Psychology Minor
WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?
Students are introduced to a broad, critical understanding of core concepts and theories in psychology. They learn to use and evaluate psychological research and gain experience in the practical applications of psychology through volunteering, lab exercises and field trips.
WHAT KINDS OF PSYCHOLOGY DEGREES DOES KING’S OFFER?
Available As A Major For:
4-Year Bachelor of Arts
Available As A Concentration For:
3-Year Bachelor of Arts
4-Year Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
Available As A Minor For:
B.A. (excluding 3-Year SSCI major), B.Com., B.Mus., B.Sc. (BIOL & CMPT majors)
Courses Available Include: (for full course descriptions, see the registry pages here)
studies in: counselling skills, child psychology, adult development, abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, research methods and brain & behaviour
PSYC 250 - Basic Psychological Processes
PSYC 251 - The Person in Society
PSYC 301 - Exploring the Human Experience: Methods and Statistics for Psychology I
PSYC 302 - Exploring the Human Experience: Methods and Statistics for Psychology II
PSYC 327 - Between Science And Fiction: The Intersection of Psychology and Literature
PSYC 333 - Psychology Of Religion
PSYC 336 - Community Psychology
PSYC 340 - Social Psychology
PSYC 341 - Psychology of Exceptional Children and Adolescents
PSYC 351 - Childhood and Adolescence
PSYC 352 - Adult Development and Aging
PSYC 363 - Cognition
PSYC 370 - Ethology
PSYC 375 - Brain and Behavior
PSYC 390 - Psychology of Personality
PSYC 395 - Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 399 - Special Topics in Psychology
PSYC 420 - History of Psychology
PSYC 465 - Learning and Memory
PSYC 470 - Ecopsychology
PSYC 473 - Sensation and Perception
PSYC 477 - Evolution, Genes and Behavior
PSYC 490 - Communication and Counselling Skills
PSYC 492 - Clinical Psychology
PSYC 493 - Psychology of Testing and Measurement
PSYC 494 - Advanced Topics in Psychology
PSYC 495 - Senior Psychology Seminar
PSYC 497 - Research Practicum in Psychology
PSYC 499 - Directed Studies in Psychology
Related Links
Course Schedule | Psychology Department
Basic Psychological Processes, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)
Principles and development of perception, motivation, learning and thinking and their relationship to the psychic functioning of the person. Initial attempt to evaluate various approaches to psychology. Students with credit in PSYC 255 cannot receive credit in PSYC 250.
The Person in Society, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-0)
Introduction to the study of human individuality, personality, normal and abnormal human development, psychological assessment and treatment and the psychic processes of social relationships. Evaluation of various approaches to these psychological issues. Students with credit in PSYC 256 cannot receive credit in PSYC 251.
Exploring the Human Experience: Methods and Statistics for Psychology I, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-1.5)
In this course, students will acquire a working knowledge of research design, data collection and analysis, and will critically examine foundations and assumptions of scientific psychology. This will be achieved through lectures, exercises, and projects. Students will have opportunities to develop statistical skills while learning about the psychological research contexts in which these statistical tools are used. Topics will include epistemology, ethics, hypothesis development, descriptive statistics, measurement, probability, and naturalistic methods. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be explored. Students with credit in SSCI 309 cannot receive credit in PSYC 301.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Exploring the Human Experience: Methods and Statistics for Psychology II, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-1.5)
As the second of a two-course sequence, PSYC 302 continues PSYC 301. In this course students are introduced to experimental and quasi-experimental methods and parametric and non-parametric statistics. Discussion of external validity, and continued application of foundational concepts introduced in PSYC 301 will continue and students will be equipped with knowledge and skills to attain social scientific literacy, thoughtful engagement with research, and an ability to design, conduct, and analyze psychological research.
Prerequisites: Pure Math 30 and PSYC 301
Between Science And Fiction: The Intersection of Psychology and Literature, 2010-11, Fall 3 (3-0-0)
Human being, whether explored through themes of identity, self, or character, is a constantly evolving narrative we construct of ourselves and others. This course examines the intersection of psychological and literary narratives as they construct human being, and emphasizes how storytelling is a vital yet undervalued notion in contemporary society. We will question how human identity is created and communicated, while exploring the fringes of socially accepted behaviour to examine how norms are established, upheld, and challenged both in literature and psychology. Same as ENGL 327.
Prerequisites: ENGL 204, 205 and one of PSYC 250 or 251
Psychology Of Religion, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-0-0)
An introduction to religion viewed from psychological perspectives. In this course the student will gain: 1. An acquaintance with religious themes as exemplified in myths, rituals, and diverse practices of different religions, 2. An introduction to a variety of psychological approaches to religion (naturalistic, humanistic, phenomenological, comparative, psychoanalytic), and 3. A critical appreciation of the ethically sensitive and methodologically difficult issues involved with the study of religion and religiosity (such as ethnocentrism and reductionism) from a Christian faith perspective. The reading of primary text(s) will be an essential part of the course.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Community Psychology, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-0)
Community psychology is concerned with the ways society impacts upon individual and community functioning and how psychological, mental health, and crime problems, for example, are often created and maintained by poverty, social injustice, marginalization, and other forms of oppression. Issues of diversity, multiculturalism and racism, of primary prevention and of mobilizing and empowering communities to bring about social change are discussed in a Canadian context. Group projects and various guest speakers will provide relevant experience in community psychology.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Social Psychology, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-0)
An introduction to the relationship between individuality and social context. The course covers the history of the field and its relationship to disciplines such as sociology and anthropology. 'Classic' social psychological experiments will be reviewed and experimental, evolutionary, and cross-cultural approaches compared. Other topics include: social cognition and perception, authority and obedience, conformity, depersonalization and institutionalization, attitudes and prejudice, attraction and aggression, normatively, ideology, and socialization and enculturation. Same as SOCI 340.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251 or three credits in sociology at the introductory level
Psychology of Exceptional Children and Adolescents, Every Year, Fall 3(3-1-0)
This course provides an overview of the major intellectual, academic, emotional, behavioural, sensory and physical exceptionalities that are encountered in clinical or school settings. Course participants are encouraged to become familiar with exceptional children and/or adolescents through credited volunteer activities. The seminar component of the course consists of applied statistics or movie and novel reviews. Same as EDUC 341.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Childhood and Adolescence, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)
This course examines the psychology of human development and change during infancy, early, middle and late childhood, and early and late adolescence. The dimensions of development to be investigated include the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, academic, moral and religious aspects. Students with credit in EDUC 263 or PSYC 350 cannot receive credit in PSYC 351. Same as EDUC 363.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Adult Development and Aging, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-0)
This course examines the psychology of human development and change from early adulthood to death. Specifically, development is considered chronologically in the sequence of early, middle and late adulthood. Along with the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, moral and religious changes that occur in these years, we will also examine developmental responses to the challenges of changing careers, family structures, social tasks, psychological functions and faith commitments. Students with credit in PSYC 350 cannot receive credit in PSYC 352.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Cognition, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-0-0)
An exploration of the activities of the mind, using a variety of approaches. Topics include attention, pattern recognition, language development and perception, problem-solving, concept formation, judgment and decision-making. Basic concepts will also be applied to issues such as dyslexia, deafness, primate language, artificial intelligence and creativity.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Ethology, 2010-11, Fall 3(3-2-0)
An overview of the evolution, function and development of animal behavior. Evolutionary processes (e.g. selection and adaptation); physiological processes (e.g. the nervous system and behavior); the behavior of individuals (e.g. development, learning, mating), and the ecology of behavior (e.g. foraging) are discussed. Same as BIOL 362.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251, and PSYC 305 or BIOL 210 or BIOL 211
Brain and Behavior, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-0)
A study of the relation between biology and behavior in humans. Topics include mind/brain issues, brain development, genes and behavior, structure and function of the nervous system, brain disorders, biopsychology of motivated disorders, drug abuse and lateralization. Foundational issues as well as biological details will be emphasized. Same as BIOL 364.
Prerequisites: One of BIOL 200, 210, 211, PSYC 250 or 251
Psychology of Personality, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)
A survey of classical and contemporary theories of personality with reference to the personal histories of their originators and to the structure, dynamics and function of the theories within their cultural context.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Abnormal Psychology, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)
A survey of the various psychological disorders, their clinical description, developmental background and treatment approaches. Included are the anxiety and mood disorders, psychosomatic, dissociative, eating and sleep disorders, sexual, substance use and personality disorders, schizophrenia developmental and cognitive disorders. Mental health policy and social issues will also be discussed.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251; PSYC 390 recommended
Special Topics in Psychology, Subject to Demand, 3(3-0-0)
An introduction to particular topics or figures of special interest to a member of the Psychology faculty and offered on a nonrecurring basis. This course is intended for students in any year of study.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or PSYC 251
History of Psychology, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)
A study of the main concepts and major schools of psychology in their historical development. This course traces the development of psychology from its earlier status as a branch of philosophy to its present status as a special science.
Prerequisites: PHIL 230 and six credits in psychology at the 300-level
Learning and Memory, 2010-11, Winter 3(3-0-3)
This course examines how behavior is affected by experience (learning) and how organisms retain those experiences so that they can affect behavior in the future (memory). Theories of learning, such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and imitation, are discussed as well as mechanisms for storing and retrieving learned information. Through lectures and laboratory experiences, students will engage in and challenge the methods and logic of these areas of psychology.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251, and PSYC 305 Corequisites: PSYC 302
Ecopsychology, 2008-09, Winter 3(3-0-0)
An exploration of the psychological dimensions of our dependence on God's creation and our responsibility to care for it. The psychological contributions to and consequences of environmental problems, and the potential for psychological intervention, will be examined from a Christian perspective.
Prerequisites: Six credits in psychology at the 300- or 400-level including PSYC 390
Sensation and Perception, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-3)
An examination of the processes by which humans receive, select, analyze and interpret sensory information, and the factors which influence what is ultimately perceived. Topics include psychophysical methods, the visual system, the auditory system, the chemical senses, skin senses and perceptual development. Laboratory exercises include demonstrations of perceptual phenomena, application of psychophysical methods and the development of scientific report-writing skills.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251, and 301 Corequisites: PSYC 302
Evolution, Genes and Behavior(formerly PSYC 377), 2010-11, Fall 3(3-0-0)
This course examines how evolutionary psychology and behavior genetics can illuminate our embodied nature, and explores the strengths, limitations and implications of these approaches for understanding the human cycle. This course also examines how research and theorizing in these two areas are influencing culture, via the media.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251, and PSYC 301 or at least 6 credits in biology at the senior level
Communication and Counselling Skills, Every Year, Fall 3(2-0-2)
An introduction to and practical application of basic communication and counselling skills. Students will learn to use the various skills in lab sessions. Acquisition of these skills will allow students to improve communication in their relationships and enable them to facilitate client communication in a counselling setting.
Prerequisites: Nine credits in psychology at the 300- or 400-level including PSYC 395
Clinical Psychology, 2010-11, Winter 3(3-0-0)
This course examines the scientific foundations and theoretical orientations that guide clinical psychologists. Topics covered include contemporary methods of assessing, diagnosing and treating those with psychological, relational and mental health problems. The importance of developing good clinical judgment and the value of working with clients in a community context is highlighted.
Nine credits in psychology at the 300- or 400-level including PSYC 395
Psychology of Testing and Measurement, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-3)
This course provide a foundation for understanding psychological testing and measurement principles and developing skills in psychological assessment. The clinical, ethical, legal, and practical issues concerning psychological assessment and the place of testing in psychological practice will be examined.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251, and 301 Corequisites: PSYC 302
Advanced Topics in Psychology, Every Year, Fall or Winter 3(3-0-0)
In-depth examination and discussion of a specific topic in psychology. Specific topic(s) for the year will be posted prior to the spring registration period, and earlier if possible. This course is intended for students in the third or fourth year of a four-year psychology program and will build on previous courses in the program.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251, and 305; some topics may have more specific prerequisites
Senior Psychology Seminar, Every Year, Winter 3(0-3-0)
This seminar is designed for students obtaining a terminal degree in psychology. Theoretical, ethical and methodological foundations of psychology are explored through reading, discussion and seminar presentations.
Prerequisites: Nine credits in psychology at the 300- or 400-level. Course normally taken in final year of degree
Research Practicum in Psychology, Every Year, Fall and Winter 3(0-0-3)
This course is designed for students with an interest in conducting an independent research project in psychology. This project may be an independent study conducted at the University College, a cooperative project with a community group or agency, or a collaborative project with a senior investigator. Each student is required to submit a proposal for a project, and receive approval for the project, before being enrolled in the course. Students with credit in PSYC 496 cannot receive credit in PSYC 497.
Prerequisites: A minimum of 18 credits in psychology at the 300- and 400-level including PSYC 301 and 302
Directed Studies in Psychology, Every Year,1 to 3 (varies)
An opportunity to do intensive study of a special topic of particular interest to a student. Students work closely with a faculty member in tutorial meetings. Students must apply in advance to the faculty member.
Prerequisites: Six credits in psychology at the 300-level, and consent of instructor