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Psychology Course Descriptions

Introductory Course

 

100 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

An introduction to psychological perspectives on problems and processes of behavior and experience, surveying such topics as motivation, learning, intelligence, perception, emotion, thought, social processes and language. Recommended for students with no previous exposure to academic psychology who seek a general overview of the field. Lecture and laboratory components. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

Intermediate Courses

 

The introductory course, Psychology 100, is required for admission to all intermediate courses unless otherwise specified. Other prerequisites may be listed.

 

180 BRAIN, MIND, AND BEHAVIOR (Same as Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180)

A multidisciplinary investigation of behavior and the nervous system. Particular emphasis is placed on human processes of perception, cognition, learning, memory, and language. This course also serves as the introductory course in the cognitive and neuroscience studies program. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or permission of instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

182 DRUGS AND SOCIETY

Topics covered include: social and legal history of drug use and abuse in America including ethnicity and chemical use, pharmacology of mood altering chemicals, chemical dependence and treatment, and drugs used in treating mental illness. Classes will consist of a mixture of lecture, film, discussion, role plays, etc. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or permission of instructor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

201 RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY I

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of research in psychology. We focus on how to design and execute psychological studies, analyze and interpret data, and write research reports. Students conduct studies in different areas of psychology (e.g., social, clinical, cognitive) that illustrate basic methodology and learn statistical techniques commonly used to understand psychological data. The course includes a laboratory component that facilitates expertise with computer statistical software and increases familiarity with American Psychological Association style. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Permission of instructor is required for first year students. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

202 RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY II

This course continues instruction begun in Psychology 201. We more closely examine key factors for planning and implementing research studies, such as validity, variable operationalization, and common ethical dilemmas faced by psychologists. Students gain in-depth experience in developing, interpreting, and communicating different types of empirical psychological research designs (e.g., experiments, surveys, interviews). Prerequisites: Psychology 100, Psychology 201 or Math 253. We recommend that students who plan to take Math 253 as their gateway to Psychology 202 consult with a member of the psychology department as soon as possible. These students will be expected to acquire proficiency in the topics covered in Psych 201 (e.g., psychological research methods, SPSS, APA writing style, ethical guidelines). Every semester. (4 credits)

 

220 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (Same as Education 220)

An introduction to theory and research in educational psychology. Topics include learning theory, learner characteristics, intelligence, creativity, motivation, measurement and evaluation, and models of teaching appropriate for diverse learners from early childhood through young adulthood. Students are required to complete observations in classroom settings. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or permission of instructor. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

240 PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the principles and methods used in the study of how behavior changes as a function of experience. The emphasis will be on classical and operant conditioning principles and procedures, which have become the standard research technologies used in biomedical, psychopharmacological, and other animal laboratory research areas. The laboratory component is designed to give students experience with behavioral technology and data collection and analysis. Group A course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Spring semester. (5 credits)

 

242 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

A survey of the experimental analysis of the mind. Topics include attention, memory and forgetting, problem solving, creativity, reasoning, and language. Special emphasis is given to the study of discourse comprehension and reading. The weekly laboratory sessions afford students an opportunity to interact directly with cognitive phenomena and research methods. Group A course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Fall semester. (5 credits)

 

244 COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE (Same as Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 244)

An inquiry into the mechanisms by which the nervous system supports higher mental functions, drawing on a variety of disciplines including cognitive psychology, neurobiology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. Discussion topics include perception, attention, learning, memory, language, executive function, emotion, development, social cognition, and consciousness. The laboratory will introduce empirical research techniques commonly employed in cognitive neuroscience research, with emphasis on the anatomy and physiology of the neocortex, and will provide an opportunity to develop a variety of student participatory research projects. Group A course. Prerequisites: Psychology 100 and Psychology/Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180 or Biology 112 or Biology 367. Next offered 2008–2009. (5 credits)

 

246 EXPLORING SENSATION AND PERCEPTION (Same as Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 246)

An examination of the processes of sensation and perception. While the course features a strong emphasis on neurophysiology of sensation, classical approaches to the study of perception will also figure prominently. Particular emphasis will be placed on vision and somatosensation, including pain processes. Lecture and weekly 3.5 hour investigatory laboratory. Prerequisites: Psychology 100 or Psychology 180/Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180 and permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (5 credits)

 

248 BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE (Same as Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 248)

An examination of the role of the nervous system in the control of behavior. While the course features a systems approach to the investigation of sensory and perceptual mechanisms, molecular and cellular components of the nervous system will also be discussed in the context of course topics. Particular emphasis is given to the nature of learning and memory processes, motivation, emotion, homeostasis, cognition, and human neuropsychology. The laboratory will be used for a variety of instructor-demonstrative and student participatory research and laboratory activities in behavioral neuroscience. Group A course. Prerequisites: Psychology 100 and Psychology/Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180 or Biology 112 or Biology 367. Spring semester. (5 credits)

 

250 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology from the perspective of the causes and correlates of human development. Cognitive, social, emotional and behavioral development are examined from biological, functional, social and diverse cultural perspectives. The process of discovery in developmental psychology is explored as the uses of experimental, observational and case analysis techniques are reviewed. Group B course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or Education 220 or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

252 DISTRESS, DYSFUNCTION, AND DISORDER: PERSPECTIVES ON THE DSM

This course will examine the experiences, causes, and treatments of the major forms of distress and disorder codified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), including schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. We will critically evaluate theories and research derived from biological, genetic, psychological, interpersonal, and social-cultural perspectives. Group B course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

254 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

This course will survey the ways in which social phenomena influence the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals. The major theories, experiments, and issues associated with social psychology will be examined. Sample topics include love, aggression, conformity, attitudes, prejudice, persuasion, obedience, and attribution. Group B course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

256 PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY

This course will survey the major theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding human personality. Specific topics to be covered include psychoanalytic, humanistic, existential, and biological personality theories; motivation and cognition; traits; identity and the self; and the cultural and social context of personality. Research and assessment strategies for understanding personality will be explored and critically evaluated. Group B course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

258 INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

This course will examine issues in personnel psychology (personnel decisions, training, and performance appraisal); organizational psychology (job satisfaction, work motivation, leadership, and communication); and the work environment (organizational development and work conditions). Group B course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

264 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER (Same as American Studies 264)

An examination and critique of psychological theories, methods and research about gender. Social, situational, individual and biological explanations of gender similarities and differences and their development will be explored. Class members will compare alternative—often contradictory—explanations of the selected phenomena. Case examples will come from the areas of social development, social relationships, moral reasoning, sexual orientation, cognition, identity formation, language and personality. The intersection of gender with other social identities will be explored as we consider also individual rights in relation to cultural rights. A sub-theme will be the embeddedness of psychological theories and research about gender in history, culture and society. Culture and Context course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or permission of the instructor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

266 HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY

This course explores major developments and ideas in psychology such as: the history of ideas about "the mind"; the effects of theorists' life experiences on their ideas; key historical and social events that shaped the field; when and how psychology became a science; and how ideas about what is "normal" shape and are shaped by psychology. Culture and Context course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

268 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MULTICULTURALISM: IDENTITY IN DIVERSE SOCIETIES

This course examines the psychological effects of social diversity on our lives as individuals and as group members. Topics include: 1) gender, ethnicity, social class and other group memberships; 2) the perception of others; 3) social identity formation and change in relation to self; 4) in group/out-group relations in relation to identity; and 5) social change to reduce intergroup tensions. Finally, the class will consider how psychology as a discipline might change to become more relevant and sensitive to questions of diversity. Culture and Context course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

269 CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SOCIAL POLICY

In this course a developmental perspective is used in examining various issues regarding children, teens, and their families within society. Children both influence and are affected by the social contexts and relationships in which they develop, and the class will explore some of these complex, multidirectional effects in depth. We will examine how social policies (both formal, such as foster care, and informal, such as the popular media) influence child development and family functioning. Beginning with a brief historical overview of the place of children in society, most of the semester is spent discussing children and families in contemporary American society. Culture and Context course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

300 DIRECTED RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY

Students are guided in conducting research within specific content areas approved by the supervising faculty. Research may be conducted individually or in small groups depending on the content area. Research groups meet regularly for presentation of background material, discussions of common readings, and reports on project status; public presentation of each student's results is an integral element of the course. Directed research, typically taken in the junior year and open only to declared majors, is the capstone experience for Psychology majors. Students will be assigned to sections by the supervising faculty. Prerequisites: Psychology 100, Psychology 202, and an intermediate course. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

Advanced Courses

 

Admission to any advanced course requires successful completion (grade of C– or better) of Psychology 100, or Psychology 201, and at least one intermediate course or permission of instructor in addition to meeting the prerequisites listed for that course. Minors may substitute Math 153, 154 or 155 for the statistics and research methods prerequisite.

 

370 UNDERSTANDING AND CONFRONTING RACISM (Same as American Studies 370)

An examination of the social psychological factors associated with race prejudice and racism, particularly in the United States. Focusing on the psychological theories proposed to understand racism, this course investigates the causes and consequences of racism at the individual, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels of society. Special attention will be given to exploring interventions to reduce racism. Culture and Context course. Prerequisites: Psychology 100, Psychology 200 (no longer offered) or Psychology 201, and at least one intermediate course or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

372 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

The field of health psychology addresses three issues: 1) the ways in which psychological factors and experiences (such as stress, personality patterns, discrimination, etc.) affect health, 2) changing health behaviors and 3) the psychological effects of being ill. We will read research articles, theoretical essays, and first person accounts as a basis from which to understand these issues and also to grapple with such questions as: What exactly is "health"? What are the connections between the mind and the body? Can psychology help explain how our membership in different social groups affects our health? Why do some people get sick and others stay well? What is it like to be a patient? A doctor? How do societal ideas about illness and disability affect us? Prerequisite: Psychology 100, Psychology 201, and at least one intermediate course or permission of instructor. Next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

374 CLINICAL AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY

This course examines specific applications of psychological principles to the mental health field, focusing on strategies for therapeutic intervention. We will pay particular attention to the issues raised by traditional clinical practice, such as ethics, the politics and economics of mental health, and cultural biases, and consider alternatives to mainstream clinical services, including art therapy, spirituality, and non-Western healing. Prerequisites: Psychology 100, Psychology 201, Psychology 252 or permission of instructor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

378 PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (Same as Linguistics 378)

An examination of psychological factors that affect the comprehension of oral and written language. Topics include the origin of language, how language can control thought, the role of mutual knowledge in comprehension, and principles that underlie coherence in discourse. Includes readings from psycholinguistics, philosophy, sociolinguistics, gender studies, social psychology, and especially from cognitive psychology. Emphasis is placed on current research methods so that students can design an original study. Prerequisites: Psychology 100, Psychology 201, Psychology 242, or two linguistics classes, or permission of the instructor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

380 COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY

This course focuses on the theory and practice of community psychology: the promotion of well-being within a social context. Topics include empowerment models, primary and secondary prevention, ecological and systems analysis, coping and social support, and community organizing. We will pay particular attention to the problems and potentials associated with psychological interventions within educational, criminal justice, and traditional mental health systems. In addition to typical seminar activities, students will participate in a service learning experience for a minimum of 2 hours each week to gain direct understanding of the course concepts. Prerequisites: Psychology 100, Psychology 201, and at least one intermediate course or permission of instructor. Culture and Context course. Next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

382 HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR

This class will focus on the hormonal mechanisms of behavior in animals (including homo sapiens). Following introductory lectures, a series of topics will be explored, with a particular emphasis placed on those behaviors most directly mediated by hormonal activity (such as aggression, sexual and reproductive behaviors, stress responses, etc.) Prerequisites: Psychology 100, Psychology 200 (no longer offered) or Psychology 201, and at least one intermediate course or permission of the instructor. Next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

384 CHILDREN'S THINKING

The major aims of this course are to acquaint the student with various approaches to the study of cognitive development and to familiarize the student with normal patterns of thinking across childhood. We will cover key theoretical perspectives and research findings concerning the development of children's thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and memory. Topics will include how information is acquired, represented, organized, and used in everyday and problem-solving contexts. Prerequisites: Psychology 100, Psychology 201, and at least one intermediate course or permission of instructor. Next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

486 SEMINAR IN NEUROPHARMACOLOGY (Same as Biology 486)

This is an advanced course that will focus on the study of drugs used to alter the central nervous system. The course will begin with basic pharmacological principles and then concentrate on the various uses of drugs to alter brain neurochemistry. Topics for discussion will include the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia, depression, pain, anxiety and generally, the neurochemical basis of behavior. In addition to discussion of the use of drugs for clinical purposes, a significant amount of time will be spent on the use of "drugs of abuse" (e.g. cocaine, marijuana, LSD). While the focus of the course will be on the biochemical mechanisms of these drugs, an effort will be made to investigate and discuss the sociological ramifications of drug use. Prerequisites: Psychology (Biology 356), Psychology 248, junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate Spring semesters. (4 credits)

 

488 SENIOR SEMINAR

Senior seminars examine a variety of topics. Open to senior majors and minors only.

 

Pain and Suffering

This seminar will examine both basic research and clinical aspects of pain. Following introductory lectures on pain and pain relief, a series of topics will be explored, including, but not limited to: pain measurement in humans and animals; the ethics and use of experimental models in pain research; chronic pain; pain relief produced by drugs, acupuncture, hypnosis, and placebos; and learning processes that influence pain sensitivity. Prerequisite: Senior major or minor. Next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

Psychology of Black Aesthetics

This seminar examines the psychological factors associated with how many African Americans express their culture through physical appearance, oral communication, and entertainment. Special attention will be given to delineating aspects of African American culture and the ways in which they may guide individuals' behaviors. Topics will include, but are not limited to, cultural aesthetics, skin tone and hair texture, code-switching and rap music, and comic performance. Culture and Context course. Prerequisite: Senior major or minor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

Addiction

This seminar is designed to emphasize the most important themes and concepts in the field of substance abuse. These topics include, but are not limited to, the history of psychoactive drug use, U.S. drug policy, how the different classes of drugs work, prevention strategies, models of addiction including compulsive behaviors, treatment approaches, relapse prevention, and harm reduction. Prerequisite: Senior major or minor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

Lives in Context: Psychology and Social Structure (Same as Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies 405)

This seminar will explore the relationship between individual lives and broad social systems. We will read theory, research, and autobiographical work about the implications of gender, social class, race, physical ability, historical context, etc., on psychological experiences and will explore a variety of methodological strategies for doing research in these areas. Culture and Context course. Prerequisite: Senior major or minor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

Memory

This seminar explores memory from a variety of perspectives. Topics include, but are not limited to, the taxonomy of memory, the functional characteristics of various memory systems, likely biological substrates of those systems, memory disorders, the relationship between memory and other psychological processes such as attention and emotion, and conceptions of memory within broader historical and sociocultural contexts. Prerequisite: Senior major or minor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

Special Courses

 

The following course listings provide opportunities for the design of special individual educational activities. Prior consultation with a member of the department is a necessary prerequisite for registration in courses at this level.

 

PSYC 604 TUTORIAL

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

PSYC 614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

PSYC 624 INTERNSHIP

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

PSYC 634 PRECEPTORSHIP

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (4 credits)

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