Psychology Courses

An introduction to empirical psychology, organized topically. Key areas, approaches, and theories in psychology are illustrated. Depending on their interests, instructors choose several topics such as the psychology of sex and gender, conformity and obedience, and aggression and violence. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience with a variety of research approaches and methodological issues. Not open for credit to students who have received credit for a 100-level psychology course. (Credit, full course.) Staff

A survey of classical and contemporary psychological approaches to the study of personality, including trait, psychodynamic, neuropsychological, behavior genetic, evolutionary, learning, phenomenological, cultural, and cognitive. Students apply theoretical concepts and examine research associated with these approaches, considering multiple sources of data (e.g., self-report, behavioral observation) and a variety of empirical methods (e.g., psychometric assessment, content analysis). Prerequisite: Psyc 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination.  (Credit, full course.)  Barenbaum

A study of abnormal and clinical psychology from a scientist-practitioner perspective, including DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria, assessment measures and strategies, treatment modalities, case studies, and ethical issues. Major theoretical paradigms and research on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of psychopathology are presented and discussed. Prerequisites: Psyc 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination.  (Credit, full course.)  Lohr

An examination of the impact that social influences have on individual behavior. The course examines major theories and empirical evidence in a variety of areas, such as interpersonal attraction, attitude change, group behavior, conformity, prejudice, and altruism. Students examine empirical methods used in social psychology and gain experience by designing and conducting studies examining questions of their choosing and then presenting the results. Prerequisite: Psyc 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination.  (Credit, full course.)  Bateman

Explores the application of psychological theories and research to business and industry. Studies how human abilities (visual, auditory, tactile, physical strength) are used in planning for equipment and procedures that optimize man/machine interactions in a technological society; employee selection, training, and motivation; corporate culture; consumer behavior. May not be used as part of the natural science core requirement. Prerequisite: 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination, or junior standing. (Credit, full course.) Peyser

An introduction to the study of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, and reasoning. Students consider empirical findings from a variety of methodologies as well as the methodologies themselves. Broader issues such as unconscious processes and cultural differences in cognition are also examined in this context. Students are encouraged to discover applications of findings in cognitive psychology to other areas of psychology, other disciplines, and their everyday lives. Prerequisite: Psyc 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination.  (Credit, full course.)  Yu

A survey and critical evaluation of research investigating the psychological and social factors in sexual behavior with some attention to the underlying biology. A comparison and contrast across species, across individuals, and across cultures. Topics include partner preference, sexual dysfunction and treatment, changes across the life span, and commercial sex. Readings include selections from works that have changed the American understanding of sexual behavior. May not be used as part of the natural science core requirement. Prerequisite: Psyc 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination, or junior standing. (Credit, full course.) Peyser

An introduction to the scientific study of human development from the prenatal period to middle childhood with an emphasis on physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development.  The central questions concerning the nature and sources of development, as well as the significance of the cultural contexts in which development occurs, are examined.  Students learn to evaluate existing research critically and are given opportunities to engage in research activities.  Not open for credit to students who have received credit for Psyc 357.  Prerequisite:  Psyc 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination.  (Credit, full course.)  Bateman

An examination of the physiological, cognitive, social, and emotional factors affecting individual development during adolescence and adulthood. The course focuses on adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. Major theories of development and empirical methods applied to the study of these four phases of development are introduced. Topics include substance abuse, intimacy and intimate relationships, moral development, parenthood, mid-life crisis, vocational development, coping skills, death, and dying. Students gain experience by designing and conducting studies examining questions of their choosing and then presenting the results. Not currently offered; see 221. and 222.  (Credit, full course.)  Bateman

An examination of physiological, social, and emotional factors affecting all stages of individual development during adolescence. Major theories and research on the subject are introduced. Among the topics addressed are biological changes, identity, autonomy, peer influences, substance abuse, and intimate relationships. Students are expected to present results from research studies they conduct on issues of adolescence. Not open for credit to students who have completed Psyc 220. Prerequisite: Psyc 100 or  a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination. (Credit, full course.) Bateman

An examination of physiological cognitive, social, and emotional factors affecting all stages of individual development during adulthood. Major theories of development and research on the subject are introduced. Among the topics addressed are physiological aging, cognitive functioning, work, intimate relationships, parenthood, retirement, loss, death, and bereavement. Students are expected to participate in field research projects and service-learning opportunities. Not open for credit to students who have completed Psyc 220. Prerequisite: Psyc 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination. (Credit, full course.) Bateman

An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including field studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Related issues and techniques such as ethics, sampling, measurement, and basic data analysis are examined. Students gain experience by designing and conducting several studies examining questions of their choosing and then presenting the results. Prerequisite: Psyc 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination.  (Credit, full course.)  Yu

A survey of physiological topics of importance to psychologists. The course begins with an overview of neural function and the organization of the brain. The reminder of the course is divided into three major sections: development of the brain, including sexual and abnormal development; abnormal states of the brain, including injuries, diseases, and mental illness; and psychotropic drugs, including both medication and drug abuse. Emphasis in each area is on application to other fields of psychology. Not open for credit to students who have completed Psyc 255. Prerequisite: 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination, or completion of the natural science requirement.  (Credit, full course.)  Keith-Lucas

A survey of physiological topics of importance to psychologists. The course begins with an overview of neural function and the organization of the brain. The remainder of the course is divided into three major sections: development of the brain, including sexual and abnormal development; abnormal states of the brain, including injuries, diseases, and mental illness; and psychotropic drugs, including both medication and drug abuse. Emphasis in each area is on application to other fields of psychology. Prerequisite: Psyc 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination, or completion of the natural science requirement. Laboratory course. Not open for credit to students who have completed Psyc 254. (Credit, full course.) Keith-Lucas

An examination of the empirical evidence for a wide range of controversial phenomena such as extrasensory perception, graphology, eugenics, and various urban legends. Divination is considered in its various forms, from entrails and numerology to oracles to phrenology and astrology to contemporary "cold reading." Selected writings of prominent psychologists and insights provided by personality and social psychology. An emphasis throughout on critical thinking, changing standards of evidence, and a skeptical, data-based approach. Prerequisite: 100 or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination, or junior standing.  (Credit, full course.)  Peyser

A psychological investigation of human diversity, focused primarily on minority groups in the U.S. Among the psychological topics examined in a cultural context are those pertaining to gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, social class, personality, intelligence, health, intergroup relations, and intercultural interaction. Methods of cross-cultural research are also considered. Students are encouraged to develop a psychological appreciation of how diversity figures in various contexts, including research, service provision, work relationships, and personal life. May not be used as part of the natural science core requirement. Prerequisite: Psyc 100, or a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP examination. (Credit, full course.) Bardi

A synthesis of comparative psychology, ethology, and the evolution of behavior — organized historically, with emphasis on primate behavior and its relationship to human behavior. Includes a laboratory that focuses on designing and conducting studies to answer empirical questions, followed by oral or written presentations. Includes a field trip to study a captive primate collection. Prerequisite: 251 or completion of three laboratory courses in the sciences. (Credit, full course.) Keith-Lucas

An examination of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and adolescents, with a primary emphasis on theoretical issues and scientific methodology. Development is presented as a process of progressive interaction between the active, growing individual and his or her constantly changing and multifaceted environment. Organized chronologically with an approximately equal emphasis on the prenatal through adolescent periods of development. Includes a laboratory that focuses on designing and conducting studies (including data analyses) to answer empirical questions on human development.  Not open for credit to students who have received credit for Psyc 219. Prerequisite:  Psyc 100 and 251. (Credit, full course.) Bateman

This seminar is devoted to the advanced study of social psychological topics, with a primary emphasis on the scientific process. The content focus, driven primarily by student interests, is selected from areas such as: self-presentation, attitudes, interpersonal relationships, pro-social behavior, aggression, social influence, and group behavior. Students review primary literature, design an original study, collect and analyze data, and compose a final report for public presentation. Those students taking the seminar for four credit hours conduct the original study independently whereas those enrolled in the seminar for two credit hours participate in a group study. Prerequisite: Psyc 203 and Psyc 251, or permission of the instructor. Not currently offered. (Credit, full course.) Staff

This seminar is devoted to the advanced study of topics in cognitive psychology, with a primary emphasis on the scientific process. The content focus, driven primarily by student interests, is selected from areas such as: attention, imagery, memory, problem-solving, decision-making, and metacognition. Students review primary literature, design an original study, collect and analyze data, and compose a final report for public presentation. Those students taking the seminar for four credit hours conduct the original study independently whereas those enrolled in the seminar for two credit hours conduct the study in a small group. Prerequisites: Psyc 208 and Psyc 251, or permission of the instructor. Not currently offered. (Credit, full course.) Yu

A seminar on the psychological study of individual lives. Students review classical and contemporary approaches to the study of lives (e.g., Freud, Erikson, Murray, Allport, narrative theories) and alternative methods (case study, analysis of personal documents such as letters and diaries, use of autobiographies, psychobiography). Students read a number of case histories and life histories, review the application of alternate theories and methods to several individuals' lives, and prepare their own "life study." Prerequisite: four courses in psychology including 201, or permission of the instructor. (Credit, full course.) Barenbaum

A study of the major conceptual approaches that are adopted as clinicians assess, define, and conduct clinical interventions. Topics addressed include the nature of the client-therapist relationship, results from empirical investigation of therapeutic outcomes, ethical dilemmas faced in clinical practice and research, and problems peculiar to subspecialties such as forensic psychology and community psychology. Prerequisite:  Four courses in psychology, including Psyc 202. (Credit, full course.) Lohr

Intensive reading and discussion of the current empirical research on learning-based techniques of behavior change, including systematic desensitization, token economy, biofeedback, assertive training, and cognitive methods; use of parents and peers as change agents; the particular problems within selected settings such as prison, sports, behavioral medicine, the classroom, and the clinic and mental hospital. Prerequisite: four courses in psychology or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Peyser

An examination of cognitive illusions, with a particular emphasis on what such illusions reveal about human thought processes in general. Includes illusions of perception, memory, reasoning, and metacognition considered from biological, information-processing, and evolutionary perspectives. The prevalence of cognitive illusions, their patterns of occurrence, and their implications for such real-world issues such as social interactions, choice of medical treatment, risk assessment, legal proceedings, political decisions, and financial judgments are discussed. Prerequisite: four courses in psychology or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Yu

A comparison of different theoretical perspectives on sex and gender and a critical examination of research on gender differences and similarities in human behavior. Patterns of public attitudes regarding gender are also discussed. Prerequisite: four courses in psychology and/or women's studies, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Barenbaum

An examination of current scientific study of consciousness and unconsciousness, including neural correlates of conscious and willful actions, manipulations of conscious will experience, the possible role of consciousness in evolution, and related topics. The course emphasizes how scientific results inform understanding of issues such as Chalmers’ “hard problem” of consciousness, the tenability of competing models of consciousness, the perceived unity of self, and perceptual experience of free will.  Prerequisite: Four courses in psychology or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Craft

The student designs and executes an experimental research project terminating in a written report or completes readings in an area of psychology. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and administrative consent of the chair. May be repeated. (Credit, half or full course.) Staff