Psychology

Chairman and Associate Professor: COLLIN BARNES
 

The Department of Psychology instructs students in the experimental, quantitative, and applied methods of modern psychology as well as the descriptive and qualitative perspectives of psychoanalysis, phenomenology, and hermeneutics, paying special attention to the philosophical commitments underlying these varied approaches. It likewise fosters an appreciation of the discipline’s heritage by tracing psychological inquiries through the past and back to their origins in early theories of the human soul. Students wishing to major in psychology at Hillsdale College and who are interested in mental health professions are best prepared to study in graduate programs sympathetic to these interests. For those disinclined toward graduate work, the analytical, observational, writing, and speaking skills acquired in the program offer superb preparation for entry-level positions in various fields (e.g., business, education, non-profit organizations, and mental healthcare). Psychology courses may be applied to the science requirement for the bachelor of science degree. Only elective credit will be awarded for Advanced Placement or CLEP examinations in psychology.

Degrees

Courses of Instruction

PSY 101: Psychology in the Modern Era

Credits 3
A broad survey of the contemporary science of psychology. Topics covered include research design, the biological basis of mind, sensation and perception, learning and memory, social psychology, developmental psychology, personality, psychopathology and its treatment.

PSY 201: Psychology in the Western Tradition

Credits 3
Devotes special attention to the study of psychology in antiquity and through the late 19th and early 20th century. Emphasizes the fieldís membership in a vast scholarly tradition concerned with true understandings of what has been variously called the human soul, mind, consciousness, etc., and considers the prospects and risks of limiting psychology to that which can be apprehended with the methods and thought forms of natural science.

PSY 209: Statistics for the Social Sciences

Credits 3
Students learn quantitative methods for describing empirical phenomena and testing hypothesized relationships between variables. The emphasis is on methods commonly used in psychology including correlation, regression, one- and two-sample tests, one- and two-way ANOVAs, and their repeated-measures counterparts.

PSY 210: Research Methods and Methodology

Credits 3

A crucial study of survey and experimental methods utilized in psychological research. Students will be introduced to ethical considerations important in psychological research, learn how to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and write and present experimental research reports utilizing APA guidelines. Prerequisite: PSY 209.

PSY 250: Psychology Internship

Credits 1 Max Credits 3
A supervised practical experience in a professional setting. The experience can include observing, assisting, assuming regular duties, or pursuing a special project topic. Three hours per week per semester for each credit hour earned. Permission of the department chairman is required.

PSY 340: Lifespan Developmental Psychology

Credits 3
Principles and theories of human development from conception through death and dying. Contemporary research is examined and integrated within the biosocial, cognitive, and psychological/social domains. Universal patterns and cultural variation of development are explored.

PSY 341: Social Psychology

Credits 3
This course offers an introduction to the quantitative and experimental study of persons and society founded on the model of natural science and to critics of this approach who conceive the problem of social psychology as sharing more in common with the humanities than either physics or chemistry. Seminal figures representative of both perspectives are considered, as are the implications their theories have for our understanding of persons and society.

PSY 342: Principles of Learning and Behavior

Credits 3
This course provides an in-depth introduction to classical, operant, and contemporary theories, principles, and methods used in the study of how behavior changes as a function of experience, as well as their place in the larger theoretical framework of psychology. Includes discussion of the practical implications of these principles. Attention is directed to experimental research using human and animal subjects.

PSY 343: Psychopathology

Credits 3

Introduction to the study of psychopathology. Focuses on theoretical models of abnormal behavior as they relate to the definition, etiology, and treatment of mental disorders. Diagnostic classification, behavioral, and biological features of the major syndromes of psychopathology are emphasized.

PSY 344: Biological Psychology

Credits 3
Taking up the age-old question of the mindís relation to the body, this course engages thinkers (psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, philosophers) concerned with the embodied nature of human experience. It pays special attention to viewpoints that conceive of persons holistically and as reliant onóbut ultimately irreducible toóthe material operations of their nervous systems. Students who have met the prerequisites may complete BIO 470: Cognitive Neuroscience in lieu of this course.

PSY 345: Cognitive Psychology

Credits 3
This course critically examines theory and experimental evidence contributing to the understanding of fundamental cognitive processes, including those involved in perception, attention, memory, knowledge representation, language, problem solving, judgment, and decision making

PSY 350: Child Psychology

Credits 3

Biosocial, cognitive, and psychological/social domains of human development (from conception through adolescence) are examined. Emphasis is placed on the integration of relevant theories and research, as well as cultural and individual variations of child development.

PSY 361: Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Credits 3
This course introduces the primary theoretical perspectives of clinical/counseling psychologists as well as explores issues that influence the profession, including ethics, standards of practice, assessment, and working with diverse clients. Students will learn about training, job settings, issues related to credentialing, licensing, preparation standards, public policy, and membership in professional organizations.

PSY 365: Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Credits 3
Survey of the basic theories and applications of psychology to the workplace including job analysis and evaluation, personnel selection, testing, performance appraisal, training, performance management, employee motivation, job satisfaction, leadership, and group processes within organizations.

PSY 371: The Writings of William James

Credits 3
Considers the life and writings of William James, philosophical pragmatist and founding figure of American psychology. Central texts include his Lowell Institute lectures on pragmatism, Hibbert Lectures on pluralism, Gifford Lectures on religious experience, and his book Psychology: The Briefer Course. Selections from his many essays and his investigations into parapsychological phenomena are also examined.

PSY 372: Phenomenology of the Collective Unconscious

Credits 3
Treats the major concepts and themes arising from Carl Jungís investigations of the psyche, including the collective (or objective) unconscious, archetypes, individuation, and the Self. This is done through careful study of key texts from Jungís corpus and, where appropriate, supplementary texts from his collaborators and students. The relationship between Jungian psychology and religion, metaphysics, science, and society are matters of special attention.

PSY 373: Psychology and Epistemology

Credits 3

Contrasts positivistic conceptions of knowledge in social science with alternatives arising from Gestalt and ecological psychology. Special attention is given to the ideas of world-class chemist and philosopher Michael Polanyi and those of his colleague, psychologist Sigmund Koch. Implications for psychological research and practice are explored.

PSY 410: Laboratory Assistantship

Credits 1 Max Credits 2
Students will gain practical experience in setting up laboratory equipment and experiments or supervising laboratory work. Three hours per week per semester is required for each credit hour. Permission of the department chairman is required.

PSY 472: Tests & Measurement

Credits 3

This course is intended to facilitate students' understanding of theories and methods underlying psychological assessment. After learning about the theory of measurement with an emphasis on reliability and validity, students will evaluate, administer, and interpret widely accepted measurement instruments including intelligence, personality, and aptitude tests. Prerequisite: PSY 209.

PSY 483: Psychology Practicum

Credits 4

The practicum is intended to provide students with hands-on experience in a particular area within the field of psychology, while also completing in-depth academic study in that area. Students are encouraged to work in an area related to personal or professional career goals. Open only to junior or senior psychology majors. Application and permission of the department chairman is required.

PSY 484: Psychology Research Project

Credits 4

This course will culminate in the writing and presentation of a research project. Students will identify an area of interest, review the literature, devise a research question and identify methods appropriate to answering that question, develop the necessary materials, and gather and analyze data. This course should be taken in the junior or senior year. Prerequisite: PSY 210.

PSY 485: Psychology Thesis

Credits 3
This course permits students interested in theoretical and philosophical problems in psychology to explore possible solutions in a scholarly paper (25-to-30 pages) and presentation (10-to-15 minutes). Instructor approval is required to enroll.