Psychology
Charles A Dana Professors Carole Bandy and Melvin Miller; Professors Kevin Fleming (Interim Chair) and Johnnie Stones; Associate Professor Diane Byrne; Assistant Professors Sharon Goodvin and Matthew Thomas; Lecturer Mark Stefani.
Psychology is a scientific enterprise that attempts to articulate principles of human and animal behavior. These principles are formulated within the context of biological, socio-cultural, and environmental factors. Psychology is both a field of scientific inquiry and a professional activity: it shares its subject matter and its methods with the biological and social sciences, while simultaneously sharing some of the same concerns of the arts; namely, human motivation, emotion, aesthetic appreciation and experience, creativity, and the individual’s relations to the world and humankind. Students may explore the discipline from experimental, personality/social, developmental, and/or clinical perspectives. A research-based senior thesis is required, along with an oral presentation at a regional undergraduate research conference. Upper level practica, internships, or field placements that provide practical work experience in a special interest area are encouraged.
Goals:
- To expose students to the full range of ideas in the field of Psychology.
- To give students the opportunity to experience the process of being and acting like a professional in the field of Psychology.
- To prepare students for lifelong career development.
Outcomes:
- To demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the content of Psychology including its major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends.
- To perform research independently and competently in the process of literature review, experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis, as well as completion of the written and oral senior thesis.
- To communicate effectively in both written and oral formats at local and regional undergraduate research conferences.
- To prepare for successful graduate work and/or employment in professions requiring a Psychology background and/or in professions requiring critical thinking.
Graduate School Preparation:
The Psychology Major is an excellent preparation for most professional schools in:
- Law
- Medicine
- Education
- Business
- Psychology
Careers for this Major:
Careers at the BA level include:
- Army Mental Health Specialist
- Child Development Specialist
- Employee Relations Specialist
- Probation/Parole Officer
- Substance Abuse Counselor
Careers with advanced degrees include:
- Applied Statistician
- Clinical Social Worker
- Guidance Counselor
- Military Counselor
- Neuropsychologist
- School Psychologist
- Speech Pathologist
A major in psychology must fulfill the General Education and Bachelor of Arts requirements and the psychology courses listed in the Curriculum Map below. Courses noted with a C must be completed with a grade of 'C' or higher. Courses noted with an S must be passed with a grade of 'S.'
B.A. in Psychology - Curriculum Map
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 |
| PY 211 Introduction to PsychologyC | 3 | PY 220 Developmental PsychologyC | 3 |
| General Education Math | 3 | MA 232 Elementary Statistics (General Education Math) | 3 |
| Modern Language 111 (If 205 is taken, then an additional 3 credit elective must be taken here and the total credits must be 6) | 6 | Modern Language 112 (If 206 is taken, then an additional 3 credit elective must be taken here and the total credits must be 6) | 6 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BI 101 Principles of Biology I (General Education Lab Science) | 4 | General Education Lab Science | 4 |
| EN 201 World Literature I (BA Requirement) | 3 | EN 202 World Literature II (BA Requirement) | 3 |
| PY 230 Biopsychology | 3 | PY 241 Introduction to Personality Theory | 3 |
| PY 240 Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 | PY 263 Perception | 3 |
| PY 313 Experimental Psychology IC | 3 | PY 314 Experimental Psychology IIC | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PY 212 Abnormal Psychology or 324 Adolescent Psychology | 3 | PY 344 Cognition | 4 |
| General Education Literature | 3 | PY 398 Thesis PreparationC | 3 |
| General Education Arts & Humanities | 3 | PY 402 ConferenceS | 0 |
| General Education Social Science | 3 | General Education History | 3 |
| BA Elective Arts & Humanities | 3 | BA Elective Arts & Humanities | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PY 360 History and Systems of Psychology (General Education Ethics)C | 3 | PY 401 Senior Seminar (General Education Capstone)C | 3 |
| PY 498 Senior ThesisC | 3 | PY 403 PresentationS | 0 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits: 120 | |||
Cross-Cultural Psychology Minor
| A. Prerequisite | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| B. Required Courses | 10 | |
| Cross-Cultural Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 | |
| Cognition | 4 | |
| C. One of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Personality Theory | 3 | |
| Perception | 3 | |
| Organizational Psychology | 3 | |
| Learning and Memory | 4 | |
| D. Both of the following: | 6 | |
| Cultural Anthropology | 3 | |
| Racial and Cultural Minorities | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 22-23 | |
Engineering Psychology Minor
| A. Prerequisite | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| B. Required Courses | 10 | |
| Engineering Psychology | 3 | |
| Cognition | 4 | |
| Environmental Psychology | 3 | |
| C. One of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Biopsychology | 3 | |
| Perception | 3 | |
| Learning and Memory | 4 | |
| D. One of the following: | 3 | |
| Developmental Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Personality Theory | 3 | |
| Organizational Psychology | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 19-20 | |
Forensic Psychology Minor
| A. Prerequisite | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| B. Required Courses | 6 | |
| Forensic Psychology | 3 | |
| Psychology and the Law | 3 | |
| C. Two of the following: | 6 | |
| Abnormal Psychology | 3 | |
| Developmental Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Personality Theory | 3 | |
| D. Two of the following: | 6-8 | |
| Biopsychology | 3 | |
| Perception | 3 | |
| Cognition | 4 | |
| Learning and Memory | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 21-23 | |
Political Psychology Minor
| A. Prerequisite | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| B. Required Courses | 13 | |
| Political Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 | |
| Cognition | 4 | |
| American Politics | 3 | |
| C. One of the following: | 3 | |
| Public Opinion and Political Behavior | 3 | |
| American Foreign Policy | 3 | |
| D. One of the following: | 3 | |
| Principles and Practices of Corporate Communications | 3 | |
| Introduction to Personality Theory | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
Psychology Minor
| A. Prerequisite | 6 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| Experimental Psychology I | 3 | |
| B. At least two of the following: | 6-11 | |
| Abnormal Psychology | 3 | |
| Biopsychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Personality Theory | 3 | |
| Perception | 3 | |
| Cognition | 4 | |
| Learning and Memory | 4 | |
| D. One course at the 200 level | 3 | |
| C. One course at the 300 or 400 level | 3-4 | |
| Total Credits | 18-24 | |
Courses
PY 210 Psychology of Leadership 3 Credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the theoretical aspects of leadership, and to help them understand how theory applies to real situations. Topics include leadership models, leader behavior, leadership skills, followership, teams and motivation. Students will be expected to analyze cases, current situations and their own leader style. Prerequisite: PY 211, Introduction to Psychology.
PY 211 Introduction to Psychology 3 Credits
An introduction to psychology as the science of behavior. Topics to be discussed will include learning, motivation, emotions, perception, personality, tests and measurements, and additional selected topics.
PY 212 Abnormal Psychology 3 Credits
A course on the origin and development of psychopathology with emphasis on the biological, social, and psychological determinants. Prerequisite: PY 211 or permission of the instructor.
PY 220 Developmental Psychology 3 Credits
A lifespan study of normal development with emphasis on physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Prerequisite: PY 211 or permission of the instructor.
PY 230 Biopsychology 3 Credits
This course is a survey of the neurophysiological bases of human behavior. Topics include basic brain anatomy and physiology, neurotransmitters and drugs, sensation and perception, learning and memory, sleep, and neurological disorders.
PY 232 Engineering Psychology 3 Credits
The objective of this course is to expose students to the theoretical foundations of research in human factors. Students will be introduced to basic concepts in psychology such as perception, attention, decision making, and motor control. Knowledge of these concepts is critical for the intelligent design of human-technological systems.
PY 234 Forensic Psychology 3 Credits
A survey of psychological research and theory dealing with criminal behavior and the legal system. Topics include prediction of violent behavior, sexual assault, victimization, juvenile delinquency, scientific jury selection, criminal investigation and profiling, eyewitness testimony, assessment of mental competency, lie detection, DNA testing, and forensic science.
PY 236 Cross-Cultural Psychology 3 Credits
This course will expose students to the influence of culture on human behavior, and will illustrate differences and commonalities in behavior (verbal and non-verbal), attitudes, and values across a range of cultures around the world. Issues concerning cultural contact and inter-cultural relations will be considered to enhance a student¿s ability to deal with and understand variations in human behavior across cultures and ethnic groups. Methodological issues of particular importance to cross-cultural research will be discussed.
PY 238 Political Psychology 3 Credits
This course will examine key research in political psychology which includes the interactions of political and psychological processes and their impact on behavior in personal, local and global communities.
PY 240 Introduction to Social Psychology 3 Credits
A general survey of theories, methods and research on individual behavior in a social context. Among topics to be considered are: aggression, interpersonal attraction, a ffiliation, person perception, attitudes, group processes, and social influence. Prerequisite: PY 211.
PY 241 Introduction to Personality Theory 3 Credits
An overview of selected influential statements regarding the structure, dynamics, and development of the human personality. Included are the theories of the Freudians (Freud, Jung, Adler), the Environmentalists (Dollard and Miller, Skinner), and the Existentialists and Humanists (Rogers, Maslow, Frankl). Comparisons among theorists are organized around philosophical and historical themes. Prerequisite: PY 211.
PY 263 Perception 3 Credits
Coverage of the major themes and research in perception. Topics include perception of color, form, motion, depth, illusions, perceptual learning, development, and the physiology of perception. Prerequisite: PY 211 or permission of the instructor.
PY 299 Leadership at Norwich Univ. 3 Credits
PY 313 Experimental Psychology I 3 Credits
A course on the principles and skills required to plan, execute, and interpret psychological research. Topics include the nature of science, the value of empirical evidence, psychology viewed as a science, the logic of experiments, and the ethics of using human subjects. Students are taught to develop a testable idea, to write and read research reports, and to design, conduct, and analyze univariate and correlational studies. Prerequisite: PY 211 or permission of the instructor.
PY 314 Experimental Psychology II 3 Credits
This course will teach students how to design, conduct, and report psychological experiments. The purpose of the course is to link the academic subject matter of psychology to the conduct of research in the laboratory and the field. Topics include the nature of science, formulation of hypotheses, measurement and reliability, researchmethods (including experimental, correlational, and observational techniques), research design, and ethics of using human subjects. Issues of experimental control, its relation to confounding and research design, and internal and external validity will be included. The course will also focus on the teaching of library research and scientific writing skills. Students will design, implement, analyze, and report results of several research projects. Prerequisite: PY 313, or MA 232, or permission of instructor.
PY 321 Organizational Psychology 3 Credits
An analysis of organizational behavior including motivation, climate, leadership, and the use of such techniques as behavior modification in changing human behavior. Theoretical consideration will be followed by application experiences through role playing and case analysis. Prerequisite: PY 211 or permission of the instructor.
PY 324 Adolescent Psychology 3,4 Credits
This course examines the physical, emotional, social, cognitive aspects of adolescence from a developmental perspective. Identity, autonomy, sexuality, achievement, and intimacy are examined within the context of the school, the peer group, and the family. Students will have the opportunity to work with adolescents in schools, recreational centers, counseling centers, or through youth service agencies. Required for secondary teacher licensure candidates (Formerly ED 324, Educational Psychology). Prerequisite: PY 211 or permission of the instructor.
PY 344 Cognition 4 Credits
Overview of research and theory on human cognitive processes emphasizing the acquisition, storage, representation, retrieval and use of knowledge. Topics include memory, concept formation, language and thought, problem solving and creativity, and cognitive development. Laboratory will include hands-on experiments in cognitive research paradigms.
PY 350 Environmental Psychology 3 Credits
A study of the relationship between people and the environment, the use of space as a means of regulating social interaction, and human responses to environmental stressors such as overcrowding, toxic agents, noise, air, and water pollution. Also a brief look at ecological psychology in which setting-specific rather than person-specific determinants of a person's reaction to the environment are analyzed. Prerequisites: minimum junior standing, PY 211, and permission of the instructor.
PY 352 Learning and Memory 4 Credits
This course provides an overview of historical and current research findings in the area of learning and memory. The subject will be approached from various theoretical approaches, including behaviorist, cognitive, and neurobiological paradigms. Laboratory will include hands-on experiments using research paradigms from the field of learning and memory.
PY 355 Psychology and the Law 3 Credits
A course that examines the research of psychology as it relates to the judicial process; the nature, source, and development of antisocial behavior; and forensic psychology relative to the development of law and policy at the national and international levels. Prerequisites: PY 211, junior standing or permission of the instructor.
PY 360 History and Systems of Psychology 3 Credits
An overview of significant movements, theories and individuals in the development of contemporary psychology. The course is organized around significant themes and includes discussion of the philosophy of scientific growth, structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis. Included will be examples, cases, and discussions of the APA ethics code that governs the performance of professionals in the field of psychology. This course satisfies the university’s General Education Ethics requirement. Prerequisite PY 211 and permission of the instructor. 3 lecture hours.
PY 398 Thesis Preparation 3 Credits
The students will prepare a senior thesis prospectus in accordance with the ethical standards of the Human Subjects Committee. This course precedes PY 498. Prerequisites: junior standing, permission of the instructor, PY 211, PY 313, PY 314.
PY 401 Senior Seminar 3 Credits
This course is the capstone experience marking the end of a student's undergraduate studies. Students both majoring and minoring in psychology will be provided the experience of synthesizing their learning across their courses in the context of a liberal arts education. Prerequisite: senior status or permission of the instructor, PY 211, PY 313, PY 314.
PY 402 Conference 0 Credits
Each Psychology major, must during his/her tenure at Norwich attend at least one professional Psychology meeting.
PY 403 Presentation 0 Credits
In order to complete the process of psychological inquiry and communication, each psychology major must present his/her senior research at an appropriate professional forum, spring semester, senior year.
PY 451 Thematic Seminar 3 Credits
A seminar course which deals with particular theories or areas of psychology not elsewhere covered in depth or within present course offerings. Prerequisite: PY 211 and permission of the instructor.
PY 452 Thematic Seminar 3 Credits
A seminar course which deals with particular theories or areas of psychology not elsewhere covered in depth or within present course offerings. Prerequisite: PY 211 and permission of the instructor.
PY 453 Internship 3-9 Credit
Assignments will include work and observation in local, state, and federal institutions or agencies concerned with the education, health, or the protection of society. Written and oral reports. Prerequisites: PY 211 and permission of the instructor.
PY 471 Directed Readings 3 Credits
A course in which there is an opportunity to select and read in a specific area of interest that is not available through regular course offerings. Prerequisites: three psychology courses and permission of the instructor.
PY 498 Senior Thesis 3 Credits
A research course designed to enable a student to experience all phases of the experiment from literature research, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and written and oral reports. The student will learn all of the procedures, considerations, and standards necessary to ensure the ethical treatment of human participants. Prerequisites: PY 211, PY 313, PY 314, PY 398, senior standing and permission of the instructor.