BA in Psychology
Many of today’s most pressing social problems relate directly to problems in behavior. Violence (at home or on the street), drug addiction and poor interpersonal relationships are just some examples of the types of issues explored in the field of psychology. Psychologists strive first to describe, understand and explain behavioral problems and also to contribute solutions to such problems, through careful collection of data, analysis of data, and development of intervention strategies.
The B.A. in Psychology provides students with a broad understanding of the principles that explain human behavior and interaction. In addition to learning the latest science and theory regarding human and nonhuman animal behavior, students in the program gain the vital skills and experience employers seek. These skills include research and writing skills, problem solving skills, and, well-developed, higher-level thinking ability as evidenced in analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information.
- Concentrate in general psychology, abnormal psychology, applied behavior analysis, applied psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience and social psychology.
- Choose from electives in forensic psychology, psychosomatics, neuroscience, social psychology and industrial and organizational psychology.
In addition to working directly in psychology-related fields such as counseling and teaching, our students and graduates find jobs in such varied areas as public affairs, education, business, sales, service industries, health, the biological sciences and computer programming. They also work as employment counselors, correction counselor trainees, interviewers, personnel analysts, probation officers and writers.
Curriculum
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Required Psychology Courses (33 Credits) |
||
| PSY 101 | Research Design and Analysis I | 4 |
| PSY 103 | Research Design and Analysis II | 4 |
| PSY 149 | Writing in Psychology | 3 |
| Three Lower-Level Psychology Courses (3 of the following) |
||
| PSY 107 | Child Development | 3 |
| PSY 108 | Adult Development | 3 |
| PSY 109 | Personality | 3 |
| PSY 110 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 113 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 127 | Cognition | 3 |
| Three Upper-Level Psychology Courses (3 of the following) |
||
| PSY 215 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
| PSY 216 | Introduction to Clinical Practice | 3 |
| PSY 217 | Psychology of Women | 3 |
| PSY 218 | Brain and Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 219 | Psychology of Art | 3 |
| PSY 220 | Psychology of Perception | 3 |
| PSY 221 | Learning and Memory | 3 |
| PSY 222 | Tests and Measurements | 3 |
| PSY 223 | Introduction to Behavior Modification | 3 |
| PSY 224 | Cross-Cultural Issues in Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 225 | Contemporary Issues in Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 226 | Psychology and the Law | 3 |
| PSY 228 | Fieldwork in Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 249 | Writing in Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 250 | Statistics in the Social Sciences | 3 |
| PSY 283 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 289 | Biofeedback and Self-Regulation | 3 |
| PSY 290 | Senior Seminar for Psychology Majors | 3 |
| Social Science Course (One of the following) |
||
| SSC 223 | Capstone | 3 |
| SSC 224 | Capstone | 3 |
|
Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) |
Courses |
|
ILO 1: Creative and Reflective Capacities (3 credits) Openness to new ideas, integrative and reflective thinking, investigation, and synthesis of existing knowledge as a way of creating, appreciating, and reflecting on original, innovative work grounded in scientific, humanistic, historical, and/or aesthetic disciplinary knowledge. |
ART 101: Introduction to Art ART 105: Introduction to Beginning Drawing ART 106: 3D Visualization and Production ART 131: Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture I CIN/FIL 109: Screenwriting II CIN 111: History of World Cinema CMA 109: Media Arts and Technology DNC 108: History of Dance ENG 167: Creativity and Nature ENG 182: Introduction to Creative Writing ENG 183: Creative Non-Fiction JOU 110: Journalism, Media and You MA 109: Media Arts and Technology MUS 101: Introduction to Musical Concepts MUS 102: Music Fundamentals MUS 110: Introduction to World Music PHI 172: Philosophy and the Mind SPE/ORC 105: Public Speaking THE 100: Introduction to Drama THE 111: The Art of Theatre THE 143: Shakespeare in Performance THE 193: Theatre Research/Performance |
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ILO 2: Historical and Intercultural Awareness (6 credits) Recognition of oneself as a member of a global community consisting of diverse cultures with unique histories and geographies. |
History HIS 100: American Civilization to 1877 HIS 101: Perspectives on Premodern World History HIS 102: Perspectives on Modern World History HIS 108: American Civilization since 1877 Intercultural Awareness ANT #: Any Anthropology Course ART 104: Introduction to Visual Arts CIN 105: The Art of Documentary ENG 115: Global Literatures ENG 132: Shakespeare ENG 158: American Literature FRE 111: Introduction to French I FRE 112: Introduction to French II GGR 102: Geography and the Global Citizen HIS 144: Topics in Asian History HIS 157: Topics in Latin American History ITL 111: Introduction to Italian I ITL 112: Introduction to Italian II MUS 103: Music in Western Civilization MUS 146: History of Hip Hop MUS 147: History of Rock Music MUS 159: History of Country Music PHI 170: Philosophies of Love and Sex POL 150: International Relations POL 161: Introduction to Comparative Politics SPA 111: Introduction to Spanish I SPA 112: Introduction to Spanish II SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 135: Global Cultures SOC 165: Culture and Society SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 165: Culture and Society SPE 100: Oral Communication THE 142: Modern Theatre History |
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ILO 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning (7-8 credits) Competence in interpreting numerical and scientific data in order to draw conclusions, construct meaningful arguments, solve problems, and gain a better understanding of complex issues within a discipline or in everyday contexts. |
Scientific Reasoning AST 109/109A: Introductory Astronomy I AST 110/110A: Introductory Astronomy II BIO 120/120L: General Biology I BIO 124/124L: Foundations of Biology I BIO 125/125L: The Science of Sustainability BIO 126/126L: DNA and Human Life BIO 137/137L: Human Anatomy and Physiology I CHM 101/101L: Chemistry for Health Science I CHM 103/103L: Principles of Chemistry I ERS 101/101L: Weather and Climate ERS 102/102L: Planet Earth ERS 103/103L: Oceanography ERS 125/125L: Environmental Sustainability Science FSC 100/100L: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry PHY 103: University Physics I PHY 104: University Physics II PHY 120/120L: The Physical Universe PHY 127/127L: Physics for Pharmacy PHY 131/131L: General Physics I PHY 131/131L: College Physics I PHY 132/132L: General Physic II PHY 132/132L: College Physics II Quantitative Reasoning MTH #: Any Mathematics Course |
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ILO 4: Oral and Written Communication (6 credits) Knowledge and skill in exchanging informed and well-reasoned ideas in effective and meaningful ways through a range of media to promote full understanding for various purposes, among different audiences and in a variety of contexts and disciplines. |
Written Communication ENG 110: Writing I – Composition and Analysis ENG 111: Writing II – Research and Argumentation |
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ILO 5: Information and Technological Literacies (3 credits) Ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. |
CGPH 126: Web Design for Everyone EDI 100: Contemporary Issues in Education ENG 148: Ideas and Themes n Literature ENG 173: Writing in the Community ENG 175: Writing in the Professions ENG 178: Writing in the Sciences HIS 107: Engaging the Past HIS 190: Research Problems in History POL 100: Research Problems in Political Science SOC 102: Social Problems SOC 148: Medical Sociology SOC 148: Sociology of Health and Illness |
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ILO 6: Critical Inquiry and Analysis (3 credits) Reflective assessment and critique of evidence, applying theory, and practicing discernment in the analysis of existing ideas and in the production of new knowledge across a broad array of fields or disciplines. |
ENG 103: Grammar and the Structure of English ENG 112: World Literatures I ENG 113: World Literatures II ENG 140: Introduction to Literature ENG 180: Literary Genres FRE 100: French Cinema GGR 101: The Geography of Sustainable Development HIS 104: Topics in American History HIS 120: Topics in Medieval History HIS 164: History of Gender and Sexuality HIS 167: History of Science and Technology PHI 100: Beginning Philosophy PHI 163: Philosophy of Art PHI 179: Social and Political Philosophy POL 147: Political Psychology POL 156: Diplomacy and Negotiation PSY 103: General Psychology PSY 111: Psychological Perspectives on Teaching and Learning SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology SOC 112: Gender, Race and Ethnicity SOC 126: Sociology of Gender SOC 161: Sociology of Sport |
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ILO 7: Ethical Reasoning and Civic Engagement (3 credits) Evaluation of ethical issues in conduct and thinking, development of ethical self-awareness, consideration of various perspectives, and responsible and humane engagement in local and global communities. |
ART 177: High Impact Art CIN/FIL 103: Major Forces in the Cinema ECO 101: Microeconomics ECO 102: Macroeconomics ENG 150: Empathy and Literature HIS 116: History of Race and Society HIS 158: History of Politics and Power PHI 105: Bioethics PHI 113: Philosophy and Film PHY 178: Ethics and Society POL 101: Introduction to Political Science POL 102: Introduction to American Politics POL 123: Political Parties and Public Opinion SOC 108: Sociology of Youth SOC 109: Social Movements and Change SOC 110: Human Rights and Social Justice SOC 119: Sociology of the Family SOC 122: American Social Problems/Global Context SPA 105: The Hispanic World |
Course Descriptions
PSY 101 Research Design & Analysis I
A survey of the methods used in psychological research. Students learn about the various methods that psychologists use to address research questions. Discussions will focus on generating research questions, collecting data, measuring constructs, and sampling issues. The lab component of this course will provide hands-on experience with conducting research including the steps involved from generating a research question to reporting findings. A brief report to document each step of the research process will be generated. This course replaces PSY 151 and does not require 102 as a co-requisite .
Prerequisite: Mth 15 or 16.
Credits: 4
PSY 103 Research Design & Analysis II
This course builds from Research Design and Analysis I. This discussion and lab course is a study of research design, statistical concepts and techniques employed by the psychologist, including measures of central tendency, variability, relative position and association; concepts of probability and sampling; and techniques of estimation and hypothesis-testing. Students learn about the various research designs and statistical techniques that psychologists use to address research questions. The lab component provides hands-on experience with conducting data analyses. This course replaces PSY 150 which is only open for non-majors in psychology. This course requires a C or better in PSY 101, MTH 15/16.
Pre-requisites of MTH 15 or 16 and PSY 101 (with C or better) are required.
Credits: 4
PSY 107 Child Development
An examination of human development from birth through the adolescent years. Topics covered include social-emotional development and changes in intellectual functioning. Also considered are special issues such as infant care, schooling and the effects of the community on development. Not open to students who have completed Teaching and Learning 250 or PSY 31.
Credits: 3
PSY 108 Adult Development
A lifespan approach to human development and an examination of development from puberty through adulthood to old age. Topics discussed focus on crucial issues throughout that period, such as the establishment of a career, the influence of family and community, retirement, and the impact of conception and death.
Credits: 3
PSY 109 Personality
A study of the dynamics of personality adjustment, with an analysis of constitutional and environmental interaction in personal development, with some attention to different theoretical viewpoints.
Credits: 3
PSY 110 Abnormal Psychology
A study of how clinical psychologists think about behavior that might be considered “abnormal” or “pathological” in modern life. Concepts related to
defining and diagnosing disorders will be discussed, and these concepts will be applied to a variety of specific diagnoses such as mood, anxiety and personality disorders. Individual cases will be discussed that illustrate principles related to causation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a range of disorders.
Credits: 3
PSY 113 Social Psychology
A study of human nature and behavior as influenced by the social environment, emphasizing the relationship of culture and personality and the psychological implications of individual and group differences. The theoretical and methodological bases of applications of behavioral science to social problems are examined.
Credits: 3
PSY 127 Cognition
A survey of the history, theories and methods of cognitive psychology. An examination is made of such topics as attention, thinking, problem solving and memory. Applications to computer systems theory are covered.
Credits: 3
Every Fall
PSY 149 Writing in Psychology
Credits: 3
PSY 215 Group Dynamics
A review of principles and research findings on interpersonal relationships and social interests in small groups as well as social institutions and culture and their applications to education, community action, and political life.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+ level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 216 Introduction to Clinical Practice
A survey of the mental health professions; past, present, and future roles of the clinical psychologist; assessment and treatment; and major research issues. Concurrent practicum experience may be required. Designed primarily for psychology majors who plan to do graduate work in one of the mental health professions, particularly clinical psychology.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 217 Psychology of Women
An examination of the relevance of gender to the experiences of the individual and the overall functioning of society. Theories that come from all major areas of psychology - physiological, comparative, cognitive, developmental, personality - provide insight into the position of women in culture. The primary objective is to use historical, theoretical and comparative information to understand current gender relations. Same as HUM 117.
The pre-requisite of PSY 3 or HPS 21 is required.
PSY 218 Brain and Behavior
This course will introduce key concepts in the relationship between brain and behavior. The basic structures and functions of the brain will be reviewed as they relate to how we think, feel, and act. Various brain-based systems will be reviewed in terms of their implications for emotional experiences, learning, remembering and forgetting, sleep and attention, and language. Research and clinical methods for evaluating brain structures and functions will be discussed, as well as their implications for various mental disorders.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+
level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 219 Psychology of Art
An exploration of the psychological aspects of both the creation and interpretation of art, focusing mainly, but not exclusively, on modern and postmodern visual art and its relation to modern life. Topics include basic concepts and problems in the psychology and philosophy of art, the role of modern art in contemporary society, and the relationship of the artistic imagination to other forms of creativity. In addition, opportunities are provided to view, experience and comment on art exhibits in the New York City area.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 220 Psychology of Perception
A review of selected theories of perception as well as certain philosophical questions that bear upon such theories and experimental findings. The development of perceptual processes and personality aspects involved in perceptual processes (e.g., cognitive styles) are also covered.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 221 Learning and Memory
An examination of historical and current theories and research in learning and memory. Behavioral, cognitive and psychoanalytic perspectives are included, and influences of culture, pathology and development on learning and memory are discussed- all leading to an examination of how such information can be used in education, treatment
and everyday life.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+ level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 222 Tests and Measurement
An examination of the theory and practice of measurement, the construction and employment of tests, and the assets and deficiencies of tests and
testing. May include a study of one or more commonly used psychological tests.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+ level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 223 Introduction to Behavior Modification
An introduction to behavior modification, including the learning principles underlying treatment of behavioral disorders. Treatment strategies are considered in the following settings: schools, prisons, hospitals, outpatient clinics. Psychology 221 is recommended before this course.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+ level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 224 Cross-Cultural Issues in Psychology
An introduction to issues of particular significance to different cultural groups in the United States and elsewhere. Cultural differences related to the psychology of the individual and family, norms, and mental health issues, as well as dominant and minority group membership issues are discussed.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+
level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 225 Contemporary Issues of Psychology
A review in depth of the philosophic roots as wellas the major contemporary schools of thought in psychology, such as behaviorism, psychoanalysis, existentialism, gestalt, and biosocial theory. Comparisons are made of the various schools, and appraisals of specific contemporary issues, with special attention to the leading proponents of each
school, are conducted.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 226 Psychology and the Law
An examination of the various ways in which psychology and criminal and civil law interact. Topics include the insanity defense and competence to stand trial, the legal rights of mentally ill persons (e.g., involuntary hospitalization), predicting potential violence, the death penalty, sex crimes and offenders, eyewitness identification, hypnosis and polygraph testing, jury selection and jury law.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+
level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 228 Fieldwork in Psychology
Students perform eight hours of supervised volunteer work per week in applied psychology in an approved community/social service agency - for example a daycare center, a drug abuse center, a program for pregnant teenagers. In conjunction with the supervised experience, students meet as a group once a week to integrate what they are doing with the more traditional theoretical/academic work. Students must find their own placements.
Prerequisite: At least 15 credits in advanced
Psychology.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 249 Writing in Psychology
Every discipline has specific styles of writing associated with it. These styles reflect conventions that members of the discipline have agreed upon. In psychology, the conventions follow rules for making scientific arguments. This course therefore teaches students the fundamentals of scientific writing, including literature reviews, research reports and research proposals.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+level electives
Credits: 3
Every Semester
PSY 250 Statistics in the Social Sciences
A study of statistical concepts and techniques employed by the psychologist, including measures of central tendency, variability, relative position and association; concepts of probability and sampling; and techniques of estimation and hypothesis testing.
This course is open to non-majors in Psychology.
The pre-requisite of MTH 15 or MTH 16 is required.
Credits: 3
PSY 283 Health Psychology
This course examines the biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that are important to the promotion and maintenance of health and illness.
Topics include health-enhancing and healthcompromising behaviors (i.e. health habits and lifestyle), risk factors for leading causes of death, stress and coping, the interplay among patients, their health-care providers, and health care settings, pain and chronic illness, and specific illnesses ranging from heart disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS to neurological and age-related disorders.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+level electives
Credits: 3
Every Spring
PSY 289 Biofeedback and Self-Regulation
Biofeedback is a psychotherapeutic modality which provides individuals with information about certain aspects of their physiological functioning as an aid in treating a variety of conditions including stress, anxiety, ADHD, headache, Reynaud's disease, etc.This course provides an introduction to biofeedback principles and practice, and fulfills the knowledge domain requirement recommendations set forth by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America for biofeedback technicians.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+ level electives
Credits: 3
PSY 290 Senior Seminar for Psychology Majors
Extensive readings and discussions of special topics with one or more members of the Psychology Department. Limited to psychology majors with a quality-point ratio of 3.0 or better and no more than 20 students.
PSY 101 and 103 (or 150), and 9 credits in 100+level electives
Credits: 3
SSC 223 Capstone Seminar in the Social Sciences The Capstone Seminar in the Social Sciences (either SSC 223 or SSC 224) is required of all Social Science, Political Science, and Psychology majors in their senior year. The seminar is an exploration and analysis from an interdisciplinary perspective of select critical issues, problems and frontiers in the social sciences that allows students to apply skills and analytical tools developed throughout their years of involvement in social science disciplines. The seminar promotes experimentation and provides a culminating academic focus for majors in all social science disciplines. Course topics and themes vary from year to year and course may be retaken for credit as long as the content differs. Credits: 3
SSC 224 Capstone Seminar in Social Sciences
The Capstone Seminar in the Social Sciences (either SSC 223 or SSC 224) is required of all Social Science, Political Science, and Psychology majors in their senior year. The seminar is an exploration and analysis from an interdisciplinary perspective of select critical issues, problems and frontiers in the social sciences that allows students to apply skills and analytical tools developed throughout their years of involvement in social science disciplines. The seminar promotes experimentation and provides a culminating
academic focus for majors in social science disciplines. Course topics and themes vary from year to year and the course may be retaken for credit as long as the content differs.
Credits: 3
