PSYCHOLOGY

Amber M. Chenoweth (2010), Chair, Associate Professor of Psychology
B.A., Albion College;
M.A., Ph.D., Kent State University

Michelle R. Nario-Redmond (2007), Professor of Psychology
B.A., University of Tulsa;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Kansas

Acacia C. Parks (2011), Scholar in Residence
B.A., Reed College;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Andrew C. White (2017), Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
B.A., Ohio Wesleyan University;
M.A., University of Windsor;
Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Department Web address: http://www.hiram.edu/psychology

Introduction

The study of psychology contributes to a liberal arts education by introducing students to the scientific method and to a body of knowledge about human and animal behavior. Investigation of psychology also requires learning to compare, contrast, and integrate various theoretical perspectives. Completing the requirements for a major in psychology leads to a better understanding of behavior and thought, allows insight into a variety of theoretical perspectives, fosters a greater appreciation of and respect for others, stimulates intellectual curiosity, facilitates personal growth, and encourages a feeling of social responsibility. A major in psychology prepares students for a variety of post-baccalaureate pursuits. Many of our recent graduates have gone on to continue their studies in graduate school, where they have specialized in areas such as behavioral neuroscience, clinical, counseling, developmental, experimental, school, industrial, or social psychology. Some have entered directly into careers such as management, advertising and marketing, human services, rehabilitation, and recreational supervision. Others have enrolled in a variety of professional programs such as law, education, rehabilitation, and social work. In short, completion of a psychology major provides the background for a variety of challenging and exciting career paths.

Another opportunity within the psychology department is to pursue a 3:2 collaborative program in social administration with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. If a Hiram student meets the requirements of this program and is accepted, that student would spend 3 full-time years at Hiram College, followed by 2 full-time years at Case Western Reserve University’s renowned Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Upon successful completion of this 3:2 program, the student would receive a Bachelor of Arts from Hiram College and a Master of Science in Social Administration. For more information about requirements, please see the department chair.

Requirements for a Psychology Major

Students considering psychology as a major or minor are encouraged to seek a mentor/advisor in the department before making any final decision. Acceptance into the psychology major is contingent on a student passing General Psychology (PSYC 10100) and Research Design and Analysis (PSYC 21000) with a minimum grade of C. A prerequisite for enrolling in PSYC 21000 is a minimum grade of C in PSYC 10100; PSYC 21000 is also required prior to enrolling in many of the psychology content courses. (Note: At least 50% of major courses are to be completed at Hiram College, and must include at a minimum two content courses and one elective course. Petitions to allow transferred courses are to be approved by the department chair.)

Psychology Pathway (For students enrolled in PSYC 10100 in the fall or for whom it has been waived)

Psychology Pathway (For those students beginning PSYC 10100 in spring)

I. Psychology General courses

PSYC 10100 – General Psychology
PSYC 20100 – Careers in Psychology
PSYC 21000 – Research Design and Analysis:SM

II. Psychology Content courses (must take one from each pair; other can count as elective)

A. Psychobiology of Behavior
PSYC 31600 – Learning: Theory, Methods, and Application
PSYC 32700 – Biopsychology

B. Developmental Psychology
PSYC 26100 – Psychology of Childhood
PSYC 26200 – Psychology of Adolescence

C. Social / Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 34400 – Social Psychology
PSYC 36600 – Cognitive Psychology

D. Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 25500 – Abnormal Psychology

III. Psychology Elective courses

Students choose a minimum of three (3-4 hour) psychology courses that do not overlap with general or content courses. Alternatively, students can take an additional psychology content course (e.g., 26100, 26200, 31600, 32700, 34400 or 36600) provided they have met the content requirement with at least one other course in each content domain (Psychobiology of Behavior, Developmental, Social/Cognitive, and Abnormal). Students should note that Abnormal Psychology, 25500, is a prerequisite for Introduction to Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 36100.

IV. Psychology Capstone

PSYC 48000 – Senior Seminar
PSYC 48010 – Integrated Research in Psychology

Departmental Honors

Majors will be encouraged by their mentor/advisor to do an internship or a research project. In order to be considered for departmental honors, a student must complete a minimum of 3 credit hours of internship (PSYC 49800) or independent research (PSYC 48100) under the supervision of a faculty member. Hours may be combined from multiple internships and/or independent research studies to reach the 3 credit hour criteria. Any exceptions to these requirements must be discussed and agreed to by the departmental faculty.

Enrichment

We strongly recommend that majors enrich their background with an introductory course in computer programming, a field experience (29800) or internship (49800), an independent research project (48100) or special topics courses (28000, 28100).

Additional Special Opportunities

We encourage students to assist with faculty research projects or to develop their own projects. Computer terminals and programs are available for conducting experiments and simulations, and for data analysis; video-taping equipment can be used for stress, animal or child developmental research or student training. We have equipment for individual cognitive assessment interviews, and physiological monitoring equipment, which allows for the assessment of participants' stress and activity levels both in the lab and in everyday life. Comparative and physiological laboratories include facilities for maintenance and study of several species of animals, including rodents and fish; a histology laboratory is equipped for the investigation of neural and hormonal factors in behavior. The Hiram psychology department belongs to the Ohio Consortium for Undergraduate Psychology Conferences which meets every spring. We encourage students to present their research at this and other conferences.

The department has contacts with many social service agencies in the area. Students may arrange internships or field placements which provide an opportunity to work with adolescents, young children, or older adults. These human services experiences can be arranged in many different contexts, from the criminal justice system to residential or out-patient treatment facilities.

Hiram is also a member of Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, offering students opportunities to apply for various grants to support their scholarship and leadership in the field.

Requirements for Minors

A minor in psychology consists of five courses: PSYC 10100, PSYC 21000, and a minimum of four additional courses within a “track” that contains at least one content area course (outlined below). Students minoring in Psychology must pass PSYC 10100 and PSYC 21000 with a minimum grade of C. Students must have a minor faculty advisor in Psychology to discuss additional course selections. At least 50% of minor courses are to be completed at Hiram College, and must include at a minimum one content course. (*=students wishing to take both content courses within a track may use the second as one of their elective courses)

A. Psychobiology of Behavior track

PSYC 31600 or PSYC 32700
3 electives*

B. Developmental Psychology track

PSYC 26100 or PSYC 26200
3 electives*

C. Social/Cognitive Psychology track

PSYC 34400 or PSYC 36600
3 electives*

D. Abnormal track

PSYC 25500
3 electives

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PSYC 10100: GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 4 hour(s)

This course introduces you to the scientific study of behavior. We examine the role of heredity and environment in the development of the individual. We show how motivation, emotion, learning, perception, intelligence, personality, and the developmental, social and biological bases of behavior have all been studied scientifically. We also examine the implications of psychological research and theory for contemporary problems.

PSYC 18000: WORKSHOP 1 hour(s)

This workshop will provide the opportunity for students to examine a special topic in Psychology. Through readings, discussions and written assignments there will be opportunities to evaluate the topic at issue. Workshops may be taken Pass/No Credit only. Students may take no more than nine workshops for credit toward graduation. Workshops can be used as elective credit only. (For PGS students only.)

PSYC 20100: CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY 1 hour(s)

This course will provide students pursuing the Psychology major or minor with information and skills to prepare them for careers in psychology or other related fields by using a guided approach to individual skills discovery and career exploration. Students will develop an academic plan to provide a strong base in the breadth and depth of psychology, as well as in their liberal arts coursework, and learn to market their Hiram College experience for their future career plans. Coursework includes participation in class discussions, giving presentations, conducting informational interviews, developing a resume, and completing other written assignments. Students should have at least sophomore standing and be a declared Psychology major or minor.

PSYC 21000: RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS:SM 4 hour(s)

This course provides a thorough introduction to the research methods, analysis techniques, and writing style used in psychological science. Topics include a review of the scientific method and ethical concerns, problems of definition, measurement, reliability and validity, descriptive and inferential statistics, experimental designs and control procedures. Students will engage in hands-on experience in how psychologists conduct human behavioral research, with an emphasis on methods, computational analyses, and the interpretation of data for a scientific and a lay audience. This course is a required course for all psychology majors and minors, and is a pre-requisite for many other content courses offered by the Psychology Department. Additionally, you must receive at least a ‘C’ in this course for it to count towards a psychology major or minor. This course fulfills the Scientific Methods (SM) Distribution Requirement. Prerequisite: PSYC (101 or 10100) or IES 10100

PSYC 21800: PERSONALITY 3 hour(s)

This course introduces students to the scientific study of personality, which is one of the most "molar" areas of psychology that examines how the major psychological processes of perception, motivation/emotion, thoughts, and memory of the self are integrated and interact together to shape our lives. This course takes a systems approach to examine (1) the various components of our personalities (e.g., our motives, abilities, traits, conscious resources, and models of self/others/world; (2) how those components are organized structurally; and (3) how those components are organized dynamically in terms of their interaction among themselves, with the outside world, and in regulating thinking and actions about the self. This course begins by reviewing what personality is, both as a system and as a field of science that continues to evolve; we then examine the purpose of different research designs and multiple measurement techniques and theoretical perspectives. The various parts of personality reveal the joint influence of our abilities and will, and our motives, emotions, and models of self and of others. Finally, we will examine how the parts are integrated and organized dynamically to influence the regulation of both conscious and unconscious behaviors. Prerequisite: Psychology (101 or 10100).

PSYC 22000: INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 hour(s)

This course will survey a range of psychological principles and research findings that have been applied to business and industrial settings. Topics will include the traditional ones, such as testing, personnel selection, and human factors; and will also include recent developments in job satisfaction and motivation, human-relations training, and decision-making strategies. Prerequisite: Psychology (101 or 10100).

PSYC 22500: PSYCHOLOGY AND FILM:ES 3 hour(s)

Multiple films attempt to depict topics from Psychology, including developmental disorders, mental disorders, and historical figures in Psycology. How accurate are these depictions? What are the ethical consequences following inaccurate portrayals of these topics in Psychology? In this course students will learn concepts from the literature of Psychology and use them to analyze and critique films presented in class. This course fulfills the Meaning, Ethics, and Social Responsibility requirement.

PSYC 22700: PSYCHOLOGY OF CREATIVITY 3 hour(s)

Creativity is a process at the heart of innovation and progress. It has been written about for thousands of years, yet only in the last century has it been a topic of scientific inquiry. This course will examine the process and products of creativity from an interdisciplinary perspective. By studying creative individuals from the arts, sciences, and business, we will look for common features of creative individuals across fields. Furthermore, we will address related questions that interest current scholars: Can we “teach” creativity? What brain regions are implicated in creative processes? Are their different types of creativity? Why is there such historical tension between creative individuals and “main stream” society? And finally, is there a link between creativity and madness. Prerequisites: PSYC (101 or 10100) or (ENTR 205 or 20500) or instructor permission.

PSYC 24000: ANIMAL COGNITION 3 hour(s)

This course explores historical and current topics in animal cognition. Do animals think? Are they able to communicate, use tools, and learn about concepts such as time? Students will critically examine primary and secondary literature in the field of animal and comparative cognition, and integrate this information for class discussions. There is at least one field trip planned to an area zoo and/or humane shelter. This field trip will be the basis for a research paper to be completed by the end of the course. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 10100

PSYC 25000: DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN 3 hour(s)

This course is designed for the student who wishes to gain a broad perspective on the entire range of human development, from conception to old age. We explore the common principles that describe developmental changes across all ages, as well as the differences in thought, emotion, and behavior from age to age. The theories of Piaget and Erikson are particularly useful to understand both the commonalities as well as the differences. Prerequisite: PSYC (101 or 10100) and nursing student status. This class does not qualify as a core or as an elective for psychology majors or minors.

PSYC 25010: ZAMBIA: A DEVELOPING COUNTRY 1 hour(s)

This course is designed to prepare students for the subsequent 3-week experiential examination of comparative health and conservation issues from social, cultural, ethical, political, policy, educational, and environmental perspectives in the developing country of Zambia (INTD 25000). There will be comparison and contrast with these issues affecting health and conservation in the U.S. as a developed country. Prerequisite: instructor approval.

PSYC 25300: HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY 3 hour(s)

How you ever wondered if emotional stress increases your chances of getting or prolonging the common cold? Can psychological factors prolong life for those recovering from serious illnesses such as cancer or diabetes? Do homeopathic remedies offer any health benefits? Health psychologists study questions such as these and apply their findings in health settings. As scientist-practitioners, health psychologists bring science to bear on questions regarding lifestyle and psychosocial contributions to health and illness, especially health promotion and recovery from illness. In addition to reading empirical literature, students will use their own health as the framework for understanding and applying the principles of health psychology. We will also spend some time tying what we learn in class to bigger picture issues ranging from health and wellness practices at Hiram to public policy on a national level. Prerequisite: PSYC (101 or 10100).

PSYC 25500: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 4 hour(s)

This course is a survey of psychological disorders. For each disorder, we will review its characteristics, prevalence, risk factors, as well as various theoretical perspectives and the treatments they recommend. We will also examine explore other big-picture themes, including 1) the ways in which aspects of each disorder are part of normal, everyday experience, 2) the role culture plays in the manifestation of mental disorders, 3) the application of what is learned in this class to real life. Psychology 25400 was previously offered for three (3) semester hours. Prerequisite: Psychology (214 or 21400) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000.

PSYC 26100: PSYCHOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD 4 hour(s)

This course will study principles of development from infancy through middle childhood. We examine social, emotional, cognitive changes, as well as the role of parents, schools, and community in supporting that development. Learning to observe and/or interview children is an important part of the course. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or 10100.

PSYC 26200: PSYCHOLOGY OF ADOLESCENCE 4 hour(s)

This course will study physical, cognitive, emotional, social and moral development during the period of transition from childhood to adulthood. We will look at the influence of family, peers, schools and culture by using different theoretical perspectives to analyze case studies. Prerequisite: PSYC (101 or 10100).

PSYC 28000: SEMINAR 1 - 4 hour(s)

From time to time, the department will offer special topics in psychology, based on particular interests of department members or the availability of visiting faculty.

PSYC 28100: INDEPENDENT STUDY 1 - 4 hour(s)

Students may arrange to pursue topics of individual interest upon making an individual agreement with a faculty member who will develop a syllabus with a specific learning outcomes/expectations specified. Students may work under the supervision of faculty,independently, or in small teams assisting faculty with their research projects. Course level depends on the level of supervision required. this course is offered pass/no credit only. One 3-4 credit hour independent study can be counted toward the Psychology major. Prerequisite: Psychology (101 or 10100) and Psychology/Biology (215 or 21500).

PSYC 29800: FIELD EXPERIENCE 1 - 4 hour(s)

In a placement at a social service, mental health, research, or child care agency, the student will participate in the activities of the agency, supervised by the on-campus FACULTY supervisor as well as an agency supervisor. In a journal, students will reflect upon their experiences. In a formal paper, students will analyze and discuss the organizational structures and staff-client relationships. We expect that students who enroll in Field Experience (29800) will have minimal background in psychology (perhaps only PSYC 101/10100) and/or want to observe at an agency that does not provide training or allow undergraduates direct interaction with clients. We expect that students who enroll in an Internship (49800) will have a more extensive background in the social sciences and will be trained by the agency to work with clients. Prior approval from the department and permission of instructor are required. Students must arrange an internship prior to registration for the term in which they plan to complete their hours at the agency. Hours worked at the agency may be completed during any term. Forty (40) hours of work at the site of the internship agency are the equivalent of one (1) credit hour. Only one 3-4 credit hour independent study can be counted toward the psychology major. This course is offered pass/no credit only. Prerequisite: Psychology (101 or 10100).

PSYC 30100: OZ:THE PRE-INVASION 1 hour(s)

Throughout Australia’s history, its residents, as well as the land and surrounding ocean, have been subject to various “invasions” – actual, metaphorical, and perceived. These include: invasive animal and plant species forever changing the landscape of the continent; environmental and human threats to the Great Barrier Reef; native lands being removed from the Aboriginal people; and most recently, changes in political policies and military presence in response to China’s increased influence and probable future dominance in the oceanic region. In many ways, Australia’s history reflects our American history, but with notable differences in sociocultural and political responses. This course serves as a pre-requisite to INTD 30130 “Invading Oz,” a study-abroad trip to Australia offered in the subsequent 3-week term, and begins students’ examination of the similarities and differences between Australia and the United States. This course is cross-listed with POLS 30100.

PSYC 30160: 1 hour(s)

Kiwi Contentment (New Zealand Prequel): Survey studies and cultural analyses indicate that in recent years New Zealanders routinely rate as being among the happiest people in the world. In this course, we will conduct an interdisciplinary examination of human happiness at two levels of analysis: individual and societal. We have identified the following key themes, around which the course will revolve: 1) the pivotal role of fairness in determining the effectiveness of the relationship between individual and societal wealth and happiness; 2) the role of social connections in determining the happiness of individuals, as well as that of their country; and 3) the relationship between individual/self-focus, materialism, and happiness. We will examine how New Zealand differs from the United States in these respects, despite having substantial overlap in key values: both are wealthy, democratic, market-oriented societies that cherish the concept of freedom, yet the two countries have taken very different trajectories since the late 1970s. This course serves as a prerequisite to INTD 30150 “Going to the Godzone,” a study-abroad trip to New Zealand offered in the subsequent 3-week term, and begins students’ examination of the similarities and differences between New Zealand and the United States.

PSYC 31600: LEARNING THEORY METHODS AND APPLICATION 4 hour(s)

This course will begin with the findings and theories in operant and classical conditioning. Application of these techniques and other complex forms of learning will be applied to issues in learning and retention. Applied lecture activities and class projects will emphasize experimental design and data interpretation. Prerequisite: PSYC (215 or 21500) or BIOL (215 or 21500) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours.

PSYC 32400: EXCEPTIONALITY:UD 3 hour(s)

This course examines the philosophical, historical, legal, and ethical foundations of services for individuals with special needs. The characteristics, etiology, and socio-psychological implications of exceptional conditions, including specific disabilities, gifts, and talents, are explored. Categorical and noncategorical classification systems; assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation; and educational adaptations and assistive technologies, are included. Participants will explore the impact on families of disabilities at different life stages, from infancy and early childhood to adolescence and adulthood. This course fulfills the Understanding Diversity in the USA requirement. Also listed as Education (324 or 32400).

PSYC 32700: BIOPSYCHOLOGY 4 hour(s)

This course provides a solid background concerning the physiological bases of behavior, beginning with an examination of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Additionally, this course will review classic and current research concerning the somatosensory system, motivation, emotion, learning, memory, and psychopathology. This course will also provide insight and opportunities to engage in research methods used by biopsychologists. Applied lecture activities focus on the relations between physiology and behavior, and will prepare students for further independent work. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours. Prerequisites: (PSYC 215 or 21500) or (BIOL 215 or 21500) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000.

PSYC 34400: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 4 hour(s)

This course examines psychological theory and research about how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations. The course begins with an overview of the field of social psychology, and details the scientific methods used to research social psychological questions. The course proceeds with a comprehensive survey of the primary domains of the discipline, beginning with social perception: how we understand ourselves, other individuals, and social groups. Next to be considered is social influence: how attitudes form and change, and the processes of persuasion, conformity, and group dynamics. Finally, the course will review social relations: the factors involved in human aggression, helping behavior, and interpersonal attraction. Throughout this class, cultural perspectives and intersections will be integrated with cognitive neuroscience, highlighting applications to current events and real problems with policy implications for health, business decisions, and the law. Prerequisite: Psychology (101 or 10100) and Psychology (215 or 21500) or PSYC 21000 or Biology (215 or 21500).

PSYC 35300: 3 hour(s)

Course Description: HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY - How you ever wondered if emotional stress increases your chances of getting or prolonging the common cold? Can psychological factors prolong life for those recovering from serious illnesses such as cancer or diabetes? Do homeopathic remedies offer any health benefits? Health psychologists study questions such as these and apply their findings in health settings. As scientist-practitioners, health psychologists bring science to bear on questions regarding lifestyle and psychosocial contributions to health and illness, especially health promotion and recovery from illness. In addition to reading empirical literature, students will use their own health as the framework for understanding and applying the principles of health psychology. We will also spend some time tying what we learn in class to bigger picture issues ranging from health and wellness practices at Hiram to public policy on a national level.

PSYC 35600: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 4 hour(s)

This course provides an introduction to the study of topics related to happiness and the positive aspects of human experience. The first half of the course will focus on the basic areas of research in positive psychology, including but not limited to: positive emotion, resilience and post-traumatic growth, strengths of character, creativity, altruism, empathy, optimism, meaning, and curiosity. Particular attention will be paid in this section to the methods that researchers use to study happiness. The second half of the course will broaden the focus to include big-picture issues, such as public policy implications and the role of culture in happiness, as well as real-world application in a variety of contexts, including in the work place, in education, in self-help, and in therapy. Counts toward ENTR minor. Prerequisites: PSYC (214 or 21400) or PSYC (215 or 21500) or BIOL (215 or 21500) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000.

PSYC 36100: INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY:ES 4 hour(s)

In this course, students learn about various conceptualizations used in therapy and counseling, and gain experience with approaches designed to help individuals identify and pursue their goals and values. Morning sessions introduce, through readings and videos, various theoretical approaches, as well as some of the techniques that are used by proponents of each counseling theory. Afternoon sessions teach students basic counseling skills, including hands-on practice with fellow students, and with friends/family members outside of class. We will also discuss ethical issues surrounding self-disclosure and confidentiality in both personal and professional settings. All students must show active participation, openness to constructive criticism, and self-reflection, including recording oneself doing interviews and watching the recordings. Prerequisite: Psychology 255 or 25500. This course fulfills the Meaning, Ethics, and Social Responsibility requirement.

PSYC 36600: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 4 hour(s)

The course will begin with the examination of basic sensory processes and their relationship to complex models of human perception, learning, and thinking. Research in language, problem solving, concept formation, memory systems and artificial intelligence will be considered. Prerequisite: PSYC (215 or 21500) or BIOL (215 or 21500) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000.

PSYC 36700: DRUG USE AND ABUSE 3 hour(s)

This course explores current drug issues through psychological, biological, medical, social, historical, and cultural perspectives. This course discusses individual classes of drugs and their effects from the level of the single neuron to the person as a member of society, as well as ethical and legal issues related to substance use and abuse. Students will critically examine primary and secondary literature in the field of neuropsychopharmacology, and integrate this information for class discussions and individual and group research. Prerequisites: Psychology (215 or 21500) or Biology (215 or 21500) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000.

PSYC 38000: SEMINAR 1 - 4 hour(s)

PSYC 38100: SPECIAL TOPICS 1 - 4 hour(s)

PSYC 43200: STEREOTYPING AND PREJUDICE:UD 4 hour(s)

This course examines social psychological theory and primary research exploring the origins, functions, judgment, and behavioral consequences of stereotyping and prejudice in addition to measurement strategies. We will review studies that focus on how stereotypes and prejudice influence the social perceiver, and those that focus on the targets of prejudice, their reactions to stigma, stereotype threat, and discrimination. The course culminates with mechanisms for reducing prejudice, including theories that have led to recent interventions, criticisms of alternative approaches, and current directions in the field. Prerequisites:Psychology (215 or 21500) or Biology (215 or 21500) or Mathematics (108 or 10800) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000. This course fulfills the Understanding Diversity in the USA requirement.

PSYC 48000: SENIOR SEMINAR 2 hour(s)

This course is the capstone course for Psychology majors. In the senior seminar class, senior psychology majors are required to pull together what they have learned in their previous classes and use this integrating experience to demonstrate they are capable of doing what they should be able to do when they graduate from the program (e.g., think critically, perform research, and write in APA style). This process serves a dual purpose. First, it provides psychology majors with a final opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills they will need to succeed after graduation on the job or in graduate school. Second, it provides the Psychology Department with a final opportunity to assess whether or not it has been successful in its mission to produce competent psychology majors. Prerequisite: PSYC (214 or 21400) and PSYC (215 or 21500) or BIOL (215 or 21500) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000 and senior standing. Co-requisite: PSYC 48010

PSYC 48010: INTEGRATED RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY 2 hour(s)

This course is designed to accompany the capstone course for Psychology majors. Senior psychology majors are required to develop a research question from within a narrowed scope of inquiry as set by the instructor of the Integrated Research in Psychology (IRP) section in which they are enrolled. This course will guide them through topic development, written drafts of sections of their paper and a final paper. Students will also work closely with their IRP to develop a poster for a public presentation at the conclusion of the course. Prerequisite: PSYC (215 or 21500) or BIOL (215 or 21500) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000 and senior standing. Co-requisite: PSYC 48000

PSYC 48100: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH 1 - 4 hour(s)

Students may arrange to pursue topics of individual interest upon making an individual agreement with a faculty member who will develop a syllabus with specific learning outcoumes/expectations specified. Students may work under the supervision of faculty,independently, or in small teams assisting faculty with their research projects. Course level depends on the level of supervision required. This course is offered pass/no credit only. Only one 3-4 credit hour independedt study can be counted toward the psychology major. Prerequisite: PSYC (215 or 21500) or BIOL (215 or 21500) or PSYC 21000 or BIOL 21000.

PSYC 49800: INTERNSHIP 6 hour(s)

In a placement at a social service, mental health, research, or child care agency, the student will participate in the activities of the agency, supervised by the on-campus FACULTY supervisor as well as an agency supervisor. In a journal, students will reflect upon their experiences. In a formal paper, students will analyze and discuss the organizational structures and staff-client relationships. We expect that students who enroll in Field Experience (29800) will have minimal background in psychology (perhaps only PSYC 10100) and/or want to observe at an agency that does not provide training or allow undergraduates direct interaction with clients. We expect that students who enroll in an Internship (49800) will have a more extensive background in the social sciences and will be trained by the agency to work with clients. Prior approval from the department and permission of instructor are required. Students must arrange an internship prior to registration for the term in which they plan to complete their hours at the agency. Hours worked at the agency may be completed during any term. Forty (40) hours of work at the site of the internship agency are the equivalent of one (1) credit hour. This course is offered pass/no credit only. Prerequisite: PSYC (101 or 10100).

PUBLIC HEALTH

Christopher A. Mundorf (2016), Assistant Professor of Community & Public Health
B.A. The Ohio State University;
M.P.H., Ph.D, Tulane University
Academic Interests: environmental health, public health policy, epidemiology

INTRODUCTION

What is Public Health?

Public health is the study of the health of a population. It complements medicine by researching problems, and pursuing evidence-based solutions in a population. Graduates in public health are able to get entry level jobs within federal, state, nonprofit, research, and industry in the areas of health education, project management, or communication. Empowered with problem-solving skills, graduates also use their diploma as a gateway to advanced degrees in public health, medicine, law, social work, health administration, and many others.

Hiram’s interdisciplinary public health program is made up of the basic elements of public health: epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health systems, policy, and global health. Students will then have the ability to personalize their major by specializing in material available through the trans-disciplinary offerings at Hiram.

All students majoring in Public Health will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

Describe the history, philosophy, core values, concepts, functions and population-based approaches of public health
Discuss the underlying science of human health and disease including opportunities for promoting and protecting health across the life course
Demonstrate the basic concepts, methods and tools of public health data collection, use and analysis and why evidence-based approaches are an essential part of public health practice
Explain the behavioral, environmental, biological and socio-economic determinants that impact human health and contribute to health disparities
Apply data collection and analysis to develop evidence-based population approaches to public health problems.
Describe the fundamental characteristics and organizational structures of the U.S. health system as well as the systems in other countries
Describe the legal, ethical, economic, and regulatory aspects of public health practice and health policy
Demonstrate public health communication skills using oral, written, mass media and electronic technology formats.

Requirements for the Major

For the major, students must complete:

4 courses from the Mandatory Public Health Core
1 course (of their choice) from the Public Health Seminars
1 course (of their choice) from the Applications of Public Health Core
2 courses (of their choice) from the Supplemental Public Health Core
3 courses (of their choice) from a public health concentration (of their choice)
- Public Health Biology
- Environmental Health and Sustainability
- Health Communication
- Health Care in Public Context
- Social Determinants of Health
- Health and Fitness
- Student-Driven Concentration
100 hours in a Public Health internship (2 credit course)
A Public Health Capstone (1 credit course)
Capstone (a public health research or project)

A. Mandatory Public Health Core (complete all 4: 16 credits)

PUBH 2xxxx Biological Basis of Health and Disease (offered every other Spring 12-week)
- With instructor approval, other Biology classes can count for this requirement.
PUBH 10100 Introduction to Public Health (offered every Fall 12-week)
- UD Core Designation
PUBH 20200 Epidemiology and Health Research (offered every other Spring 12-week)
- SM Core Designation
PUBH 20100 Epidemiology and Biostatistics (offered every Spring 12-week)
- MM Core Designation

B. Public Health Seminar (choose 1: 3 credits)

These will be seminar courses (PUBH 28000) that will investigate a current issues that is affecting public health in rural settings, urban setting, or globally. They will be offered under different titles every Fall 3-week (e.g., Urban Health Issues: Lead poisoning; Rural Health Issues: Heroin and Opioids). Students are permitted to take multiple seminars, but only one is necessary and sufficient for satisfying the Public Health Seminar requirement for the major.

C. Applications of Public Health Core (choose 1: 4 credits)

These are offered in rotation during the Spring 3-week and Fall 12-week.

PUBH 3xxxx Environmental Health and Policy
PUBH 3xxxx Health Systems Policy and Management
PUBH 3xxxx Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health

D. Supplemental Pubic Health Core (choose 2: 8 credits)

These are courses offered in other departments that teach fundamental concepts of public health, and regardless of a Student’s concentration, are essential to the Public Health degree. Relevant 28000/38000 courses may be added to this Core, upon the department chair’s approval.

SOAN 35100 Stratification and Health
SOAN 35900 Medical Sociology
EVST 33800 Environmental Activism and Policy
BIMD 37500 Issues in Women’s Health
INTD 30020 Global Health and Human Rights

E. Concentration (choose 3 classes from a concentration: 9-12 credits)

The concentration provides the student a chance to focus on specializing knowledge which complements the core courses. In recognition of the inter-disciplinary nature of public health, students are encouraged to apply public health concepts to other academic fields. Students choose their concentration by taking a minimum of 3 courses (9-12 credits) from one of the concentrations. Students also have the option of creating their own concentration (contingent upon approval from the department chair). Students cannot count one class for both the Supplemental Public Health Core (D), and the Concentration (C).

Concentration 1: Public Health Biology

This concentration is for students interested in pursuing a career in science, by allowing them the opportunity to apply public health principles in researching issues in infectious diseases and the cellular, molecular, and genetic basis of health and disease. Students can simultaneously use this concentration to work toward a minor in Biology.

Student must take 3 courses within the Biology (BIOL) Department.