Psychology ...............................................................Bachelor of Arts

from Gannon University Undergraduate Catalog 2022-2023

Chemistry Forensic Science.................................................................................................................................... 626

3-6 Criminal Law and Procedure/CRJS 320 Congress and Legislative Process/POLI 315 Career Prep in Law/PLAW 380 Legal Research Writing II/LEGL 212 (Prerequisite LEGL 211)

Law and Politics

Students pursuing this track will take most of the required courses in the Political Science major, but will substitute two legal courses, Introduction to Law and Society and Legal Analysis and Persuasion, for two upper level Political Science courses. Students who intend to go on to law school are encouraged to complete the Legal Studies Certificate. The certificate can be completed within the four year program by using those courses as the allowable cognates and electives in the student’s major. If the pre law school student does not want to complete the certificate, they are encouraged to take some of the Legal Studies courses so that they can learn skills that could enable them to find summer employment and/or part-time employment in legal settings. Some helpful courses would include Legal Research and Writing I and II, Public Records Research, Computers in Law, and Trial Prep and Procedure.

PSYCHOLOGY

LUKE J. ROSIELLE, Ph.D., Program Director FACULTY: Associate Professors: Jessica Hartnett, Luke Rosielle, Andrew Caswell, John Ranney. Assistant Professors: Sophia Stepanyan. Assistant Teaching Professor: Dexter Hu. Associate Teaching Professor: Barbara Townsend. ADJUNCT FACULTY: Bruce Kobal, Julie Brieger, Emily Wachter, Tim Johnson.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Psychology Program at Gannon University is to prepare students to thrive in a diverse and changing world by engaging students in scholarship, research, internships and a critical approach to gaining knowledge in the field of psychology.

Vision

The Psychology Program at Gannon University aspires to: • Empower students to evaluate and generate knowledge • Engage in cutting edge research • Promote ethics in research and the application of knowledge • Improve science literacy • Create positive change in the community • Produce graduates who will be leaders in their communities and careers

Aims and Objectives

The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers two separate undergraduate degrees in Psychology: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology prepares students for a variety of professional and liberal arts careers by providing maximal flexibility in vocational planning. Because of the strong foundation the curriculum provides in research methods, the Liberal Studies Core and behavioral sciences, the psychology major prepares the student to pursue graduate study in a variety of fields including Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Business and Health Care Administration, Law and others. It also prepares the student for other careers that require a strong liberal arts background.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology prepares students for graduate programs in Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, Biopsychology and other related fields. Students gain extensive research experience through advanced statistics and research courses. In addition, students select courses in Mathematics, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry or Computer Science to augment their psychology courses and increase their competitiveness in their chosen area of emphasis. Specialized course sequences are also available for students who combine the psychology major with the pre-medical or pre-physical therapy curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 4+2 program provides students with an accelerated degree option. The 4+2 program in psychology allows students to complete their bachelor and master’s degrees in 6 years by joining the BA in Psychology with a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. BA students are able to register for first year CMHC courses during their senior year. BA in Psychology students would need to plan for a reduced credit load in their senior year to accommodate taking the first-year masters level courses. Students would also need to be approved through an interview process with the CMHC faculty in the fall of their junior year in order to begin registering for the first year CMHC courses in the senior year. Students would be conditionally accepted into CMHC program at that point, pending satisfactory academic performance with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students would be restricted to 12 semester hours in the fall and spring semesters of their senior year which would include 9 hours of masters level courses each semester, and senior thesis in the fall and senior LBST capstone in the spring. The masters level courses would be used to fulfill the requirements of their BA degree as well as fulfilling requirements for the MS degree. Upon successful completion of the BA degree at the end of the spring semester in the fourth year, students would be formally admitted into the MS program as graduate students.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PSYC 111: Introduction to Psychology

An introduction to the principal theories and methods used by psychology to explain human personality, behavior and adjustment. 3 credits, Fall, Spring

PSYC 211: Psychological Statistics

An introduction to frequency distributions, sampling distributions, t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, linear regression, and non-parametric statistics. 3 credits, Fall, Spring

PSYC 212: Psychological Statistics Lab

Application of and practice using the theoretical concepts in statistics introduced in PSYC 211. This lab should be taken in the same semester or the following semester as PSYC 211. It is required for psychology majors, optional for non- majors. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 1 credit, Spring

PSYC 215: Introduction to Counseling

This course provides an overview of the profession of counseling and related helping professions. Professional credentialing, effective helper characteristics, and the work of counselors and related professionals will be reviewed. The multiple roles that counselors play in a range of settings will be introduced. Theoretical approaches, helping relations skills, and current professional issues will be addressed. 3 credits, Fall, Even numbered years

PSYC 222: Psychology of Human Development

An investigation of the theories and research findings related to the understanding of complex behavior as it evolves throughout the lifespan. 3 credits, Fall, Spring

PSYC 225: Social Psychology

An examination of the relationship between social settings and cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes. Includes the study of group dynamics. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits, Fall, Spring

PSYC 232: Psychopathology

A general introduction to various models of psychopathology with emphasis on the study of anxiety disorders, depression, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits, Fall, Spring

PSYC 234: Health Psychology

A consideration of the roles played by psychological factors in the maintenance of health and the development of illness. Emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship which includes the patient, the patient’s family and the health provider. Includes both a review of relevant clinical and research findings and practical concepts/skill development. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits, Spring

PSYC 239: Servant Leadership

This particular leadership seminar examines the role of leader as servant in an international setting. Students will study theories of leadership, including servant leadership, and apply what they have learned in Ireland. Students will spend one week working with children or adults at agencies serving underprivileged neighborhoods in the city of Limerick. 1 credit

PSYC 240: Horses for Interpersonal Skills

A unique, experiential application of equine-assisted activities to interpersonal skill development. Incorporates exploration of theories, research and skills related to self awareness and emotional intelligence. Includes off-site, hands-on interactions with therapy horses. The course does not involve riding and no equine experience is necessary. Students will be responsible for their own transportation to off-site portion of class and a course fee is required. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits

PSYC 241: Sport Psychology: Theory and Application

A comprehensive introduction to the psychological factors that relate to sports involvement and performance. Issues include psychological aspects of elite athlete’s motivation and performance, intervention and performance enhancement, anxiety and skill performance. Finally, the course will cover topics relating to enhancing well-being and health in athletics. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits, Fall, Even numbered years

PSYC 245: Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology is generally defined as the application of the science and profession of psychology to issues relating to law and the legal system. This course is intended to provide an overview of the various applications of psychology to forensic settings. This course focuses on the production and application of psychological knowledge and research findings for the civil and criminal justice systems. The student will explore criminal profiling, crime scene investigations, and serial murders. Based on this applications approach, the course also investigates police psychology, legal psychology, psychology of crimes and delinquency, “victimology” and victim services, psychological assessments, mental disorders, and correctional psychology. Prerequisites: CRJS 110, PSYC 111 3 credits, Spring, Odd numbered years

PSYC 250: Professional Seminar I

The first in a three-seminar professional development series for psychology majors, this course emphasizes psychology as a research science. Students will learn about the current state of psychological science, including controversies, best practices, and data collection. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Psychology majors only 1 credit, Fall

PSYC 251: Psychology of Physical Activity

The primary objective of the class is to provide the student with a general overview of the reciprocal relationship between psychological parameters and exercise and health. Course topics include, but will not be limited to, exercise adherence, exercise promotion, the relationship between physical activity and depression, anxiety, positive well-being, self-efficacy, cognitive functioning, distress, sleep disorders, mood, self-esteem, stress, and behavioral interventions for health promotion. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits, Spring, Odd numbered years

PSYC 260: Professional Seminar II

The second in a three-seminar professional development series for psychology majors, this course emphasizes career paths in and related to psychology. Students will develop their own professional identity in psychology and will reflect on information provided by guest speakers who are professionals in the community. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Psychology majors only 1 credit, Spring

PSYC 265: Cross-Cultural Psychology

An examination of the role that cultural differences play in social interaction. Factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and language are considered as they impact behavior between individuals and between groups. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Junior or senior standing. 3 credits, Fall, Spring

PSYC 275: Psychology of Women

This course concerns psychological approaches to studying women. It examines relevant theory and research. Topics include identity and self-concept, relationships and power, sexuality, parenting, work, mental health and women of color. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Junior or senior standing. 3 credits

PSYC 280: Inside Out: Reducing Prejudice

The course is an in-depth examination of the theories of prejudice, discrimination, and prejudice reduction in unique intergroup setting. “Outside” college students from Gannon and “inside” inmates will study alongside one another at a correctional institution and work together in small groups to create a project to reduce intergroup tensions. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Sophomore or higher standing. 3 credits

PSYC 292: Industrial/Organizational Psychology

An introduction to the application of psychological principles to the work environment. Topics include such areas as employee selection, placement, training, employee morale and motivation, supervisory styles, leadership, and general organizational behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits

PSYC 300: Psychology of Creativity

This course was originally designed to integrate the practice of creative production with psychological theory and research dealing with creative behavior. Presently, these facets will be preserved but the emphasis will shift somewhat to theories and research. Creative production, however, will still be required. Throughout the semester, the student will complete various creative exercises and will read essays on the creative process. The exercises will provide an opportunity to develop creative skills in artistic, musical or literary expression, in theatrical production or in scientific and technical problem solving. Readings in psychoanalytic, behavioral, humanistic, and psychophysiological theories of creativity will provide students with the basis for exploring creativity in themselves and in others. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits

PSYC 303: Research Methods w/Lab

An introduction to basic procedures in psychological research. The components of an experimental study including literature review, hypothesis formation, experimental design, ethics, statistical analysis, interpretation, and communication of research findings are covered. Concepts are illustrated by conducting small group experiments in the lab portion of the course. Prerequisites: PSYC 211 4 credits, Fall

PSYC 304: Advanced Research Methods

A continuation of PSYC 303, this course involves advanced concepts in psychological research, as well as the design and implementation of individual research based on the formation of an original hypothesis. All research is done under the guidance and supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: PSYC 211, PSYC 303 3 credits, Spring

PSYC 306: Psychology of Communication

An introduction to psycholinguistic theory with emphasis on the pragmatics of human communication. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits

PSYC 307: The Helping Relationship

Emphasis is placed on learning the skills necessary to develop a helping relationship. Students will practice relationship building skills with each other in class. Video feedback will be used as well as class discussion to assess student performance. Person-Centered Theory will be analyzed as a rationale for the helping relationship. 3 credits

PSYC 308: Psychological Assessment

This course provides an introduction to the process of psychological assessment. A broad array of techniques is presented including behavioral observation, interviews with varying degrees of structure as well as psychological tests that have been developed to assess cognition, personality and interpersonal processes. Neuropsychological instruments will be discussed as well as techniques used in the assessment of families. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, PSYC 211, PSYC 232 Junior or senior standing as Psychology major 3 credits

PSYC 309: Group Dynamics

An examination of group dynamics, with an emphasis on interpersonal processes and therapeutic group elements. A variety of group formats and functions will be covered. The course includes both theoretical and experiential components. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits

PSYC 311: Multivariate Statistics

A continuation of PSYC 211 with coverage of such topics as multiple regression, analysis of covariance, and selected current topics in the field of psychological statistics. Prerequisites: PSYC 211, PSYC 212, PSYC 303 3 credits, Spring, Odd numbered years

PSYC 313: Psychometrics

A survey of psychological testing and evaluation with an examination of basic technical considerations such as reliability, validity, and standardization. Selected, widely used tests will be reviewed. Some of the controversies in interpretation and application of standardized test results will also be discussed. Prerequisites: PSYC 111, PSYC 211 3 credits, Spring, Even numbered years

PSYC 314: Adulthood and Aging

Special consideration of the major psychological processes of aging as they relate to individual behavior and adaptation. Includes the influences of aging on the body, learning and memory, employment and productivity, personality, and psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, PSYC 222 Junior or senior standing 3 credits

PSYC 315: Physiological Psychology

A study of neural mechanisms and their relationship to behavior. A survey of the development of physiological concepts in psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, BIOL 104 or higher, Junior or senior standing. 3 credits, Spring

PSYC 316: Human Factors Psychology

Human factors psychology seeks to take psychological knowledge (especially relating to how people perceive, perform, attend, remember, and think) and apply this knowledge to making the world an easier and safer place in which to interact. The goal of this class is to give students a basic overview of these cognitive processes and then apply them to such topics as the design of displays, controls, and workspaces, stress and workload, safety and accident prevention, and human-computer interaction. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Junior or senior standing 3 credits

PSYC 317: Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary Psychology represents the contemporary study of the genetic roots of human behavior, the interaction between biology and the environment, and the ways in which the ancestral environment may have shaped contemporary life. Topics include, but are not limited to: gender differences, romantic relationships and attraction, parenting, environmental preferences, food preferences, violence, warfare, and cooperation. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Junior or senior standing 3 credits

PSYC 318: Sensation and Perception

Sensation and Perception is the study of how people use their sensory systems (vision, touch, hearing, taste, and smell) to perceive aspects of their environment. This class will present an overview of the basic sensory processes and how the brain uses this information interpret, navigate, and interact with the world. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits, Spring, Even numbered years

PSYC 319: Physiological Psychology Lab

The laboratory in physiological psychology gives the student hands-on experience conducting physiological psychology research and communicating the results of this research. The particular experiments conducted in the laboratory will closely mirror the topics concurrently discussed in PSYC 315, Physiological Psychology. Corequisite: PSYC 315 1 credit, Spring

PSYC 325: Cognitive Psychology

This course will provide an overview of some topics in the area of cognitive psychology. Topics include the neural basis of cognition, perception, attention, memory, knowledge, and thinking. Prerequisites: PSYC 111, PSYC 211 3 credits, Fall

PSYC 326: Cognitive Psychology Lab

The laboratory in cognitive psychology will give the student practical experience programming and running computer-based cognitive psychology experiments. The particular experiments will closely mirror those concurrently discussed in PSYC 325, Cognitive Psychology. Corequisite: PSYC 325 1 credit, Fall

PSYC 340: Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. This course will provide an introduction to positive psychology. Students explore the concepts, the research behind the concepts, cognitions, and practices that enhance well-being. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits, Fall, Odd numbered years

PSYC 350: Motivation and Emotion

A survey of major theorist in motivation and emotion, with attention paid to the core research in these fields as well as understanding how these theories apply to everyday life. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits, Fall, Even numbered years

PSYC 352: History and Systems in Psychology

A detailed consideration of the formal systems of psychology (e.g., Structuralism, Behaviorism, Humanistic-Existentialism) a review of psychology’s roots in philosophy and physiology and a survey of the current status of the discipline, with special emphasis on one or more topics of continuing historical interest. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Junior or senior standing 3 credits

PSYC 360: Professional Seminar III

The third professional seminar in psychology will help students prepare for the process of applying to graduate or professional school, or gaining meaningful employment postgraduation. Students will form a cohort of other students with similar post-graduation interests and application timeframes. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Psychology majors only 1 credit, Fall

PSYC 362: Psychotherapy Theories

A survey of the various forms of psychotherapy including the history of the field, methods, theoretical and applied models of the therapeutic process, as well as practical issues such as training, gaining credentials, and other professional issues. The experience of becoming and working as a psychotherapist and coverage of selected specialty areas will also be considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, Junior or senior standing 3 credits

PSYC 372: Personality Theory

A survey of major theories of personality with emphasis on the Freudian, Neo-analytic, Cognitive, Behavioral and Existential perspectives. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 3 credits

PSYC 382: Undergraduate Psychology Internship

An opportunity to use the principles of psychology in applied settings under professional supervision. A program of readings is completed concurrently with the field placement. The objective is the integration of theoretical knowledge with practice. Prerequisites: PSYC 111, Credits are by arrangement. 3 or 6 credits

PSYC 390-394: Special Topics in Psychology

Prerequisite: PSYC 111, prerequisites vary with particular course being offered 1-3 credits

PSYC 395: Research Practicum

The design and implementation of special research projects where the Psychology major works under the personal supervision of a faculty member. This course requires instructor permission. Prerequisites: PSYC 211, Credits are by arrangement. 1-3 credits

PSYC 396-399: Independent Study

Individual study of a particular topic in Psychology under the supervision of a faculty member. This course requires instructor permission. Credits by arrangement. 1-3 credits

PSYC 400: Senior Thesis in Psychology

This seminar for senior majors in Psychology deals with recent research in a wide variety of specialty areas in psychology. The emphasis is on the synthesis of previous research and the critical analysis of specific research methods and findings. Prerequisite: Senior standing as Psychology major. 3 credits, Fall, Spring