Psychology (PSYC)
Chair: Professor Seth Greenberg
Professors: Kathleen M. Galotti, Neil S. Lutsky, Julie J. Neiworth
Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor: Seth Greenberg
Associate Professors: Sharon Atsuko Akimoto, Lawrence Wichlinski
Assistant Professor: Mija M. Van Der Wege
Visiting Assistant Professors: Caroline Burke, Clark G. Ohnesorge, Jr.
Senior Lecturer: Steven F. Kozberg
Lecturer: Susan Ellis Marino
Psychology at Carleton provides a systematic approach to the study of behavior and experience. It examines processes of physiological functioning, human and animal learning, human and animal cognition, cognitive and social development, personality, social influence, and psychopathology, and treats particular topics (e.g., mental retardation, real-life decision making, and psychopharmocology) that are representative of the diversity and complexity of psychology. It also strongly emphasizes the development of analytic and expressive skills that are the basis of investigation, evaluation, and communication in the field.
Psychology 110 is the basic introductory course in the department and is a prerequisite for all other courses in psychology. Only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., an advanced placement score of 4 or 5) will a student be allowed to enroll in an upper-level psychology course without having taken Psychology 110. Majors in the department generally enroll in midlevel courses in our three core areas:
Biological and Behavioral Processes Courses: 210, 212, 215, 216
Cognitive Studies Courses: 230, 232, 234, 236
Social Behavior and Development Courses: 222, 224, 250, 252, 256, 258
Majors are advised to plan their schedules carefully in light of the prerequisites listed for upper-level courses in each area and the schedule of course offerings. A major in psychology prepares students for graduate study toward an advanced research degree in psychology and for a variety of professional programs and careers in psychological and social service areas. It also serves those intending to pursue careers in law, medicine, education, and business.
Requirements for a Major:
The introductory course (110) unless waived by an advanced placement score of 4 or 5 and a passable grade in a midlevel course; the measurement and methods sequence (124, 126); four courses from a list of core courses (courses numbered 210-258) including one from the Biological and Behavioral Processes group (210, 212, 215, 216), one from the Cognitive Studies group (230, 232, 234, 236), and one from the Social Behavior and Development group (222, 224, 250, 252, 256, 258); two upper-level courses (courses numbered 310-384) including at least one seminar (361, 363, 364, 365-384); two laboratory courses (211, 217, 233, 235, 257, 259); the junior colloquium (298); and the integrative exercise (400). It is recommended strongly that all majors complete the measurement and methods sequence during their sophomore or junior years. Particular courses in biology, education, linguistics, mathematics and computer science, economics, philosophy, and sociology-anthropology may also be recommended, depending on an individual's interests and plans.
Psychology Courses
PSYC 110. Principles of Psychology This course surveys major topics in psychology. We consider the approaches different psychologists take to describe and explain behavior. We will consider a broad range of topics, including how animals learn and remember contexts and behaviors, how personality develops and influences functioning, how the nervous system is structured and how it supports mental events, how knowledge of the nervous system may inform an understanding of conditions such as schizophrenia, how people acquire, remember and process information, how psychopathology is diagnosed, explained, and treated, how infants and children develop, and how people behave in groups and think about their social environment. 6 cr., SS, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff
PSYC 124. Measurement and Data Analysis in Psychology This course will consider the role of measurement and data analysis in psychology. Various forms of measurement and standards for the evaluation of measures will be discussed, and basic concepts and methods used by psychologists to summarize, organize, and evaluate data will be introduced. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS, Winter—C. Ohnesorge
PSYC 126. Advanced Topics in Measurement and Data Analysis Students learn various data analysis techniques, including simple and factorial analysis of variance, planned and post hoc comparisons, and nonparametric statistics. They will also consider issues in experimental design. Prerequisite: Psychology 124 with a grade of C- or better. 3 cr., SS, Spring—J. Neiworth
PSYC 210. Psychology of Learning A summary of theoretical approaches, historical influences and contemporary research in the area of human and animal learning. The course provides a background in classical, operant, and contemporary conditioning models, and these are applied to issues such as behavioral therapy, drug addiction, decision-making, foraging, and choice. It is recommended that students enroll concurrently in Psychology 211. Prerequisite: Psychology 110, or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., SS, Winter—J. Neiworth
PSYC 211. Laboratory Research Methods in Learning This course accompanies Psychology 210. Students will replicate classical studies and plan and conduct original empirical research projects in the study of human and animal learning. Psychology 211 requires concurrent or prior registration in Psychology 210. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 2 cr., ND, Winter—J. Neiworth
PSYC 212. Comparative Cognition This course is a systematic investigation of nonhuman animals' mental experiences. Various cognitive capabilities are reviewed, including counting, communication, categorization, self concept, and deception, memory mechanisms such as rehearsal and imagery, and theories of animal memory including trace decay theory and conscious and unconscious processing. Under review are these capabilities in different species of birds and mammals, including rats, pigeons, nuthatches, various species of monkeys, chimpanzees, and dolphins. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 215. Memory and Amnesia This course will examine basic phenomena and principles of memory and amnesia, as exemplified by research with animals and humans. The course will consider behavioral and biological processes involved in memory functioning. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 216. Behavioral Neuroscience An introduction to the physiological bases of complex behaviors in mammals, with an emphasis on neural and hormonal mechanisms. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., MS, Spring—L. Wichlinski
PSYC 217. Laboratory Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience This course accompanies Psychology 216. The course provides instruction and experience in methods of behavioral neuroscience, the study of the inter-relation of the brain (and hormonal systems) and behavior. The focus of this laboratory will be on standard methods of inducing behavioral changes via neural and hormonal manipulations in mammals. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. This course may be taken separately from Psychology 216. 2 cr., ND, Spring—L. Wichlinski
PSYC 222. Psychology of Sexual Behavior This course explores both knowledge of and attitudes toward the psychology of human sexual behavior. In this course an emphasis will be placed on topics such as sexuality throughout the life cycle, sexual anatomy and physiology, gender roles, sexual orientations, the sex act, sexual dysfunction, sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and more. Much attention will be given to personal, interpersonal, community, and cultural influences on sexuality. We will approach these topics through theories that are bio-psycho-social in formulation, therefore readings will be empirically and theoretically based. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 recommended. 6 cr., SS, Fall—C. Burke
PSYC 224. Psychology of Gender This course will engage the student in various readings and exercises on theory and research in the psychology of gender. The student will come to clearly understand (1) several broad theories of gender, (2) how gender impacts our thoughts and behavior, (3) a sampling of empirical research of gender, (4) how to critically evaluate gender research,especially "popular" research, (5) the controversies surrounding traditional descriptions of gender, (6) how gender is involved in family, sexuality, work, friendships/relationships, mental health, and cross-cultural concerns. Prerequisite: Pschology 110. 6 cr., SS, Fall—C. Burke
PSYC 232. Cognitive Processes An introduction to the study of mental activity. Topics include attention, pattern recognition and perception, memory, concept formation, categorization, and cognitive development. Some attention to gender and individual differences in cognition, as well as cultural settings for cognitive activities. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., SS, Winter—S. Greenberg
PSYC 233. Laboratory Research Methods in Cognitive Processes
Students will participate in the replication and planning of empirical studies, collecting and analyzing data relevant to major cognitive phenomena. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor. Psychology 233 requires concurrent registration in Psychology 232. 2 cr., SS, Winter—S. Greenberg
PSYC 234. Psychology of Language This course will cover a range of aspects of language use. We will spend time discussing language production and comprehension, discourse processing, the relationship between language and thought, and language acquisition. Additionally, we will touch on issues of memory, perception, concepts, mental representation, and neuroscience. Throughout the course, we will emphasize both the individual and social aspects of language as well as the dynamic and fluid nature of language use. Psychology 234 requires concurrent registration in Psychology 235. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 credits cr., SS, Fall—M. Van Der Wege
PSYC 235. Psychology of Language Laboratory This laboratory experience will expose students to a variety of methodologies employed by researchers interested in studying language. Throughout the term, students will both participate in experiments and conduct experiments. We will spend time discussing and performing typical analyses. Finally, students will be expected to become proficient in writing their experimental work in APA format and in presenting their research ideas in an oral format. Psychology 235 requires concurrent registration in Psychology 234. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 2 credits cr., ND, Fall—M. Van Der Wege
PSYC 236. Thinking, Reasoning, and Decision-Making An examination of the way people think and reason, both when given formal laboratory tasks and when facing problems and decisions of everyday life. Students consider their own reasoning and decision-making through course exercises. Topics covered include: models of formal reasoning, decision-making, heuristics and biases in thinking and problem-solving, the development of reasoning ability, moral reasoning, improving thinking, problem-solving and reasoning skills. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. 6 credits cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 250. Developmental Psychology An introduction to the concept of development, examining both theoretical models and empirical evidence. Prenatal through late childhood is covered with some discussion of adolescence when time permits. Topics include the development of personality and identity, social behavior and knowledge, and cognition. In addition, attention is paid to current applications of theory to such topics as: day care, the role of the media, and parenting. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 252. Personality An examination of analytic models that attempt to characterize and explain aspects of behavior, thought, and emotion that are central to our conceptions of ourselves as distinctly human beings and as individuals. Original theoretical statements and relevant empirical literature will be consulted. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. 6 credits cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 253. Research Methods in Personality Laboratory A laboratory to be taken concurrently with the Personality course, to undertake research on topics in personality. 2 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 256. Social Behavior and Interpersonal Processes The social psychological analysis of human social behavior, interpersonal processes, and group influences. Concurrent registration in Psychology 257 is strongly recommended. 6 cr., SS, Fall—S. Akimoto
PSYC 257. Laboratory Research Methods in Social Behavior and Interpersonal Processes Students will participate in the planning and replication of empirical studies of the social psychology of social behavior. Psychology 257 requires concurrent registration in Psychology 256. 2 cr., ND, Fall—S. Akimoto
PSYC 258. Social Cognition This course will focus on a social psychological analysis of social cognition, perception and judgment. It includes the examination of attitudes, stereotyping, attribution and the self. Concurrent registration in Psychology 259 is strongly suggested. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 259. Laboratory Research Methods in Social Cognition Students will participate in the design and replication of social psychological studies related to social cognition. This course requires concurrent registration in Psychology 258. 2 cr., ND, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 298. Junior Colloquium All majors must take this 5-week course during spring term of their junior year. This course will provide students an advanced overview of contemporary psychology as a scientific and applied discipline. More specifically, students will hone a number of skills, including reading and interpreting psychological literature, quantitative (statistical) evaluation, information literacy, proposal writing, and public speaking, among others. Hopefully, this course will also help students identify their own interests within psychology, in preparation for comps during the senior year. Prerequisites: Pschology 124 and 126. 3 cr., ND, Spring—S. Akimoto
PSYC 318. Psychopharmacology This course will cover the major categories of drugs that possess psychoactive properties, with an emphasis on their effects on the nervous system. In addition, drug use and abuse in a larger societal context will be examined. Prerequisite: Psychology 216 or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., ND, Winter—L. Wichlinski
PSYC 354. Counseling Psychology An introduction to theories, research, techniques, and issues in the field of counseling psychology. This course will be run as a seminar. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. Recommended: Psychology 252. 6 cr., SS, Spring—S. Kozberg
PSYC 356. Psychopathology An introduction to theories, research, treatments, and issues in the field of psychopathology. This course will be run as a seminar. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. Recommended: Psychology 252. 6 credits cr., SS, Fall—S. Kozberg
PSYC 363. Sleep and Dreaming In this seminar we will examine contemporary psychological and biological research on sleep and dreaming. In addition, we will review current theories concerning the functions of these two states. Prerequisite: Psychology 216 or consent of instructor. 6 credits cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 364. Psychology of Reading Words
The seminar explores the thought processes that contribute to our ability to turn written marks on a page into a message. We look at the sub-skills necessary to identify a word in text and what happens when such skills are missing. In addition, we consider how words are integrated into meaningful thought. The first portion of the course reviews the literature in this important area while the last portion requires student reports on related and applied issues. Thus, we also consider braille reading, reading by deaf, dyslexia, bilingualism, etc. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 and a course in cognition or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., SS, Spring—S. Greenberg
PSYC 366. Cognitive Neuroscience It should be obvious that every process that goes on in the mind has physiological underpinnings. But, whether we can unlock the secrets of learning, memory and consciousness as they are supported by neurons and neural connections is a longstanding and elusive problem in psychology. Contemporary articles are the text for this discussion-driven course. The student should leave the class with a working understanding of brain processes and of contemporary theories of brain processes that may support learning, memory, language, and consciousness. Psychology 110 is a required prerequisite, 210 and 216 are recommended, but not required. 6 cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 368. Topics in Physiological Psychology An advanced seminar in the area of physiological psychology and neuroscience. This course will address research on particular topics for students having backgrounds in the ideas and methods of neuroscience. Prerequisite: Psychology 216. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 369. Behavioral Medicine This seminar will examine mind-body interactions and health-related aspects of psychology. Topics covered include psychosomatic illness, personality variables in health and disease, and nervous system-immune system interactions. 6 credits cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 370. Topics in Cognition: Attention and Consciousness The study of attention is largely concerned with the selective acquisition of information from the world, while consciousness refers to the experience and interpretation of that information in relation to the self. We will survey the literature on these related topics using a text (The Psychology of Consciousness by Farthing) as well as readings from Bargh, Farah, James, Kihlstrom, Nagel, Sacks, Searle, Sperry, Turing, Weil, and others that address these issues. We will consider states of consciousness associated with religious experience, meditation, hypnosis, extended isolation, physical activity etc. to gain insight from multiple perspectives into the phenomena of human consciousness. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or permission from instructor 6 cr., SS, Fall—C. Ohnesorge
PSYC 371. Primate Cognition Recent findings have brought to light some very compelling examples of humanlike behavior in nonhuman primates: tool use and tool making, family bonding, complex social behaviors such as cooperation, altruism, communication, and emotion. Each of these topics is considered in the context of the cognitive workings of the primate mind with emphases on apes (gorilla, chimpanzee) but with some evaluation of monkeys (particularly cebus and rhesus varieties). This course makes use of writings from primary texts on the subject (Fouts, Tomasello, Savage-Rumbaugh, Goodall). The goal is to evaluate the uniqueness of primate behavior. Psychology 210 or Psychology 212 are recommended prerequisites. Psychology 110 is a required prerequisite. 6 credits cr., SS, Fall—J. Neiworth
PSYC 372. A Pill for Every Problem: Promise of Neuropharmocology Do pills deliver what they promise? Pills that promise relief from anxiety, depression, and numerous other mental dysfunctions are taken by millions of people. Are neuroscientists as certain of the causes of mental illness and mental anguish as the medical community and pharmaceutical companies seem to be? What are the societal implications of this turn toward psychopharmaceutical solutions? By exploring questions such as these, students will acquire a basic understanding of the current neurochemical theories of behavior and emotion. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 is required or permission of instructor. 6 cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 375. Language and Deception In this course we will examine deception and persuasion in language use. We will take up three main issues. The first is what it means to deceive and how people deceive others through language. What methods do they use, and how do these methods work? The second issue is why people deceive. What purposes do their deceptions serve in court, in advertising, in bureaucracies, in business transactions, and in everyday face-to-face conversation? The third issue is the ethics of deception. Is it legitimate to deceive others, and if so, when and why? Prerequisites: Psychology 230, 232, 234, or 236. 6 cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 378. Psychology of Women: Mothers & Daughters This seminar in the Psychology of Women will focus on the dynamics that occur between mothers and daughters. The format will include primary and secondary readings on the relationships between mothers and daughters and explore empirical research that attempts to capture some of the critical approaches and responses in being a mother, and being a daughter. Some of the topics covered: Works, mental and physcal health, the body, sexuality, welfare and poverty, maternal stress, lesbian parenting, movers with H.I.V., grief and losing a mother/losing a daughter. A substantial paper will be written and presented. 6 cr., SS, Winter—C. Burke
PSYC 380. Seminar in Developmental Psychology: Cognitive Development During the Preschool Years We will consider the development of memory, perception, and attention, as well as concepts and categorization, problem-solving and thinking, during the years from two to six. We will focus particularly on how these developments are reflected in children's spontaneous behavior and play. Course requirements will include readings, class discussions, short papers, a final project, and regular observation of preschoolers or kindergarteners. Prerequisites: Psychology 250 or permission of the instructor. 6 credits cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 381. London Program: Psychology in Cross-National Perspective The seminar will consider how robust theories and findings in psychology are in different nations and cultures. We will also examine how psychology as a discipline is represented to other nations. 6 cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 382. Topics in Social and Personality: Positive Psychology This seminar will examine the new movement in scientific psychology addressing position subjective experience (e.g. happiness), positive traits (e.g., resilience, creativity), and positive institutions. Prerequisite: Psychology 252, 256, or 258. 6 credits cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 384. Psychology of Prejudice This seminar introduces students to major psychological theories and research on the development, perpetuation and reduction of prejudice. A sociological and historical approach to race, culture, ethnicity and race relations will provide a backdrop for examining psychological theory and research on prejudice formation and reduction. Major areas to be discussed are cognitive social learning, group conflict and contact hypothesis. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. Psychology 256 or 258 recommended. 6 credits cr., SS,RAD, Spring—S. Akimoto
PSYC 387. Psychology of Gender The central goal of this seminar is to provide an overview of the major theories and empirical issues within the study of the psychology of gender. We will review empirical findings on common beliefs about gender, and particularly focus on the role of developmental and socialization processes in the creation of gender differences. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. 6 credits cr., SS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
PSYC 394. Directed Essay In this five-week course students will develop, in collaboration with a Psychology faculty member, a research question that can be applied toward the essay-exam option of the Integrative Exercise requirement. Prerequisites: Psychology 298 and permission of instructor. 1 cr., ND, Fall—Staff
PSYC 396. Directed Research In this course students will develop a thesis proposal, in consultation with a specific faculty member in Psychology. Prerequisites: Psychology 298 and permission of instructor. 3 cr., ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff
PSYC 400. Integrative Exercise 3 credits cr., S/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff