|
|
2018-2019 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
|
|
Course Numbering
The College of Wooster uses a five-digit course numbering system. The first three digits indicate the primary course number. The next two digits are the secondary course number and indicate whether there is a special focus for the course. For example:
The first letters are the department or program abbreviation. The next three digits are the primary course number (101 is the primary course number for all Introduction to Historial Study courses). The last two digits are the secondary course number. These two digits indicate that the special focus for this HIST 101 course is The History of Islam. A course with a given three-digit primary course number can only be taken once for credit unless specifically indicated otherwise by the department.
The following policy has been used in assigning primary course numbers:
- 100-level courses are usually introductory courses; some 100-level courses do have prerequisites, and students are advised to consult the description for each course.
- 200-level courses are usually beyond the introductory level, although many 200-level courses are open to first-year students and to majors and non-majors.
- 300-level courses are seminars and courses primarily for majors but open to other students with the consent of the instructor.
- The following numbers are for Independent Study: I.S. 40100 (Junior Independent Study), I.S. 45100 and I.S. 45200 (Senior Independent Study).
In addition to the regular course offerings, many departments offer individual tutorials under the number 40000 and internships under 41000. On occasion, departments will offer a course on a special topic as approved by the Educational Policy Committee, designated 19900, 29900, or 39900.
Abbreviation
In keeping with the general education requirements of the College’s curriculum
(see Degree Requirements ), course listings employ the following abbreviations:
W Writing Intensive
C Studies in Cultural Difference
R Religious Perspectives
Q Quantitative Reasoning
AH Learning Across the Disciplines: Arts and Humanities
HSS Learning Across the Disciplines: History and Social Sciences
MNS Learning Across the Disciplines: Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Except where otherwise noted, all courses carry one course credit.
|
| |
Psychology |
| |
-
PSYC 10000 - Introduction to Psychology Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY An introduction to psychological theory, research, and methods. Coverage includes basic neurological processes, principles of learning and cognition, individual differences in personality, developmental processes, sensation and perception, mental health, and social influences on behavior. Annually. Fall and Spring. [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 11000 - Child & Adolescent Development Course Credit: 1
(COMD, EDUC)
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT A study of the processes that contribute to the development of the individual as a person, emphasizing the child from conception to early adolescence. This course is intended primarily for students seeking licensure in Education. Psychology majors and minors are strongly encouraged to enroll in PSYC 10000. A 2-hour per week field placement at the College of Wooster Nursery School is required of all students. The field placement satisfies licensure requirements for Education minor students. Precludes enrollment in PSYC 32700. Annually. Fall and Spring. [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 21200 - Abnormal Psychology Course Credit: 1
(COMD, NEUR)
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY Examines the origin, development, and classification of abnormal behavior and human psychopathology. Topics will include mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, substance-related disorders, and disorders usually diagnosed in childhood. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 21500 - Psychology of Women & Gender Course Credit: 1
(WGSS)
PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN AND GENDER This course focuses on the societal construction and significance of gender, as well as the psychological implications of events unique to women. We will engage in critical examination of theories and evidence concerning differences between women and men. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 21800 - Animal Cognition Course Credit: 1
ANIMAL COGNITION Animal cognition is designed to attract students from a variety of disciplines (especially psychology, biology, anthropology and neuroscience), to explore the comparative science of cognitive processes in a wide range of animals, including humans. We examine research from a number of different fields and perspectives, including experimental psychology, ethology, neuroscience, physical anthropology, biology, evolutionary psychology, and developmental psychology. The course covers a wide range of animal abilities , including associate learning, navigational abilities, perceptual and memory processes, quantitative abilities, observational learning and imitation, and self-awareness, cooperation, language and the capacity to teach others. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 22000 - Stereotypes & Prejudice Course Credit: 1
STEROTYPES AND PREJUDICE This is a course on sterotyping and prejudice from a social psychological perspective. The course will familiarize students with both basic and advanced concepts in areas such as the origins and development of stereotypes and prejudice, social identity theory, affective and motivational processes, automatic and controlled processes and prejudice reduction. Emphasis is placed upon empirical research. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 [C, HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 22500 - Environmental Psychology Course Credit: 1
(ENVS)
ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY The field of environmental psychology explores the interrelationships between people and their physical environments, including both built and natural environments. This course covers the major areas of research in environmental psychology, including effects of the environment on humans, human perception of the environment, the relationship between humans and the natural world, and psychological factors affecting human care for the natural environment. We will also consider how this information can be applied to promote a healthier relationship between humans and their environment. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000; or permission of the instructor Fall. [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 23000 - Human Neuropsychology Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
HUMAN NEUROPSYCHOLOGY This course will explore the functioning of the fascinating human brain by discussing how we make decisions, how we rationalize choices, how we consider emotions and how we learn, to name a few. The course emphasizes the various methodologies used to assess the functions of brain regions and behavior through case studies as well as empirical research. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 Annually. [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 23500 - Evolutionary Psychology Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY The course provides an integrated approach to studying human behavior based on an evolutionary model. Using Darwin’s theory of natural and sexual selection we will investigate adaptive problems such as predator avoidance, inter-group aggression, mate selection, child rearing, and negotiating social relationships. Other topics include: human nature, the origins and functions of various behavioral sex differences, the evolutionary basis of nepotism, gene-behavior relations, reproductive behavior, and how culture and social learning interface with Darwinian evolution. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 25000 - Intro to Statistics & Experimental Design Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS AND EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Introduction to the basic principles of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and experimental design. Includes SPSS instruction and a one-hour laboratory. Minimum grade of C is required to advance in the major or minor. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 Annually. Fall and Spring. [Q]
|
| |
-
PSYC 29900 - Topics in Psychology Course Credit: 1
Topics in Psychology A course in which traditional concepts, methods and theories in psychology are applied to a specific topic issue. Topics selected yearly and announced in advance by the faculty member responsible for the course. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 29901 - Psychology and Literature Course Credit: 1
PSYCHOLOGY AND LITERATURE This course will examine the relationship between psychology and literature. What is the psychological experience of reading a novel or short story? How does this ability develop? What role does language play in shaping consciousness and the mind, and how does fiction serve a related function? How does the unconscious (both personal and collective) shape our experience of reading fiction? A further course objective will be to analyze literary works in terms of psychological theories, particularly the works of Freud and Jung. Through textual analysis we will explore the role of literature has in the socialization ofchildren and adults, and the ability of such works to transmit information about interpersonal relationships, morality, and social isolation. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 29902 - Sex Differences in the Brain Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
SEX DIFFERENCES IN THE BRAIN This course will focus on the biological impact of sex on the brain and related behavioral outcomes. We will discuss physiological and gonadal hormone differences between biological males and females, the impact of those differences on the brain, learning, behavior, stress responses and more. We will assess research done with human and non-human primates, rodents, and birds, and imagine ways to ask new experimental questions to understand the broad reaching differences and effects of both genetic and hormonal differences. Our readings will come from both textbook and published empirical research. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000
|
| |
-
PSYC 29909 - Multicultural Psychology Course Credit: 1
MULTICULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY As individuals, we function in environments we share with others. In those contexts, we learn about what it means to be and how to behave as members of a group or groups. Further, societally, difference is associated with power and privilege for some, and marginalization for others. In this course, we will review how researchers have conceptualized culture, difference, and multiculturalism. A significant portion of the class will be spent considering race, ethnicity, and culture, particularly intergroup interactions between dominant and nondominant groups. We will pay special attention to what happens when people from different cultures interact with each other, both in the U.S. and in global contexts. Prerequisite: PSYC 10000. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000 [HSS]
|
| |
-
PSYC 29910 - Applied Psychology Course Credit: 1
APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY This class covers how the field of psychology applies to human well-being outside of traditional laboratory and basic research settings. Many applied and translational research domains will be covered, including psychological applications to health, medicine, education, the environment, and occupational organizations. Enrollment in this class may also involve opportunities to integrate class topics into summer research. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-10000
|
| |
-
PSYC 31500 - Music and Speech Perception Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
MUSIC AND SPEECH PERCEPTION Music and speech have long been proposed to have common evolutionary roots. Both have a hierarchical structure and complex rhythm. Both convey emotion and share many other communicative properties. In this class we will examine theory, methodology and phenomena surrounding the perception and production of music and speech with a particular focus on the overlap between these two domains. One goal of this course is to provide a strong foundation for conducting a research project in this area, either as an I.S. project or in another capacity. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000
|
| |
-
PSYC 31800 - Hemispheric Specialization
We begin with research by the leading researcher in the world on split-brain studies, Michael Gazzaniga, who has examined not only hemispheric specialization but also a number of questions about the intricacies of the anatomy and functions of the human brain, and how it is both evolutionarily similar to, but also intriguingly different from, the brains of other animals. We will also examine some of the primary literature on hemispheric specialization and the behaviors related to a lateralized brain. We then examine topics related to hemispheric specialization and brain “modules.” The course culminates in a term paper on a topic in hemispheric specialization.
|
| |
-
PSYC 32100 - Learning & Behavior Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR Detailed critical examination of theory, research and applications of learning processes, from simple associative processes (classical and operant conditioning) to complex processes (conceptual abstraction and reasoning). Scientific writing is emphasized. Three-hour weekly laboratory with additional outside hours for animal testing. Class and laboratory components are closely integrated and must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; PSYC-32100L Annually. Fall. [W]
|
| |
-
PSYC 32200 - Memory & Cognition Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
MEMORY AND COGNITION Analysis of complex human behavior, including learning, memory, perception, and cognition. Scientific writing is emphasized in this course. Includes a 3-hour laboratory in addition to class. The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated and must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; PSYC-32200L [W]
|
| |
-
PSYC 32300 - Behavioral Neuroscience Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE An introduction to the anatomical and physiological basis of animal and human behavior. Content areas include basic neuronal physiology and brain anatomy, neural/endocrine interactions, methods in neuroscience, control of movement, sexual development and behavior, sleep, learning and memory and physiological correlates of psychopathology. Includes a 3-hour laboratory in addition to class. The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated and must be taken concurrently. Precludes enrollment in PSYC 32400. Recommended: NEUR-20000 Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000 or BIOL-20300 ; PSYC-32300L Annually. [W]
|
| |
-
PSYC 32400 - Cognitive Neuroscience (neuroscience) Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE This course examines how the human brain gives rise to cognitive abilities like perception, attention, language, emotion, memory, problem solving and creative thinking. Topics include the cognitive theories proposed for these human abilites,the neural structures responsible for these abilities and the methods employed to measure brain behavior relationships. Includes a 3-hour laboratory in addition to class. The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated and must be taken concurrently. Precludes enrollment in PSYC-32300. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000 or BIOL-20300 Annually. Fall. [HSS, W]
|
| |
-
PSYC 32500 - Personality: Theory & Research Course Credit: 1
PERSONALITY: THEORY AND RESEARCH This course emphasizes theories of human personality and research generated from the theories. Scientific writing is emphasized in this course, which includes a 3-hour laboratory in addition to class. The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated and must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; PSYC-32500L Annually. Fall. [W]
|
| |
-
PSYC 32600 - Educational Psychology Course Credit: 1
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY. This course will focus on key concepts from educational psychology and related disciplines (e.g., cognitive and developmental psychology). The role of psychology in an educational setting is to help educators see better the internal, external and socialized learning process that are occurring in and out of the classroom which allows one to understand and appreciate learning, the diversity of learners and the variations of learning within oneself. This course will prepare you for your Independent Study graduation requirement through exposure to APA-style writing, critical reading of research, and experience writing up empirical reports. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; PSYC-32600L Annually. [W]
|
| |
-
PSYC 32700 - Developmental Psyc:Theory & Research Course Credit: 1
(EDUC)
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: THEORY AND RESEARCH A survey of methods, research topics, and theory in developmental psychology. Scientific writing is emphasized in this course. Includes a 3-hour laboratory in addition to class. The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated and must be taken concurrently. A 2-hour per week field placement at The College of Wooster Nursery School is required of all students. The field placement satisfies licensure requirements for Education minor students. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; PSYC-32700L Annually. Spring. [W]
|
| |
-
PSYC 33000 - Social Psychology: Theory & Research Course Credit: 1
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY: THEORY AND RESEARCH This course surveys theory and research on human social cognition and behavior, addressing the ways in which human beings are affected by others and covering topics such as social influence, prosocial and antisocial interactions, and relationships. Scientific writing is emphasized in this course. Includes a 3-hour laboratory in addition to class. The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated and must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; PSYC-33000L Annually. Fall. [W]
|
| |
-
PSYC 33100 - Clinical Psychology Course Credit: 1
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY This course is designed to develop clinically-oriented critical thinking (e.g., How do clinicians approach cases, challenges, research?). It covers professional issues, ethics, research methodologies, clinical assessment and therapeutic modalities. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000
|
| |
-
PSYC 33500 - Perception and Action Course Credit: 1
(COMD, NEUR)
PERCEPTION AND ACTION This course reviews principles of perception and models of how perceptual information is acquired, represented cognitively, and used to interact with the environment. Primary topic areas will include vision and hearing with a particular focus on how these systems interact with the motor system. Evolutionary, psychophysical, and physiological perspectives are emphasized. Scientific writing is also emphasized in this course. Includes a 3-hour arranged laboratory to addition to class. The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated and must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; PSYC-33500L Annually. Fall. [W]
|
| |
-
PSYC 34500 - Drugs and Behavior Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
DRUGS AND BEHAVIOR. This course is an introduction to the pharmacological and psychological mechanisms of drugs that influence brain functioning. We will investigate drug use and drug actions by drawing from scientific investigations of their use. The course will cover basic structure and function of the nervous system, drug classification and development, basic principles of pharmacology, as well as the role of learning and addiction. We will spend most of our time discussing the behavioral, cognitive, and physiological effects of specific drugs of abuse and neuropharmacological use. Prerequisites: Take PSYC 25000; Junior or Senior standing with advanced background in Psychology. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; or permission of instructor.
|
| |
-
PSYC 34600 - Face Recognition Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
FACE RECOGNITION Human faces are one of the most complex objects in our visual world. Despite this complexity, humans excel at recognizing faces. Even newborns can identify faces shortly after birth. Faces possess a wealth of information which is crucial for everyday life. In this course, we use empirical papers to investigate the fascinating field of face recognition. We exammine theoretical models of how faces are recognized, learn about the brain areas involved, analyze problems with face recognition in clinical populations and everything situations, and learn how people extract other information than person identity from faces. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000 [HSS, Q]
|
| |
-
PSYC 38500 - Attachment Course Credit: 1
ATTACHMENT This course explores the theories and research regarding the phenomena of attachment in humans and non-human species. We examine research from a number of different fields and perspectives, including developmental psychology, ethology, psychobiology and evolutionary psychology. The course covers a range of topics related to attachment, including physical and cognitive development, motor abilities, personality and emotional development, adult attachment, attachments to animals, and attachment in non-human species. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000 or permission of instructor.
|
| |
-
PSYC 39500 - History of Psychology Course Credit: 1
History of Psychology A study of changing views of psychology from Aristotle to the present, with emphasis on the influences of ideas and methodologies of the evolution of systems and theories of psychological thought over the past hundred years. The course offers an integrative perspective on the varied courses of the Psychology major. Prerequisite(s): A 300-level Psychology lab course; Psychology major
|
| |
-
PSYC 39900 - Advanced Topics in Psychology Course Credit: 1
ADVANCED TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY Special courses on selected topics offered for a single time only to groups of students. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; Junior or Senior standing with advanced background in PSYC
|
| |
-
PSYC 39902 - Psychology of Immigration Course Credit: 1
PSYCHOLOGY OF IMMIGRATION Immigrants and their children are projected to make up approximately 20% of the overall U.S. population in coming years. It is critical, then, to understand the adaptation and development of immigrants to the United States. The purpose of this course is to examine how the process of immigration influences various psychological outcomes. This course will draw from texts across disciplines (sociology, anthropology, family studies, education, and of course, psychology) to examine the impact immigration and its correlated realities have on the individual. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000 (minimum grade C-) and Junior or Senior class standing; and advanced background in Psychology.
|
| |
-
PSYC 39903 - Behavioral Genetics Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
BEHAVIORAL GENETICS How much can genes tell us about complex human behavior? How do genes and the environment interact in the development of phenotypic traits? What research techniques can be used to identify specific genes and particular environments that affect behavior? To address these questions we will critically explore traditional behavioral genetic methodologies (twin and adoption studies) as well as modern approaches based on molecular genetic techniques. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000 (minimum grade C-); Junior or Senior class standing; and advanced background in Psychology.
|
| |
-
PSYC 39906 - Judgment and Decision Making Course Credit: 1
JUDGMENT AND DECISION MAKING This class covers irrational behavior and biases people display in their reasoning and decisions, drawing from cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, as well as neuroscience. Many cognitive biases involve misinterpretation of numeric information–often causing harmful outcomes, but occasionally beneficial. When possible, we’ll cover how best to address these biases to improve decisions, with applications to medicine, health, law, consumer behavior, and economics. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; Junior or Senuior standing with advanced background in Psychology.
|
| |
-
PSYC 39907 - Psychology of Justice Course Credit: 1
PSYCHOLOGY OF JUSTICE This course will explore ways in which people think about justice and its influence on human perceptions and behavior. We’ll look at the belief in justice, the motive to adhere to justice, the variety of ways in which people define justice, the applications of justice to specific contexts such as work, relationships, and the environment, and the implications of justice for how and when we act. Readings will come from the psychological literature. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; Minimum grade C-; Junior or Senior stading with advanced background in Psychology
|
| |
-
PSYC 39923 - Social Cognition Course Credit: 1
SOCIAL COGNITION This course explores how people make sense of others, themselves, and social situations. In general, social cognition examines the cognitive structures that underlie people’s judgments, decisions, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors in social situations. Topics covered include priming, motivated cognition, attitudes, stereotypes, impression formation, social comparison, the self, and many more. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; Minimum grade C-; Junior or Senior standing with advanced background in Psychology
|
| |
-
PSYC 39924 - Children of Immigrants Course Credit: 1
Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; Minimum grade C-; Junior or Senior standing with advanced background in Psychology
|
| |
-
PSYC 39925 - Psychology of Film Course Credit: 1
Psychology of Film Since the invention of film, psychologists have asked how film, mere projections of light on a screen, can have such a profound influence on the emotions, memories, and lives of people. Focusing on cognitive principles of perception, attention, and comprehension, this course will cover historical and current, cutting-edge research that investigates how we comprehend film, and how research on film can be used to pursue an understanding of the cognitive mechanisms that allow us to comprehend the real world. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-25000; Minimum grade C-
|
| |
-
PSYC 40000 - Tutorial Course Credit: 0.25
Maximum Credit: 1.25
TUTORIAL A tutorial course on special topics offered to an individual student under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: The approval of both the supervising faculty member and the chairperson is required prior to registration. May be repeated. Annually. Fall and Spring.
|
| |
-
PSYC 41000 - Internship Course Credit: 0.25
Maximum Credit: 1
INTERNSHIP A structured, usually off-campus experience, in which a student extends classroom knowledge to a work position within a community, business, or governmental organization. Student interns work and learn under the joint guidance of a host organization supervisor and a College of Wooster mentor. The student must arrange the internship in advance through the appropriate department or program. No more than six internships, and a maximum of four Wooster course credits, will count toward graduation. The form for registering for an internship and the Internship Learning Plan are available in the office of the Registrar. May be repeated. S/NC.
|
| |
-
PSYC 45100 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER ONE The first semester of the Senior Independent Study project, in which each student engages in creative and independent research guided by a faculty mentor and which culminates in a thesis and an oral examination in the second semester. The Independent Study Thesis must be a data-gathering research project. Students are encouraged to base their projects on a study from the experimental, comparative, personality, developmental, social, clinical, or neuroscience literature. Prerequisite(s): Two 300-level laboratory classes in PSYC Annually. Fall and Spring.
|
| |
-
PSYC 45200 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER U The second semester of the Senior Independent Study project, which culminates in the thesis and an oral examination. Prerequisite(s): PSYC-45100 Annually. Fall and Spring.
|
| |
|
|
Print this Page