Courses

PHILOSOPHY

PH 201. HISTORY OF GREEK AND MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY
3—0—3
An introduction to philosophical thinking through the study of thought from the ancient Greeks to the Renaissance. As well as learning the history of ethical, religious, political and other ideas that continue to shape our civilization, cadets will learn to assess arguments critically and to construct rational defenses of their own beliefs.

PH 202. HISTORY OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY
3—0—3
An introduction to philosophical thinking through the study of thought from the Renaissance to the present day. As well as learning the history of ethical, psychological, political and other ideas that continue to shape our civilization, cadets will learn to assess arguments critically and to construct rational defenses of their own beliefs.

PH 204. APPLIED ETHICS
3—0—3
This elective course is an introduction to critical thinking about ethics through the examination of real-life moral and political problems such as abortion, euthanasia, and the legalization of drugs. It is less theoretical than Ethics (PH 304). Prerequisites: None.

PH 292 AND PH 293. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
3—0—3
These courses are for rising 2nd class cadets pursuing research during the summer. Permission of instructor and department head required.

PH 301. LOGIC
3—0—3
A systematic study of the methods and structure of classical logic, beginning symbolic logic, and scientific investigation. (This course is taught in the Mathematics Department.)

PH 303. POVERTY AND HUMAN CAPABILITY
3—0—3
This course will focus on how best to understand what poverty is, what causes it, whose responsibility it is to do something about it, and what courses of action might best be pursued to reduce poverty.

PH 304. ETHICS
3—0—3
An introduction to critical thinking about moral concepts and issues, including why one should be moral, major theories of what is right and wrong, and controversial social problems concerning questions of justice, life and death.

PH 307. COMPARATIVE RELIGION
3—0—3
A survey of the history, doctrines, and sacred writings of the world’s major religions.

PH 308. MINDS AND MACHINES
3—0—3
Although it has no prerequisites, this course is intended primarily for students who have taken at least one philosophy course before. Some knowledge of psychology, electrical engineering, or computer science will also be helpful. The course will survey the major issues and theories involved in the philosophy of intelligence, natural and artificial. Participants will examine the major current, competing ideas about what the mind is, what consciousness is, and whether a machine could have a mind. In doing so, cadets will be guided to address such questions as: Is the mind the soul? Is the brain the mind? What is the connection between mind and behavior? Is the brain a kind of computer? Could any machine have a real mind?

PH 309. PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
3—0—3
This elective course surveys some of the major analyses, criticisms, and defenses of religion. We will examine such questions as: What is religion? Why does it exist? Is it rational? Is genuine faith possible anymore?, and, Is religion something we could ever do without? This is not a course on world religions or comparative religion. The emphasis will be on philosophical questions about the rationality of belief in the existence of God, and the main examples of religious belief used will come from the Christian tradition. Prerequisites: Successful completion of a prior PH course or permission of instructor.

PH 390 AND PH 391. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
3—0—3
These courses are for 2nd class cadets pursuing research during the fall and/or spring semesters. Permission of instructor and department head required. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and department head required.

PH 392 AND PH 393. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
3—0—3
These courses are for rising 1st class cadets pursuing research during the summer. Permission of instructor and department head required.

PSYCHOLOGY

(C or better is required in PS 201 for all upper level PS courses-starting with the Class of 2014)

PS 201. INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
Principles of human and animal behavior including brain function, motivation, learning, thinking, perception, emotions, personality, attitudes, and aptitudes. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in psychology.

PS 203. BIOPSYCHOLOGY I
3—0—3
An introduction to the study of the biological bases of behavior, with an emphasis on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, biophysical research methods, and a survey of theories and research concerning nervous system mechanisms underlying various aspects of behavior. Pre-requisite: PS 201.

PS 204. BIOPSYCHOLOGY II
3—0—3
Builds on the foundation of knowledge gained from PS 203 with in-depth discussion of topics such as nervous system development, cerebral lateralization of function, brain damage and neuroplasticity, and biological mechanisms underlying sensory and motor function, neuropsychological diseases, learning and memory, and motivation and emotion. Prerequisite: PS 201 and PS 203.

PS 290 AND PS 291. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2
0—6—3
These courses are for third classmen pursuing research during the fall and/or spring semesters. Permission of instructor and department head required. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 292 AND PS 293. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2
0—8—4
These courses are for rising second classmen pursuing research during the summer. Permission of instructor and department head required. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 301. PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING
3—0—3
The empirical and theoretical examination of learning and memory. Topics covered include conditioning, discrimination, short-term and long-term retention. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 302. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
Behavior and experiences of the individual in society, group dynamics and social institutions, human relations, morale and leadership. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 304. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
Emphasis is upon learning and instruction by cadets and teacher. Educational theories and their practice are explored through tutoring in the local schools and colleges. Useful whether or not the cadet plans a teaching career. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 305. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
An introductory course on the scientific study and treatment of deviant human behavior. This course will briefly trace the history of treatment of psychological disorder from the middle ages to the present, extensively describe important determinants of personality, causes of abnormal behavior (psychogenic and organic), describe major personality theories and methods of therapy. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 306. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
3—0—3
A survey of principles and practices used by Human Resource and General Managers and the managed in their work situations. Most intensive study of the functions of selection and placement; training and development; compensation and benefits; employee and labor relations/communications, health, safety, and security. Note: Academic credit will not be given for both BU 322 and PS 306. PS 306 will not fulfill a liberal arts elective for EC-BU majors. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 307. DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
A survey of human growth and development, this course presents a life-span approach to the important, modern forces which have the greatest impact on the life changes of the individual. Opportunities to apply textbook theories and principles will be provided throughout the semester. Prerequisite: PS 201 or permission of instructor.

PS 308. MOTIVATION
3—0—3
Motivation is a theoretical concept that accounts for those factors that influence the arousal of behavior, the direction of behavior, and the persistence of behavior. PS 308 is about the motivational determinants of behavior in organizations. It deals extensively with motivation theory, research, and practice, including such topics as how job design, leadership style, and pay systems affect work motivation and job satisfaction. Prerequisite PS 201.

PS 313. FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
Criminal behavior is studied from the psychological perspective. The criminal offender is portrayed as being embedded in and continually influenced by multiple systems within the psychosocial environment. Topics include: biological and learning factors of criminal behavior, juvenile delinquency, the psychopath, the mentally disordered offender, aggression and violence, homicide, sexual offenses, economic crime, drugs, and more. Prerequisite PS 201.

PS 315. THEORIES OF PERSONALITY
3—0—3
A study of the structure of personality and the dimensions along which individuals differ. The contributions of major personality theorists and the implications of current research are considered for trait, biological, psychoanalytical, behavioristic, cognitive, humanistic, and cross-cultural approaches. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 316. PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP
1—4—3
Cadets serve as interns in various psychology-related external agencies under the supervision of a member of the PS faculty in cooperation with officials of the external agency. Coursework will involve selected readings, completion of an appropriate project designed in conjunction with agency staff, and a final report presented orally and in writing to supervising faculty. The report will follow American Psychological Association format. This course may be repeated once for a total of 6 semester credits. Cadets must enroll in this course at VMI before they can be allowed to proceed with the internship. Open to rising first classmen and second-class PS majors. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.

PS 317. SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
This course examines the way people think, feel, and behave during sport and exercise activities and the practical application of that knowledge. The specific course objectives are to: a) increase understanding of how psychological factors influence performance in sports, b) help acquire skills and knowledge about sport psychology that one can apply as an athlete, a sports team leader, or a coach, and c) provide keys to optimal experiences and performances in sport, and gain skills that help more consistently experience “flow,” being in the zone,” or “feeling on a high” in sports. Prerequisites: PS 201 or permission of instructor.

PS 318. INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
3—0—3
An overview of the major concepts of contemporary therapeutic systems and an introduction to the elements of effective counseling and psychotherapy. Empirical evaluation of treatment outcomes is emphasized. Research, legal, and ethical issues are examined. Students will learn basic counseling and communication skills through lecture, demonstration, and experiential exercises. Prerequisites: PS 201 or permission of instructor.

PS 319. CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING
3—0—3
This elective is designed to (1) examine the theories, research, competencies, and processes associated with creative and critical thinking and (2) enhance the student’s proficiency in innovative, disciplined and discerning thinking. The course will explore the cognitive skills that allow one to deal with issues, problems, and challenging situations requiring creative solutions and/or critical analysis. Course topics include metacognition, cognitive style, the creative problem-solving process, creative climate, being a fair-minded thinker, the elements of critical thinking, irrational thinking, and recognizing propaganda and fallacies. Prerequisites: PS 201 or permission of instructor.

PS 320. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
This course will provide an introduction to key concepts in the area of Positive Psychology. Major topics will include happiness, flow, optimism, forgiveness, goal setting and mindfulness. Class discussions will include a mix of theoretical perspectives, examinations of empirical studies and methods for applying key findings to one's own life. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 321. STRESS AND HEALTH
3—0—3
This seminar-style course provides an overview of physiological stress-response systems and an in-depth analysis of topics pertaining to the relationship between stress and health/illness. Major topics include: theories of stress, physiological response patterning in stress and emotion, psychological states and traits moderating the stress-illness relationship, cardiovascular stress-reactivity, social psychophysiology, coronary-prone behavior, and psychoneuroimmunology. Theoretical perspectives and empirical studies are examined and course content is organized around a reading list.

PS 322. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
3—0—3
Students will learn to administer, score, and interpret a standard psychological test battery. Tests include structured clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and performance-based tests. Each student will present life history and testing data obtained from a volunteer subject, and offer empirical and theory-based interpretations of test findings. Each psychological assessment constitutes a comprehensive, in-depth case study of a single subject that will illustrate critical concepts in personality science, psychometrics, and psychopathology. Test construction, test theory, ethics, critical thinking, and therapeutic assessment practices will be explored.

PS 344. LEADERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS
3—0—3
A core curriculum course required of all cadets commencing with the Class of 2010. The focus is on the interaction between leaders, followers, and the situational context of the leadership process. Students study the leader’s direct influence on individual motivation and group processes through the application of leadership theories, skills, and attributes. They also learn how to influence subordinates indirectly through organizational systems, procedures, culture, and ethical climate. The design of the course includes self-assessment, self-disclosure, small group exercises in contrived situations, and analysis of case studies. Credit will not be awarded for both PS 344 and PS 303.

PS 390 AND PS 391. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2
0—8—4
These courses are for second classmen pursuing research during the fall and/or spring semesters. Permission of instructor and department head required. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 392 AND PS 393. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2
0—8—4
These courses are for rising first classmen pursuing research during the summer. Permission of instructor and department head required. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 401. PSYCHOLOGY OF COGNITION
3—0—3
An introductory course on human cognition. Topics include perception, attention, memory, visual knowledge, decision-making, problem solving, language, and consciousness. Emphasis will be placed on examining different approaches for studying and defining cognition, as well as the contributions that neuroscientific research has made to the field. Prerequisite: PS 201.

PS 402W. RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
A laboratory course covering the principal areas of general and experimental psychology. Prerequisites: PS 201 and MA 307. Writing Intensive (W).

PS 403W. INDEPENDENT PROJECT
3—0—3
A continuation of PS 402W. Prerequisite: PS 402W. Writing Intensive (W).

PS 404. HISTORY AND SYSTEMS IN PSYCHOLOGY
3—0—3
This course is designed for psychology majors and is a requirement for graduation. It provides an in depth review of historical events and figures leading to the emergence of the science of psychology and the development of major psychological theories. The philosophical and scientific origins of psychology as a science are analyzed as well as the impact of emerging movements on important psychologists. The focus of much of the reading is the history of psychology as reflected by the individuals, theories, and experimental investigations of this discipline. Rather than focus on broad philosophical and historical issues, the course is aimed at specific emerging philosophical trends that lead to the development of the discipline. Prerequisite: PS 201. This course is restricted to First Class psychology majors.

PS 491. SUPERVISED RESEARCH I
0—2—1 TO 0—6—3
PS 492. SUPERVISED RESEARCH II
0—2—1 TO 0—6—3
Normally a two-semester sequence for first class psychology majors who intend to pursue graduate studies. Each cadet will design and conduct an experiment under faculty supervision. Final presentation will include a paper in American Psychological Association format. Prerequisite: PS 201. Permission of the department head.

PS 495W. INDEPENDENT PROJECT IN LEADERSHIP STUDIES
3—0—3
Each student works under the close supervision of a faculty member on an independent problem related to leadership studies. Requires research and writing of substantial paper(s) and an oral examination in defense of the project. Prerequisites: PS 201, PS 344 and permission of the department head. Note: PS 495 is a required course for the minor in Leadership Studies and is writing intensive (W).