PSYCHOLOGY (Major, Minor)
The Psychology program of the Hamilton Holt School provides an overview of the diverse field of psychology along with opportunities for application and demonstration of important principles. The program supports learning objectives suggested by the American Psychological Association, thus preparing students to enter graduate programs in psychology as well as careers in research, counseling, and education.
Admission to the Psychology Major: Students may not accrue more than twelve semester hours in psychology without declaring psychology as a major or minor. Upon declaring psychology as a major, students must complete with a grade of “C-” or higher PSY 101, PSY 301, and PSY 304. Although PSY 101 is a prerequisite for most psychology courses, PSY 301 and 304 may be taken concurrently with other courses. However, both PSY 301 and 304 must be completed within the first two semesters of coursework following declaration of the major in psychology. If a student receives a grade in any of these courses lower than a “C-,” the student must re-take the course and pass it with a grade of “C-” or higher prior to enrolling in any other psychology course. Core courses may be repeated a maximum of one time to satisfy this requirement. If a student does not receive a grade of “C-” or higher on the second attempt, the student will not be permitted to continue in the major. Students will receive credit hours for one attempt only. In most cases, financial aid does not apply to repeated courses.
Requirements for the Major (48 semester hours)
Core Courses (12 semester hours)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 301 Research Methods
PSY 304 Statistics and Decision Making
Major Options (12 semester hours)
Select any three from the seven listed below. Courses not used as major options may be used as major electives
PSY 211 Social Psychology
PSY 354 Personality
PSY 261 Learning and Behavior Change
PSY 303 Lifespan Development
PSY 306 Tests and Measurements
PSY 310 Psychopathology
PSY 335 Clinical Psychology
Major Electives (24 semester hours)
Six electives in Psychology, at least four at the 300/400 level.
Students who are majoring in Organizational Behavior may not minor in Psychology.
Requirements for the Minor (8)
Persons planning to minor in Psychology will take PSY 101, PSY 301, PSY 304, one 200-level core course, two 300-level core courses, and two Psychology electives, one of which must be at the 300/400 level.
Students who are majoring in Organizational Behavior may not minor in Psychology.
Course Descriptions:
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
Provides students with a broad introduction to the field of psychology including: the biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, memory, cognition, human development, intelligence, personality, psychological disorders as well as the psychology of the world of work.
PSY 211 Social Psychology
Presents a broad account of how the actual or imagined presence of others influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Touches upon conformity, attraction, prejudice, aggression, group decisions, and attitude change, as well as advertising, law, and indoctrination. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 217 Psychology of Drugs and Addictions
Questions whether chemical addiction (drugs and alcohol) is a disease or an attempt to adapt to inner needs and external pressures. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 261 Learning and Behavior Change
Introduces fundamentals of behavior acquisition and modification: reinforcement, stimulus discrimination, extinction, and sequential organization. Emphasizes total competence learning, requiring students to advance beyond recognition and recall. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 301 Research Methods in Psychology and Organizational Behavior
Examines the major research methods used to explore important issues in psychology and organizational behavior. The process of identifying and addressing research questions will be investigated by reviewing key research strategies including field and laboratory experiments, correlational studies, and observational techniques. The course will also examine specific techniques for collecting and analyzing data and summarizing research findings. Prerequisite: PSY 101.
PSY 303 Lifespan Development
An introduction to the study of human growth and change over the lifespan. Topics include prenatal development, cognitive development, attachment, personality, social development, and gerontology. These topics form a basis for a discussion of the major theories of human development including cognitive development, social learning, and psychoanalytic models. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 304 Statistics and Decision Making
This course introduces descriptive and inferential statistical procedures for the social sciences. Topics covered include scales of measurement, probability, measures of central tendency and variability, null hypothesis testing using single or multiple samples, correlation and regression, and both inferential and procedural errors individuals can make when calculating and interpreting statistics. Course must be completed as student declares psychology as a major. Individuals with insufficient mathematical preparation are encouraged to complete remedial work prior to enrolling in the course. Prerequisite: PSY 101 and high school algebra or equivalent.
PSY 306 Tests and Measurements
The theory of test construction and validation. Topics covered include intelligence testing, personality assessment, performance appraisal, skills tests, structured interviews, surveys, and other data gathering instruments. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 307 Introduction to Neuropsychology
Principles of brain functions, including areas of speech, language, general intelligence, memory, motor skills, and higher cognitive abilities, are presented to provide a basic understanding of human brain-behavior relationships. Topics covered include general neuroanatomy, organization of the nervous system, brain structure and function, central nervous system disorders, neuropsychological evaluation, and basic neurodiagnoses. General rehabilitation and recovery of brain function are also addressed. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 308 Psychology of Dreams
Dreams have inspired psychologists from Freud to present-day theorists. This course will examine dream interpretation and its place in modern psychology. Students will learn various theories and interpretation techniques to better understand these unconscious mysteries and processes. Emphasis will be focused upon Freud, Jung, Gestalt, physiological, and existential theories as explanations for dreams. This course will include self-disclosure and dream-journal activities. Previously offered as topic. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 310 Psychopathology
Psychopathology is a clinical term related to the study and examination of abnormal behavior. This class will examine facts, theories, and treatment strategies relevant to abnormal behavior in present day society. Topics to be studied include disorders of childhood, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance related conditions, psychotic disorders, and other conditions that impair a persons functioning. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 311 Health Psychology
Course contents include: wellness theory and practice with emphasis on the holistic approach; stress management techniques and strategies; and understanding and applying personality style. The roles of work, play, communications, and personal philosophies will be examined within the framework of the topics. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 315 Topics in Psychology
Explores varied topics, such as neuropsychology or industrial psychology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 316 Ethics
Presents history of ethics in psychology and organizations, covering ethical codes of the American Psychological Association and the Organizational Development Institute and focusing on practical ethical dilemmas in organizations. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 317 Group Dynamics
Investigates group leadership, decision making, communication, conflict, creativity, team building, power relationships, and personal growth within groups. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 320 Violence in the Family
This course explores the issues of spouse abuse including current psychological theories and treatment for victims and abusers. Students will learn about community facilities and programs for prevention and treatment. Guest speakers will be experts currently working in the field. Previously offered as topic. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 322 Cognitive Psychology
An investigation of human cognitive functioning. Topics covered include: information processing models, sensation and perception, pattern recognition, attention, memory, language, thinking and intelligence, problem-solving, and creativity. Formerly PSY 400. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 325 Psychology of Women
Examines historical and contemporary theories, issues, and research related to the psychology of women. Topics covered include: psychoanalytic theory and its critics, sex differences, lifestyles, communication styles and aging. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 330 Organizational Behavior
Surveys the field of industrial and organizational psychology as it applies to the world of work and business. The research and development methods of the field are examined. Operational applications of these methods are analyzed in terms of their use in organizations. The use of industrial-organizational psychology to aid individuals who work with others to solve human performance problems in the work environment are studied. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 335 Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology is a complex and fascinating field that is ever-changing and evolving. In this course, students will be ushered through the real world of the contemporary clinical psychologist. They will learn about the various activities, roles, and responsibilities of the clinician through actual case material. Traditional functions of the clinician such as psychological testing and psychotherapy will be highlighted as well as current issues such as whether psychologists should have the right to prescribe medications as well as whether their training ought to be Ph.D. or PsyD. Prerequisite: PSY 101, and PSY 307 or 310. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 338 Clinical Assessment Procedures
Presents principles of psychological testing and evaluation. Highlights referral setting, relationships among test scores, consulting outside sources, role of the clinician, interpreting test data, integrating client's history with observations, and age considerations affecting interpretation of test data. Attempts to establish an elusive connection between the results of psychological testing and psychotherapy. Prerequisite: PSY 335 or consent. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 347 Modern Psychology: History and Systems
Chronicles development and decline of systematic positions within psychology since its establishment as a separate discipline in 19th century. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 354 Personality
Examines traditional and contemporary theories of human nature, including psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanistic psychology, evolutionary psychology, and others. Students apply theories to autobiographical data. Previously PSY 254. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or consent. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 407 Organization Development
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with opportunities to learn the history, theories, models, research and strategies for change in the development of organizations. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 410 Human Factors Psychology
Human factors is the branch of science and technology that explores what is known about human behavioral, cognitive, and perceptual characteristics that can be applied to the design, evaluation, and operation of both large systems as well as consumer products to enhance safe, effective, and satisfying use by individuals. In short, Human Factors attempts to fit the environment, task or product design to the human's capabilities. This course will examine human abilities and limitations and apply these "usability" concepts to the design and evaluation of work environments, computer systems, tools, and consumer products used by humans. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 413 Human Sexuality
This course takes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding all aspects of the human sexual condition. Topics include anatomy and physiology of sexual organs as well as the neural mechanism underlying ovarian and menstrual cycles and the brain testicular axis. Transmission and symptomology of sexually transmissible diseases including AIDS are also examined. The sociocultural and physiological aspects of gender and variations in sexual practice are elucidated and discussed. Finally, sexual dysfunction, its courses and the efficacy of various therapeutic options are considered. Prerequisite: PSY 101. Corequisite for psychology majors: PSY 301, 304.
PSY 480 Senior Research Seminar
Brings together diverse approaches in psychology, both clinical and research, for contrast and comparison. Students conduct research projects in community, lab, or other setting. Prerequisite: senior status, PSY 101, INT 221 or PSY 304, and PSY 301.
Last Update: September 11, 2008
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Information posted on the Rollins College Hamilton Holt School Web site is intended as general information only. It is subject to change and does not reflect a contract between students and the College. Contact the Hamilton Holt School office to confirm any information.
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