This course explores how people make sense of themselves and others in the dynamic context of social interaction. Students read and discuss classic and current empirical research in the areas of interpersonal perception and social cognition.
Mental health disorders among children and adolescents are pervasive. Youth violence is a serious social problem. This course examines the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health problems of children and adolescents based on the empirical literature.
What does it mean to be healthy, and how do we promote health and maintain it? What factors disrupt or undermine our health? What is well-being, and how might it be distinct from health? What contexts or environments cultivate health and well-being, versus illness and suffering?
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of several theoretical models of the determinants of human behavior. Taking an historical perspective, students learn about psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanism, and other models of personality. A comparative approach is stressed with an emphasis on structural criticism of each theory and its philosophical underpinnings.
This course focuses on the development of psychology from its origins in philosophy to its establishment as a distinct experimental science. The class evaluates the contributions of philosophers and psychologists in terms of the political, cultural, social, and intellectual tenor of the times. Students gain historical sophistication and develop the ability to critically examine both historical and current issues in psychology.
This course is concerned with the lawful relationships between the behavior of organisms and the natural world. The course explores the scientific principles that govern these relationships with particular emphasis upon environmental control of voluntary behavior. Note: The laboratory component of this course requires daily work with live animals. Students must be able to commit one hour, MTWF, at the same time each day.
This course covers experimental design and research methodology, elementary and advanced techniques of data analysis, and basic issues in the philosophy of science. Laboratory and individual research is required.
An activity course for psychology majors that teaches important skills associated with academic and co-curricular planning. Using a hands-on workshop approach, students learn about and implement varied planning models in relation to short and long-term aspirations. In addition, each class member practices specific strategies for exploring their interests and identifying relevant courses, internships, research opportunities, and summer employment. Presentations by faculty and guest speakers provide varied perspectives on career options as well as the graduate school application process.
This course considers the ways in which human culture and human behavior varies across cultural contexts. Students review psychological research on culture, examine the theoretical and methodological foundations of cross-cultural research in psychology, and discuss the mounting evidence suggesting that many psychological processes are culture-specific and context dependent.
Evolutionary forces have shaped human behavior and the mechanisms of the human mind. In this course students learn the power and limits of evolutionary explanation about human behavior and cognition. After studying the basic processes of biological evolution, including natural and sexual selection, students apply these principles to selected issues in psychology. Examples of topics that may be included in this class are mate selection, sex difference, parenting and kinship, cooperation and conflict, dominance relationships, and social status.