Psychology
The Department of Psychology provides its students with significant learning opportunities through integrated coursework, research, and service for effective and faithful engagement in a diverse world.
By learning psychology's core concepts, methods, findings, and applications, students are equipped for bachelor's level positions and graduate degree programs--needed for careers as psychologists and professionals in related areas.
The department equips students for lives of leadership and service in a global society through formation in coursework, research labs, field placements, perspective-taking courses, personally tailored advising meetings with faculty, and co-curricular learning opportunities through the Psychology Club and Psi Chi honor society. They have opportunities in the major to engage in collaborative research with faculty and internships in community human-service agencies, schools and businesses. Students also participate in off-campus study programs at The Philadelphia Center and the Chicago Semester, as well as study abroad.
The department's exceptional facilities include multimedia instruction, an animal laboratory, an EEG machine, a psychophysiology laboratory, a psychoacoustics laboratory and other computer-controlled laboratories for data collection and analysis. Many students collaborate with faculty in research in much the same way that graduate students do in universities. Each year psychology students are involved in collaborative research, and many present their research at professional conferences.
Hope's Department of Psychology is nationally recognized. The international honor society in psychology has awarded regional research awards to 31 student research projects in the past 21 years; approximately 20 are awarded per year out of more than 250 applicants from the 11-state Midwest region. Several leading psychology textbooks and multi-media instructional resources are authored by department faculty. Psychology graduates have been recruited by top graduate schools, assuring that the department will continue to be a prominent source of future psychologists. Additional information about psychology faculty teaching and research interests is available on our website.
Majors
Those psychology majors intending to work in the human-service professions with a B.A. degree or intending to seek an advanced degree in this area (e.g., masters or doctorate) should consider courses aimed at developing helping skills through the PSY 265 - Theory and Practice of Helping course. Students who aim to pursue masters and doctoral degrees ought to take the Advanced Research Lab PSY 390, and pursue additional research opportunities (e.g., PSY 290, 490, and 493). Students intending to enroll in an MSW program can choose either the social work major or the psychology major.
Students considering work in probation and the criminal justice system might want to take POL 237 and 339 and SOC 221 and 222.
Human service professions related courses include SOC 101, 232 and 233 and IDS 200 – Encounter with Cultures.
Students interested in human resources and/or business should take PSY 350 and MGMT 222.
Consultation with your psychology advisor is recommended in making choices from among the courses listed above.
Recommended courses for other possible career paths for psychology majors, information about careers in psychology and information about graduate study in psychology are available on our website.
- Psychology
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The psychology major is composed of a minimum of 32 credits plus a statistics course. Only one psychology course may be transferred into the major (unless the student is a transfer student). The major requirements are broken down into the following elements:
Fundamental Courses
All majors must take:
- PSY 100 – Introduction to Psychology (includes Research Lab)
- MATH 210 or MATH 311 – Statistics
- PSY 200 – Research Methods Survey Courses (includes Research Lab)
Students must take four of the following courses:
- NSCI 211 – Introduction to Neuroscience & Research Lab
- PSY 230 – Developmental Psychology & Field Placement
- PSY 310 – Behavior Disorders (includes Research Lab)
- PSY 330 – Social Psychology (includes Research Lab)
- PSY 340 – Cognitive Psychology (includes Research Lab)
Topical Seminar
Students must take four credits of topical seminars, which vary from semester to semester, with the following as examples:
- PSY 308 – Multicultural Psychology, 4 credits
- PSY 325 – Health Psychology, 4 credits
- PSY 350 – Industrial/Organizational Psychology, 4 credits
- PSY 382 – Psychology of Gender, 4 credits
- PSY 390 – Advanced Research Lab, 4 credits
- PSY 395 – Studies in Psychology, 2 or 4 credits
- PSY 410 – Clinical Psychology, 4 credits
- PSY 435 - Psychological Science and Religion, 4 credits
Electives
Four additional credits in psychology are required, and these credits may be from any Psychology course such as another survey course, seminar course, or one of the following courses:
- PSY 110, Race in America, 2 credits
- EDUC 225/226, 4 credits and KIN 371, 3 credits, will also count toward the major.
Perspective Taking
The Psychology Department believes it is essential for students to develop cultural perspective-taking. Students are required to take six credits of courses identified as having a Global Learning focus. These courses do not need to be psychology courses. However, PSY 110 - Race in America, PSY 395 - Psychology and Culture, and PSY 308 - Multicultural Psychology incorporate Global Learning.
Service Learning or Field Experience
Students are required to participate in one service-learning course. This can be fulfilled by taking PSY 230 - Developmental Psychology or PSY 496 - Psychology Internship.
Students interested in a career in the helping professions are encouraged to take PSY 265 - Theory & Practice of Helping, to develop basic listening skills.
Research skills development
Students who are interested in attending a research-based graduate program are encouraged to take PSY 390 – Advanced Research. The department also offers PSY 290 - Supervised Research, PSY 490 - Special Studies, and PSY 493 - Honors Research, which are opportunities that enhance students' skills for the workplace and equip them for graduate study.
Students who have questions about whether the prescribed 32-credit major is the most appropriate one for them or who would like to form a composite major may design, in consultation with their psychology advisor, a major program suited to their unique needs and goals. A written copy of this alternate major program is filed with the department chairperson after approval is obtained by the relevant chair(s) and the Registrar. Students interested in an alternative major should contact the Department of Psychology chairperson or their psychology advisor as soon as possible.
Minors
- Psychology
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The psychology minor consists of a minimum of 20 credits of psychology. Only one psychology course may be transferred in to count toward the minor (unless the student is a transfer student). The minor includes the following required courses:
Fundamental Courses
All minors must take:
- PSY 100 – Introduction to Psychology
- PSY 200 – Research Methods
Survey Courses
Students must take two of the following courses:
- NSCI 211 – Introduction to Neuroscience
- PSY 230 – Developmental Psychology
- PSY 310 – Behavior Disorders
- PSY 330 – Social Psychology
- PSY 340 – Cognitive Psychology
Elective PSYCHOLOGY Course(s)
Students must take 4 credits of elective course work. Courses must be in the psychology curriculum, with recommendation to take a Survey, Seminar, Psychology Internship, Theory and Practice of Helping, or Race in America.
Courses that cannot be taken for the minor include EDUC 225 - Exceptional Child, KIN 371 - Sport and Performance Psychology, PSY 290 - Supervised Study and PSY 490 - Special Studies.
- Psychology Education
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Students who minor in psychology for teaching certification must take a minimum of 20 credits in psychology. EDUC 225/226 (Exceptional Child) cannot be used for a teaching minor in psychology. See the Department of Education web page for more information about courses required for this minor.
Psychology
100. Introduction to Psychology — An introduction to the science of behavior and mental life, ranging from biological
foundations to social and cultural influences on behavior (introducing most of the
content areas covered in other psychology courses). Research labs offer experimental
and correlational hands-on experience providing hands-on experience that comprises
the fourth credit.
4 Credits | Fall, Spring | Social Science 1 (SS1)
110. Race in America — Social understandings of race in the United States have changed dramatically over
the last 500 years, but race still determines many of our life experiences and shapes
our personal, social, and political views. In this course, students will read psychological
research and other literature on the role of race in twenty-first century America
and explore how we can work together toward greater justice, respect, and appreciation
in an increasingly diverse society.
2 Credits | Fall | Social Science 2 (SS2)
200. Research Methods — This course offers foundational research methodology in contemporary psychology. Specific
examples from different areas of psychology are used to teach the student basic concepts
and methods of observation, measurement, hypothesis formation, research study design,
data collection, data analysis, interpretation and generalization. Laboratory projects
provide hands-on experience with an emphasis on experiments. Math 210, Statistics
or equivalent is highly recommended prior to this course.
Prerequisites: Psy 100
4 Credits | Fall, Spring
211. Introduction to Neuroscience — Course must be taken as NSCI 211. Both the lecture and lab are to be taken the same
semester. The course description is listed in the Neuroscience section of the catalog.
4 Credits | Fall, Spring | Natural Science I with lab (NSL)
225. The Exceptional Child and Adolescent — See course description under Educ 225. This may be used as an elective for the psychology
major, but not the psychology minor.
230. Developmental Psychology — This course introduces theories, research methods, and findings related to physical,
intellectual, linguistic, emotional, perceptual, social and personality development
during the life-span, with emphasis on childhood and adolescence. All students will
participate in a field placement or other practical experience. Psy 100 is highly
recommended prior to this course.
4 Credits | Fall, Spring
240. Human Sexuality — This course will provide an overview of human sexual behavior. The course will cover
developmental, biological and neurological explanations of sexual behavior, cultural
and social explanations, and clinical conditions related to sexuality. In addition,
the course will attempt to integrate historical, philosophical, and theological understandings
of human sexual behavior.
2 Credits | Spring
265. The Theory and Practice of Helping — Helping skills are essential to conducting an effective interview, whether the interview
takes place in counseling, social work, nursing, personnel work, or the ministry.
The course teaches concepts and skills that are designed to help the student develop
specific competencies in helping relationships. Psy 100 is highly recommended prior
to this course.
2 Credits | Fall
290. Supervised Study in Psychology — A supervised study is designed to give the psychology student first-hand learning
in laboratory settings or in a field placement under faculty supervision. It is the
student's responsibility to obtain prior approval of the project from the faculty
supervisor. One to four credits may be taken for a grade (0 credit pass/fail option
available for 3 hours per week). The general guideline for credit is 3 hours per week
for each credit enrolled during that semester. May be repeated for credit but no credit
can be applied to the 20-credit psychology minor.
Prerequisites: Psy 100, Permission of instructor
0-4 Credits | Fall, Spring
295. Studies in Psychology — This course number is a lecture or seminar course designed as a one-time or trial
offering. It may be repeated for credit but no more than four credits may be applied
to the 20-credit Psychology minor. Psy 100 is highly recommended prior to this course.
2-4 Credits | As Needed
308. Multicultural Psychology — This course addresses how culture influences thinking and behavior. It is designed
to address both the universality and cultural specificity of psychological principles
and theories. The course will cover general topics such as: What is culture? How does
it influence the individual? What is multiculturalism? The course will address theories
of multicultural psychology, research and assessment in biological, social, developmental
and personality psychology. The course will also examine multicultural issues by learning
about four minority groups in the USA. Psy 100 is highly recommended prior to this
course.
4 Credits | Spring
310. Behavior Disorders — This course focuses on the major psychological/psychiatric disorders. It addresses
diagnostic criteria, causes, treatment, and attitudes toward people who have disorders.
This course includes a research lab in which data will be collected, analyzed, and
reported in a research paper using APA style. Psy 100 and Psy 200 are highly recommended
prior to this course.
4 Credits | Fall, Spring
325. Health Psychology — This course is taught in a seminar format and investigates how psychological factors
affect aspects of health and illness. A biopsychosocial model is used to examine issues
in: 1) health behaviors and primary intervention, 2) stress, illness, and stress reductions,
3) the management of pain and discomfort, and 4) the management of chronic and terminal
illness. Psy 100 is highly recommended prior to this course.
4 Credits | Fall, Spring
330. Social Psychology — This course addresses the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and
relate to one another. Topics include the self, conformity, persuasion, prejudice,
and interpersonal attraction. Data collection and analysis are part of the laboratory
experience. Psy 100 or Soc 101, and Psy 200 or Soc 262, are highly recommended prior
to this course. Cross-listed with Soc 330.
4 Credits | Fall, Spring
340. Cognitive Psychology — This course addresses the major topics in cognitive psychology including perception,
attention, memory, imagery, knowledge representation, categorization, problem solving,
language, decision making, and reasoning. Theories are reviewed with an emphasis on
current research findings and applications. Data collection and analysis are part
of the laboratory experience. Psy 100 and Psy 200 are highly recommended prior to
this course.
4 Credits | Fall
350. Industrial/Organizational Psychology — This course applies psychology to the workplace. It offers an introduction to the
major topics including personnel selection and evaluation, organizational dynamics
(groups, power, teams, cooperation, competition, and communication), and human factors
(reducing stress in the work environment). The course contains psychological theories,
research, and practical applications (involving interviews and data analysis). Complements
a Management major. Psy 100, Psy 200, and Math 210 or equivalent are highly recommended
prior to this course.
4 Credits | Spring
375. Mental Health Policies and Practices in the United States and the United Kingdom — Students in this June term course will study and contrast the mental health policies
and practices in the U.S. with those in the U.K. The first two weeks of the class
will take place at Hope College where students from Hope College and Liverpool Hope
University will learn about the laws, civil liberties, treatment, and funding for
mental health care in the U.S. The second two weeks will take place at Liverpool Hope
University where students will similarly learn about laws, civil liberties, treatment,
and funding for mental health care in the U.K. Students will learn through readings,
visits to mental health facilities, and presentations by mental health professionals
and individuals with a chronic mental illness. Learning will be assessed by engagement
in classroom discussions, small reaction papers, presentations, and a large integrative
paper comparing the two mental health systems. Cross-listed with SWK 375.
Prerequisites: Psy 100 or Swk 241
4 Credits | June Term
382. Psychology of Gender — This course examines gender from a psychological perspective and is designed to provide
students with a critical analysis of evidence for sex differences and similarities,
the development of gender roles and identity, and the relationship of gender with
other issues in psychology. Using gender as a primary lens for inquiry, students examine
a variety of topics, including family and close relationships, work and achievement,
sexual orientation, personality and emotion, and power. Throughout the course, particular
attention will be paid to the personal and societal construction and consequences
of gender and its intersections with social class, ethnicity, and sexuality. Psy 100
is highly recommended prior to this course.
4 Credits | Spring
384. Science of Romantic Relationships — People's lives exist in the context of interpersonal relationships, with romantic
relationships playing a prominent role in the lives of most adults. This 4-credit
seminar is designed to introduce students to the science of romantic relationships,
progressing from issues of attraction and mate selection all the way through break-up
and divorce. Along the way we will explore the major theories of close relationships
and examine research that helps us to understand how intimate relationships develop,
thrive, or deteriorate over time. Psy 200 is highly recommended prior to this course.
4 Credits | Fall
390. Advanced Research — This is a psychology laboratory course designed to provide students with hands-on
experience with an actual, ongoing research program. Its main purpose is to prepare
students for doctoral graduate study. Typically, students will be assisting professors
with their research and thus be learning by doing. Students must submit an application
(available in the departmental office) no later than noon on the Friday before registration.
Permission slips (required) will be distributed at 3:00 p.m. that same day. It is
highly recommended that the course be taken no later than during the junior year.
This course may be taken only once.
Prerequisites: Psy 200, Permission of instructor
4 Credits | Fall, Spring
395. Studies in Psychology — This course number is used for a lecture or seminar course designed as a one-time
or trial offering. May be repeated for credit but no more than four credits may be
applied to the 20-credit psychology minor. Psy 100 and Psy 200 are highly recommended
prior to this course.
1-4 Credits | As Needed
410. Introduction to Clinical Psychology — This course will introduce the student to the major topics in clinical psychology.
The most influential psychotherapies will be studied, including their theoretical
background and applications. Research regarding therapeutic effectiveness will be
discussed. In addition, the conceptual, statistical, and ethical issues involving
assessment of personality and intelligence will be examined.
Prerequisites: Psy 200, Psy 310
4 Credits | Fall, Spring
435. Psychological Science and Religion — This seminar course will explore the ways that psychological scientists, neuroscientists,
and theologians think about human nature and explain human behavior. The course will
highlight points of difference between religious teachings and secular science, but
also offer possibilities for collaboration between psychologists and theologians in
the search for the truth about what it means to be human. Although the course will
focus on Christianity, readings and examples from other religions will be included.
Students who take this course will benefit from a strong background in psychology,
and likely will also have a strong interest in and knowledge of the principles of
Christian faith or another religious tradition. This course will provide an opportunity
for students to explore the interface between those domains of knowledge and to make
progress toward building a worldview that incorporates insights from both domains.
Prerequisites: Psy 100
4 Credits | Spring, Alternate Years
490. Special Studies — This program affords an opportunity for the advanced psychology student to pursue
supervised projects of his or her own choosing beyond the regular course offerings.
The project may take on one of two forms: the scholarly treatment of a particular
topic using the library or laboratory research. Both types can be done in various
combinations, on or off campus. To be eligible for the course the student must have
a faculty sponsor, a specific topic in mind, a reasonable background in related course
work, good independent study habits, initiative and high motivation. Special Studies
credit requires departmental approval. The number of credits and whether the course
is taken for a grade or on a pass-fail basis are subject to departmental approval.
The course may be repeated but no more than four credits in this course may be applied
to the psychology minor requirement of 20 credits. If the proposed research involves
data collection, Psy 390 is highly recommended prior to this course.
Prerequisites: Psy 200, Permission of instructor
0-4 Credits | Fall, Spring, Summer
493. Honors Research — Honors Research is for students with the intellect, maturity, and drive to carry out
an approved research project, typically in preparation for future graduate training
or a research lab post after graduation. After a student has taken Supervised Studies
and Advanced Research Lab, the student may work under faculty supervision to develop
an independent research project. Prior to registering for PSY 493 for the upcoming
term, the student and faculty person develop a working title and abstract that the
faculty person shares with all department colleagues, inviting input from those who
wish to contribute insights, concerns, and guidance. The shared abstract may draw
on Human Subjects Review Board submission materials for the project. Psy 390 highly
recommended prior to enrolling in this course.
Prerequisites: Psy 200
1-4 Credits | Fall, Spring, Summer
495. Advanced Studies in Psychology — A course with this designation is an experimental lecture or seminar course designed
for a one-time or trial offering. Intended for students of demonstrated maturity,
as usually indicated by Senior standing. May be repeated for credit, but no more than
four credits may be applied to the 20-credit Psychology minor requirement.
Prerequisites: Psy 100, Permission of instructor
2-4 Credits | Fall, Spring, Summer
496. Psychology Internship — This is a closely supervised practical experience in a professional setting for upperclass
Psychology majors. The experience can include observing, assisting, assuming regular
duties, or pursuing a special project. The general guideline for credit is 3 hours
per week for each credit enrolled during that semester. Students typically enroll
in 2-4 credits. Summer internships require a minimum of 40 applied hours per credit
enrolled. Summer internships are registered for July term and grades will be assigned
at the end of the summer. This course may be repeated for credit but no more than
four credits may be applied to the 20-credit psychology minor. Psy 100, Psy 200, Psy
230, and Psy 370 are highly recommended prior to this course.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
1-10 Credits | Fall, Spring, Summer
- Bade, Dr. AmyPsychology Department
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