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SKIDMORE PHONE
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Psychology
Chair of the Department of Psychology:
Mary Ann Foley
Professors: Robert M. Oswalt, Joan
Delahanty Douglas, Sheldon Solomon, Courtney and Steven Ross Professor of Interdisciplinary
Studies; Mary Ann Foley, Class of 1948
Professor for Excellence in Teaching; John J.
Berman, Hugh Foley
Visiting Professor: Virginia Murphy-Berman
Associate Professors: Holley Hodgins, Denise L. Evert
Assistant Professors: Flip Phillips, Gregory
A. Goodwin, Beth S. Gershuny
Visiting Assistant Professor: Jennifer Lerner
Lecturer: Susan E. Rivers
The mission of the psychology major is to provide students with
a foundation of concepts, issues, discoveries, and methodologies
for the scientific study of psychological processes. In part,
this foundation is achieved by exploring a number of perspectives
within the field including biopsychological, perceptual, cognitive,
developmental, social, and clinical phenomena. Faculty expect
that Skidmore psychology majors will acquire basic knowledge
about several areas and gain quantitative and research skills
necessary to make informed judgments about psychological research.
In addition, students will learn to evaluate, integrate, and
think critically about theoretical and applied issues and to
communicate their knowledge of psychology effectively through
written and oral forms. Thus, students are encouraged to take
writing-intensive courses as preparation for the major.
Faculty encourage students to distinguish between the minimum
requirements for a major in psychology and the preparation necessary
for graduate study in psychology. Those students who plan to
pursue graduate work in psychology should also consider choosing
to complete a significant laboratory experience in addition
to PS306. Several opportunities for this lab experience are
available to majors including advanced lab courses (e.g., PS304,
320), advanced statistics (PS318), independent study, or a summer
collaborative research experience. A course in mathematics or
computer programming might be particularly helpful.
THE PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR: To complete
a major, students must take a minimum of thirty credits in psychology.
Only six of these thirty credits (including three AP credits) required for the major may be taken at other institutions.
Included among the thirty credits are the following required
core: PS101, 217, 306, and at least ten credits from three different
clusters listed below:
Of the thirty credits presented toward the major, these credits
should include at least four courses at the 300 level.
A maximum of 5 credits taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis may
count toward the 30 credits required by the major, including
PS399
and
PS275.
Only two one-credit
PS275
Research Experiences may count toward
the major, both of which must be taken s/u. None
of the required core courses or any 300-level psychology course—except
PS399—fulfilling
the major may be taken on an s/u basis.
The grade-point average for the thirty credits presented toward
the major must meet the minimum requirement of 2.0. Of these
credits, only one course may have been completed with a grade
of D.
In conjunction with the relevant departments,
the Psychology Department offers majors in neuroscience and psychology-sociology.
HONORS: To be eligible for departmental honors in psychology,
a student must meet the requisite grade point average, complete
a research project in Senior Research Project I and II or a
major paper in Senior Seminar, and be recommended for departmental
honors by the department.
PSI CHI: Psi Chi is the national honor society
in psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging
scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Eligibility
requirements include
major interestdeclaration of a major
in psychology, completion
of at least four psychology courses
(or three psychology courses and
NS101),
a grade-point average of
3.5 or higher in psychology, and a grade-point average of 3.3
in all college courses.
There is no formal program for a minor in psychology. Those
interested in taking some psychology courses without actually
completing a major are encouraged to select a set of courses
relevant to their needs. Members of the department are happy
to assist in this selection process.
PS 101. INTRODUCTION
TO GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 An introduction to the science
of psychology through a survey of theories, methods, facts,
and principles of behavior. Open to first-year students. The
Department
NS 101. NEUROSCIENCE:
MIND AND BEHAVIOR 4 An interdisciplinary examination
of the neurobiological bases of behavior and mental processing.
Topics include the structure and functioning of the nervous
system, brain-behavior relationships, and hormonal and genetic
effects on behavior and mental processing. Laboratories develop
students' understanding of functional neuroanatomy, neural transmission,
and human psychophysiology. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement). D. Evert, G. Goodwin, R. Meyers, M. Tetel
PS 204. EDUCATIONAL
PSYCHOLOGY 3 The application of psychological
principles to problems of student learning, student achievement,
teaching methods, and educational assessment. Prerequisite:PS101 or consent of instructor. The Department
PS 205. SOCIAL
PSYCHOLOGY 4 A survey of theory and research
on the nature and causes of individual behavior (thoughts, feelings,
actions) in social situations. Prerequisite:PS101. H.
Hodgins
PS 207. INTRODUCTION
TO CHILD DEVELOPMENT 4 Theories and research evidence
as well as methodological problems will be re viewed as they
relate to physical, psychological, and social development of
the individual from birth through adolescence.
Prerequisite: PS101 or consent of instructor.
J. Douglas
PS 210. PERSONALITY 4 Considers major theories of personality
to gain an understanding of how genetic and environmental factors
interact to influence human behavior. Prerequisite:PS101. S.
Solomon
PS 211. APPLIED
PSYCHOLOGY 4 An application of principles of psychology to issues in education, industry, environmental initiatives, health, consumer culture, and the law. Students will have an introductory "hands-on" experience in applied research. Goals of the course include familiarization with methods of applied work and psychology's contributions to the above-listed issues; ability to use social science methods to critically evaluate various types of social initiatives; and an appreciation of what social science can (and cannot) contribute in applied settings; and a grasp of the ethical issues involved in such work. Prerequisite:PS101. J.
Berman
PS 212. THEMES
IN CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY 3 Introductory exploration of selected
themes in contemporary psychology with special attention to
major trends of theoretical interest and research activity.
Such themes might include decision-making, narratives in psychology,
health psychology, environmental psychology. (This course may
be repeated for credit with focus on a different theme.) Prerequisite:PS101. The
Department
PS 213. HORMONES
AND BEHAVIOR 4 An introduction to the study
of how hormones coordinate the behavioral and physiological
components of important psychological processes like reproduction,
defense, aggression, learning, and emotions. A comparative approach
(cross-species) is used to explore the endocrine system and
many of the effects of hormones on both the body and the brain.
Whenever possible, research findings in humans are integrated
into the discussion. To help illustrate hormone/behavior relationships,
several in-class experiments are conducted using both animal
and human subjects. Prerequisite: PS101 G.
Goodwin
PS 217. STATISTICAL
METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY I 4 A survey of methods used to describe,
correlate, and make inferences about frequency distributions,
including the use of binomial distribution, normal distribution,
t-distribution, chi-square, sign tests, and the analysis of
variance. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. Prerequisite:
PS101 or
NS101
or permission of instructor. J. Douglas,
H. Foley, B. Gershuny, F. Phillips
PS 222. PSYCHOANALYSIS
AND SIGMUND FREUD 3 An introduction to Sigmund Freud
and his theory of personality psychoanalysis. The course will
examine cultural, social, and intellectual antecedents; entail
readings by and about Sigmund Freud; and explore ways in which
Freud's ideas have had a profound influence on other disciplines.
Prerequisite: PS101
or consent of the instructor. R. Oswalt
PS 223. EVOLUTIONARY
PSYCHOLOGY 3 A survey of theory and research on human behavior from an
evolutionary perspective, with special emphasis on the
evolution of culture and consciousness. Students should learn
to define and understand basic evolutionary psychology, both
as it emerges from Darwin's evolutionary theory historically
and as it is understood and applied today. Students will
learn answers to some of evolutionary theory's fundamental
questions—How do living organisms change over time? Why is
there such an uncanny "fit" between specific environments and
the characteristics of the species that inhabit them?—as well
as the implications of that theory for an understanding of the
human mind: its history; the cognitive origins of art,
religion and science; the nature and evolution of the self. S. Solomon
PS 231. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 3 An introduction to the relationship
between the brain and mind through the assessment of human patients
(and animals) with brain damage. This focus will show how scientists
are better able to understand components of the mind (i.e.,
processes related to attention, perception, cognition, personality,
emotion, memory, language, consciousness) and behavior, and
how this information can be used to refine theories of psychological
functioning. A case-study approach of humans with brain damage
will be adopted in this course. Prerequisite:PS101. D.
Evert
PS 251. SPECIAL
SEMINAR SERIES IN PSYCHOLOGY 1 A topical seminar, lab or discussion
group may be offered as a follow-up link with a particular departmental
offering (e.g., an extension to a 3-credit course) or as a free-standing
experience in psychology (e.g., a film series with focus on
contemporary psychological issues). Discussion may focus on
additional topics as a follow-up from a previous learning experience
or may provide exploration of a new topic not covered in a traditional
departmental offering. The frequency with which the seminar
meets (i.e., once a week for the full term or twice a week for
the first half of the semester) will vary depending on the goal
of the seminar. Prerequisite:PS101
or permission of instructor. The Department
PS
275, 276. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
IN PSYCHOLOGY 1 An introductory exploration of
conducting research in psychology. Its purpose is to provide
students with an interactive research experience in a particular
laboratory or clinical setting. Students will experience various
aspects of the research process, e.g., the planning and implementation
of research, protocols for data collection, and testing of hypotheses.
Exposure to research methodologies within a particular area
of psychological inquiry should enhance the student's ability
for more independent work. No more than two of these experiences
may count toward the requirements for the psychology major.
The experience is open to non-majors. Must be taken s/u. Permission
of the instructor is required. The Department
NS 275. Introduction
to Neuroscience Research 1 An introductory exploration of
conducting research in neuroscience. The purpose of this learning
experience is to provide students with an interactive research
experience in the laboratory or field in coordination with a
faculty member. Students may be exposed to, and participate
in, several aspects of the research process, including planning,
designing, and implementing the research, as well as in data
analysis and interpretation of the results. This experience
will allow students at various stages of their careers to sample
research questions/methodologies in particular subdisciplines
of Neuroscience, and will enhance the student's ability for
more independent work. Must be taken S/U. Prerequisites:
Completion of NS101
and permission of instructor.
NS 277. INTEGRATIVE
SEMINAR IN NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH 1 A study of selected areas of
neuroscience research and techniques. Both primary source articles
and first person accounts by faculty in the Biology and Psychology
departments are used to introduce the theoretical and practical
aspects of neuroscience research. Emphasis will be placed on
understanding the multiple levels (e.g. molecular to behavioral)
at which research topics in neuroscience can be addressed and
also the ways in which research techniques define the types
of questions that can be asked at a given level of analysis.
Must be taken S/U.Prerequisites:NS101 and at least two of the following: BI233, 236, CH105, PS217, 306, or 304
This course should be taken upon completion of
NS101
and the completion of (or current enrollment in) at least one
other core or elective course from the list of courses in the Neuroscience major.
Psychology and/or Biology Faculty
PS 302. ADULT
DEVELOPMENT 4 Psychological aspects of human
growth and function from maturity to senescence, with consideration
of research procedures and problems as well as recent findings
and relevant theory. A field project is required. Prerequisites:PS207 and 217, or permission of instructor. J.
Douglas
PS 304. PHYSIOLOGICAL
PSYCHOLOGY 4 The study of physiological structures
of the central nervous system, muscles, and glands in humans
and animals with emphasis on the use of animal models to understand
human psychopathologies such as anxiety, depression, and drug
addiction. Laboratory sessions are used to test various animal
models of psychopathology to better understand their validity
and limitations. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per
week. Prerequisites: NS101 and PS217. G.
Goodwin
PS 305. COGNITIVE
DEVELOPMENT 4 The systematic study of the development
of intellectual capacities in the child. Current theories and
research relevant to the child's development and use of symbolic,
mediational, and linguistic processes will be surveyed. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. Prerequisites:
PS101 and 207, or consent of instructor. The Department
PS 306. EXPERIMENTAL
PSYCHOLOGY 4 A theoretical and empirical introduction
to psychology as a natural science. Emphasis will be on the
basic phenomena in physiological psychology, cognition, perception,
and social psychology and the principal experimental paradigms
employed in their investigation. Three hours of lecture, two
hours of lab per week. Prerequisites: QR1, PS101, 217.
(Fulfills QR2 and natural sciences requirements.) H.
Foley, M. Foley, F. Phillips
PS 307. ADVANCED
PERSONALITY 3 A detailed examination of factors
that influence personality development. Attention is devoted
toward understanding how different aspects of human personality
can account for the development of various social institutions.
The development and evaluation of hypotheses to understand personality
processes, and strategies to induce change are also considered.
Prerequisites: PS210 and 306.
S. Solomon
PS 308. ABNORMAL
PSYCHOLOGY 3 An introduction to the history
and study of abnormal behavior including neurosis, psychosis,
character disorders, addiction, sexual dysfunction, mental retardation,
brain damage, psychological assessment, and psychotherapy. Prerequisite:
PS101 or consent of instructor. B. Gershuny, R.
Oswalt
PS 312. ADVANCED
SEMINAR IN MAJOR ISSUES OF PSYCHOLOGY 3 A critical examination of fundamental
areas of controversy in current theories, research findings,
and applications of psychology. Such topics might include consciousness,
autobiographical memory, or nonverbal behavior. (This course
may be repeated for credit with focus on a different issue.)
Prerequisites: three courses in psychology. (PS312C is designated a Cultural Diversity course.) A.
Infant Development The Department
PS 315. CLINICAL
PSYCHOLOGY 3 An introduction to the history
and methods of clinical diagnosis and treatment of abnormal
behavior including Freudian psychoanalysis, client centered
therapy, group psychotherapy, and behavior modification. Prerequisite:PS308. R. Oswalt
PS 317. PSYCHOLOGICAL
TESTING 3 An introduction to the history,
theory, administration and interpretation of psychological tests,
including tests of intelligence, achievement, interests and
personality. Prerequisite: PS101 or consent of instructor. R.
Oswalt
PS 318. STATISTICAL
METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY II 4 A study of advanced techniques
and controversial issues in experimental design and analysis.
The course will emphasize computer analysis of a range of experimental
designs. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. Prerequisites:
PS217 and 306. H. Foley
PS 320H. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 4 This course offers an opportunity
to acquire hands-on research experience and experimental skills
in a small laboratory group. Students will read journal articles
on selected topics in social psychology, design a study, collect
data, and use a computer data analytic statistical package to
analyze their data. Three hours of lecture and two hours of
lab per week. Prerequisite:PS217, or consent of instructor. H.
Hodgins
PS 321. MOTIVATION
AND EMOTION 3 An examination of the principal
constructs employed in theories of motivation and emotion. The
current status of both biologically based and psychologically
based theories will be reviewed. Prerequisites:PS101
and 306 or consent of instructor. H.
Hodgins
PS 323. PSYCHOLINGUISTICS 4 An examination of the acquisition
of language in the light of milestones in sensorimotor and cognitive
development. The relationship of language to thought will be
of central concern. Also covered will be bilingualism and disturbances
of linguistic development. Prerequisite: PS101. J.
Devine
PS 324. COGNITION 3 The study of the way in which
people acquire and use information in a variety of circumstances.
Topics include attention, pattern recognition, language, memory,
skill acquisition, problem solving, decision making, and artificial
intelligence. Prerequisite:PS101. M.
Foley
PS 325. PERCEPTION 4 The study of the way in which
people use sensory input to identify and interpret information
in the world. The course will examine contributions of sensory,
neural, and cognitive factors to perceptual experience. Discussions
will cover general perceptual principles, but will emphasize
visual and auditory processes. Three hours of lecture, two hours
of lab per week. Prerequisite:PS101. H.
Foley, F. Phillips
PS 326. HEALTH
PSYCHOLOGY 3 A study of the relationships
between psychological factors and well-being using biopsychosocial
perspectives. This multidisciplinary approach integrates knowledge
from physiology, psychobiology, personality, social psychology,
and sociology to understand health, illness, and well-being.
The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students
with the conceptual basis, research methods, and research findings
in the field of health psychology. Prerequisites:PS101
and 217. S. Rivers
PS 327. COMPUTATIONAL
NEUROSCIENCE 3 An introduction to computational neuroscience: the theoretical study of
the brain, its behavior, the development, organization, systems, and
emergent properties we call mental abilities. In this course we study
these phenomena by creating mathematical and computational models that
we then use to predict or validate empirical data. Students will learn
about current modeling theories and techniques as well as the process of
creating, testing, and refining their own models. Prerequisites:MA111
or
CS106,
or permission of instructor. F. Phillips
PS 328. SEMINAR
IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: ANXIETY AND ITS DISORDERS 3 A study of the nature of anxiety and anxiety disorders, taught
as a seminar modeled on graduate-level work. This course
focuses on the etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, and
treatments of anxiety disorders in adults with an emphasis on
clinical applications and psychological/cognitive-behavioral
approaches to conceptualizations and therapies. Discussions,
lectures, films, case studies, and critical analyses of
theories and empirical work are emphasized. Some questions to
which students will learn the answers: What are the benefits
and limitations of diagnostic categories (i.e. classification
schemes)? What are the benefits and limitations of existing
treatments? What are symptoms that are common and different
across the anxiety disorders, and how are the specific
disorders distinguished? Students will acquire basic
expertise in the field of anxiety disorders. Prerequisites:PS210
and
PS308,
or permission of instructor. B. Gershuny
PS 331. PSYCHOLOGY
OF WOMEN 4 Examination and analysis of a
number of important ideas regarding women's psychological experience.
Topics to be studied include theories of female development,
self-concept, sexuality, psychological disorders, violence against
women, and mother-daughter relationships.
Students will select either a research project or service learning project.
Prerequisite:PS207 or
210. J. Douglas, B. Gershuny
PS 332. SEMINAR IN CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY 4 An introduction to the main topics of cross-cultural psychology
in such areas as sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, memory and cognition,
self-identity, verbal and non-verbal communication, acculturation and social and moral
development. Presented frameworks would be analyzed from a variety of perspectives that
utilize a range of active learning techniques. Six specific learning goals would be focused
on in the course. These are: 1) Students will become familiar with the main topic areas
and the major theories in cross-cultural psychology; 2) Students will become familiar with
the research methods utilized to conduct research in cross-cultural psychology, and they
will be able to analyze and critique research studies conducted in this area; 3) Students
will be able to use their understanding of the concepts in cross-cultural psychology to
gain a greater awareness of their own cultural attitudes and beliefs and to better understand
American cultural values; 4) Students will be able to use their understanding of the concepts
in cross-cultural psychology to more fully comprehend the experiences of others who are from
cultures other than their own; 5) Students will be able to use their understanding of the
ideas presented in the course to analyze (from a cultural perspective) works in some other
field of interest such as literature or the media; 6) Students will be able to think more
critically (e.g., evaluate informational claims, apply what they have learned to other areas,
integrate ideas, identify follow-up questions and concerns, etc.) about cross-cultural issues.
Prerequisites:PS101,
PS217 V. Murphy-Berman
PS 341. SEMINAR IN COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE: LEFT BRAIN/RIGHT BRAIN 3 Discussion-based study of hemispheric specialization for cognitive functioning (including perception, attention, memory, creativity, emotional processing, and language) from a cognitive neuroscience perspective. Cognitive neuroscience is the interdisciplinary science built up to understand the gap between biological processes of the central nervous system and the processes of the mind. In learning about hemispheric specialization of function, we will draw on research from such fields as experimental psychology, neuroscience, neuropsychology, brain imaging, and computer modeling. The first part of the course is designed to teach methods and techniques used in the study of cognitive neuroscience, including the theoretical issues associated with each approach. Throughout the second part of the course, we will learn some ways these methodologies have been used to understand hemispheric specialization of cognitive function. Prerequisites:PS101
and two other courses from the PS course listings or
NS101
or two other courses from those listed in the NS major curiculum.
PS231
(Neuropsychology) is highly recommended. D. Evert
PS
371, 372. INDEPENDENT STUDY 3, 3 Individual reading and/or research
under the guidance of a member of the staff. Prerequisites:PS101 and consent of instructor. The
Department
PS 375. SENIOR
RESEARCH PROJECT I 3 Students will work with an individual
faculty member to develop a major research project. This development
will include definition of topic, review of the scientific literature,
the learning of any necessary research techniques, execution
of any necessary preliminary research, and submission of a written
proposal to the faculty supervisor. Each student will make an
oral presentation of the proposal to other senior thesis students.
Prerequisites:PS306 and consent of instructor.
PS 376H. SENIOR
RESEARCH PROJECT II 3 Students will work with an individual
faculty member to complete the major research project developed
in Senior Research Project I. A final project will be submitted
in thesis form to the faculty supervisor at least two weeks
before the end of the term. Prerequisite: PS375. May
not be taken concurrently with PS378. Senior Research Project
II may be used to fulfill the thesis requirement for departmental
honors in psychology.
PS 378H. SENIOR
SEMINAR 3 Students work with course instructor
to complete a major, written project. The project can be a synthesis
of the literature in a particular topic area of psychology,
or an original theoretical formulation. The final project should
demonstrate a conceptual integration of the material, and should
demonstrate both originality and independence of work. In addition
to the written project, each student will make an oral presentation
summarizing the project. The written version of the project
will be submitted at least two weeks before the end of the spring
semester. Prerequisite: PS306. This course may be used
to fulfill the thesis requirement for departmental honors in
psychology. May not be taken concurrently with PS376.
PS 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY 3 Professional experience at the
advanced level for juniors and seniors. This experience may
include work-study projects in one of several professional settings,
including mental hospitals, nursing homes, schools, developmental
centers, advertising agencies, laboratories, and communication
agencies. Requires faculty sponsorship and department approval.
Prerequisites: five courses in psychology (specified
by the faculty according to the nature of the internship). Must
be taken S/U.
