Fall 2026

Introduction to the study of behavior, focusing on the influences of physiological, cognitive, social, and personality factors on behavior, including discussion of the major theories in psychology and related research. (F,S,Y)

Attributes: 1, SO, SS, TMBS

3 Credits

Introduction to the study of developmental processes, with an emphasis placed on genetic and environmental influences on the organism's physical, cognitive, social, and personality development across the life span. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: 1, CC, ESE, SO, SS, TIDE
3 Credits 
Cyndy Scheibe, MWF 11-11:50

Explores how to apply scientific literacy and critical thinking to discover, read and share scientific information in the field of psychology, exploring myths and misconceptions about psychology and fallacies in reasoning about scientific evidence. Students will search for and compare research findings reported in academic vs. popular media and develop skills for effectively communicating scientific information. Prerequisites: PSYC 10300 (may be taken concurrently). (F,S,Y)
2 Credits 
Cyndy Scheibe, MW 10-10:50 OR MF 10-10:50

This course serves as an introduction to the theory and practice of media literacy with an emphasis on developing skills in analysis and evaluation of media messages, as well as developing an understanding of critical thinking and the psychological processes involved in perception and media effects. Using an interdisciplinary approach that draws from many fields (including communications, psychology, and education), the course includes analyses of messages from both digital (e.g., websites) and traditional (e.g., print, TV, film) popular and educational media, and examines the effects of media messages on beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. For psychology majors, this course counts towards the Sociocultural Competence requirement. Open to freshmen and sophomores only. (S,Y)
Attributes: CC, ESE, SO, TIII
3 Credits 
Cyndy Scheibe, MWF 2-2:50

Examination of the biological, cognitive, and social aspects of psychological motivation. Covers principal theories of motivation, research methods and findings, as well as applied issues. Develops effective writing for different purposes and audiences, as well as oral and/or visual presentation skills. Prerequisites: PSYC 10300 and WRTG 10600, or ICSM 10800. (Y)
Attributes: ACS, WI
4 Credits 
Mary DePalma, TR 10-11:40

Explores the science surrounding neurotransmitter systems that are targeted by commonly used therapeutics and drugs of abuse. Examines all sides of these issues and challenges us to think critically about our beliefs about drug use, misuse, and abuse. Prerequisites: PSYC 10300 and PSYC 10500 (may be taken concurrently) or BIOL 11900 or BIOL 12100. (Y)
Attributes: ACS
4 Credits 
Ben Zemel, MW 12-1:40

Introduction to the computation and interpretation, application, and communication of basic descriptive and inferential statistics used in the behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data using statistical software (SPSS). Prerequisites: Math group 3 or higher, math placement assessment score of 46 or greater ; PSYC 10300 or PSYC 10400. (F,S,U,Y)
Attributes: 2B, ESTS, NS, QL
4 Credits
Joash Geteregechi, MWF 2-2:50, R 2-2:50

Exposure to important theories and concepts in the field of positive psychology, including the determinants of happiness, positive emotions, resilience, and optimism. Develops effective writing for different purposes and audiences, as well as oral and/or visual presentation skills. Prerequisites: PSYC 10300. (Y)
Attributes: ACS
4 Credits 
Mary DePalma, TR 8:35-9:50

Analysis of methodological designs used in psychological research and application of statistical methods for behavioral sciences, with special emphasis placed on the experimental method. Prerequisites: PSYC 20700. (F,S,Y)
3 Credits 
Brandy Bessette-Symons, MW 10-11:15

An overview and critical analysis of the major perspectives (e.g. trait, biological, cross-cultural, psychodynamic, cognitive), scientific issues, applications, and research findings in the area of personality. Develops effective writing for different purposes and audiences, as well as oral and/or visual presentation skills. Prerequisites: PSYC 10300. (Y)
Attributes: ACS
4 Credits 
Leigh Ann Vaughn, MW 12-1:15, F 12-12:50

Introduces the basic principles of neuroscience with a focus on the scientific exploration of neurological impairments. Examines the role of the human brain in interpreting the physical world and forming concepts of ourselves, society and ‘reality’. Develops effective writing for different purposes and audiences, as well as oral and/or visual skills. Prerequisite: PSYC 10300. (Y)
Attributes: ACS, SC, TMBS, WI
4 Credits 
Brandy Bessette-Symons, TR 10-2:40

Introduces the application of psychological theory to the law. This course will examine the numerous roles forensic psychologists play within both civil and criminal justice systems. Students will come away with a broad understanding of how psychological practice, research and theory inform topics including competence to stand trial; eyewitness testimony; ethics in policing & interrogation; jury selection; theories of crime; punishment & rehabilitation; and more. The course also focuses on developing effective writing for different purposes and audiences, as well as oral and/or visual presentation skills. Prerequisites: General Psychology (PSYC 10300). Preference given to psychology majors.
Attributes: ACS, SO
4 Credits
Natasha Bharj, TR 10-11:40

Participation in programmatic research by teams of students under the direction of one or more faculty members. May be repeated for a total of nine credits. Permission of instructor required. Prerequisites: PSYC 20900. (F,S,Y)
3 Credits

Study of the anatomical structures and biochemical and physiological processes that affect and mediate the emotional, psychological, and behavioral states of the organism. Prerequisites: One 200 level PSYC course (excluding PSYC 20700), BIOL 20600, BIOL 22700, or SLPA 21200. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: 2A, NS, PSBS
3 Credits 
Ben Zemel, MW 8:35-9:50

Study of the psychological determinants of social behavior and interpersonal processes, as well as the social determinants of the development of self-concept, beliefs, and attitudes. Prerequisites: One 200 level PSYC course (excluding PSYC 20700). (F-S,Y)
Attributes: 1, PSPS, SS
3 Credits 
Leigh Ann Vaughn, MWF 2-2:50

Introduction to dynamics of abnormal behavior with special emphasis on the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of interventions for psychiatric diagnoses and common forms of psychological distress. Prerequisites: One 200-level course from the following list: 200 level PSYC course (except PSYC 20700) SOCI 21700, OTBS 20100 or OTBS 20200; or PSYC 10400 and RLS 24300. (F-S,Y)
Attributes: PSCL, SS
3 Credits
Hugh Stephenson, MW 12-1:15

Topics in cognitive psychology, including perception, attention, memory, language, problem solving, decision making, and reasoning. Developmental changes, individual differences in cognitive skills, and applications of cognitive research to fields such as law, education, and business are considered. Prerequisite: One 200 level PSYC course (except PSYC 20700), or PSYC 10300 and either BIOL 11900 or BIOL 12100. (F-S,Y)
Attributes: 2A, NS, PSBS
3 Credits 
Brandy Bessette-Symons, TR 10-11:15

This course focuses on the early part of the lifespan development and will emphasize the basic theories and research methods in the field of developmental psychology. Topics include brain development, parenting, identity, moral reasoning, child psychopathology, and challenges in adolescence. For psychology majors, this course counts towards the Sociocultural Competence requirement. Prerequisites: Any 200 level PSYC course (except PSYC 20700); sophomore standing. (S,Y)
Attributes: CC, PSPS
3 Credits
Cyndy Scheibe, TR 10-11:15

Exploration of career opportunities and options for individuals with an undergraduate degree in psychology, including graduate school (or other professional training) and employment in a related field. Psychology majors only. (F,S,Y)
1 Credit 
Jeff Holmes, M 3-3:50

Investigation of a specific area or topic in psychology at an advanced level that integrates prior learning. Explores the relationships between the various components of the integrative core curriculum (ICC), the psychology major, other learning experiences at the College, and future goals. Reflection on the role of a liberal arts education. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: CP
4 Credits 
Jeff Holmes, MW 12-1:40
Hugh Stephenson, MW 3-4:40