Psychology courses emphasize the observational and theoretical analysis of the behavior of organisms.
A student who enters Whitman without any prior college-level preparation in psychology will complete 36 credits to fulfill the requirements for the psychology major. Courses completed in the psychology major apply to the social science distribution area and select courses in the psychology major additionally apply to the science, alternative voices and quantitative analysis distribution areas.
The courses listed below are designated for distribution credits in the following categories:
The Psychology major: Psychology 110, 210, 220, 420, 495; 496 or 498; one seminar course from courses numbered 300-349; one laboratory course from courses numbered 350-399; and other courses selected with the approval of the major adviser to make a total of 36 credits; three credits in philosophy (excluding Philosophy 109), three credits in sociology (excluding Sociology 230) or anthropology, and three credits in biology. It is strongly recommended that students complete Psychology 210 and 220 by the end of their junior year. The senior assessment: a one-hour oral defense of the senior thesis, and satisfactory performance on the MFT are both required for graduation.
The Psychology minor: Psychology 110, 210; plus 10 additional credits for a total of 18 credits. The 10 additional credits must include at least one psychology course numbered 300 or higher that is at least three credits and excludes Psychology 407 and 408.
110 Introduction to Psychology
4, 4 Staff
The science of psychology as intended for general and beginning students. Designed to introduce students to the technical vocabulary, methodology, and principal fields of research. Analysis of such topics as learning, development, personality, behavior pathology, emotions, and social behavior. All sections designed to introduce the student to the basic material of the introductory psychology course. Not all sections are organized and conducted the same way. Sections by Clearfield emphasize group work and projects.
210 Psychological Statistics
4, 4 Fall: Prull; Spring: Herbranson
Descriptive, correlational, and inferential statistical methods as well as some of their applications in psychology. The final grade is based on completion of homework assignments and examinations. The material is at an intermediate level of complexity, and students are advised to take the course early in preparation for more advanced work. Not available to senior psychology majors without department consent.
217 Psychology
and Law
x, 3 Blagov
This course introduces the ways in which psychological research and practice influence the legal system and, to some extent, how law influences mental health practitioners. Topics that illustrate issues related to science vs. pseudoscience, improving measurement and decision making, mental health, and human diversity will receive emphasis. The general topics may include: Investigation techniques, pretrial consulting, forensic assessment in criminal and civil cases, psychology of the trial and jury, punishment and correction, psychology of victims, discrimination, and civil rights. The specific topics may include: Psychological ethics, profiling, interrogation, lie detection, jury selection, competence to stand trial, eyewitness testimony accuracy, the insanity defense, jury decision making, mental illness and retardation of the offender, psychopathy, battered spouse syndrome, and contributions of psychology to legal cases related to race, gender, and sexual orientation. Prerequisite: Psychology 110.
220 Research Methods in Psychology
4, 4 Blagov
Description and application of experimental methods to human and animal subjects. Classical and contemporary methods, content, and problems are covered with a special emphasis on the human subject in research. Designed for beginning and intermediate students. A research paper written according to APA format is required. The course involves an arranged laboratory. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 and Psychology 210. Not available to senior psychology majors without department consent.
230 Social Psychology
x, 4 Vick and Farrington
This course provides students with an introduction to the field of social psychology, defined as the study of how others influence our thoughts, feelings, and behavior, from both a psychological and sociological perspective. Drawing on theory and empirical research, and using a variety of conceptual and experiential techniques, the effects of groups and individuals on one another will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on increasing awareness of oneself as a social being, the power of situations to influence perception and behavior, and the ways in which individual and group realities are socially constructed. A laboratory weekend is required of all students. Team-taught by a member of the sociology department and a member of the psychology department. Prerequisites: No fewer than three credits in psychology and/or sociology, or consent of instructor. May be elected as Sociology 230.
232 Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Intergroup Relations
3; not offered 2009-10
How and why do group-based stereotypes form? Why do they persist despite evidence of their inaccuracy? Why are we prejudiced against one another and how can we reduce these tendencies? This course will introduce students to theory and research addressing the nature of social identities (race/ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, etc.) and their influence on intergroup behavior from a social psychological perspective. Topics will include theoretical origins of prejudice and intergroup conflict, biases in social perception and judgment, how prejudice affects its targets, and potential means of changing stereotypes and reducing prejudice. Students will be encouraged to examine their own social identities and social relations with the goal of understanding how to successfully negotiate interactions between members of different social groups. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or consent of instructor.
239 Psychology of Women and Gender
3; not offered 2009-10
This course will examine the origins and psychological effects of stereotypes and gender differences on women. Specifically, we will explore how gender differences manifest themselves in all aspects of women’s lives, including childhood, love and dating relationships, sex, marriage, the media’s influence, work, violence, and mental health. Although we will touch on men’s issues, the focus will be on women’s experiences. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or Gender Studies 100.
240 Developmental Psychology
3, x Clearfield
This course uses a problem-based student-centered approach to the development of infants and children. The goals of the course are to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills using reading, data, video, and group projects on issues in perceptual, motor, social, and cognitive development. Students will understand the major issues in developmental psychology and developmental processes through critical reading of research reports and popular press, evaluating conflicting data, interpreting data, and generating testable hypotheses. Prerequisite: Psychology 110.
247, 248 Special Topics
3-4
These courses focus on topics within psychology and/or research interests of psychology faculty. These courses are generally not offered regularly. Enrollments in 200-level special topics courses can be larger than the limited-enrollment 300-level seminars, and these courses may provide broad surveys of a certain domain within psychology. These courses may be appropriate for nonpsychology majors as well as majors.
250 Cognitive Psychology
3; not offered 2009-10
This course examines the theories, issues, and research associated with the ways that people come to know and understand the world in which they live. Topics include pattern recognition, attention, memory, imagery, language, problem-solving, decision-making, and consciousness. Course meetings are twice weekly. At least two essay examinations and one research paper are required. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or consent of instructor. Credit not allowed if Psychology 349 Seminar in Human Memory has been taken.
257 Peer Counseling
2, x Jacks
Designed to teach verbal/nonverbal attending and communication skills through instruction, role-play, and videotaped practice. Additional topics include crisis counseling, suicide, depression, counseling minority and gay students, and ethics of the helping relationship. One hour of class and two hours of laboratory per week. A paper/project and a weekly co-counseling session required. Graded credit/no credit.
260 Abnormal Psychology
x, 4 Wiese
Provides a broad overview of psychological illness and treatment. Covers presenting issues and manifestations of major mental disorders as well as treatment options. Involves critical examination of research and current diagnostic practice. Attention will be given to the role of gender and culture in diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite: Psychology 110.
270 Personality Theories
3, x Blagov
This course emphasizes a holistic approach to understanding the person as we examine classical and contemporary personality theories. Readings will include a popular text and journal articles organized around four central themes (intrapsychic mysteries, interactions, interpretive structures, interpersonal stories). Exams, a theoretical paper, short thought papers, and class participation will form the basis of the course grade. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or the consent of the instructor. Credit not allowed if Psychology 370 has been taken.
309 Science of Sexual Orientation
x, 4 Blagov
This advanced course explores critically the state of the psychological science of human homosexuality: the methods used to study it, the main findings and some of the theories that may account for them, and the gaps in our knowledge. The course emphasizes recent studies, reviews, and theories in the areas of the subjective experience, psychobiology, and developmental course of homosexuality, as well as issues related to same-sex relationships, societal attitudes, and oppression. Most class meetings will include examples from the media, from the arts, or from case studies, followed by structured discussion of assigned readings. In the beginning of the course, the instructor will model the presentation and discussion for the students. Later on, students will take responsibility for the class meetings with support from the instructor. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 and 210 or consent of instructor.
319 Poverty and Child Development
x, 3 Clearfield
This course will review psychological research on the impact of persistent poverty on infant and child development. Major areas addressed in this class will include prenatal care; early neuromotor, cognitive, emotional, and social development; academic achievement; and the outcome of these regarding adolescent and adult achievement, attachment and health. We will also explore the effectiveness of intervention programs, and the interplay between child development research and social policy. Prerequisites: at least six credits in psychology completed; Psychology 240 recommended but not required.
320 Seminar: Psychology of Aging
3, x Prull
This course surveys basic knowledge in the psychology of aging. Models of successful aging, social changes in late life, age-related changes in cognitive and intellectual functioning, psycho-pathology and the consequences of age-related degenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases) are among the topics discussed. The course will likely motivate students to examine their preconceptions about older people and the aging process. Prerequisites: Psychology 110.
322 Theoretical Approaches to Psychotherapy
4; not offered 2009-10
Covers primary theories in counseling psychology that have formed the basis for understanding clients and shaped therapeutic interventions. Critical analysis of theories based on research and applicability in multicultural contexts. Evaluation of relationship between theory and practice. In addition to class time, weekly co-counseling sessions required for guided experiential learning of interventions such as Gestalt techniques, systematic desensitization, dialectical behavior therapy, and rational emotive behavior therapy. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 and consent of instructor. Credit not allowed if Psychology 270 or Psychology 370 has been taken.
326 Theories of Knowledge Acquisition
4; not offered 2009-10
How do you go from being a newborn, unable to speak, walk, or even lift your own head, to who you are now, a speaking, thinking, moving adult? How does change happen, and where does knowledge come from? The central question in developmental psychology is the origins of new forms of behavior; this course will focus on the origins of human cognition. In this seminar, we will read and discuss classic and contemporary theories of development, as well as empirical data and computer models of development. Topics will include Piaget, nativism, and ecological theory, with a special emphasis on connectionism and dynamic systems theory. Our focus will be how successfully these theories address developmental change, and what developmental processes can tell us about cognition. Weekly response papers, a midterm and a final project are required. Prerequisites: three courses in psychology, or consent of instructor.
335 Seminar in Cross-Cultural Psychology
x, 4 Wiese
Psychological concepts and theories accepted in the United States have often been presented as universal. Increasingly, however, these theories have been challenged for their failure to acknowledge diversity in terms of gender, race, social class, and culture in general. This course focuses on current theories and research in cross-cultural psychology, emphasizing methodological challenges and cultural influences on psychological processes. Attention is given to potential implications for general psychology in the United States. Emphasis in given years may change from international to national concerns. The course requires significant reading, written cultural analyses, and active participation in discussions and field trips. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
336 Social Stigma
3, x Vick
This course will examine research and theory on social stigma from a social psychological perspective. Topics will include the origins and functions of stigmatization, mechanisms and consequences of social stigma, and coping strategies of stigmatized individuals. Special attention will be paid to targets of stigma, including those stigmatized by their race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. The psychological effects of prejudice and discrimination for these targets will be discussed. This course is conducted primarily as an advanced seminar in psychology. Prerequisite: Psychology 110; students who have received credit for Psychology 232 may not receive credit for this course.
339 Comparative and Evolutionary
Psychology
4; not offered 2009-10
This seminar explores psychological topics across a wide variety of species, with a particular emphasis on evolution as a determinant of behavior and cognition. Course content will include modern research on animal behavior and ethology, stressing the importance of an animal’s biological, ecological and social milieu. Specific topics may include dominance and social structure, foraging, mating, predation, communication, perception, conflict and cooperation. Prerequisite: three credits in psychology or biology.
347, 348 Special Topics Seminars
3-4
These seminars focus on specific topics within psychology and/or research interests of psychology faculty. These courses are generally not offered regularly. Individual courses may be taught only once, and course offerings are likely to change substantially from year to year. Enrollments are generally limited to 12 students per class so that class discussion opportunities are maximized.
349 Seminar in Human Memory
3; not offered 2009-10
Other than that which is genetically coded, everything that we know about the world represents some aspect of human memory. This seminar examines historical and contemporary accounts of human memory, with particular emphasis on reading and discussing primary research articles. Neurobiological as well as psychological perspectives to the study of human memory will be taken. Domains that are likely to be explored include memory processes (e.g., encoding, storage, and retrieval), distinctions (e.g., short-term/long-term, episodic/semantic, implicit/explicit) and systems (e.g., temporal and frontal lobe correlates of memory). Class presentations and a final empirical project are required components of the course. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or equivalent. Credit not allowed if Psychology 250 has been taken.
353 Practicum in Psychology
1-3, 1-3 Wiese and Staff
Practicum experiences allow students to integrate and apply issues they have learned in coursework. Placements vary by semester and may include school, hospital, community, or outpatient sites. Students engage in a minimum of three hours per week in off-campus placement, complete readings and assignments, and meet weekly with course instructor. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 and consent of instructor. Corequisites: Psychology 356 Applied Psychology (if taking for the first time).
356 Applied Psychology
x, 3 Wiese
This course focuses on the applications of psychology in community settings. Integrates theory, research, and treatment modalities to introduce the scientist practitioner model of psychology. Addresses professional issues and career possibilities in applied areas of psychology. Class sessions devoted to a discussion of the readings, exposure to basic therapeutic skills, and group supervision of practicum experiences. All students required to be concurrently enrolled in Psychology 353 Practicum in Psychology. Prerequisites: Psychology 260 or 322, and consent of instructor.Corequisite: Psychology 353.
358 Research Experience
3-4, 3-4 Staff
A supervised research experience in an ongoing lab project, arranged with the instructor, giving students the opportunity to recruit participants, collect, code, and analyze data, as well as read relevant literature and write lab reports. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
360 Physiology of Behavior
4, x Herbranson
Designed to introduce students to modern physiological approaches to the study of behavior. This course will cover the basic research methods and equipment used in modern neuroscience and the theoretical implications of a physiological approach to psychology. Specific topics will include the electrical and chemical basis of neural functioning: the structure and function of sensory and motor systems, the physiological basis and treatment of psychopathology; and the biology of central processes including but not limited to learning, memory and emotion. Two lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: four credits each of psychology and biology.
368 Lab in Social Relations
4, x Vick
This course will introduce students to social psychological theory and research on intergroup relations. We will review the causes and consequences of group conflict, examining these behaviors as they affect members of large social categories (e.g., race, gender) and smaller social groups with a focus on stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Potential methods of prejudice reduction will also be examined. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary social psychological methods used to measure social perception, group identification, and other group-based biases using empirical and experiential techniques. Includes two class meetings and one lab session per week. Prerequisites: Six credits in psychology, Psychology 230 recommended but not required. Students who have received credit for Psychology 232 may not receive credit for this course.
390 Psychology of Learning
x, 4 Herbranson
This course uses principles of conditioning and learning to explore how humans and animals adapt their behavior to meet changing environmental demands. Students will learn about historical and modern applications of Pavlovian and operant conditioning, and will apply those models to contemporary problems in psychology. In the associated lab, rats will be used as a model organism to demonstrate principles of learning as tools for the modification of behavior. Prerequisites: Psychology 110.
407, 408 Independent Study
1-3, 1-3 Staff
Independent study in an area of special interest selected by the student with direction of a staff member. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
420 Contemporary and Historical Issues in Psychology
4, x Clearfield
This capstone course considers perennial issues in psychology, such as nature vs. nurture, fact vs. value, positivism vs. constructivism, and the mind/body problem. The historical and contemporary forms of these issues are examined using literature from the history of psychology, as well as contemporary articles from The American Psychologist and the American Psychological Association Monitor. Goals are: 1) to provide senior psychology majors a conceptual and historical background by which to consider contemporary matters of pressing concern; 2) to assist students in their integration of psychology as a discipline; and 3) to consider the wide range of ethical issues pertinent to the study and practice of psychology. Students are asked to write several position papers and a take-home exam as well as participate in a debate. Restricted to senior psychology majors and minors; others by consent only. Required of all senior psychology majors.
495 Thesis
3, x Staff
First semester of a yearlong thesis project, including weekly meetings with class, with adviser, and several drafts of a well-documented proposal due throughout the semester.
496 Thesis
x, 3 Staff
Second semester of a yearlong thesis project. Weekly meetings with class, with adviser, an oral presentation on the thesis project, and a polished final draft submitted before April 1.
498 Honors Thesis
x, 3 Staff
Second semester of a yearlong thesis project. Weekly meetings with class, with adviser, an oral presentation on the thesis project, and a polished final draft submitted before April 1. In addition, a public presentation, preferably at a professional or student conference, is required.
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