Goucher College 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalogue PLEASE NOTE: This is an archived catalog. Programs are subject to change each academic year.
Course Descriptions
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Psychology |
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PSY 105 - Introduction to Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 111) (LER Natural Science)
This course provides an overview of the contemporary discipline of psychology, integrated with experiential learning activities designed to develop scientific thinking and research skills. Topics include fundamental issues in psychology, brain and behavior, perception, learning and cognition, personality theories, psychological disorders, and humanistic, developmental, and social psychologies. Students will learn the philosophical and methodological foundations of psychology as a scientific study of mind, brain, behavior, and human experience. Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Choe, LoPresto, Starkey.
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PSY 201 - Professional Development in Psychology I (1 Cr.)
Develop an enhanced understanding of the breadth of psychology as a discipline, as well as interdisciplinary connections, through discussions with psychology faculty. Explore the psychology major - requirements, courses, opportunities. Attend and discuss Center for Psychology events related to the field and to career/graduate school topics. Discuss academic success and student comportment. Create a 4-year plan for academic, personal, and professional goals. Required for psychology majors who enter Goucher starting Fall 2017. Prerequisite: PSY 105 . Will first be offered in Spring 2018. Program faculty.
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PSY 207 - Educational Psychology (2 Cr.) (cross-listed as ED 207)
This course focuses on the core theories of learning as established through research in the fields of education and psychology. Topics include: the art and science of teaching; current theoretical perspectives of learning; academic motivation; selecting instructional practices and strategies to optimize learning. Prerequisite: ED 104 and or permission of instructor. Spring semester. Smith.
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PSY 219 - Black Psychology (4 Cr.) (LER-DIV) (GCR RPP)
Cultural psychology is a subfield within the areas of social psychology and cultural anthropology. It involves the study of the interconnections between and among intergenerationally transmitted behaviors, meanings, and symbols, and psychological processes such as cognition, affect, personality structure, and behavior. This course offers a foundation to the field through a case study of Black culture and psychology. Specifically, we will examine the cultural psychological experiences of people of African descent, primarily African Americans, and Black Psychology as a specialty with important implications for human and social science conceptual paradigms, theory, knowledge production methods, and intervention. Community Based Learning Course. Writing Enriched Curriculum Course. Prerequisite: PSY 105 . Restricted to first-year and sophomore students only, or juniors and seniors with instructor permission. Fall semester. Grayman-Simpson.
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PSY 220 - Personality Psychology (4 Cr.)
Personality refers to an individual’s characteristic patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, together with the psychological mechanisms behind these patterns. This course examines theories of personality, how personality persists and changes across the lifespan, how nature and nurture influence personality, and the measurement of personality. Emphasis on applications in clinical psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Spring semester. Department.
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PSY 221 - Assessment in Education for Improved Practice (2 Cr.) (cross-listed as ED 221)
Knowing how to evaluate a student’s progress and achievement is an essential component in the teaching/learning process. In this course, we explore the macro legislative and accountability context impacting educators including Federal Legislation, Maryland assessment practices, and the Common Core. We practice mico processes of collecting and using information to adjust a particular practice for a particular outcome. We learn to use the “language” of assessment as well as the appropriate and inappropriate uses of assessment results. Theories and basic principles of test construction, progress monitoring, Curriculum-Based Measures, and authentic assessment will be discussed. Prerequisite: ED 207 or permission of the instructor. Spring semester. Smith.
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PSY 222 - Human Learning and Memory (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 202)
This class explores fundamental concepts and current issues in human learning and memory, with a focus on how and why behavior changes with experience, and how this information is stored in the mind. In addition to classic research and theories, there is emphasis on real-world applications, such as in the domains of education, mental health, and the legal system. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Fall semester. McCabe.
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PSY 226 - Relational Psychology (4 Cr.)
Moving away from a framework of psychological research, theory, and evaluation that unduly values objectivity, independence, and personal achievement, students explore collaboratively the ramifications of a psychology that places human relationship, connection, community, and care at the center of psychological health and development, where mutual empowerment and empathy, rather than separation from others, are the goals. This feminist, antiracist, and critical psychology recognizes the powerful impact of the sociocultural context in impeding mutuality, and provides an interpretive framework for understanding and reshaping culture, lives, and theory. Specific topics vary from year to year, but include the following: the works of Carol Gilligan, the relational psychology of Jean Baker Miller and the Stone Center, the psychology of gender (e.g., girls’ development, the construction of masculinity), the psychology of oppression, and relational classrooms and environments. Writing-Enriched Curriculum (WEC) course. Community Based Learning course. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive) or sophomore standing. Spring semester. Pringle.
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PSY 227 - Feminist Psychology (4 Cr.)
Examination of sociocultural and biological influences on the psychological development of women. Topics will include feminist scholarship and research; gender role socialization; women’s health and well-being; sexuality; and close relationships and family dynamics. Writing-Enriched Curriculum (WEC) course. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Restricted to first-year and sophomore students only, or juniors and seniors with instructor permission. Spring semester. Grayman-Simpson.
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PSY 230 - Social Psychology (4 Cr.)
Study of how the thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and motivations of individuals dynamically interact with the social context that surrounds them. Topics include close relationships, aggression, conformity and obedience, social cognition, group dynamics, stereotypes and prejudice, and the impact of gender roles and cultural ideology on the development of the social self. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Spring semester. Program faculty.
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PSY 233 - Sensation and Perception (4 Cr.)
This course is a survey of current theory and research in perception. The primary goal is for students to gain an understanding of how people obtain reliable and useful information about the environment around them through their senses. Exploring several perceptual systems, including vision, audition, touch and pain, and smell and taste, we will cover topics such as the physiological structure of sensory systems, psychophysics, attention, sensory integration, and comparative perception. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Fall semester. Ghirardelli.
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PSY 238 - Psychological Distress and Disorder (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 271)
This course presents different approaches to understanding and conceptualizing psychological distress and disorder. The major psychological disorders will be examined in cultural context. Different theoretical perspectives will be considered, as well as the ways in which psychological disorders have been and are currently treated. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Fall semester; repeated spring semester in 2017 and alternate years. Program faculty.
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PSY 244 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology (4 Cr.)
A lifespan approach tracing human development from conception through the life cycle until death. Important theoretical contributors are highlighted, including Freud, Erikson, Bowlby, Piaget, Chomsky, Kohlberg, and Kubler-Ross. Topics will include prenatal development, language acquisition, the formation of emotional bonds in relationships, personality and identity development, changes in family and work roles, and the experience of facing one’s mortality. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Fall semester. Choe.
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PSY 245 - Psychology of Environmental Problems (4 Cr.) (cross-listed as ES 245) (LER-ENV)(GCR-ENV)
This course outlines current environmental problems and their historical bases. The course then explores how different psychological perspectives view the relationship between individuals and the environment, as well as reviews psychological research related to environmental sustainability. Guidance is provided for improving environmental sustainability based on the different psychological perspectives. A major goal of this course is for students to develop an understanding of how psychology can contribute to promoting sustainability of the environment. A community-based learning experience is required. Prerequisite: or PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Fall semester. Mills.
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PSY 250 - Statistical Methods in Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 200) (LER Mathematical Reasoning)(GCR DAF)
An introduction to and critical examination of statistical and quantitative methods as applied in psychology and related fields. Exploratory, descriptive, and inferential concepts, techniques, and applications are considered including frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, variability and correlation, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing (binomial tests, t-tests, analyses of variance, chi square, and selected non-parametric approaches). Statistical packages such as SPSS for Windows will be introduced and used throughout the course. Prerequisites: PSY 105 or PSY 111(inactive); or ED 101(inactive); or ED 103(inactive); or ED 104 ; one additional 200-level psychology course or ED 207 ; or permission of the instructor. Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Ghirardelli.
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PSY 295 - Independent Work (1-4 Cr.)
Special fields of study within psychology pursued independently under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive); sophomore standing; and permission of the instructor.
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PSY 301 - Professional Development in Psychology II (1 Cr.)
Continue to reflect and think critically about goals, motivations, and interests as a psychology student. Explore career paths, and post-undergraduate opportunities including graduate school. Discuss issues of professional comportment and development. Attend and discuss Center for Psychology events related to the field and to career/graduate school topics. Create a plan for remaining semesters at Goucher, and strategies to pursue professional goals in the future. Required for psychology majors who enter Goucher starting Fall 2017. Prerequisite: PSY 201 ; and junior or senior standing. First offered in Fall 2018, and in subsequent fall and spring semesters. Program faculty.
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PSY 302 - Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 252) (GCR DA-AC)
This course will address the overall process of psychological research from the development of a research question to the presentation of research results. Topics to be covered include the role of theory in the scientific method, research design, various collection techniques and analytic strategies for quantitative empirical data, and ethical considerations. Students will develop skills in scientific writing (APA style) and critically reading and reviewing the literature. The course will require statistical analysis of research data and interpretation of the results. WID (Writing in the Discipline) course. Prerequisites: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive), and PSY 250 . Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Choe and Friedman-Wheeler.
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PSY 305 - Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 255) (GCR DA-AC)
An introduction to qualitative empirical methods and their application to selected problems of psychology, providing an introduction to issues of qualitative research design, analysis, and report writing. Central topics include narrative approaches, biography, phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, and case study. These topics are introduced and developed in the context of student-generated, collaborative research projects of significance to researchers and participants and will involve field observations, open interviews, emergent design, and a variety of approaches to data analysis and interpretation. Ethical considerations are emphasized throughout. WID (Writing in the Discipline) course. Prerequisites: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive), and PSY 250 . Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Pringle and Grayman-Simpson.
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PSY 312 - Existential and Humanistic Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 212)
Major theories of existential and humanistic psychology are covered, including consideration of the work of May, Laing, Frankl, Fromm, Rogers, and Maslow. Themes of human freedom, love, peak experiences, and optimal development will be emphasized. This course has a community-based learning component. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Fall semester. Patrick.
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PSY 322 - Cognitive Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 235)
The science of Cognitive Psychology involves exploring how the human mind processes information. This includes studying how and why the human mind evolved, how it develops through the lifespan, how it accomplishes the extraordinary achievements necessary for day-to-day living, and what happens when something goes wrong. Major topics include: perception, attention, memory, imagery, language, problem solving, and decision-making. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Spring semester. McCabe.
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PSY 337 - Neuroscience (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 237)
This course is an introduction to the relationships between the brain, cognition, emotion, and behavior. Topics include the structure, function, and development of the human nervous system, and the neural bases of sensory and motor systems, learning, stress, atypical development, psychological disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Spring semester. Starkey.
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PSY 338 - Health Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 239)
Selected topics relevant to the ways in which the mind, body, and behavior interact in health and disease, including health behaviors and behavior change, coping with illness, self-management approaches to physical illness, the impact of stress and coping on disease and on immune function, and the relationship between psychopathology and physical health. Course involves a community-based learning component related to Goucher College’s move to being a smoke-free campus. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Spring semester. Offered in 2018 and alternate years. Friedman-Wheeler.
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PSY 390 - Internship in Psychology (1-4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 290)
Placements available in clinical, school, business, research, and other related settings. Students participate on site under the supervision of professionals in the field and also completed specific assignment(s) as determined by the faculty internship sponsor. Each credit requires 45 internship hours. Graded pass/no-pass only. If PSY 390 is taken as a pre-requisite for the Advanced Practicum Experience (and Capstone) PSY 490 for the psychology major, students should enroll in PSY 390 for at least 2 credits. Prerequisites: four courses in psychology and permission of instructor. Offered variable semesters.
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PSY 394 - Mentored Research Team (variable credits) (Formerly PSY 298)
This course is designed for students to gain valuable research experience and skills by working on a faculty-mentored research team at a basic level in the planning and/or execution of an empirical research project. Each credit requires 45 research team hours. If PSY 394 is taken as a pre-requisite for the Advanced Practicum Experience (and Capstone) PSY 494 for the psychology major, students should enroll in PSY 394 for at least 2 credits. Graded pass/no pass only. Can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive); and permission of instructor.
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PSY 412 - Seminar in Existential and Humanistic Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 315)
Advanced exploration of topic in the study of existential and/or humanistic psychology. Topics will be selected from the following: Self-determination theory; the autonomy-relatedness dialectic; terror management theory; Gestalt therapy; intensive study of specific theorists, such as Laing, May, and Rogers. Prerequisites: PSY 230 or PSY 312 (formerly PSY 212); and either PSY 302 (formerly PSY 252) or PSY 305 (formerly PSY 255); or permission of instructor. Next offered Spring 2019. Department.
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PSY 419 - Seminar in Cultural Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 379)
Cultural psychology is a subfield within the areas of social psychology and cultural anthropology. It involves the study of the interconnections between and among intergenerationally transmitted behaviors, meanings, and symbols, and psychological processes such as cognition, affect, personality structure, and behavior. This particular seminar will: (1) consider anti-Black racism in its global context; (2) include anti-discrimination interpersonal response training; and (3) examine the culture and psychology of white racism from multiple perspectives including psychodynamic, clinical, behavioral, social psychological, and developmental psychological perspectives. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Prerequisites: PSY 219 or PSY 226 or PSY 230 ; and PSY 302 (formerly PSY 252) or PSY 305 (formerly PSY 255); or permission of the instructor. Spring semester. Grayman-Simpson.
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PSY 422 - Seminar in Cognitive Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 380)
A detailed examination of one or more selected topic(s) in cognitive psychology, with an emphasis on critical evaluation of assumptions and methodologies for scientific study of the human mind. Topics may include: applied memory; cognitive perspectives on teaching and learning; representation of knowledge; psycholinguistics; problem solving; reasoning and decision making; case studies in cognitive processes. Prerequisites: ED 207 or PSY 207 or PSY 222 (formerly PSY 202) or PSY 322 (formerly PSY 235); and PSY 302 (formerly PSY 252) or PSY 305 (formerly PSY 255); or permission of the instructor. Spring semester. Offered 2018 and alternate years. McCabe.
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PSY 426 - Research Seminar in Relational Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 328)
A collaborative exploration of the social and psychological construction of “race” and “gender” in America and how they shape our lives, relationships, and communities, as well as how we might imagine and effect positive change. Relational and cultural theory will guide our encounters across race, gender, and other socially constructed political realities. Classes will be pedagogically complex, with shared responsibilities for respectfully discussing, brainstorming, problem-solving, and imagining our ways forward, using improvisational theatre, memoir, storytelling/listening/interpreting, case study, biography, phenomenology, and action research to mine knowledge, raise consciousness, and chart imaginative, collaborative interventions with positive outcomes. Prerequisites: PSY 226 or PSY 305 (formerly PSY 255); or permission of instructor. Fall semester. Offered 2017 and alternate years. Pringle.
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PSY 427 - Research Seminar in the Psychology of Narrative and Meaning (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 306)
Narrative psychology uses the “storied” nature of human understanding as an integrating paradigm. This course considers the history, methods, and practicality of this perspective in the context of autobiography; identity; encounters and perceptions of self and others; and traumatic disruptions and recovery of self and community. Students use qualitative and literary/narrative methods to explore lived experience and the meanings they hold. Collaborative classroom engagement, including improvisational community-theatre work and storytelling/listening, are required. A qualitative research project is also required. Prerequisites: PSY 305 (formerly PSY 255); and junior or senior standing; or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. Offered 2018 and alternate years. Pringle.
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PSY 430 - Seminar in Social Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 370)
Selected topics in social psychology with emphasis on current research. Topics are selected from intrinsic motivation, group behavior, attitudes, and social influence. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 230 ; and PSY 302 (formerly PSY 252) or PSY 305 (formerly PSY 255); or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. Patrick.
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PSY 433 - Seminar in Experimental Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 345)
This seminar serves as an introduction to the experimental study of selected topics in perception and attention through a detailed examination of one or more selected topic(s). Topics are selected from among attention, sensory integration, comparative perception or other related topics. We will approach these topics in the context of the scientific method, research design, data collection techniques, and analytic strategies. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 233 ; and PSY 302 (formerly PSY 252) or PSY 305 (formerly 255); or permission of instructor. Spring semester. Offered 2017 and alternate years. Ghirardelli.
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PSY 437 - Seminar in Neuroscience (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 376)
This seminar focuses on one or more specific topics relevant to neuroscience and physiological psychology, such as brain imaging, educational neuroscience, psychopharmacology, neuropsychological case studies, or other aspects of brain/behavior relationships. Prerequisites: PSY 337 (formerly 237); and PSY 302 (formerly 252) or PSY 305 (formerly 252) or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. Starkey.
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PSY 438 - Seminar in Clinical Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 386)
In-depth examination of selected topics in advanced clinical psychology. Topics include a discussion of theoretical and social issues in the prevention and treatment of psychological disorders. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: PSY 238 (formerly PSY 271); and PSY 302 (formerly PSY 252) or PSY 305 (formerly PSY 255); or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. Friedman-Wheeler, LoPresto.
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PSY 444 - Seminar in Developmental Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 340)
In-depth study of a selected topic in developmental psychology. Topic may be a particular stage of life (e.g., infancy, childhood, old age) or a current research issue (e.g., maternal employment, day care, friendship development, moral development). For each topic, attention is given to theoretical underpinnings, methodological issues, assessment of current knowledge, and directions for future investigations. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 244 ; and PSY 302 (formerly PSY 252) or PSY 305 (formerly PSY 255); or permission of instructor. Spring semester. Program faculty.
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PSY 486 - Counseling Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 321)
Counseling Psychology is a specialty within professional psychology that maintains a focus on facilitating personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan. It privileges the use of scientific inquiries to: (1)understand and support people through periods of psychological, social, and emotional distress; (2) prevent abnormal psychological, social, and emotional functioning; and (3) promote optimal functioning. Counseling psychology is grounded in evidence-based, strengths-focused, culturally sensitive, socially just practices. Students develop proficiency in microcounseling skills, and apply them in 4 hours/week of practicum work with an online chat counseling service (i.e., Trevor Chat, RAINN, and Common Ground Crisis Hotline). Practicum placements require application, background checks, and training during the spring & summer prior to the start of the fall course. Placement sites require a year-long commitment. Counts as an “Advanced Practicum Experience” course in psychology, and also as a Psychology Capstone. In addition to the course topic and relevant skill development, students will focus on broader integration of and reflection on their educational experiences. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; and PSY 312 (formerly 212), or PSY 220 , or PSY 238 (formerly 271). Fall semester. Grayman-Simpson.
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PSY 488 - Advanced Self-Directed Projects in Psychology (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 329)
This course provides the opportunity for students to consult with each other toward identifying topics of individual interest in psychology and developing those interests into more fully developed projects and proposals. Projects may consist of empirical research; development of programs, services, or interventions, or creative artwork or writing. Students will review relevant literature and work with their instructor, a faculty project mentor, and their classmates to clarify and refine their interests into a well-defined topic of inquiry before moving toward the generation of a project proposal. Alternatively, some students may enter the class with a previously developed project proposal and will use the class as an opportunity to work toward implementation of their project. Counts as an “Advanced Practicum Experience” course in psychology, and also as a Psychology Capstone. In addition to the course topic and relevant skill development, students will focus on broader integration of and reflection on their educational experiences. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and at least 5 courses in psychology; or permission of the instructor. Spring semester. Program faculty.
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PSY 490 - Advanced Internship in Psychology (2-4 Cr.)
Placements available in clinical, school, business, research, and other related settings. Students participate on site under the supervision of professionals in the field, and also complete substantive academic work at an advanced level as determined by the faculty internship sponsor. Each credit requires 45 internship hours. To count as an “Advanced Practicum Experience” course in psychology, and also as a Psychology Capstone, ordinarily students will complete 2 credits of PSY 390 (formerly 290) Internship in Psychology, followed by at 2 credits of PSY 490 (4 credits total). In addition to the course topic and relevant skill development, students will focus on broader integration of and reflection on their educational experiences. Must be taken for a letter grade. Prerequisites: PSY 290 or PSY 390 ; and junior or senior standing; and permission of instructor. Offered variable semesters.
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PSY 494 - Advanced Mentored Research Team (2-4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 398)
Planning and executing an empirical research project on a faculty-mentored research team at an advanced level. Each credit requires 45 research team hours. To count as an “Advanced Practicum Experience” course in psychology, and also as a Psychology Capstone, students will ordinarily complete 2 credits of PSY 394 (formerly 298) Mentored Research Team, followed by 2 credits of PSY 494 (4 credits total). In addition to the course topic and relevant skill development, students will focus on broader integration of and reflection on their educational experiences. Must be taken for a letter grade. Can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 5 courses in psychology, including PSY 302 (formerly PSY 252) or PSY 305 (formerly PSY 255); PSY 394 (formerly PSY 298); junior or senior standing; and permission of instructor.
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PSY 495 - Senior Thesis (4 Cr.) (Formerly PSY 450)
Pursue an independent project related to psychology, following Goucher College guidelines for Senior Thesis. Each credit requires 45 thesis hours. Counts as an “Advanced Practicum Experience” course in psychology, and also as a Psychology Capstone. In addition to the thesis topic and relevant skill development, students will focus on broader integration of and reflection on their educational experiences. Prerequisites: Senior standing and instructor permission.
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