PSYC 100
Principles of Psychology
An introduction to the science of mind and behavior with an emphasis on empirical approaches. Includes a survey of the contributions to our understanding of behavior by research and theory in the various topical areas of psychology and careful consideration of continuities between those topical areas.
Units: 6.
PSYC 180
Psychology of Learning
An investigation of how people learn. This course examines learning theories (
e.g., behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, constructivist) and their implications for the educational process in schools. Other topics include learning and the brain, the nature of expertise, the design of learning environments, and approaches to instruction that promote meaningful learning. Practicum of 20 hours required.
Units: 6.
Also listed as Education Studies 180
PSYC 191
Directed Study in Psychology
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 195
Practicum in Psychology
Practica include a wide variety of fieldwork opportunities in psychology. For example, students might do applied work in the areas of domestic violence, mental health treatment, family legal services, victim assistance, developmental disabilities, human resources, or school psychology. Practica can be done during the academic year (at local placements or on campus) or during the summer.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 220
The Holocaust
An examination of the social psychological dimensions of the Holocaust. Topics include social psychological and cultural origins of the Holocaust (including the role of Christian anti-Semitism); social psychological aspects of Nazi ideology; and understanding perpetrators, victims, and bystanders.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
PSYC 230
Psychology of Music
A scientific approach to questions about musical structure and its effect on human behavior and mental experience. Topics include the physical characteristics of sound that specify pitch, loudness, and timbre; the perception of melody and rhythm; the universality of musical structures; the psychology of musical ability and performance; and the effect of music on emotions. Ability to read music and familiarity with the basics of music theory recommended.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing; ability to read music and familiarity with the basics of music theory recommended
PSYC 235
Music and Mind
This course concerns the analysis of music's personal and cultural meaning, and psychological factors responsible for the meaning we derive. London's many musical venues will enable students to apply psychological principles of music perception and the relation of cognitive expectations and experiences to listeners' experience of musical meaning and emotion.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Must be attending the Lawrence Londong Centre
PSYC 240
Personality Psychology
A survey and evaluation of the major theories of personality in the context of current research and application. Deviant personality functioning will also be examined.
Units: 6.
PSYC 245
Health Psychology
This course explores the link between mind and body from various psychological perspectives such as social, clinical, and psychobiological. We will survey the role of stress, emotion, self-regulation, and individual differences as predictors of health and illness. We also will examine assessment, diagnostic, treatment, and ethical issues in psychophysiological disorders.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
Also listed as Biomedical Ethics 245
PSYC 250
Psychopathology
A study of the major psychological disorders. Theory and research into the origins of each disorder are examined from a variety of perspectives (psychoanalytic, physiological, cognitive, behavioral, and humanistic).
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 255
Topics in Psychology
Topics courses will explore a particular topic in psychology at the intermediate level. Topics will vary with each offering of the course. Different offerings of the course may be taken for credit with the instructor's consent.
Topic for Spring 2013: Psychology of Improvisation
This course explores the creative process by examining improvised performance in music, theater, and dance, and the improvisational nature of everyday behaviors, including language. Individual, social, developmental, and educational aspects of improvisation will be considered through readings in psychological and performance literature, along with viewing, listening, and participating in performances.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing.
PSYC 260
Developmental Psychology
A study of the development of behavior and mental processes from conception through middle childhood. Topics include prenatal development, attachment, children’s language skills, and social and cognitive development. A variety of theoretical perspectives are covered.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 265
Developmental Psychology
Identical in content to Psychology 260, but requiring a weekly three-hour laboratory that involves systematic work with children to learn and apply assessment techniques and experimental methodologies for the study of development.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 270
Social Psychology
A psychological approach to the study of individuals in a social context. Research and theories concerning personality, emotion, cognition, and perception are used to understand such topics as self-identity, perception of others, prejudice, social influence, and personal relationships.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 275
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Psychology
This course will examine the emerging psychological literature on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) persons. Specific topics will include: sexual/gender identity across the lifespan, "coming out" as a sexual/gender minority, transphobic and homophobic bigotry, transgender and same-sex relationships and parenting, and LGBT isues in late-life.
Units: 6.
Also listed as Gender Studies 275
PSYC 280
Research Methods I
The first course in a two-term sequence designed to introduce psychology majors to the principles of research design, data collection, data analysis, and research report writing. This term focuses on philosophy of science, the role of theory in research, and research design. Students design an empirical project to be executed during
Research Methods II. Sequence should be taken in the sophomore year and in consecutive terms.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and previous or concurrent enrollment in either MATH 117 or MATH 207.
PSYC 281
Research Methods II
The second course in a two-term sequence for psychology majors (see Psychology 280). This term focuses on the execution of empirical research projects, analysis of data, inferential and advanced correlational statistics, and interpretation of results. Students complete an empirical project. Sequence should be taken in the sophomore year and in consecutive terms.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 280
PSYC 285
Cross-Cultural Psychology
An examination of the intricate connections between cultural experiences and psychological processes. Topics include cultural contributions to development and socialization, identity and personality, morality and religion, emotions, and interpersonal relationships. Emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of cultural and cross-cultural research methods and critical interpretation of research results.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 290
Developmental Psychopathology
Using developmental psychopathology theory, this course involves the examination of psychological disorders in children and adolescents. The course emphasizes the complex interplay of biological and psychological factors over the course of development that lead to different outcomes. Several topics are covered including ADHD, anxiety, autism, conduct disorder, depression, and self-harm.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 310
Psychology of Gender
An examination of theory and research on gender identity, gender roles, and gender similarities and differences. Topics include gender stereotypes, gender role development, sexual orientation, sex education, as well as gender variations in cognitive skills, aggression, mental and physical health, and family roles.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Also listed as Gender Studies 270
PSYC 330
Clinical Psychology
An examination of the major approaches to psychotherapy (
e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic). Students also learn basic interviewing techniques and examine ethical and professional issues.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 250 or PSYC 290 and sophomore standing
PSYC 335
Clinical Psychology with Lab
Identical in content to PSYC 330 but requiring a weekly laboratory that focuses on development of basic clinical skills. Examples include development of clinical interviewing skills, conducting relaxation inductions, and systematic desensitization. Students will learn how to quantify improvement in symptoms and develop their clinical skills.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 250 or PSYC 290 and sophomore standing
PSYC 340
Cognitive Psychology
An investigation of the mental processes involved in the acquisition, organization, and use of knowledge. Information-processing and other approaches are used to study pattern recognition, attention, memory, imagery, problem-solving, and related topics. One laboratory per week involving class demonstrations and experiments.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 345
Distributed Cognition
Distributed cognition explores the role of the environment, artifacts, social interaction, and culture in human reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. Domains of study range from the sophisticated (ship navigation) to the everyday (time-telling). Emphasis is placed on studies of cognition in real-world settings.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Also listed as Education Studies 345, Anthropology 345
PSYC 350
Psychopharmacology and Behavior
An interdisciplinary examination of the ways in which behaviorally active drugs exert their effects, drawing on research in pharmacology, psychology, biochemistry, anatomy, and neurophysiology. Provides an understanding and appreciation of the role of behaviorally active drugs in people’s lives, today and in the past.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
PSYC 355
Child Clinical Psychology
This course focuses on major approaches to psychotherapy with children and adolescents. Students will learn techniques for assessment and diagnosis and learn about empirically supported treatments for children and adolescents with mental disorders. A weekly lab will focus on developing clinical skills to work with children and families.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 250 or PSYC 290 and sophomore standing, or consent of instructor
PSYC 360
Brain and Behavior I
An introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior. Topics include cellular physiology, neuroanatomy, sensory processes, motor control, and neuropharmacology. No laboratory.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; at least one biology course recommended
PSYC 370
Perception
An introduction to the physiological and psychological processes by which we receive, transform, and use the information from the world acquired through our senses. Special emphasis on visual and auditory perception to allow a more in-depth study of two perceptual systems and to provide information useful to those interested in the visual arts and music.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 375
Introduction to Phonetics
An introduction to the science of speech sounds, focusing on descriptive and experimental studies of articulation and speech acoustics. Laboratory demonstrations of speech production, acoustical analysis, and speech synthesis are combined with lecture/demonstrations to relate phonetics research to theories of phonology and language acquisition.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: LING 150, PSYC 340, or consent of instructor
Also listed as Linguistics 370
PSYC 380
Learning and Conditioning
An investigation of the basic principles of learning, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, punishment, biological constraints on learning, and behavior modification. One laboratory per week involving animal learning experiments.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and sophomore standing, or consent of instructor; PSYC 280 and 281 recommended
PSYC 385
Practicum: Language Assessment
Students work with preschoolers learning English as a second language at a local child care center. Students provide language enrichment and assess the children’s progress.
Units: 1 TO 6.
PSYC 390
Tutorial Studies in Psychology
Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 391
Directed Study in Psychology
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 395
Practicum in Psychology
Practica include a wide variety of fieldwork opportunities in psychology. For example, students might do applied work in the areas of domestic violence, mental health treatment, family legal services, victim assistance, developmental disabilities, human resources, or school psychology. Practica can be done during the academic year (at local placements or on campus) or during the summer.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 399
Independent Study in Psychology
Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students considering an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 420
Clinical and Affective Neuroscience
This course focuses on advanced topics in neuroscience involving emotion. We will explore emerging knowledge of how the brain generates emotional behaviors, physiological changes, and psychological states. Course topics include: neural plasticity, human neuroscience methods, emotions, and pathophysiology of mental disorders.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 350 or PSYC 360
PSYC 451
Field Experience in Clinical Psychology
Practical experience working in clinical settings in the local community. Students spend a minimum of ten hours per week at assigned settings, attend regular class supervision meetings with instructor, complete complementary readings, and write a final paper. Applications must be submitted by the end of the fifth week of Winter Term.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing as a psychology major, PSYC 250, PSYC 330 or PSYC 335, and consent of instructor
PSYC 460
Adolescent Psychology
A psychological approach to the study of development during the years between the onset of puberty and early adulthood. Topics include theories of adolescence, achievement motivation, identity formation, gender and sexuality, and family and peer relations.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 260 or 265
PSYC 480
Historical Origins and Contemporary Viewpoints of Psychology
A survey of the origins of modern psychology, examining the influence of various philosophical perspectives and the transition to current scientific approaches. Works by authors of historical significance and current trends in psychological theory and practice are read and evaluated.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and at least one course in psychology, or consent of instructor
PSYC 530
Brain and Behavior II
An examination of interrelationships between the brain and behavior. Topics include sleep, language, motivation, emotion, learning, and mental disorders. One laboratory per week on basic neuroscience techniques.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 360
PSYC 535
Workshops and Mini-courses in Psychology
These workshops and mini-courses are designed to cover specialized topics within Psychology either emerging as important research areas or are advanced techniques used to address questions in Psychology.
Units: 1 TO 98.
PSYC 540
Topics in the Psychology of Language
An examination of the nature and structure of language, integrating knowledge from linguistics, psychology, neurophysiology, and sociology. Focus on the psychological theories and experimental evidence about language production and perception.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 340, LING 150, or consent of instructor
Also listed as Linguistics 450
PSYC 545
Gesture Studies
Gesture studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the use of the hands and other parts of the body in communication and cognition. In this seminar we discuss studies of gesture types, universals, and variations; gesture development; gesture production and perception; relations of gesture to thought and language (spoken and signed); and functions of gesture in human interaction, problem-solving, and learning.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: One course in linguistics or psychology, or consent of the instructor
Also listed as Linguistics 545, Education Studies 545
PSYC 560
Topics in Gender and Social Development
This seminar examines social development in childhood and adolescence. A variety of issues will be explored including achievement motivation, attachment, and aggression. Special emphasis will be given to the topics of gender identity, gender roles, sex education, and sexual orientation.
Topic for Fall 2012: Peer Relationships and Influence During AdolescenceThis seminar course will critique typical characterizations of adolescent experience with peer influence - those that that portray influence processes as dominated by intentional, direct, and overt "peer pressure." Special emphasis will be placed on how socially constructed peer group norms (e.g. related to gender, ethnicity, social status) impact peer influence processes. Building upon the strengths and limitations of current developmental theories and research, we will collaboratively design and conduct a research project to investigate the role that participation in online social networking plays in peer influence processes.
Topic for Spring Term 2013: Gender and Social Development
This class may be cross-listed as GEST 560. Interested students should contact the Registrar once the term begins.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 260 or 265, MATH 117, or consent of instructor
PSYC 570
Topics in Prejudice
Examination of the psychology of prejudice. Readings and discussions cover general theories of prejudice as well as the dynamics of specific types of prejudice (
e.g., racism, sexism). The specific areas covered may shift from year to year.
Topic for Fall 2011: Bad Romance: Sex and Sexism
An examination of the intersection between sex (heterosexual romance) and sexism. This seminar will explore how heterosexuality shapes and reinforces traditional gender roles and power differences.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PSYC 270, MATH 117, or consent of instructor
Also listed as Gender Studies 570
PSYC 580
Topics in Neuroscience
A study of the nervous system from the perspectives of psychology, biology,
and/or biological anthropology. Topics vary year to year and may include glial cells, neural development, and the evolution of nervous systems and neurotransmitter systems. Lecture only. May be repeated with consent of instructor.
Topic for Fall 2012: Evolution of Nervous Systems
Taking a comparative approach, this course will explore the evolution of nervous systems from the coelenterates to the vertebrates. We will focus on the structural components of the nervous systems as well as the neurotransmitters present using both primary and secondary literature as sources.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: CHEM 116 and either BIOL 140 or BIOL 150 and one course in psychology; or PSYC 360 and one course in biology; or consent of instructor
Also listed as Biology 340
PSYC 590
Tutorial Studies in Psychology
Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 591
Directed Study in Psychology
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 595
Practicum in Psychology
Practica include a wide variety of fieldwork opportunities in psychology. For example, students might do applied work in the areas of domestic violence, mental health treatment, family legal services, victim assistance, developmental disabilities, human resources, or school psychology. Practica can be done during the academic year (at local placements or on campus) or during the summer.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 599
Independent Study in Psychology
Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students considering an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 610
Senior Capstone I
Required for senior psychology majors. Section meetings focus on discussions of readings related to section topics and to student projects. Students will complete a substantial written senior thesis based on an original empirical project, applied work, or critical review of established research and theory. Students will publicly present their work in senior presentations.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Senior standing and declared major in psychology
PSYC 690
Tutorial Studies in Psychology
Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 691
Directed Study in Psychology
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 695
Practicum in Psychology
Practica include a wide variety of fieldwork opportunities in psychology. For example, students might do applied work in the areas of domestic violence, mental health treatment, family legal services, victim assistance, developmental disabilities, human resources, or school psychology. Practica can be done during the academic year (at local placements or on campus) or during the summer.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PSYC 699
Independent Study in Psychology
Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students considering an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
