Minor
Psychology
The mission of the Franklin Pierce University Psychology program is to prepare undergraduates for a wide range of careers in which the understanding of behavior and mental processes is beneficial, or for further study in graduate and professional schools. The program adheres to a scientist/practitioner model and is compliant with American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines for undergraduate education in psychology. The program’s curriculum is designed to help students achieve mastery in each of the five goal areas delineated by those APA guidelines:
- knowledge base in psychology,
- scientific inquiry and critical thinking,
- ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world,
- communication, and
- professional development.
The program provides students the opportunity to engage in research and internship experiences. Students who intend to teach Psychology (Social Studies) in high school should refer to the School of Education for information on the Secondary Teacher Certification program.
Majors, Minors and Certificates
Courses
PS101: Introduction To Psychology
Credits 3The application of psychological principles of learning, perception, cognition, motivation and social and developmental processes to the understanding of human behavior. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Social Sciences (SS), Inquiry & Analysis (IA) and Written Communication (WC).
PS128: Special Topics In Psychology
Credits 3Constructed around a timely issue in psychology, generally in a field of expertise of the faculty member facilitating the course. Prerequisites vary.
PS155: Psychology Of Gender
Credits 3An examination of the similarities and differences between males and females in the areas of brain and fetal development, personality, cognitive functioning and social behaviors. The course will focus on the biological, environmental and cultural influences on gender development and sexual orientation. Gender identity and sexual orientations will also be discussed.
PS214: Creative Arts Therapy
Credits 3An introduction to the basic theoretical concepts of the creative arts therapies and to the therapeutic process. Focus will be on dance/movement, art, music, drama, and story-telling therapy approaches. Prerequisites: Sophomore class status.
PS215: Health Psychology
Credits 3Examines the bio-social and psychological factors which impact behavioral health. Emphasis will be placed on the origin and causes of disease, as well as prevention, management, and treatment of patients with health-related illnesses.
PS228: Special Topics In Psychology
Credits 3Constructed around a timely issue in psychology, generally in a field of expertise of the faculty member facilitating the course. Prerequisites vary.
PS230: Child & Adolescent Development
Credits 3Psychological aspects of human growth and development from conception through adolescence, with emphasis on intellectual, emotional, and personality development.
PS231: Adult Development and Aging
Credits 3A continuation of PS230, this course examines developmental change in the adult years, from early adulthood through old age.
PS234: Human Growth And Development
Credits 3This course is designed specifically for students in the Nursing program and is designed to give a general overview of life span development. Various theories of physical, cognitive social, emotional and ethical dimensions of normal development will be studied from infancy through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. What variables affect these domains? What are the nature-nurture situations which make each person unique? The topics of illness, as well as death and dying will be addressed in a manner combining both knowledge and application to patients and their families.
PS235: Forensic Psychology
Credits 3The scientific study of the psychological factors that affect decision-making in various areas of the American legal system. Topics include cognitive processing errors of victims, juries, witnesses and judges, assessment and profiling, family and workplace law, and the effectiveness of punishment and social advocacy.
PS243: Positive Psychology
Credits 3This course focuses on an introduction to the history of positive thinking. Additional emphasis is on the physiological and psychological factors contributing to positive thinking and happiness. Other detriments of positive thinking will be examined including trait and personality characteristics, personal experiences and mental states influencing behavior as well as intervention studies. These include relationships, mindfulness and other variables impacting positive thinking.
PS251: Abnormal Psychology
Credits 3An understanding of abnormal behavior from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Emphasis will be placed on organic, psychosocial, and cultural factors that influence the development of psychopathology. This course will also include an examination of several theories of psychotherapy and their application in treating abnormal behavior.
PS252: Psychology of Motivation & Emotions
Credits 3This course focuses on understanding the psychological and physiological domains of motivation and emotions in human and animal behavior. Particular emphasis will be on the social-cognitive processes triggering emotional and motivational responses that drive behavior.
PS260: Statistics For Behavioral Sciences
Credits 4Quantitative analysis of behavioral measures including descriptive, correlational and inferential methods. Computer use and basic reporting of statistical results in accordance with American Psychological Association standards are included. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Mathematics (MT), Problem Solving (PS), and Quantitative Literacy (QL).
PS261: Research Methods-Lab
Credits 4The strategy and techniques of research design, applied statistical techniques, research report writing, and laboratory with field experience. This course is offered every semester.
PS261L: Research Methods-Lecture
Credits 0The strategy and techniques of research design, applied statistical techniques, research report writing, and laboratory with field experience.
PS270: Psychology Of Terrorism
Credits 3An investigation into the psychological factors involved in terrorism. Topics include the psychological issues involved in the recruitment process, ideology, personality, motivation, obedience, conformity, influence/persuasion, and interpersonal relationships. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Social Sciences (SS), Critical Thinking (CT), Inquiry and Analysis (IA), and Information Literacy (IL). Prerequisite: any social science course, i.e., AN, CJ, ED, ET, PO, PS, or SO.
PS285: Sports Psychology
Credits 3The application of psychology to understanding sports behavior. Motivational development and leadership issues are discussed with particular emphasis on understanding and analyzing constructs such as winning and losing, competition, enhancing performance, and the emotional reaction of both players and participants.
PS298: Research in Psychology
Credits 1 3Research in Psychology (1-3 credits). The course provides advanced research experience for students interested in pursuing graduate school and/or a career in research by working closely with a faculty member on her research. By working on various projects, students will serve as research assistants and have the opportunity to learn about literature review, the planning and design of research projects, the use of human participants and application for Institutional Review Board approval of research projects, data collection and analyses, and/or the presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated.
PS299: Independent Study In Psychology
Credits 3Offers an opportunity to explore an area of study not included in the Catalog listing of approved courses. The topic of an Independent Study should be selected and carefully designed by the student and faculty sponsor, and must meet with the approval of the College Coordinator or the Dean of CoLABSE. The student will be expected to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and possess the appropriate background and interest to pursue the proposed area of study. A “Proposal for Independent Study” form may be obtained from the Registrar or from the office of the College Coordinator or the Dean of CoLABSE. Independent Study courses are assigned numbers of 299, 399, or 499, depending on the level of the course.
PS303: Psychology Of Learning-Lab
Credits 4An evaluation of learning processes from an historical perspective through issues of current interest, and a review of the experimental research in the area. Topics include respondent, operant, physiological and information processing theories of learning. The laboratory provides “hands on” experience with the research; the student is responsible for an original research project. Prerequisite: PS260 and PS261
PS303L: Psychology Of Learning-Lecture
Credits 0An evaluation of learning processes from an historical perspective through issues of current interest, and a review of the experimental research in the area. Topics include respondent, operant, physiological and information processing theories of learning. The laboratory provides “hands on” experience with the research; the student is responsible for an original research project. Prerequisite: PS260 and PS261
PS304: Introduction To Neuroscience-Lab
Credits 4PS306: Cognitive Psychology-Lab
Credits 4Designed to familiarize the student with a variety of cognitive processes including attention, memory, language, judgment and decision-making. The student will be introduced to the prominent theories, important individuals, and history of cognitive psychology and will be responsible for an original research project. Prerequisite: PS260 and PS261
PS306L: Cognitive Psychology-Lect
Credits 0Designed to familiarize the student with a variety of cognitive processes including attention, memory, language, judgment and decision-making. The student will be introduced to the prominent theories, important individuals, and history of cognitive psychology and will be responsible for an original research project. Prerequisite: PS260 and PS261
PS308: Evolutionary Psychology-Lab
Credits 4An investigation of the scientific study of human nature and the psychological adaptations that evolved to sole ancestral survival and reproductive problems. Topics will include Female and Male Mating Strategies (long-term and short-term); Conflict between the Sexes; Aggression and Warfare; Status, Prestige and Social Dominance; Human Survival Problems; Parenting; Kindship; and Cooperative Alliances. Prerequisite: PS260 and PS261
PS308L: Evolutionary Psychology-Lecture
Credits 0An investigation of the scientific study of human nature and the psychological adaptations that evolved to sole ancestral survival and reproductive problems. Topics will include Female and Male Mating Strategies (long-term and short-term); Conflict between the Sexes; Aggression and Warfare; Status, Prestige and Social Dominance; Human Survival Problems; Parenting; Kindship; and Cooperative Alliances. Prerequisite: PS260 and PS261
PS310: Psychological Testing
Credits 3An evaluation of the theoretical and practical issues in the measurement of intelligence, personality and vocation for use in school, clinical and industrial settings. Topics include the construction, analysis, and presentation of standardized tests as well as issues in the interpretation of test scores and behavior. Prerequisite: PS260.
PS318: Psychology of Intelligence Analysis
Credits 3An investigation of the psychology of intelligence analysis. Topics include the psychological issues involved in gathering and analyzing information, sources of intelligence, and the United States Intelligence Community. Prerequisites: Junior status or permission of instructor
PS319: Case Studies In Espionage
Credits 3An investigation of the psychological factors involved in American espionage cases and espionage tradecraft. Topics include the psychological issues involved in the recruitment process, ideology, personality, motivation, obedience, conformity, influence/persuasion, gender, sex, interpersonal relationships, self-management, stress management, and substance abuse. Prerequisite: Junior status or permission of instructor
PS320: Theories Of Personality
Credits 3PS320 Theories of Personality 3 credits A comparative study of classical and current theories of normal personality structure and develop with an examination of supporting case study and empirical research. Prerequisite: Sophomore status
PS322: Social Psychology
Credits 3An analysis of individual, group, and collective behavior from a psychological perspective. Topics include theories, methods and empirical data on conformity, compliance, attribution, social justification, mass persuasion, aggression, prejudice, and affiliation.
PS323: Seminar On Addiction
Credits 3An explanation of the social, psychological and physiological factors associated with drug abuse and dependency. Other topics include the disease implications of drug dependency, models of treatment and recovery and approaches to community intervention. Prerequisites: PS101 and 6 credit hours of psychology.
PS328: Special Topics In Psychology
Credits 3Constructed around a timely issue in psychology, generally in a field of expertise of the faculty member facilitating the course. Prerequisites vary.
PS330: Child Abuse And Neglect
Credits 3Various types of child maltreatment are described and explained. The psychodynamics of both the perpetrator and the victim are explored, with special emphasis on intellectual, social, and emotional outcomes for the child. Case management and strategies for prevention are discussed. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of Psychology or sociology, anthropology, or criminal justice or permission of instructor.
PS340: Techniques of Counseling I
Credits 3Acquaints students with psychoanalytical, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic techniques of counseling. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of psychology.
PS345: Crisis Intervention
Credits 3Examines several theories of crisis intervention and their application. An understanding of the methods and procedures involved in dealing with suicide, substance abuse intervention, as well as other emergency situations will be explored. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of psychology.
PS398: Research in Psychology
Credits 1 3Research in Psychology (1-3 credits) The course provides advanced research experience for students interested in pursuing graduate school and/or a career in research by working closely with a faculty member on her research. By working on various projects, students will serve as research assistants and have the opportunity to learn about literature review, the planning and design of research projects, the use of human participants and application for Institutional Review Board approval of research projects, data collection and analyses, and/or the presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated.
PS399: Independent Study In Psychology
Credits 3Offers an opportunity to explore an area of study not included in the Catalog listing of approved courses. The topic of an Independent Study should be selected and carefully designed by the student and faculty sponsor, and must meet with the approval of the College Coordinator or the Dean of CoLABSE. The student will be expected to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and possess the appropriate background and interest to pursue the proposed area of study. A “Proposal for Independent Study” form may be obtained from the Registrar or from the office of the College Coordinator or the Dean of CoLABSE. Independent Study courses are assigned numbers of 299, 399, or 499, depending on the level of the course.
PS405: Family & Intimate Partner Violence
Credits 3Provides an understanding of domestic violence upon the family and relationships as a system, and explores the psychological dynamics of both victim and perpetrator. The attitudes of the legal and justice systems are studied. Prevention is emphasized. Prerequisite: 9 credit hours of psychology, sociology, anthropology, or criminal justice, or permission of instructor.
PS428: Special Topics In Psychology
Credits 3Constructed around a timely issue in psychology, generally in a field of expertise of the faculty member facilitating the course. Prerequisites vary.
PS430: Introduction to Psychopharmacology
Credits 3Examines the physical, behavioral, and neurological effects of various psychoactive medications on individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, dementia, and a variety of other medical conditions. Students interested in working in counseling and human services will benefit from understanding the nature and application of these medications as part of the treatment process. Prerequisite: 12 credit hours of psychology or 16 credit hours of biology.
PS489: Sr Thesis In Psychology-Lit Review
Credits 3A review of the literature on a topic selected by the student and a thesis advisor. The thesis is to be written with the continuous guidance of the thesis advisor in American Psychological Association style, and must be defended successfully before a faculty committee. Prerequisites: PS261 and senior standing
PS490: Sr Thesis In Psychology (Empirical)
Credits 3Original empirical research on a topic selected by a student and a thesis advisor. During the first semester the student reviews the literature and develops a proposal which is approved by members of a faculty committee. During the second semester the student gathers data, analyzes results, and completes the final draft of the thesis. The thesis is to be written in American Psychological Association style, and must be proposed and defended successfully before a faculty committee. Prerequisites: minimum C+ received in PS261 and at least second semester junior standing.
PS491: Sr Thesis In Psychology (Empirical)
Credits 3Original empirical research on a topic selected by a student and a thesis advisor. During the first semester the student reviews the literature and develops a proposal which is approved by members of a faculty committee. During the second semester the student gathers data, analyzes results, and completes the final draft of the thesis. The thesis is to be written in American Psychological Association style, and must be proposed and defended successfully before a faculty committee. Prerequisites: minimum C+ received in PS261 and at least second semester junior standing.
PS494: Senior Seminar In Psychology
Credits 3A capstone course that assesses the student’s progress in achieving the goals of the psychology major, focusing on the ability to understand and communicate important concepts in psychology. Activities include student presentations on thesis and internship experiences, as well as a comprehensive exam in psychology. Prerequisites: PS261, senior standing and a Psychology major. Taken concurrently or subsequent to PS489, PS490, or PS495.
PS495: Senior Internship In Psychology
Credits 3 15Senior Internship in Psychology (3-15 credits). Qualified students work under supervision in a hands-on learning environment in the field to further their skills in psychology. Placements are limited, but opportunities are accorded students of exceptional ability. Prerequisites: 18 credit hours in psychology, senior standing, permission of advisor, acceptance by a sponsoring institution, and a 2.50 GPA. The GPA requirement may be waived with permission of the Psychology Department faculty.
PS498: Research in Psychology
Credits 1 3Research in Psychology (1-3 credits). The course provides advanced research experience for students interested in pursuing graduate school and/or a career in research by working closely with a faculty member on her research. By working on various projects, students will serve as research assistants and have the opportunity to learn about literature review, the planning and design of research projects, the use of human participants and application for Institutional Review Board approval of research projects, data collection and analyses, and/or the presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated
PS499: Independent Study In Psychology
Credits 3Offers an opportunity to explore an area of study not included in the Catalog listing of approved courses. The topic of an Independent Study should be selected and carefully designed by the student and faculty sponsor, and must meet with the approval of the College Coordinator or the Dean of CoLABSE. The student will be expected to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and possess the appropriate background and interest to pursue the proposed area of study. A “Proposal for Independent Study” form may be obtained from the Registrar or from the office of the College Coordinator or the Dean of CoLABSE. Independent Study courses are assigned numbers of 299, 399, or 499, depending on the level of the course.