Psychology
(413) 662-5481
www.mcla.edu/psyc
Acting Chairperson: Thomas Byrne, Ph.D.
Email: T.Byrne@mcla.edu
Psychology Major
The Department of Psychology offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Students study principles of human growth and development and the processes of learning, cognition and emotion. Particular attention is given to knowledge related to personality development, maladaptive behavior, social diversity and group interactions, and the biological bases of behavior. The major provides the foundation for careers in human services and counseling, in business and industry, and in working with children, adolescents and adults in schools or clinical settings. The major program also prepares students for graduate study in all areas of psychology, social work, business, education, and other related professions.
Students graduating with a major in Psychology will be able to:
- Develop knowledge base of content domains, themes, and applications of psychology
- Demonstrate competence in interpreting, designing, and conducting psychological research
- Demonstrate competence in applying ethical standards to evaluation of psychological science and to multiple social issues
- Communicate proficiently for a variety of purposes, both orally and in writing
- Develop career goals through application of psychological knowledge and refinement of self-regulation and teamwork capacity
Seminars, Research and Topics Courses, Senior Thesis and Internships
Seminars offered at the 200, 300 and 400 levels allow students interested in advanced study or in pursuing graduate work in psychology or related fields to identify aspects of contemporary psychology of sufficient personal interest to support directed or independent scholarly work. Topic courses are offered to address special areas of psychology not included in the general curriculum. Students discovering such interests are encouraged to pursue them by enrolling in PSYC 397 Research Seminar:, PSYC 391 Research Assistant in Psychology, and PSYC 496 Research in Psychology and/or PSYC 500 Independent Study. During the senior year, and with departmental approval, a student may then register for PSYC 550 Senior Thesis. Students are also encouraged to seek out an internship in a wide variety of mental health and social services placements during their junior or senior year.
Psychology Courses
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology3 cr
Introduces students to the science of psychology, presenting the basic principles of mental processes and behavior and the process of empirical investigation.
Attributes: Core Self & Society (CSS)
PSYC 101 Introductory Seminar in Psychology1 cr
Introduces new psychology majors to the scientific basis of psychology through interactions with faculty, student mentors, and community professionals. Explores unique opportunities within the major and the college (research, internships, study away/abroad). Students will create a psychology major portfolio and will begin to document their learning and engagement with the discipline. Required for all MCLA psychology majors.
Prerequisite: PSYC Major
PSYC 208 Applied Developmental Psychology3 cr
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or any Self and Society course
Attributes: Child & Family Studies Minor (C&FS)
PSYC 208H Honors: Applied Developmental Psychology3 cr
Examines developmental theory and research from an applied perspective. Physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development from early childhood through adolescence will be covered with an emphasis on application.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or any Self and Society course
Attributes: Honors Program (HONR)
PSYC 210 Development Across the Lifespan3 cr
Introduces core concepts of developmental psychology across the lifespan, from prenatal influences on development to how we grapple with death. Emphasis is placed on theory relating to the developmental aspects of cognition, language, personality, emotions, and social relationships. (Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 210 and PSYC 208).
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or any Self and Society course
PSYC 230 Social Psychology3 cr
Examines human social behavior emphasizing environmental and situational factors. Theoretical and applied issues are considered within selected topics. (Psychology majors cannot receive core Self & Society credit for PSYC 230).
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or any Self and Society course
Attributes: Core Self & Society (CSS), Leadership Minor (LDRS)
PSYC 270 Abnormal Psychology3 cr
Examines theoretical perspectives of maladaptive behavior and the concepts of stress, coping, normality and abnormality. Emphasis on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders of childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or any Self & Society course
PSYC 290 Psychological Research and Statistics I4 cr
Introduces the nature of empirical investigation in psychology and the role of data analysis in psychological research. Students learn the value of research methodology as applied to the field of psychology with a focus on concepts and interpretation of basic research design and statistical analysis. A weekly lab introduces data analysis software applications.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100, completion of Tier I Quantitative Reasoning requirements
Corequisite: PSYC 290L
PSYC 291 Psychological Research and Statistics II4 cr
A continuation of PSYC 290, extending the nature of empirical investigation in psychology to specific research designs and statistical analyses. The course focuses on concepts, interpretation and applications of methodology and data analysis used by psychologists, including topics of ethics and APA style. Mastery of course material will be demonstrated by a completed research paper; weekly lab extends students' knowledge of statistical analysis software applications.
Prerequisite: PSYC 290 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisite: PSYC 291L
PSYC 301 Psychology Professional Seminar1 cr
Provides junior and senior psychology majors with an opportunity to reflect on their past work in the major. Explores opportunities and interests in preparation for careers and graduate study in the field. Students will work with the instructor and other professionals to develop and implement strategies for success after MCLA. Required for all MCLA psychology majors.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101, PSYC major, junior status
PSYC 305 Psychology of Stigma3 cr
Examines the concept of stigma and how a stigmatized identity has been a part of the human experience throughout history. We will also examine the consequences of experiencing discrimination and describe the situational nature of stigma. This course provides students with the opportunity to more deeply appreciate the experiences of being marginalized and to critically evaluate the empirical psychological literature examining stigmatization.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or completion of Tier II Self and Society requirements
PSYC 310 Cognitive Psychology3 cr
Studies knowing, learning, thinking and language. Topics include theories of cognition, language, attention, problem solving, memory, consciousness and creative thinking.
Prerequisite: PSYC 291
PSYC 316 Behavior Analysis3 cr
Introduces the field of behavior analysis, examining behavior analytic history, philosophy, concepts and principles. Techniques and strategies inside and outside the laboratory will be discussed in detail. Students learn the basics of data-based approaches to behavior treatment. Concepts will be illustrated during discussion of a wide variety of behavior problems associated with developmental disabilities, substance abuse, physical fitness and academic delays.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
PSYC 331 Biological Psychology3 cr
Examines the relationships between brain function and behavior using concepts from psychology and biology. Topics include motivation and emotion, learning and memory, sensory systems and perception, language disabilities and mental disorders.
Prerequisite: PSYC 291
PSYC 332 Drugs and Human Behavior3 cr
Examines the use and abuse of drugs from biological, psychological and cultural points of view. Addresses contemporary efforts in education, prevention and treatment of abuse.
Prerequisite: 200-level PSYC course or completion of Tier II Self and Society requirements
PSYC 335 Organizational Psychology3 cr
Emphasizes the application of psychological theory and techniques to the management of behavior in structured organizations. Focuses on the concepts of motivation, leadership, and interpersonal and group process.
Prerequisite: 200-level PSYC or SOCI or BADM course or completion of Tier II Self and Society requirements
Attributes: Leadership Minor (LDRS)
PSYC 340 Psychology of Children with Special Needs3 cr
Examines the special needs of children, the methods used to determine these needs, and the procedures used to meet these needs.
Attributes: Child & Family Studies Minor (C&FS)
PSYC 350 Theories of Clinical & Counseling Psychology3 cr
Introduces several major theoretical traditions of clinical and counseling psychology, with special attention to their models of psychological development, psychopathology, and psychotherapy. Proceeding from a comparative, historical, and critical perspective, we will read significant theoretical works from these major traditions—students can expect this reading to be advanced and complex. Students will practice using psychological theoretical models to conceptualize real-life clinical case material.
Prerequisite: PSYC 270, junior status
PSYC 355 Human Sexuality3 cr
Examines the field of human sexuality from psychological, biological and sociological perspectives. In covering a wide range of contemporary topics, emphasis is on empirical, verifiable scientific information.
Prerequisite: 200-level PSYC or SOCI course or completion of Tier II Self and Society requirements
Attributes: Child & Family Studies Minor (C&FS), Women Gender Sexuality Studies (WMST)
PSYC 356 Psychology of Gender3 cr
Focuses on the similarities and differences between males and females, masculinity and femininity. Explores the origins and maintenance of gender stereotypes and their consequences.
Prerequisite: 200-level PSYC or SOCI course or completion of Tier II Self and Society requirements
Attributes: Child & Family Studies Minor (C&FS), Women Gender Sexuality Studies (WMST)
PSYC 357 Psychology of Women3 cr
Explores psychological and sociocultural issues concerning women in our society. Women's experiences will be covered in areas that are stereotypically thought of as male-oriented as well as those more exclusive to females.
Prerequisite: 200-level PSYC or SOCI course or completion of Tier II Self and Society requirements
Attributes: Women Gender Sexuality Studies (WMST)
PSYC 360 Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Research4 cr
Introduces approaches to qualitative and mixed-methods forms of inquiry utilized in psychological research, such as Phenomenological, Grounded Theory, and narrative research approaches. Topics may include verbal reports, naturalistic observation, interview, and case analysis.
Prerequisite: PSYC 291
Corequisite: PSYC 360L
Repeatable: Maximum of 8 credits
PSYC 376 Sport Psychology3 cr
Introduces students to the current research and theoretical perspectives related to various psychological and psychosocial components of exercise, sport participation and competition. Personality, motivation, social facilitation, anxiety, aggression and other factors that influence individuals and teams/groups are examined.
Prerequisite: Completion of Tier II Self and Society requirements
PSYC 380 Educational Psychology3 cr
Introduces foundational concepts in classroom teaching, learning, and student motivation and well-being from an educational psychology perspective. Evidence-based instructional approaches for supporting successful learning and development are examined. Students read and critique educational research and develop their own practical classroom applications.
Attributes: Child & Family Studies Minor (C&FS)
PSYC 386 Adolescent Development3 cr
Examines the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of the adolescent from a psychological perspective. Psychological and social problems that may arise during adolescence are discussed.
Prerequisite: 200-level PSYC course
Attributes: Child & Family Studies Minor (C&FS)
PSYC 387 Childhood Disorders3 cr
Examines the etiology and clinical characteristics of behavioral disorders in infancy through adolescence, including emotional disturbances, anxiety and conduct disorders, and learning disabilities. Will explore historical and current controversies that involve ideas of children as disordered, disorderly, or disordering. Emphasis on theoretical perspectives, research, assessment, early intervention, and prevention.
Attributes: Child & Family Studies Minor (C&FS)
PSYC 390 Research Design and Analysis4 cr
Focuses on advanced methodology, data analysis and interpretation in psychological research. A research project is required.
Prerequisite: PSYC 291
Corequisite: PSYC 390L
PSYC 391 Research Assistant in Psychology1-3 cr
Provides opportunities for students to assist faculty in conducting empirical research. Particular responsibilities may include data collection, statistical analyses and other activities involved in planning and conducting research in psychology. Amount of credit will be determined by the faculty supervisor in consultation with the student. The course may be repeated up to a maximum of six credits with all grades assigned as pass/fail. Enrollment requires permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite: 200-level PSYC course, instructor approval
Repeatable: Maximum of 6 credits
PSYC 397 Research Seminar:4 cr
Applies research design and practice to selected problems. Includes literature review, deriving and empirically testing hypotheses. Requirements involve preparation of laboratory and other research materials, recruitment of participants and collection, analysis, and interpretation of resulting data. Culminates in preparation and submission of a complete report of the research project. Content identified by subtitle. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 8 crs.
Prerequisite: Instructor approval
Corequisite: PSYC 397L
Repeatable: Maximum of 8 credits
PSYC 410 History of Psychology3 cr
Examines the development of psychology as a science, an academic discipline, and a profession. Includes a comparative analysis of major contemporary theories in psychology.
Prerequisite: PSYC 291, minimum of 9 credits of PSYC coursework at the 300-level or higher
PSYC 416 Research in Behavior Analysis4 cr
Participate in the design, implementation, analysis and dissemination of empirical research. Students will examine the strategies and rationale underlying within-subject designs through exposure to recently published articles from the behavior analytic literature. The relationship between experimental and applied research will be examined closely. All students will prepare an APA-style manuscript describing their research project.
Prerequisite: PSYC 316
Corequisite: PSYC 416L
PSYC 440 Counseling Methods in Psychology3 cr
Studies techniques applicable in the helping services and counseling. Theories of counseling and basic psychotherapy will be reviewed. Experiential sessions will demonstrate established theories.
Prerequisite: PSYC 270
PSYC 470 Teaching Assistant in Psychology1-3 cr
Provides the opportunity for students to assist a faculty member in the preparation and implementation of a psychology course. Particular responsibilities may include providing support with class activities and assisting students enrolled in the course. Amount of credit will be determined by the faculty supervisor in consultation with the student. The course is graded pass/fail. Enrollment requires permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: Instructor approval
Repeatable: Maximum of 6 credits
PSYC 495 Special Topics in Psychology3 cr
Explores one or more special topics in psychology. Topic will be specified when the course is offered.
Prerequisite: Completion of Tier II Self and Society requirements, junior status
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
PSYC 496 Research in Psychology3 cr
For junior and senior psychology majors who choose to conduct psychological research independently in a specific area. The research will be carried out under the direction of the faculty supervisor and will require a substantive scholarly report of the research. The course may be repeated for credit with the permission of a faculty member. The course is graded pass/fail. Enrollment requires permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite: Instructor approval
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
PSYC 499 Advanced Seminar in Psychology3 cr
An intensive examination of a selected topic in psychology. Mastery of the seminar material will be assessed by the completion of an APA-style paper.
Prerequisite: PSYC 291, minimum of 9 credits of PSYC coursework at the 300-level or higher
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
PSYC 500 Independent Study1-3 cr
Open to juniors and seniors who wish to read in a given area or to study a topic in depth. Written reports and frequent conferences with the advisor are required. Enrollment requires individual application and permission of the department.
Prerequisite: Junior status, department approval
Repeatable: Maximum of 12 credits
PSYC 506 NECC: Evidence-Based Teaching3 cr
Provides students with a comprehensive review of empirically-supported behavioral teaching procedures for individuals with autism and related disabilities. Topics will focus on teaching skills in a variety of content areas such as language, social, and self-help. Procedures for teaching these include, match-to-sample discrimination training, task analysis, as well as prompting procedures including prompt fading and video modeling.
Prerequisite: Department approval
PSYC 516 Functional Assessment and Intervention3 cr
Receive an intensive overview of behavioral assessment strategies designed to determine the environmental factors that influence behavior problems. Examples from recent literature will be examined in depth with a focus on applications to educational and other settings. All students will conduct three simulated functional assessments and behavior plans.
Prerequisite: PSYC 316
PSYC 518 Ethics and Professional Issues in Behavior Analysis3 cr
Designed to familiarize students with the ethical principles of behavior analysis and the historical contexts in which they developed. We will examine ethics as they apply to research, clinical practice, and the role of the behavior analyst in society.
Prerequisite: PSYC 316
PSYC 540 Psychology Internship3-15 cr
Provides opportunities in a variety of public agencies and private organizations to gain practical experience and to develop skills in applying psychological theories, principles, methods and techniques to the management of problems of human development, thought, adjustment and behavior. Enrollment requires individual application and permission of the department.
Prerequisite: Junior status, department approval
Repeatable: Maximum of 15 credits
PSYC 550 Senior Thesis3 cr
Requires completion of a formal thesis on a significant topic in psychology. Intended for senior psychology majors, a literature review and proposal, along with approval of two members of the psychology faculty, is required prior to enrollment in the thesis course.
Prerequisite: Senior PSYC major, department approval
PSYC 552 NECC: Principles of Behavior Analysis3 cr
Orients students to the concepts, processes, and scientific principles of behavior on which the field of applied behavior analysis was founded. Topics of study will include the history and defining features of applied behavior analysis as well as the role of basic principles in producing socially meaningful behavior socially meaningful behavior change (positive and negative reinforcement, punishment, discriminative control of behavior, and motivating operations).
Prerequisite: Department approval
PSYC 553 NECC: Behavior Assessment3 cr
Provides an introduction to key concepts, methods, and ethical considerations associated with behavioral assessment. Course objectives will include teaching students to distinguish between idiographic and norm-referenced assessment approaches to conduct pertinent behavioral assessments (preference assessments, functional assessments, and skills assessments), and to incorporate assessment outcomes with treatment selection and design in accordance with contemporary best practices.
Prerequisite: Department approval
PSYC 554 NECC: Methods of Evaluation3 cr
Equips students with skills needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of interventions by subjecting them to experimental evaluation using single subject designs. Students will learn to develop valid and reliable systems for measuring behavior, to display data using popular and accessible graphing software, and to assess for orderly changes in behavior through visual inspection and interpretation of graphic data.
Prerequisite: Department approval
PSYC 555 NECC: Seminar and Practica in Clinical Practice9 cr
Involves students working with special needs children under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. Students complete readings and research related to their classroom experiences and write a paper on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor. Each student is assigned teaching responsibilities under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Students participate in a weekly seminar designed to raise issues and discuss topics relevant to the practicum experience and assigned readings.
Prerequisite: Department approval