The Psychology Major | Degree Requirements | Course Descriptions
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PS110 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
A survey course which discusses the main subfields of psychology as the science of behavior and mental process. History, personalities, and past and current research findings of the field are given attention and are applied to everyday life

PS240 Lifespan Development (3 credits)
The study of human growth and development from a predominantly psychological perspective throughout the life span. Research findings and current perspectives on physical, intellectual, personality, and social development from conception to death are studied.

PS251 Statistics for the Social Sciences (3 credits)
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, emphasizing the understanding of and skills in the processes of organizing, calculating and interpreting quantitative information. This course also serves as a forum for initiating the process for psychology senior research comprehensives by assisting in the generation of research ideas. (This course may serve as the Math/Science options for Psychology majors.)

PS313 Social Psychology (3 credits)
The scientific field that seeks to understand the nature and causes of individual behavior in social situations, for the purpose of finding ways to improve the quality of life in society. Students will explore issues such as: social perception and cognition, attitude formation, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal attraction, altruism, aggression, group
behavior, and environmental and organizational psychology. Application to contemporary issues will be encouraged.
Prerequisite: PS110 or SO110

PS314 Group Psychology (3 credits)
The study of group theory and reflective experiencing of group dynamics and processes in a class format that emphasizes participation in different kinds of group activities. Topics include group communication, membership, norms, goals, leadership, problem solving and group evolution. Applications will be made to a variety of settings, e.g. business, church, therapy, education.
Offered in alternate years

PS315 Urban Experience (3 credits)
An interdisciplinary approach to understanding the dynamics and challenges of life and ministry in the city. Readings and lectures from varied theoretical perspectives (theological, psychological, sociological, economic, and political) will be combined with exposure to various urban ministry models through site visits and field experience. This course will
include travel and a special course fee to cover travel expenses.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; Offered in alternate years

PS331 Theories of Personality (3 credits)
An examination of personality structure, dynamics and development, emphasizing major theoretical perspectives and methods of research. Attention will be given to the comparative analysis of the major theoretical models.
Prerequisites: PS110, PS240, or permission of instructor

PS341 Periods in Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
A focus on significant aspects of physical, cognitive, personality and social development during a specific period of the lifespan. The student will study theoretical perspectives on the tasks and experiences of this period, consider the various research findings and techniques, and explore applications of developmental understandings to practical fields such as parenting, education, and ministry.
Offerings include: 1. Child Development; 2. Adolescent Development; 3. Adult Development. Offered every 2 to 3 years

PS342 Child Development (3 credits)
The study of child development from birth up to pre-adolescence. Attention will be paid to a variety of perspectives–biological, cognitive, emotional and social development. Theories of child development and current research will be addressed in order to provide the student
with a comprehensive understanding of the nature, challenges and potential in child development. Specific contexts, such as the family, peer relationships, school and community life, will be considered.

PS343 Adolescent Development (3 credits)
The study of adolescent development from a variety of perspectives–biologically, cognitively, emotionally and socially. Theories of adolescent development and current research will be addressed in order to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the nature of adolescent development, fundamental changes and contexts as well as challenges and opportunities posed by our current society. Attention will be paid to the dynamics of family life and the intergenerational interactions.

PS351 Methods of Social Research (3 credits)
The development of research skills with emphasis on social research as a scientific inquiry and problem-solving tool in explaining human social behavior. Students learn how to formulate problems for research and implement appropriate research methods.
Prerequisite: PS251 or permission of instructor

PS352 Junior Psychology Seminar (1.5 credit hours)
Primarily designed to guide the psychology major in preparing for the senior comprehensive examination in psychology. A secondary purpose is to provide a resource in career planning for students as they move toward specific post-graduation goals of either seeking psychology-related employment, or applying for graduate school in psychology. Both
individual and group activities are scheduled in order to facilitate the senior comprehensive preparation, and career planning.
Prerequisite: Junior standing

PS353 Psychology of Learning (3 credits)
An in-depth study of methods and results of psychological research on learning and memory with an emphasis on the basic issues of acquisition and performance in humans and animals, and an examination of the processes by which people acquire, store and use information. A lab is included in the course work.
Prerequisites: PS110, PS240; Offered in alternate years

PS372 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
The study of psychological disorders with emphasis upon historical, etiological, descriptive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and experimental approaches.
Prerequisites: PS110, PS240

PS392 Counseling Psychology (3 credits)
This course introduces students to basic counseling skills such as active and reflective listening. In addition, the students are exposed to the current models for counseling intervention. The affective behavioral and cognitive paradigms are presented with discussion of their relative strengths and weaknesses.
Prerequisites: PS110, PS240; Offered in alternate years

PS430 Field Experience (3 credits)
Supervised practical experience in a vocation closely related to the student’s interest and/or future plans in psychology. Readings, written assignments and group meetings will assist the student in reflecting on and integrating the knowledge gained from involvement at an approved placement site.
Prerequisite: Attendance at a pre-placement meeting. Recommended for Junior year. Offered in spring semester or by special arrangement in the summer

PS432 Physiological Psychology (3 credits)
An introduction to physiological structures and functions that are of interest to behavioral science. Emphasis placed on sensory processes, the central nervous system, higher cognitive functioning, and the neuropsychological perspective of behavioral disorders.
Prerequisites: PS110, PS240; Offered in alternate years

PS434 Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)
Describes and evaluates topics dealing with human learning, thinking, reasoning, concept formation, memory and language. Various theoretical approaches will be contrasted in light of established and current research in the field. Special emphasis will be placed on the process of moving from research to an understanding of basic cognitive principles within class demonstrations of various research methodologies.

PS450 Advanced Research Methods (3 credits)
Familiarity with basic research methods and statistics is assumed. This course exposes students to current research paradigms in psychology, placing special emphasis on the process of empirically testing theory. Both experimental and non-experimental research methods are examined. A major course requirement is the production of an individual research project that will include designing a study, carrying out data collection and analysis, and APA report writing. In addition, students will orally present the results of their study to psychology faculty and peers.
Prerequisites: PS251, PS351

PS451 History of Psychology (1.5 credit hours)
Exploration of the philosophical, physiological, and religious antecedents of modern psychology, with a focus on influential historical figures and the development of major theoretical perspectives. During this course, the socio-cultural contexts of these personalities and their ideas will be examined, with an eye to their impact on contemporary psychology.
Offered in same semester as Junior Psychology Seminar.
Prerequisite: Junior standing

PS452 Current Issues in Psychology (1.5 credit hours)
Seminar-style discussion of current literature on selected topics in the field of psychology. Readings will be from recent issues of scholarly journals and the topics will relate to current events and controversial issues. Offered in same semester as Senior Psychology Seminar.
Prerequisite: Junior standing

PS453 Senior Psychology Seminar (1.5 credit hours)
Primarily designed to guide the psychology major in his/her preparations for the comprehensive examination in psychology. This course will also continue facilitating the career planning begun in Junior Psychology Seminar, for post graduation goals of either seeking psychology related employment, or applying for graduate school in psychology.
Prerequisite: PS352 Junior Psychology Seminar

PS472 Psychology of Religion (3 credits)
An interdisciplinary field that examines religious experience, belief, and behavior from a psychological perspective. In a seminar format, students will read primary source material to examine the lives and theories of several leaders in the field, research and reflect on selected topics of interest to both psychologists and theologians, and evaluate one’s own role as a psychological interpreter of religion.
Prerequisites: PS110, Sophomore standing; Offered in alternate years

PS492 Seminar in Psychology (3 credits)
Exploration of topics of particular interest within Psychology. Offered occasionally.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

PS499 Research in Psychology (3 credits)
Designed for the advanced Psychology major who desires to continue supervised work on a research project. The student in consultation with a Psychology faculty member will develop goals for the project including literature review, data collection tools and procedures, data analysis and method of presentation. Can be taken for 1-3 credit hours per semester up to 6 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Permission of the chair of the Department of Psychology and the Committee on Admissions and Academic Standing

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Psychology Department
Eastern Nazarene College | 23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, Massachusetts 02170 
Phone: 617-745-3556 | email: Psychology Department Head