prerequisite: PYC 2200 or PYC 2150 or PYC 2850 or NEU 2100

Fieldwork in Psychological Science

PYC 4700 / 4 credits
Seminar class with psychology instructor combined with field experience under the supervision of psychologists and other professionals in various selected agencies in the community.
Prerequisites: By permission of the department chair, junior standing, and PYC 3010 with a grade of C- or better.
Offered in Fall/Spring

Thesis in Psychological Science

PYC 4800 / 4cr
In this course students develop a Senior Thesis. The course will culminate in a thesis and an oral presentation. Exceptional thesis will be considered for Honors in the Major.
Prerequisites: By permission of the department chair, junior standing, and PYC 3010 with a grade of C- or better
Offered in Fall/Spring

Senior Thesis Completion

PYC 4990 / 0 credits
Students should register for PYC 4990 during the semester that they intend to complete their Senior Thesis.