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2014-2016 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2014-2016 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

Core Curriculum Requirements
Please visit www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum/Pages/approved-core-curriculum-courses.aspx for a listing of courses that have been approved for specific Core Curriculum requirements (Class of 2016 and beyond). The list is updated on a regular basis. In addition, students in the Class of 2013, 2014, and 2015 can search the Course Catalog or Semester Course Offerings in CyberFriar to locate courses with a specific Core Curriculum attribute. Need assistance? Please contact Alyssa Marton at aneubeck@providence.edu or 401.865.1765.
 

Political Science

Note: Not all of these courses are offered each semester. Students should check the latest course registration booklet for offerings and for changes in prerequisites.
  

  • PSC 303 - Urban Politics in the United States

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of city politics in the United States from a variety of theoretical perspectives, using analytical concepts such as social class, pluralism, political economy, and urban regimes. Includes urban elections and party machines, metropolitan development and suburbanization, and racial and ethnic political mobilization. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Same as BLS 303.


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  • PSC 305 - The American Congress

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An analysis of the dynamics of the United States Congress. Included will be a consideration of the constituency relationship, internal procedures, and the congressional role in the policy process. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 201.


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  • PSC 306 - The American Presidency

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An analysis of the contemporary presidency and its relationship to the American political system. Presidential power and roles are examined in terms of constitutional, institutional, personal, and contextual factors. Attention is given to evaluations and interpretations of the office, to presidential elections, and to the nature of presidential activity in domestic and foreign policy making. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 201.


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  • PSC 310 - American Foreign Policy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The larger foreign policy problems confronting the United States today, considered in the light of American values, historic patterns, and the current world situation. Fulfills the American Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 311 - American Constitutional Law

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to the American legal system and the development and evolution of the United States Constitution through judicial interpretation. Emphasis will be placed on courts as political institutions directly involved in the development of public policy. Areas covered include judicial review, federalism, separation of powers, and economic policy. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 201.


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  • PSC 312 - Civil Liberties

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of the rights of the individual in the American political system as they have evolved and been defined by the judiciary. Particular emphasis will be placed on freedom of thought and communication, criminal procedure, and the quest for equality. Fulfills the American Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 315 - Elections and Electoral Behavior

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This course is concerned with the behavior of the American electorate. It examines in detail the factors that contribute to individual voting behavior and the outcomes of elections. Special attention is given to electoral change. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Prerequisites: PSC 102 and 201.


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  • PSC 316 - Political Parties and Interest Groups

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A consideration of the two primary forms of political organization in the United States. The emphasis will be on understanding the formation and organization of parties and interest groups and their activities related to decision-making in government. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Prerequisites: PSC 102 and 201.


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  • PSC 317 - Comparative State Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to state government and politics in the United States. States will be compared, individually and in groups, along such dimensions as electoral participation, executive leadership, legislative activity, and policy outputs. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Prerequisites: PSC 102 and 201.


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  • PSC 318 - American Public Policy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Introduction to the analysis of American public policies. Describes current public policy in a number of domestic policy areas. Emphasis is placed on examining alternative explanatory models for a more intelligent understanding of public policy. The roles of public administrators in the formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation of public policies are discussed. Fulfills the American Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 319 - Political Attitudes and Public Opinion

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An analysis of the sources and distribution of public opinion in the United States. Attention will be given to relationships between social background, personality characteristics, and opinions on political issues. Additionally, linkages between public opinion and public policy will be considered. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Prerequisites: PSC 102 and 201.


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  • PSC 320 - Comparative Asian Government and Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Uses a comparative approach to examine the political systems of various Asian nations including China, Japan, the Koreas, and Indonesia. Special attention will be given to the impact of culture on politics and the political institutions and the politics of Asian economic development. Fulfills the Comparative Government and Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 321 - Chinese Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines politics in the People’s Republic of China. Topics include, for example, politics and social structure prior to 1949, the Communist Party and Cultural Revolution, state society relations, ideology and religion, elite politics, grass roots mobilization, domestic and international consequences of market reforms, popular protest, and prospects for political liberalization.


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  • PSC 324 - Government and Politics of Russia and the Former Soviet Union

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An analysis of the political systems of Russia and other nations of the former Soviet Union, with emphasis on historical continuity and change, ideology, the authoritarian model, functionalism, modernization, and policy decision-making processes. Fulfills the Comparative Government and Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 325 - Comparative Revolutions

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Surveys concepts and theories of revolution. Generalizations derived from studies of the great Western revolutions in England, France, and Russia will be re-examined in the light of recent experiences in China, Vietnam, Cuba, or Iran. Fulfills the Comparative Government and Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 329 - Middle Eastern Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A comparative introduction to the complex politics of the Middle East. Examines the contemporary relevance of Islamic movements, Zionism, and secularist ideologies and parties; evaluates the progress of “democratization”; considers the politics of social and economic development, oil production, and international petroleum markets; and explores in greater depth the domestic political systems of selected Middle Eastern countries. Fulfills the Comparative Government and Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 333 - European Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This comparative survey analyzes “Europe” both as a collection of highly distinctive countries and as the geographical site of a remarkable political experiment: the European Union. The course reviews government practices in several European countries, analyzes European political integration, and considers U.S. political institutions and processes in a broader perspective. Fulfills the Comparative Government and Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 334 - African Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Analysis of government and politics in selected African countries, focusing on issues of economic liberalization, democratization and good governance, ethnicity, class, gender, youth, conflicts, and civil wars. Emphasis on evolving state-society and civil-society relations within the context of new political structures and democratic institutions. Fulfills the Comparative Government and Politics requirement. Same as BLS 334.


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  • PSC 336 - Latin American Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The study of government and politics in the context of development and underdevelopment in Latin America, including an analysis of international actors, especially the role of the United States policy in the region. Fulfills the Comparative Government and Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 341 - Classical Political Theory

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of ancient Greek, medieval Christian, and early modern political theory, with emphasis on Plato’s Republic. Fulfills the Political Theory requirement.


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  • PSC 342 - Modern Political Theory

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of modern political theory, with emphasis on Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx. Fulfills the Political Theory requirement.


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  • PSC 343 - Contemporary Political Theory

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An in-depth study of some of the leading political theorists of the 19th and 20th centuries, such as Marx, Nietzsche, Foucault, and recent feminists. Emphasis may vary. Fulfills the Political Theory requirement.


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  • PSC 344 - Democratic Theory

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines how the ancient Greeks first posed certain problems of democratic political theory and then compares the ancient treatment with that of some modern and/or contemporary theorists who deal with the same questions. Emphasis may vary. Fulfills the Political Theory requirement.


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  • PSC 348 - American Political Theory

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of the development of American political thought: the Colonial period, the Revolution, the evolution of the Constitution, Jeffersonian democracy, the slavery controversy, the nature of the Union, and political currents since the Civil War. Fulfills the Political Theory requirement.


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  • PSC 361 - International Politics of the Middle East

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Addresses contemporary international conflicts and cooperation in the Middle East, including inter-Arab relations, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Persian-Arab conflict, war and diplomacy in the Persian Gulf (especially Iraq and Iran), East-West politics in Turkey, and the role of outside powers such as the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union. Fulfills the International Relations requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 207.


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  • PSC 369 - International Law and Organization

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines major procedural and substantive aspects of international law, emphasizing the interaction between law and politics. Topics include the role and politics of the United Nations, the evolution of regional federations, and treaties or regulatory regimes that govern international economic, environmental, human rights, humanitarian, and security relations. Fulfills the International Relations requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 207.


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  • PSC 375 - International Conflict Resolution

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    War and peace, and the factors that influence both, comprise the core of international relations. Students will gain an understanding of major theories explaining international conflict and will consider a variety of approaches for seeking peace, including negotiation, mediation, and reconciliation. Examines how power and diverse identities affect political violence, peacemaking, and post-conflict peace building. Prerequisite PSC 207
     


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  • PSC 380 - Gender and Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of the political significance of the treatment, roles, and status of women, with emphasis on the United States. Examination of the meaning of gender, sexism, and feminism. Same as WMS 380.


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  • PSC 382 - Politics and Culture

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An examination of the relationship between politics and the arts. Emphasis may vary between literature and visual art, and between high culture and popular culture.


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  • PSC 416 - Race and Politics in the Americas

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Advanced, in-depth survey of racial politics in North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Considers analytical perspectives such as post colonialism, pan-Africanism, negritude, indigenismo, critical race theory, racial patriarchy, and the “racial contract.” Examines the politics of Indigenous, African-descent, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Fulfills either the American Politics or the Comparative Government and Politics requirement. Same as BLS 416.


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  • PSC 418 - Comparative Public Policy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A comparison of public policies in industrialized nations. Various explanations of why the mix of public policies varies across polities will be examined.


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  • PSC 419 - Public Program Evaluation

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Program evaluation derives from the idea that government and other social programs should have demonstrable results. Students become acquainted with the conceptual issues and primary methods (qualitative and quantitative) for conducting research to evaluate such programs. Students will evaluate a public or private nonprofit program as part of course requirements. Prerequisite: PSC 102 or other social science department equivalent.


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  • PSC 425 - Mass Media and Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Deals with the influence of mass media on politics. The political content of entertainment and news programming in both electronic and print media will be analyzed. Attention will be given to determinants of political messages in mass media and the consequences of those messages for political behavior. Fulfills the American Politics requirement. Prerequisites: PSC 102 and 201.


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  • PSC 430 - International Political Economy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines origins and evolution of the contemporary global economy, emphasizing interdependence and competition among developed countries, increasing globalization and the backlash against it, and the widening gap between the developed and underdeveloped countries. Focus on foreign debt and financial crises, regional trade arrangements, multinational corporations, global production, and the search for sustainable development in the South. Fulfills the International Relations requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 207.


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  • PSC 431 - Transitional Justice

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Transitional justice analyzes the ways in which new democracies deal with the legacies of an authoritarian past. Drawing on contributions from various disciplines (e.g. political science, law, history, sociology, philosophy and the arts,) the course introduces the main concepts, theories, and institutions of transitional justice, and challenges students to elaborate strategies in the field.


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  • PSC 450 - Political Science Internship

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Offers credit to students participating in internships in government, political, and nonprofit public service organizations. Specific academic assignments are included as designated by the instructor. Prerequisites: PSC 101 and 102.


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  • PSC 456 - Model Organization of American States

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Focuses on diplomacy and international organizations in the Americas; seeks to develop public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills as delegates debate resolutions in a simulated summit in Washington DC. Covers the structure of the Inter-American system and the Organization of American States, power relations among Latin American states, and the impact of the OAS on democracy, security, development, and cooperation.


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  • PSC 461 - Tutorial

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An intensive reading course on a topic to be arranged by a student and a supervising faculty member. Course meets regularly during the semester. There will normally be a major paper assignment as a frame for the readings. Students may count this course only once toward their major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: For juniors and seniors only. Department chairperson permission.


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  • PSC 470 - Special Topics in Political Science

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Analysis of special topics of contemporary interest to political science students and faculty. Offered at the discretion of the political science chairperson. Topics may involve experimentation with new course ideas or allow faculty to bring current research ideas to the classroom. Exact content varies. Prerequisites vary.


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  • PSC 482 - Seminar on International Security

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of the ends and means of security for states in the modern world system. Topics include nuclear and conventional deterrence, arms control, conflict management, bargaining, and war termination. Fulfills the International Relations requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 207.


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  • PSC 488 - Capstone Seminar in Political Science

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Subject varies depending upon the faculty member teaching the course. Every seminar emphasizes interconnectedness between subfields of political science. Students critically review concepts, theories, approaches, and methodologies, then employ these to research and complete a substantial research project involving original research, critical review of the literature, and an oral presentation. Prerequisite: Completion of seven political science courses.


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  • PSC 489 - Capstone Seminar in Political Science

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Subject varies depending upon the faculty member teaching the course. Every seminar emphasizes interconnectedness between subfields of political science. Students critically review concepts, theories, approaches, and methodologies, then employ these to research and complete a substantial research project involving original research, critical review of the literature, and an oral presentation. Prerequisite: Completion of seven political science courses.


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  • PSC 490 - Independent Study

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students propose an original research project or community service activity, which is supervised by a faculty member. Readings are assigned to integrate the independent activity with the discipline. A major paper is typically assigned as a frame for the research or activity. Students may count this course only once toward their major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: Department chairperson permission. For juniors and seniors only.


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  • PSC 498 - Honors Thesis I

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    First part of two semesters of directed research and the submission of the results in written form to the department. Prerequisite: Seniors only. Departmental approval required.


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  • PSC 499 - Honors Thesis II

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Second part of two semesters of directed research and the submission of the results in written form to the department. Prerequisite: Seniors only. Departmental approval required.


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Psychology
  

  • PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of the principal methods and findings of the scientific psychology in a variety of areas, including biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, motivation, emotion, cognitive processes, personality, abnormal psychology, and social psychology.


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  • PSY 201 - Research Design & Statistical Analysis I

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Introduces basic principles of scientific inquiry followed by intensive development of tech­niques for conducting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting psychological research. Experimental and non-experimental methodologies are reviewed, with emphasis on the selection of appropriate designs for different research questions, descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression. Math competency expected.  Prerequisites: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor. MTH 107 or higher is recommended.


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  • PSY 202 - Research Design & Statistical Analysis II

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Continuation of PSY 201 with a focus on more advanced principles of design and analysis. Inferential statistical procedures including parametric and nonparametric techniques will be reviewed, with emphasis on the selection of appropriate analyses for different research designs. Students will also be exposed to computer-based data analytic procedures. Prerequisites: PSY 201 and permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 303 - Learning

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A critical survey of the methods and findings in classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and animal cognition. Discussion of both historically important and contemporary literature in learning will be expected of students. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 305 - Psychology of Gender

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A critical survey of current views in the psychological study of gender. Factors related to gender development as well as issues of particular relevance to the influence of gender on behavior (achievement, materialism, marital roles, etc.) will be discussed.


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  • PSY 306 - Child and Adolescent Development

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of human psychological growth and development from conception through adolescence, including biological, physical, cognitive, and social transitions. Mechanisms of change, influences on development, and the contexts in which development occurs will also be reviewed, drawing on current theory and empirical research. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 314 - Psychology of Aging

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Aging is accompanied by psychological, cognitive/neuropsychological, biological/physical, social, and family changes. This course surveys age-associated changes from a psychological perspective, scientific methods for studying aging, interventions to enhance healthy or normal aging, and pathological changes associated with older age, such as dementia, chronic illness and disability, and mental health issues. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 315 - Human Neuropsychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Surveys neuropsychology, functional neuroanatomy, and brain-behavior relationships. The effects of brain damage on cognitive, personality, and psychosocial functioning will be discussed as well as descriptions of the most common neuropathological and neurobehavioral syndromes (e.g., traumatic brain injury, aphasia, cerebrovascular accidents [strokes], dementia, etc.). Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 316 - Cognitive Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The study of human cognition, its basic concepts, methods of inquiry, and major findings integrates important theories, major topics, and research methods in cognitive psychology including pattern recognition, perception and information processing, attention, short- and long-term memory processes and organization, and decision-making. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 317 - Social Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of the influence of others on the thoughts, attitudes, and behavior of the individual. Social issues such as aggression, discrimination, persuasion techniques and marketing, and pro-social behavior are examined in the framework of classical and current re­search and theories of social cognition, person perception, attitude formation and change, and group processes. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 318 - Cultural Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of cross-cultural psychology focusing on how culture affects various psychological domains, including personality, motivation, cognition, and close relationships. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach by discussing theories and research in other fields, such as anthropology and communication, to provide a more thorough understanding of the influence of culture on human behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 323 - Personality

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A critical survey of the basic approaches to personality in the light of theory, assessment, research, and change. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 324 - Psychology of Abnormal Behavior

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of the major forms of abnormal behavior, including a description of the disorders, theoretical explanations of their origins, assessment, and treatment procedures. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 325 - Health Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Explores the role of psychological variables in health and illness. Research and theory relating psychological and behavioral factors to the development, progres­sion, and treatment of diseases, such as coronary heart disease, cancer, and HIV will be critically reviewed. Stress, obesity, pain management, compliance, coping, psychoneuroimmunology, and health promotion/disease prevention will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 326 - Biopsychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Study of behavior in the context of genetics, evolution, and physiology. Includes the biology of the nervous system. Its purpose is to contribute to understanding how a biological entity can give rise to seemingly non-material processes such as thought, perception, and mood. The goal is to better understand the intersection of biology and psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 330 - Psychological Testing and Assessment

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to the principles of test construction, administration, and interpretation. The techniques of assessing test reliability and validity are developed in the context of a survey of the major instruments used to measure intelligence, aptitude, achievement, and personality. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 335 - Psychology and Law

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Surveys the scientific knowledge of psychological concepts, methods, and results as they pertain to law and legal matters. Topics include the causes of criminal behavior, jury selection and decision-making, competence, civil commitment, eyewitness testimony, polygraph use, and the insanity plea. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 350 - Psychology Internship

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Involves students in psychology applications or research at off-campus sites. Students select from a list of approved sites or develop placement in conjunction with the instructor. Involves 8-10 hours/week at off-campus site, a written journal, paper, and periodic meetings during the semester. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and sophomore or junior status. Permission of the instructor required. Psychology majors only.


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  • PSY 395 - Research in Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students work as an assistant in a faculty member’s laboratory, conducting psychological research. Involves 8-10 hours/week and periodic meetings during the semester. Must be taken on a pass/fail basis. May be repeated for credit, but may only be applied to the psychology major once. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 402 - Animal Learning

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Principles of behavior control developed within the framework of operant conditioning are the basis for investigating acquisition and maintenance of behavior. Individual laboratory participation will integrate procedures of experimental control, laboratory technique, and basic instrumentation with existing bodies of knowledge concerning animal behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 202 or permission of the instructor. PSY 303 is recommended.


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  • PSY 405 - Research in Neuropsychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Introduces students to empirical methods used in human neuropsychology. Particular emphasis placed on how cognitive, neurobehavioral, and psychosocial data are gathered for research purposes with both normal and neuropathological populations. The laboratory emphasizes the development and application of research skills. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 315, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 406 - Experimental Developmental Psychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Intensive study of psychological processes in children and adolescents. Developmental research methods are emphasized with special attention to modifications for use with children. Laboratory involves all aspects of the research process, including hypothesis creation, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 306 or PSY 312, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 407 - Experimental Social Psychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Examination of the classic and contemporary literature in social psychology, with an emphasis on both research methodology and social psychology content. Discusses current theories of social psychology as well as research design, statistical inference, and ethical considerations in research.  Laboratory stresses gathering, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of data related to social processes. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 317, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 409 - Experimental Health Psychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Reviews the development and utilization of research techniques in health psychology. Stu­dents will investigate interactions among psychologi­cal, behavioral, and physiological factors involved in the etiology of disease and promotion of health. The laboratory stresses the development and application of research skills. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 325, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 416 - Experimental Cognitive Psychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Laboratory course that addresses current studies and research methodology in cognitive psychology.  Explores theoretical issues and techniques of studying human cognition.  Students will learn to understand and critique research design and outcomes in cognitive psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and PSY 316, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 426 - Experimental Biopsychology

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Biopsychology examines behavior in the context of genetics, evolution, and physiology. It considers how a biological entity can give rise to seemingly non-material processes such as thought, perception, and mood. Research methods and techniques of both human and animal biopsychology will be examined with emphasis on quantitative data collection.
    Prerequisites: PSY 202 and 326, or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 470, 471, 472 - Selected Topics in Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A seminar involving an in-depth analysis of a specific topic in psychology.  Emphasis will be placed on readings, class discussion, and writing assignments. Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PSY 100 and permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 481 - History of Psychology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This seminar is an historical survey of psychology from its philosophical origins to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the various trends, schools of thought, and individuals who have contributed to the nature of contemporary psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 202 or permission of the instructor. Junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 482 - Drugs and Behavior

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Examines psychological, physiological, and social dimensions of drug use and abuse. Principles of drug action and research methods in behavioral pharmacology will be reviewed. Research and theory related to drug use, abuse, and addiction will be evalu­ated. Prevention, treatment, and public policy issues will be considered. Prerequisites: PSY 202 or permission of the instructor. PSY 303 is recommended.


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  • PSY 483 - Behavior Therapy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This seminar on the practice of behavior therapy emphasizes its basic principles and surveys the wide array of therapy procedures used. Behavioral assessment and applications to problems of everyday life are included. The procedures are critically examined in the light of research evidence. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor or junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 485 - Psychological Disorders of Children and Adolescents

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    In-depth, critical examination of theories and research relevant to expressions, causes, and treatment of psychological disorders of children and adolescents. Examines how developmental, constitutional, and environmental variables interact to produce behaviors problematic to children, their families, and society. Uses primary sources and case studies. Prerequisite: PSY 324 or permission of the instructor. Junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 486 - Theories of Psychotherapy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This seminar explores the major approaches to psychologi­cal treatment of abnormal behavior, including how therapies operate, their theoretical foundations, evaluation of their effectiveness, and ethical issues. Material is presented through lecture, discussion, and audiovisual presentations. Prerequisite: PSY 324 or permission of the instructor. Junior/senior status or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 488 - Advanced Cognitive Development

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An examination of how the ability to mentally represent emerges in infancy and develops over the course of childhood and into adolescence. The methods used to study representation will also be addressed. Empirical research will be the primary source of course material.
     Prerequisites: PSY 202, and PSY 306, or PSY 316. Junior/senior status or permission of the instructor.


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  • PSY 489 - Psychology in Human Services

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Students intern/volunteer in a clinical supervised field setting. Students maintain a written diary, attend regular seminars to discuss field experiences and integrate their experiences with theoretical and empirical underpinnings of clinical psychology, and read in areas related to the practice of clinical psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 324 and permission of the instructor. Junior/senior status.


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  • PSY 490 - Independent Study

    1 semester, 4 Credits

    Students engage in intensive reading or original research in psychology under the direction of one or more faculty according to a pre-arranged plan. Course may be repeated for credit, but it may be applied only once to meet the psychology concentration requirements. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.


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Public and Community Service Studies
  

  • PSP 101 - Introduction to Service in Democratic Communities

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An examination of concepts of community and service and their status in the United States and the world today, including examination of alternative conceptions of community and service and analysis of their meaning and value. Requires work in the community for 2-3 hours per week on average.


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  • PSP 202 - Foundations of Organizational Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to the basic precepts of organizations, organizational behavior, and organizational theory that provide the context within which public and community service take place. Participation in a community service project may be required.


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  • PSP 301 - Community Service in American Culture

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A historical perspective on social and cultural settings in which service takes place in American culture and on the history of attempted solutions to social problems. Students will be introduced to the methodology of community action research and to the use of community service to critically interpret cultures. Requires work in the community for 2-3 hours per week on average.


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  • PSP 302 - Diversity, Community, and Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Diversity in American society and its implications for people in community service. Topics: ethnicity/race, language, religion, gender, social class, sexual orientation, and peoples with “disabilities.” Students study problems in cross-cultural communication and ways in which their life experiences and social structures of service organizations affect community service. Community service case studies relevant to diversity issues used. Same as BLS 302. Prerequisite: PSP 101 or instructor permission.


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  • PSP 303 - Community Organizing

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students learn to view social, economic, and political problems from an organizer’s perspective and to act on these problems using community organizing skills and practices. Historical and contemporary organizing traditions and approaches are explored alongside a real-world “organizing project” of the student’s choosing. Prerequisite: PSP 101 or permission of instructor.


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  • PSP 320 - Practicum in Public and Community Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Provides skills necessary for leadership in communities and small groups, as they relate to providing service. Students assist in service learning courses as facilitators at service sites and reflection leaders. Supervision and feedback will be provided to develop management skills. Normally taken by second-semester sophomores and first-semester juniors. Prerequisites: PSP 101 or 303, and PSP 202, or by instructor’s permission.


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  • PSP 321 - Practicum in Public and Community Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Provides skills necessary for leadership in communities and small groups, as they relate to providing service. Students assist in service learning courses as facilitators at service sites and reflection leaders. Supervision and feedback will be provided to develop management skills. Normally taken by second-semester sophomores and first-semester juniors. Prerequisites: PSP 101 or 303, and PSP 202, or by instructor’s permission.


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  • PSP 360 - Justice Across Borders

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Focuses on the meaning of “justice across borders,” with special attention to the historical and contemporary relationship between the U.S. and its border communities. Reflection on cross-border service experience will be included in the course with opportunities to identify and develop strategies for defining and enhancing justice across borders. Same as GST 360. Prerequisites: PSP 101 or GST 101.


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  • PSP 361 - Philanthropy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Designed to support students’ acquisition of a range of basic knowledge and skills related to philanthropic practice. Combines an emphasis on the theoretical foundations of philanthropy with practical experience in two philanthropic fundamental tools: fund raising and fund distribution. Prerequisites: PSP 101 or permission of the department.


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  • PSP 450 - Internship in Community Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An intensive public or community service internship experience in an applied setting. Combines attention to community service issues with specific academic themes designated by the instructor. The internship placement will be integrated with track courses. The experience will be supervised and evaluated with appropriate academic assignments, as designated by the instructor. Prerequisites: PSP 101 and 202.


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  • PSP 470 - Special Topics in Public and Community Service

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    In-depth analysis of special topics not covered in such depth in existing course offerings. The exact content will vary but may be drawn from current issues, events, and problems, or from theoretical and empirical debates in the research field of community service.


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  • PSP 480 - Capstone Seminar

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A one-semester seminar for senior minors and the first part of a yearlong seminar for senior majors that synthesizes and deepens academic learning with practical experiences. It will focus typically on some of the larger concepts foundational to the major, providing an opportunity to draw together the complex, interdisciplinary material studied during the previous three years. Student will submit a significant written project or product in consultation with faculty.


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  • PSP 481 - Capstone Seminar

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The second part of a yearlong seminar for senior majors that synthesizes and deepens academic learning with practical experiences. It will focus typically on some of the larger concepts foundational to the major, providing an opportunity to draw together the complex, interdisciplinary material studied during the previous three years. Student will submit a significant written project or product in consultation with faculty.


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  • PSP 490 - Independent Study

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A project, done in consultation with a faculty member, in which the student is free to pursue his or her own specialized interests in public and community service. Projects could include community involvement, reading and writing in a specialized area within the field, or community action research. Prerequisite: Prior departmental approval required.


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  • PSP 491 - Independent Study: Community Health

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A requirement for minors who pursue the Community Health track. Similar to PSP 490 but with a focus on community health. Coordinated by both the director of the Feinstein Institute and the advisor for health professions. Prerequisite: Prior departmental approval required.


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