Psychology
Note: This page contains all of the regular courses taught by this department. Not all courses are offered every year. Check the searchable schedule to see which courses are being offered in the upcoming semester.
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology: Basic Processes
Credit: 0.5
Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. In this introductory course, which is a prerequisite for all of the other psychology courses, you will explore a variety of areas in which psychologists conduct research, and you will learn about the process of conducting research. For example, you will study the biological foundations of behavior, sensory and perceptual processes, cognition, and learning and memory. The course is for first-year students and sophomores. Multiple sections are offered every spring semester.
PSYC 102 Introduction to Psychology: Behavior in Context
Credit: 0.5
This is the second part of the introductory psychology course. While PSYC 101 dealt with basic processes of behavior, in PSYC 102 you will examine behavior in context. You will study developmental psychology, personality and social psychology, psychological disorders, and other issues.
PSYC 111 Honors Introductory Psychology: Basic Processes
Credit: 0.5
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to explore topics in the history of psychological science, biopsychology, sensation, perception, memory, thought, and language in more depth than the traditional introductory course. In addition to an advanced textbook, students will have supplementary readings and will participate in computerized laboratory exercises related to the topics covered each week, so as to develop communication and research skills. This course is designed for students who are serious about becoming majors in psychology and have already had some experience prior to college entry. It is more challenging than the traditional introductory psychology course, it is more interactive, and it goes into greater depth. One goal is for students to become proficient in computer skills early in their major.
PSYC 112 Honors Introductory Psychology: Behavior in Context
Credit: 0.5
This course is designed to engage students in an in-depth exploration of topics pertaining to the study of personality, stress and coping, health psychology, abnormal psychology and psychopathology, clinical psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology. Unlike the typical introductory psychology courses at Kenyon, this course is a seminar that emphasizes the integration of information from a textbook, supplementary readings, and, where possible, computerized presentations or laboratory exercises. This course is designed for students who are serious about becoming majors in psychology.
PSYC 200 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
Credit: 0.5
In this course, students will learn to conduct a variety of statistical tests that are commonly used in psychological research. In addition, the skills of choosing the appropriate statistical tests for particular research designs, and writing and interpreting the results of statistical analyses, will be emphasized. The computer statistical package SPSS will be used. Psychology and neuroscience majors have preference.
PSYC 301 Cognitive Psychology
Credit: 0.5
This course will consider research and theories regarding basic cognitive processes such as memory and perception, as well as higher level thinking processes such as decision-making, language processing, and social cognition. Emphasis will be on the study of laboratory research, with discussion of how the findings relate to real-world cognition.
Instructor: Payne
PSYC 302 Comparative Psychology
Credit: 0.5
Comparative psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes of organisms, including humans. Until Darwin published his theory of evolution, it was commonly accepted that a huge gulf exists between human and nonhuman animals. In this course we will examine human and animal behavior and mental activity from an evolutionary perspective, that is, from a perspective in which humans are part of the continuum of life forms that inhabit the planet. We will consider the notion that, in contrast to the usual anthropocentric view of behavior and mental processes, many of the same evolutionary and ecological principles explain both human and animal behavior.
Instructor: Niemiec
PSYC 303 Learning and Motivation
Credit: 0.5
This course is concerned with the basic theories and principles underlying the concepts of learning and motivation as they apply to animal and human behavior. A thorough review will be made of the theoretical issues, experimental methods, and findings relevant to the processes of learning and motivation. A major part of the course will be concerned with how the fields of learning and motivation have been applied to real-world issues (e.g., drug addiction and behavioral therapies).
Instructor: Millin-Lipnos
PSYC 304 Neuropsychology
Credit: 0.5
This course is designed to facilitate our learning about the connections and interactions between neuroanatomy, brain function, and psychological phenomena. We do this by studying neuropsychological disorders, as well as the basic psychological processes such as perceptions and memory. Through readings, discussions, and class presentations, we will learn some of the basic principles of the brains's organization and function, as well as its ability to recover function after damage. In addition, we will learn about the nature, causes, and treatment of specific neuropsychological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, closed head injuries, Tourette's syndrome, and stroke-induced aphasia. Further, we will learn about neuropsychological assessment and the current level of research and discovery in the neruopsychology of specific disorders through student presentations.
Instructor: McFarlane
PSYC 305 Physiological Psychology
Credit: 0.5
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the physiological phenomena responsible for psychological experiences. The main focus of the course is a detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. This is then followed by a study of the sensory and self-regulatory systems, a study of higher cognitive processing. With each new topic, the relevant anatomical and physiological systems will be discussed as they relate to the behavior under scrutiny. Thus the biological underpinnings of vision, mood, learning,memory, motivation, and other topics will be studied.
Instructor: McFarlane
PSYC 306 Psychology of Language
Credit: 0.5
People use language day in and day out, so effortlessly that it often may seem automatic. Yet language use is a complicated phenomenon that plays an important role in almost every aspect of high-level human functioning. In this course, language will be examined from a variety of psychological perspectives, including production, comprehension, acquisition, neurology, pragmatics, and more. By the end of the course, students will have gained a heightened awareness of just how complex language use really is, and a richer appreciation of the far-reaching impact that it has on their everyday lives. Course requirements include exams, mini-papers, a research project, and class participation.
PSYC 307 Sensation and Perception
Credit: 0.5
This course focuses on the ways in which the brain gathers, processes, and interprets information from the external environment in order to construct an internal representation that the organism perceives to be "reality." The goal is to provide students with an understanding of the evolution, structure, and function of various sensory systems as well as an understanding of how the brain interprets incoming sensations and turns them into perceptions that allow organisms to act on their environment.
Instructor: Niemiec
PSYC 321 Abnormal Psychology
Credit: 0.5
This course provides students with an introductory overview of the nature, causes, and treatment of adolescent and adult mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and organic mental disorders. Included there will be discussion of critical issues and controversies in this field, such as the definition of abnormality and the labeling of abnormal behavior.
Instructor: Lopez
PSYC 322 Adult Development
Credit: 0.5
This course provides an overview of developmental issues related to adult life and an in-depth examination of some current theory and research in adult development and aging. We will cover the psychological, social, and biological dimensions including personality, learning and memory, family psychopathology, and some clinical interventions from emerging adulthood to life.
Instructor: White
PSYC 323 Child Development
Credit: 0.5
This course focuses on normal human development from conception through adolescence. Biological and social influences on development are considered with an emphasis on their interaction.
PSYC 325 Social Psychology
Credit: 0.5
Social psychology is the systematic study of social behavior. In general, it examines how we are affected by our social environment: how we perceive and interpret the behavior of others and the social situation, how we respond to others and they to us, and the nature of social relationships. Application of social psychological theory and methodology is encouraged through participation in small-scale laboratory or field observational studies.
Instructor: Murnen
PSYC 326 Theories of Personality
Credit: 0.5
This course introduces students to major approaches to understanding both consistencies in individual behavior and differences between individuals. This survey will focus on seven paradigms: psychodynamic, phenomenological, dispositional, cross-cultural, social learning, cognitive, and existential. Major themes and issues are discussed, such as (1) the relationship between personality, self, identity, and other types of integrative processes; and (2) the need to investigate personality using a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative methods.
Instructor: Levine
PSYC 327 Cross-Cultural Psychology
Credit: 0.5
There are approximately six billion people in the world. And yet most of the theories that we use to explain psychological functioning have been based on limited samples drawn from the West. In this course, we will examine in greater detail the impact of culture on human behavior and review issues such as the role of culture in the concept of the self, the cultural influences on social behavior, the association of culture and cognition, and the measurement and experience of cross-cultural psychopathology. By integrating research from various social science disciplines (such as anthropology and sociology), students should gain a wider appreciation of the influence on culture on everyday experiences, while simultaneously understanding that culture is not a static or homogenous entity.
Instructor: López
PSYC 330 Health Psychology
Credit: 0.5
Health psychology addresses the cognitive, social, and emotional factors related to health and illness, with an emphasis on the prevention and modification of health-compromising behaviors. A biopsychosocial approach is used to address topics such as: promotion of good health and prevention of illness; the recovery, rehabilitation, and psychosocial adjustment that correspond with health problems; and the role of stress and coping in illness. The course examines people's use of and experience with health services and hospitals, the psychosocial impact that living with chronic illnesses has on patients and their families, and the role of psychologists in health research and health care. It provides practical and experiential understanding of the challenges involved in health behavior change. Special topics, such as drug use, alternative health care, and specific diseases, will be covered based on time and student interest.
Instructor: White
PSYC 342 Clinical Psychology
Credit: 0.5
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the field of clinical psychology. Through readings, videos, discussion, and in class role-plays you will be exposed to the major therapeutic orientations in psychology (including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered therapy) as well as newer schools of interventions (including feminist therapy, multicultural counseling, and community psychology). In addition, we will cover other areas in clinical psychology, such as testing and assessment, and the difficulties involved in the assessment of others. A special area of focus in this course will be forensic psychology. Case studies from the instructor's experience as a therapist will be used throughout the course to further highlight the material. This course is best suited for students who are considering applying to graduate school in clinical psychology.
Instructor: López
PSYC 344 Human Sexual Behavior
Credit: 0.5
This course examines the biological, psychological, and social bases of human sexuality. Topics include the physiology of sex functions, variations of sexual behavior, nature and treatment of sexual malfunctions, sexual identity and attitudes, differences in sexual behavior, and the social dynamics of sexual interaction.
Instructor: Fenigstein
PSYC 346 Psychology of Women
Credit: 0.5
Psychological research about women is examined critically in this course. Topics such as gender differences, gender stereotypes, eating disorders, and violence against women will be addressed with particular attention to the effects of sociocultural factors. A variety of learning tools (e.g., conducting projects, analyzing research articles, engaging in discussion, taking exams) will be used by the class.
Instructor: Murnen
PSYC 347 Psychopharmacology
Credit: 0.5
The emphasis of this course is on the biological mechanisms of the actions and effects of both legal and illegal psychoactive drugs. The course begins with a brief discussion of the history of psychopharmacology, followed by an in-depth examination of the biological basis of drug action in the brain. This is followed by a discussion of the basis of drug classification. Specific drugs are discussed. These include illicit drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin as well as legal psychoactive drugs like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. The course ends with a discussion of the action of drugs used in the treatment of mental disorders such as schizophrenia (antipsychotics) and depression (antidepressants).
Instructor: McFarlane
PSYC 348 Adolescence
Credit: 0.5
This course will provide students with an overview of important issues in adolescent psychology, from early adolescence to young adulthood. The major physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developments that occur during this transitional period will be covered. Influences on adolescent development such as family, peers, school, work, and culture will also be explored.
Instructor: Krieg
PSYC 350 Psychology in Context
Credit: 0.5
This course will focus on the application of psychology to social settings and social services. We will examine a selection of social problems and the influence of social systems on individuals. In addition to regular class meetings, students will spend six out-of-class hours each week at a local community agency (e.g., Knox County Head Start). Students will integrate these service experiences with course-related material.
PSYC 402 Research Methods in Cognition
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course is designed with three specific goals: (1) to provide an understanding of basic research and design; (2) to cover essential issues, history, and debate in the field of cognitive psychology; and (3) to give students hands-on experience with some of the classic experiments in the field. The course will include lectures and discussion, as well as laboratory exercises in which students will participate in computerized experiments, collect data, and learn how cognitive psychologists make inferences about mental processes using observable performance measures. The course also requires students to create their own research proposal and present it in class.
Instructor: Payne
PSYC 403 Research Methods in Learning and Motivation
Credit: 0.5 QR
This methods course provides students with the critical skills for understanding and conducting behavioral research in animal subjects. Students will be actively engaged in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Students will also learn about designing research projects, making valid conclusions, critiquing journal articles, and writing a scientific paper.
Instructor: Millin-Lipnos
PSYC 405 Research Methods in Physiological Psychology
Credit: 0.5 QR
This is a laboratory methods course that focuses on research methods used in physiological psychology and behavioral neuroscience. The emphasis of the course will be on designing, conducting, and presenting research, as well as on mastering specific laboratory techniques. The primary goal is to examine the relationships between brain chemistry and behavior. To this end, students will engage in the designing and implementation of projects that examine these relationships using animal subjects. The course will also focus on data analysis and experimental design.
Instructor: McFarlane
PSYC 406 Research Methods in Sensation and Perception
Credit: 0.5 QR
This methods course teaches students the skills necessary for conducting research in sensation and perception. It will give students first-hand experience with a number of concepts and measurement techniques as well as an understanding of the ways in which sensory psychologists investigate how the brain gathers, processes, and interprets information from the external environment in order to construct an internal representation of reality. Students will learn to design experiments; collect, analyze, and present data using computer software packages; and write a scientific paper.
Instructor: Niemiec
PSYC 421 Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course explores the methods used in life-span developmental psychology research. Among the issues addressed are: ethics of research with children and the elderly, developmental research designs, developing measures, and data analysis.
PSYC 422 Research Methods in Personality
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course will examine a variety of methodologies used by psychologists who conduct research in the area of personality and individual differences. The course includes lectures, discussions, and assignments designed to give students hands-on experience in designing research, collecting and analyzing data, and relating their work to larger theories. During the course, students will also learn how to design research that is ethical, how to critically evaluate research, and how to write professional reports in the style developed by the American Psychological Association.
Instructor: Levine
PSYC 423 Research Methods in Social Psychology
Credit: 0.5 QR
Social psychology attempts to understand the ways in which our thoughts and behavior are affected by others. This course will examine the principles, methods, and problems of research in social psychology. Using a variety of formats, ranging from lectures, to discussion of research, to class and field demonstrations, students will become familiar with the ways in which research ideas are generated, critical evaluation of relevant research literatures, research design and methodology, data collection procedures using both laboratory and naturalistic settings, statistical analyses, and ways of presenting research consistent with journal publication.
Instructor: Fenigstein
PSYC 424 Research Methods in Cross-Cultural Psychology
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course is designed to train students in the skills needed to conduct cross-cultural research studies in psychology. The format will be primarily that of a lab-oriented seminar, though lecture also will be included. Through discussion and hands-on research activities, students will develop and refine their ability to generate and test cultural hypotheses, to collect and analyze relevant data, and to report and critique cross-cultural research findings. Topics to be covered include experimental design, questionnaire construction, naturalistic observation, content analysis, computer-based statistical analysis, and American Psychological Association writing style. Course requirements include two data-collection projects with lab reports, in-class presentations, and a final exam.
PSYC 425 Research Methods to Study Gender
Credit: 0.5 QR
Science is a valuable tool for understanding the world, but when dealing with the issue of gender, it has often been applied in flawed ways. A feminist critique of science has helped us understand both the limits and the possibilities of examining issues related to gender from a scientific perspective. In this course we will consider the application of feminist theories and methods to understanding psychological issues related to gender. You will critically analyze various research articles, conduct two class research projects and prepare written reports of the results, and develop your own proposal for a piece of independent psychological research related to gender.
Instructor: Murnen
PSYC 426 Research Methods using Qualitative Approaches
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course will introduce students to qualitative methods in psychological research. Topics will include data collection methodologies (e.g., interviews, focus groups, participant observation), coding strategies (e.g., thematic coding, content analysis, grounded analysis), ethics, and writing. As part of the course, students will be required to design, conduct, analyze, and write up a qualitative study.
PSYC 441 Seminar in Animal Behavior
Credit: 0.5
This seminar examines recent theories and empirical research relevant to animal cognition/cognitive ethology. Readings, discussions, and student research presentations will be used to explore recent advances in the study of animal behavior and cognition as well as how these discoveries are being used to provide scientists with a greater understanding of the mental abilities of non human animals.
Instructor: Niemiec
PSYC 442 Childhood Psychopathology
Credit: 0.5
This course examines the signs and symptoms, as well as the personal and interpersonal impact, of various disorders of childhood, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, childhood depression, conduct disorder, eating disorders, and pervasive developmental disorders (e.g., autism and Asperger's syndrome). These disorders are studied through the lens of developmental psycholopathology. This means that they are explained in relation to interlocking sets of normal and abnormal developmental influences, such as genetics, family systems, gender roles, child sexual abuse, poverty, culture and ethnicity, and developmental transitions. This course provides students with intensive instruction in critical thinking and in writing, discussing, and presenting information about theory, research methodology, and data.
Offered as our schedule permits.
Instructor: Levine
PSYC 443 Psychology of Eating Disorders
Credit: 0.5
This seminar explores the psychology of eating disorders through readings, discussion, lectures, student research and presentations, and visits by clinicians. We will examine the full spectrum of problems linked to negative body image, the definition of self in terms of weight and shape, calorie-restrictive dieting, and chaotic eating patterns. Issues to be investigated include comorbidity with other psychological disorders, gender differences, behavior genetics, and treatment and prevention.
Instructor: Levine
PSYC 444 Seminar in Memory
Credit: 0.5
This seminar will survey basic experimental and theoretical work on memory processes, drawing from both human and animal research. Topics may include the neurobiology of memory, forgetting, the effects of drugs on memory, memory disorders (such as amnesia or Alzheimer's), the effects of stress on memory, and the implantation of false memories. Students may also suggest special topics to be covered. This course has a discussion format.
Instructor: Millin-Lipnos
PSYC 449 Theory and Research on the Self
Credit: 0.5
Our sense of self provides meaning and coherence to our lives, but the processes involved in the creation, structure, and functioning of the self are only beginning to be understood. This course is designed as a seminar examining recent psychological theory and research on the self. We will explore the problem of self-perception and self-knowledge, the development of self-conceptions, and the role that the self plays in our perceptions and interactions with the social world. We will also ask questions about the ways in which people evaluate themselves, and enhance and protect their self-esteem. Finally we will examine the way in which the self is woven into our social lives, and the relation between the private and the public self.
PSYC 493 Individual Study
Credit: 0.25-0.5
The student conducts independent research under the supervision of a member of the department. For .50 unit of credit, students will typically meet with their advisor at least once a week. Students will typically spend a minimum of five hours a week on research-related activity which might include reviewing and writing about research articles, planning research protocol, collecting data, analyzing data, interpreting data, and writing up the results of research findings. Students typically produce some kind of final product which might be a written paper, a poster presentation and/or an oral presentation.
PSYC 497Y Senior Honors
Credit: 0.5
This is a program for senior candidates for honors in psychology, culminating in a senior honors thesis. The course will consist of a research project in some area of psychology. A student who wishes to conduct an honors project must meet each of the following three criteria: (1) the student must have a GPA of 3.5 in psychology and an overall GPA of 3.3; (2) the student must have participated in a psychology-department-approved research experience (which might be research in a research methods course, independent study, or summer lab work); and (3) the student must have completed a minimum of 4 units in psychology and have taken the appropriate core courses for the proposal before the senior year. It is also recommended that the student have had exposure to calculus and other courses within the Natural Sciences Division.
Instructor: Murnen