Catalogue 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Psychological Science Department
|
|
Chair: Susan Trumbetta;
Professors: Abigail A. Baird, Randolph R. Corneliusa, Kevin Holloway, Susan Trumbetta, Debra Zeifmana;
Associate Professors: John Mark Cleaveland, Allan D. Clifton, Dara N. Greenwood, Jannay Morrow, Carolyn F. Palmer, Michele Tugade;
Assistant Professor: Hadley Bergstroma, Lori Newman, Bojana Zupanb;
Lecturers: Nicholas A. de Leeuw, Julie A. Riess (and Director of Wimpfheimer Nursery School).
a On leave 2017/18, first semester
b On leave 2017/18, second semester
Advisers: The department.
Major
Psychological Science: I. Introductory
-
PSYC 105 - Introduction to Psychology: A Survey Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
This course is designed to introduce the student to fundamental psychological processes, their nature and development, and contemporary methods for their study through a survey of the major research areas in the field. Areas covered include the biological and evolutionary bases of thought and behavior, motivation and emotion, learning, memory, thinking, personality, developmental, and social psychology. Some sections of this course are taught as a traditional introductory survey. Other sections may take a more topical focus to their survey. In all sections, students are expected to participate in three hours of psychological research during the semester. The department.
Topical section options for 2017/18b:
Sex on the Brain. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the science of psychology via an exploration of contemporary research and theory on sex and sexuality. Special attention is devoted to scientific methodology in the study of sex and sexuality in order to give you a solid understanding of how psychologists and other scientists conduct their research and build theories about phenomena associated with sex.
Please note: This is not a human sexuality course; it is a psychology course that uses the study of human sexuality to introduce you to psychology. You leave the course not only with an understanding of the physiological, evolutionary, learning, developmental, personality and social psychological perspectives on human sexual behavior, among other topics, but also with the necessary knowledge and conceptual tools to continue your explorations in psychology and other experimental sciences. Randy Cornelius.
Health and Happiness. This is an introductory psychology course. The processes by which we think, feel, and behave are inextricably linked, and together, they play important roles in explaining health and well-being. Students learn a variety of scientific approaches to understanding the mind/body connection. We take a biopsychosocial approach and consider research on stress and coping, and focus on empirical evidence to investigate what makes people flourish and thrive.
The goal of Introduction to Psychology is to allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse areas of psychology and the methods employed by psychologists. Students gain a basic understanding of psychology as a biopsychosocial science, the aim of which is to understand, predict, and control behavior. In addition, students are exposed to basic quantitative and critical analysis skills important to psychological science. Through class discussions and study, students learn how psychological principles operate in their own lives. Michele Tugade.
Students may not take both 105 and PSYC 106 .
Open to all classes.
Enrollment limited.
AP credit is not accepted as a substitute for this course in Psychology.
-
PSYC 184 - Living Rhythms Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Human activity is rhythmic. We engage in cycles of eating, loving, working, resting, walking, talking, learning, and sleeping. We multitask, nesting and switching cycles within cycles. Our activity entrains to cycles of the sun, moon, weather, natural and cultural seasons, and human-made devices. In this course, students explore and write about the psychology of rhythmic activity by means of participation, observation, interview, and literature review. Carolyn Palmer.
Open only to freshmen; satisfies the college requirement for a Freshman Writing Seminar.
Two 75-minute periods. -
PSYC 186 - Moving, Contemplating & Transforming Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Engaging in a variety of active practices, students explore processes of personal and institutional transformation. We share activities involving movement, awareness, imagination, contemplative practices, and reflection on experiences. Students pursue a personal transformation project, such as learning a new skill or deepening an existing practice. We also consider how these activities can contribute to group or institutional transformation. Carolyn Palmer.
Open only to freshmen; satisfies the college requirement for a Freshman Writing Seminar.
Two 75-minute periods.
Psychological Science: II. Intermediate
-
PSYC 200 - Statistics and Experimental Design Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
An overview of principles of statistical analysis and research design applicable to psychology and related fields. Topics include descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, concepts of reliability and validity, and basic concepts of sampling and probability theory. Students learn when and how to apply such statistical procedures as chi-square, z-tests, t-tests, Pearson product-moment correlations, regression analysis, and analysis of variance. The goal of the course is to develop a basic understanding of research design, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and the appropriate use of statistical software for performing complex analyses. Janet Andrews, Allan Clifton.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
-
PSYC 201 - Principles of Social Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
The study of the individual under social influences, including such topics as attitude formation and change, prosocial behavior, aggression, social influence processes, group dynamics, attribution theory, and interpersonal communication processes. Psychology 201 may NOT be taken if PSYC 205 has already been taken. Dara Greenwood
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
-
PSYC 205 - Topics in Social Psychology
1 unit(s)
Not offered in 2017/18.
-
PSYC 209 - Research Methods in Social Psychology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
A survey of research methods in social psychology. Every stage of the research process is considered including hypothesis generation, operationalization of variables, data collection and analysis, and communication of results. Observational, questionnaire, and experimental approaches are considered. The focus is on the development of skills necessary for evaluating, designing, and conducting research. Jannay Morrow.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 201 or PSYC 205 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
-
PSYC 221 - Learning and Behavior Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
A survey of major principles that determine the acquisition and modification of behavior. Topics include the relation of learning and evolution, habituation and sensitization, classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment, stimulus control, choice behavior, animal cognition, concept formation, perceptual learning, language, reasoning, and self-control. Kevin Holloway.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
-
PSYC 222 - Psychological Perspectives on the Holocaust
1 unit(s)
(Same as JWST 222 ) The Holocaust has spawned several now classic programs of psychological research. This course considers topics such as: anti-Semitism and stereotypes of Jews; the authoritarian and altruistic personalities; conformity, obedience, and dissent; humanistic and existential psychology; and individual differences in stress, coping and resiliency. The broader implications of Holocaust-inspired research is explored in terms of traditional debates within psychology such as those on the role of the individual versus the situation in producing behavior and the essence of human nature. The ethical and logical constraints involved in translating human experiences and historical events into measurable/quantifiable scientific terms are also considered. Debra Zeifman.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
Not offered in 2017/18.
-
PSYC 223 - Evolutionary Psychology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
The study of evolutionary theory, with attention to how it informs the developmental, ecological, genetic, and physiological explanations of behavior. John Mark Cleaveland.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
-
PSYC 229 - Research Methods in Learning and Behavior Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 229 ) An introduction to experimental and observational methods in animal learning and behavior. Laboratory experiences have included audio recording and quantitative analysis of animal sounds (bat echolocation and birdsong), operant conditioning, census taking, determining dominance hierarchies, and human visual and auditory psychophysics. John Mark Cleaveland.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 221 or PSYC 223 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
-
PSYC 231 - Principles of Development Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
The study of principles and processes in developmental psychology, surveying changes in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development during the life span. Major theoretical orientations to the growing person are illustrated by empirical material and supplemented by periodic observations of children in natural settings. Carolyn Palmer.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
-
PSYC 233 - Health Psychology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Health Psychology is the scientific study that applies psychological theory and empirical research to examine the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of illness. Students taking this course will gain a firm foundation in health psychology, and learn about the various scientific approaches to understanding the mind/body connection. This course takes a biopsychosocial approach and considers research and theory related to health promotion, illness prevention, and behavior change. Students learn about psychophysiological processes relevant to health psychology (e.g., immunology) and sexamine health processes in diverse populations with regard to age, ethnicity, socioeconomic backgrounds and health status. Topics may include health enhancing and health damaging behaviors, pain management, stress and coping. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating primary sources, drawing from empirical studies in psychology, public health, and behavioral medicine. Michelle Tugade.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
2017-18
Two 75-minute periods. -
PSYC 237 - Early Childhood Education: Theory and Practice
1 unit(s)
(Same as EDUC 237 ) What is the connection between a textbook description of preschool development and what teachers do every day in the preschool classroom? This course examines curriculum development based on contemporary theory and research in early childhood. The emphasis is on implementing developmental and educational research to create optimal learning environments for young children. Major theories of cognitive development are considered and specific attention is given to the literatures on memory development; concepts and categories; cognitive strategies; peer teaching; early reading, math, and scientific literacy; and technology in early childhood classrooms. Julie Riess.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 231 and permission of the instructor.
One 2-hour period; 4 hours of laboratory participation. -
PSYC 239 - Research Methods in Developmental Psychology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Problems and procedures in developmental research are examined. The course considers issues in the design of developmental research, basic observational and experimental techniques, and reliability and validity of developmental data. Students may work with children of different ages in both laboratory and naturalistic settings. Debra Zeifman.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 231 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
-
PSYC 241 - Principles of Physiological Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 241 ) The role of physiological systems, especially the brain, in the regulation of behavior. In addition to basic topics in neuroscience (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry and pharmacology), topics may include: sensory mechanisms, motivational systems (e.g., sleep, eating, reproductive behaviors), emotion, learning and memory, language, stress and psychopathology. Kevin Holloway, TBA
Recommended: Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
Psychology 241 may NOT be taken if PSYC 243 has already been taken.
-
PSYC 243 - Topics in Physiological Psychology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 243 ) The study of the functions of particular brain structures and their relation to behavior and mental activity. In addition to basic topics in neuroscience the course focuses on such topics as: perception, attention, memory, language, emotion, control of action, and consciousness. Neural alterations related to learning disabilities, neurological and psychiatric disorders may be examined as well. Abigail Baird.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
Psychology 243 may NOT be taken if PSYC 241 has already been taken.
-
PSYC 249 - Research Methods in Physiological Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 249 ) The study of experimental methods in physiological psychology. In addition to exploring issues related to the ethics, design, measurement, analysis and reporting of research, laboratory topics may include: neuroanatomy, behavioral responses to pharmacological and/or surgical interventions, electrophysiology, neuropsychology, neurochemistry and histology. Bojana Zupan, TBA.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 , and PSYC 241 or PSYC 243 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
-
PSYC 253 - Individual Differences and Personality Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
An introduction to contemporary approaches to understanding personality. The focus of the course is on evaluating recent theories and research that attempt to uncover the underlying dimensions that distinguish one person from another. Emphasis is placed on understanding behavior in interactions with others; the development of personality over time; and people’s intuitive theories about personality, including their own. Randy Cornelius.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
-
PSYC 254 - Emotional Engagement with Film Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as FILM 254 and MEDS 254 ) While movies engage our emotions in psychologically significant ways, scholarship on the psychological allure and impact of film has existed primarily at the interdisciplinary margins. This course aims to bring such scholarship into the foreground. We begin with a careful examination of the appeal and power of narrative, as well as processes of identification and imagined intimacy with characters, before taking a closer analytical look at specific film genres (e.g., melodrama, horror, comedy, action, social commentary) both in their own right and in terms of their psychological significance (e.g., why do we enjoy sad movies? How do violent movies influence viewer aggression? How might socially conscious films inspire activism or altruism?) In addition to delving into theoretical and empirical papers, a secondary goal of the course is to engage students as collaborators; brainstorm and propose innovative experimental methods for testing research questions and hypotheses that emerge in step with course materials. Dara Greenwood and Sarah Kozloff.
Prerequisite(s): for Psychology majors - PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 ; for Film majors - FILM 175 or FILM 210 ; for Media Studies majors - MEDS 160 .
Two 75-minute periods plus outside screenings. -
PSYC 259 - Research Methods in Personality and Individual Differences Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
The study of research methods in personality and individual differences. Every stage of research is considered: the generation of hypotheses; the operationalization of variables; the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data; and the communication of results. The focus is on the development of skills necessary for evaluating, designing, and conducting research. Michele Tugade.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 253 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
-
PSYC 262 - Principles of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
A survey of research and theory concerning the nature, origins, and treatment of major psychological disorders. The course considers behavioral, biological, cognitive and psychodynamic approaches to understanding psychopathology. Topics may include schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, childhood disorders, and personality disorders. Jannay Morrow, Susan Trumbetta.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
-
PSYC 269 - Research Methods in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
The study of research methods in psychopathology and clinical psychology. Every stage of research is considered: the generation of hypotheses, operationalization of variables, data collection, analysis and evaluation, and presentation of results. The focus is on the development of skills particular to research with clinical populations including ethical considerations, structured clinical interviews, behavioral observations, reliable and valid assessment, and measurement of change over time. Allan Clifton.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 200 and PSYC 262 .
Two 2-hour periods. -
PSYC 280 - Social Psychological Approaches to Mass Media: Understanding Content, Motivation, and Impact Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as MEDS 280 ) This course is designed to introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of “media psychology,” which applies social scientific theory and methodology to the study media use, content, and impact. We first review theoretical contributions from both Communication Studies and Social Psychology before moving into a range of “hot topics” in the field (e.g., violent media, persuasion and advertising, news, politics, representations of social groups, social media). Along the way, we consider: psychological processes relevant to media use and impact, individual differences that motivate selective exposure and reception, the positive and negative effect that media may have on our attitudes and behaviors, and the complexities of developing and executing media effects research. Dara Greenwood.
Two 75-minute periods. -
PSYC 290 - Field Work Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 2 unit(s)
Individuals or group field projects or internships, with prior approval of the adviser and the instructor who supervises the work. May be elected during the college year or during the summer. The department.
-
PSYC 298 - Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Individual or group studies with prior approval of the adviser and of the instructor who supervises the work. May be elected during the college year or during the summer. The department.
Psychological Science: III. Advanced
Open to seniors. For majors, satisfactory completion of a research methods course (PSYC 209 , PSYC 229 , PSYC 239 , PSYC 249 , PSYC 259 ) is a prerequisite for these courses. Seminar seats are assigned according to a department lottery system. Please contact department office for lottery information. Non-majors and juniors should consult the instructor.
|
Print this Page