Simpson College  

  

Courses

Psychology

101.  Introduction to Psychology.

The basic concepts and methods of psychology are examined. The biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic and psychodynamic orientations are studied as they contribute to some areas of specialization within the field and to an understanding of human processes. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

190. Special Topics in Psychology.

201. Human Growth and Development.

Growth and development of the individual from conception through adulthood are examined emphasizing physical, cognitive, and social factors influencing personality formation and behavior. Attention is given to relevant research and theory concerning physical and social growth, cognitive and moral development, play, and parenting. (Not open to those who have received credit for Education 165). Same as Social Work 201. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. Three hours.

210. Statistics for the Social Sciences.

An introduction to statistical techniques that are applicable to the disciplines of majors in the departments of Education, Psychology and Social Sciences. Topics include scales of measurement, measurement of central tendency and variability, parametric probability distributions (normal and “t”), hypothesis testing and confi dence intervals, linear regression and correlation, non-parametric probability distributions (Chi square, Mann-Whitney, binomial sign test), and choosing the appropriate technique. (Not open to those who have received credit for Math/Economics 201). Same as Sociology 210. Prerequisites: One of the following: Math 105/105T, Math 130/130T, Math ACT of 22 or higher, or Math SAT of 530 or higher. Cornerstone 2B. Three hours.

219. Employment Experience in Psychology.

220. Psychology of Women.

This course introduces current topics in psychology that are particularly relevant to women, with an emphasis not only on gender differences, but also on similarities. Discussion will center on psychological issues related to the treatment, study, and roles of women. Topics such as language, sex-role socialization, achievement and motivation, and women’s health issues will be discussed within a developmental and experimental framework. Cornerstone 6. Three hours. 

222. Social Psychology.

Consideration of individuals in their social context. Attention is given to such topics as aggression, affi liation, attitudes, social influences, prejudice, social judgment, and the dynamics of small groups. Same as Sociology 222. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 and at least one other psychology or sociology course. Three hours.

237. Cognitive Psychology.

An introduction to cognitive psychology, which investigates the processes involved in acquiring and utilizing knowledge. Topics include attention, memory, problem solving, language, concept formation and reasoning. Prerequisite: Psychology 101, or consent of instructor. Three hours.

250. Abnormal Psychology.

A descriptive and explanatory survey of the major behavior disorders of adults and children. The DSM diagnosis, etiology, clinical pictures, and epidemiology are explored from various theoretical perspectives. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. Three hours.

290. Special Topics in Psychology.

299. Experimental Methodology.

An examination of psychological methods of research design, data collection and analysis that involves lectures as well as research projects. Prerequisite: Psychology/Sociology 210. Three hours.

319. Internship in Psychology.

328. Psychometrics.

This course provides a survey of the concepts of psychological measurement that are consistently relied upon across the various disciplines of psychology. Discussion will center on concepts relating to various types of reliability and validity in all types of psychological testing. The role of psychological tests in different disciplines within psychology (e.g., intellectual assessment, ability testing, interest and career assessment, psychophysiological measures, personality testing, and measurement in industry) and related ethical and professional issues will be explored. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 and Psychology/Sociology 210. Three hours.

329. Neuropsychology.

An examination of the relationship of the human brain to disruptions in thought, mood, motor control, and personality. Coverage provided to neuropsychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of human conditions due to brain injury, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Korsakoff’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, schizophrenia and depression. The fundamentals of brain anatomy and methods of brain research necessary to understand the course topics are presented. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 and one of the following: Biology 104, or 105, or 225. Three hours.

331. Learning and Motivation.

A survey of the general as well as uniquely human principles of learning and motivation. Consideration is given to the relationship between learning and motivation. Prerequisite: Psychology 101, 299, and Biology 104, or 105, or consent of the instructor. Three hours.

333. Brain and Behavior.

An orientation to the physiological and pharmacological basis of learning, memory, sleep, motivation, emotion, and behavior disorders. Basic brain anatomy, physiology, and pharmacological and research techniques are presented as background for the above issues. Prerequisite: Psychology 101, 299 (or consent of the instructor), and Biology 104, or 105, or 225. Three hours.

335. Human Motivation.

A survey of motivational concepts applicable to animal and human behavior. Psychological drives, learned incentives, brain mechanisms, and human social cognitive motivations are emphasized. The application of these concepts to human functioning is considered. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 and Biology 104, or 105, or consent of the instructor. Three hours.

339. Behavioral Medicine.

A survey of the experimental basis and clinical application of psychological techniques used to treat human problems whose psychological basis largely has been overlooked in the past. Topics such as health appraisal, pain management, physiology of stress, reduction of stress, biofeedback, and physiological measurement are considered. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. Biology 104, or 105, or 225 recommended. Three hours. 

340. History of Psychology.

A survey of the philosophical origins of psychology as an independent scientific discipline, with emphasis upon developments in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Traditional and contemporary approaches to learning, behavior, and personality are examined. Prerequisite: Psychology 101, 299, plus one 300-level psychology or philosophy course. Three hours.

342. Theories of Personality.

A survey of classical and contemporary theories, including personcentered, psychodynamic, trait, and cognitive approaches. Attention is given to the historical roots, author and philosophical implications of each theory. Prerequisites: Psychology 101 and at least one other course in psychology. Three hours.

344. Theories of Psychotherapy.

Theory and practice of selected contemporary or historically important approaches to psychotherapy, including the psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, group, person-centered, behavioral/cognitive, rationalemotive, and gestalt therapies. Attention given to relevant professional and personal ethical issues. Prerequisites: Psychology 101, 250, plus one other 200- or 300-level psychology course. Three hours.

345. Philosophy of Science.

This class will cover some of the fundamental questions in the philosophy of scientific inquiry, including the following: What precisely is the scientific method and does it gradually reveal the truth about the natural world (including human beings), does scientific method and reason involve value judgments in any way, what does it mean to construct a scientific theory, and how does scientific reasoning relate to other kinds of inquiry. Same as Phil 345. Cornerstone 4A. Three hours.

346. Theories of Stereotyping and Prejudice.

An examination of the social psychological theories that explain the occurrence and consequences of stereotyping and prejudice. Particular attention will be placed on the development, testing, and application of these theories. Prerequisites: Psychology 101 and 222. Three hours.

351. Practicum in Psychology.

A supervised experience in a clinical, counseling, educational, business, or research setting. Opportunity to develop skills such as interviewing, basic counseling techniques, personnel management, ethical decisions, psychological assessment and record keeping. Prerequisites: Psychology 101, 299 plus three 200- or 300-level psychology courses. Three hours.

360-361. Tutorial Internship.

Testing, tutoring, lecturing, and leading of discussion groups and supervised laboratory projects in selected psychology courses. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and invitation by the instructor. Three hours. Maximum of two semesters.

375. Advanced Research.

A continued study of a variety of topics originally discussed in Psychology 210 and Psychology 299. This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about advanced techniques psychologists use in designing, conducting, and analyzing the results of empirical research (e.g., multiple regression, factor analysis). It is designed to meet the needs of students considering graduate study in psychology. Each student completes a research proposal. Prerequisites: Psychology 210, 299 plus three additional 200- or 300-level Psychology courses. Three hours.

380. Independent Study in Psychology.

390. Special Topics in Psychology.

391. Honors Research in Psychology I.

Prerequisites: Eligibility for Honors Programs as established by the college, a grade of A- or better in Psychology 375, and a research proposal that has been approved by the department. Three hours.

392. Honors Research in Psychology II.

Prerequisites: Psychology 391 and consent of the department. One to three hours.

 

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