See Course Descriptions for FYE Courses.

100 Introduction to Psychology: Bases of Behavior. Examination of psychological phenomena from biobehavioral and sociobehavioral perspectives. Contemporary issues in psychology such as intelligence, development, perception, learning, abnormal behavior, language, and social behavior are explored. Scientific methodology and its application to psychological phenomena are stressed. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) (No credit if taken after 101.) 1 unit - Department.

101 Introduction to Psychology: Enduring Ideas and Present Principles. Psychological concepts traced from Plato, Aristotle, Hippocrates, through the Middle Ages, and Renaissance, to the 19th and 20th Centuries. Current psychological data and theory, ranging from brain mechanisms to learning, motivation, cognition, personality and social psychology. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for the natural sciences.) (Meets the Alternative Perspective: A requirement.) (No credit if taken after 100.) 2 units. NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT INVENTORY OF COURSES.

103 Sleep and Dreams. Psychological and physiological descriptions of sleep: brain mechanisms, biologic clocks, dreaming, sleep pathology and possible reasons for sleep. (No credit if taken after Freshman Seminar 164.) Prerequisite: 100 or 101. (Not offered 1998-99.) 1 unit. NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT INVENTORY OF COURSES.

109 Social Psychology. An examination of behavior in terms of personality and situational variables. Among the topics explored are social perception, the self-concept, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, attitudes, attraction, conformity, obedience to authority, aggression, and altruism. Special attention is given to the role of perceived choice and perceived freedom as determinants of behavior. (Also listed as Sociology 109.) (Does not meet the divisional requirements in the natural sciences.) 1 unit - Boderman (Sociology faculty).

120 Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy: Discovering the Unconscious. Major psychoanalytical perspectives of the late 19th and 20th centuries on the concept of the unconscious, in theory, case studies, and fiction. Emphasis on unconscious processes as they relate to the formation of identity. Reading from such authors as Freud, Jung, Klein, Winnicott, Kohut, and Yalom. (Also listed as Comparative Literature 200, Philosophy 203). (Fulfills Humanities requirements. Does not meet the divisional requirements in the Natural Sciences.) 1 unit - Dobson (Classics faculty).

160 Women and Madness. What does it mean to be “mad”? Is madness in the eyes of the beholder? This course examines the concept of madness as it has been applied to women from historical, psychological, social and feminist perspectives. Our goal will be to critically examine the diagnostic criteria used by the psychiatric community and popular culture to define deviance. Using case material we will investigate the “logic” of madness, asking to what extent madness might be a reasonable response to unreasonable conditions? The course will include a careful consideration of the rising use of psychopharmacology, particularly in the treatment of depression in women. (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Also listed as Women’s Studies 206.) 1 unit - Waters.

178 Topics in Psychology. Introduction to a problem of classic or contemporary interest covering source material in depth, and stressing history, theory and method. Prerequisite: Varies with the problem.

Psychology of Aging. This course will provide an overview of gerontological psychology. A variety of topics and issues in aging will be covered: physiological aging, cognitive aging, social and cultural aspects of aging, mental health issues, psychotherapy with the elderly, disorders associated with aging, death and dying, and successful aging. 1 unit – L. Martin.

Psychology of the Family. This course explores the interplay between family processes and individual development from a lifespan perspective. Topics include: marriage, cohabitation, divorce, parenting, sibling relationships, family violence, work-family issues and cultural differences. 1 unit - C. Martin.

Environmental Psychology (also EV 120). This course integrates aspects of theoretical and empirical psychology, environmental studies, and literature. It examines the ways in which the natural environment is psychologically important to human beings, by exploring such questions as: How are we affected by nature? What affects people’s attitudes and behaviors toward the environment? How do we respond to environmental challenges? How does the field of psychology address the natural world, and what does it have to offer regarding environmental issues?. 1 unit.. NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT INVENTORY OF COURSES.

Drugs, Addiction, and Mental Disorders. This introductory-level course explores the use, abuse, and psycho-therapeutic effects of drugs in humans. Besides the basic principles in psychopharmacology, this course will cover the psychological effects, brain mode of action, and patterns of use of psychoactive agents, including stimulants, sedatives/hypnotics, hallucinogens, marijuana, alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, cognitive enhancers, anti-anxiety agents, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Natural Science (N) credit. 1 unit. NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT INVENTORY OF COURSES.

201 Research Design in Psychology. Examination of various research strategies from opinion polls through correlational studies to large and small group experimental designs with special emphasis on the concept of control of secondary variables. Lecture, seminar sessions, primary-source library research and laboratory experience. Prerequisite: 100 or 101 and either Biology 220, Economics 200, Mathematics 117 or 217. 1 unit - Erdal, Horner, Weir.

251 Psychological Investigations. Research in an area supervised by a faculty member. The project may be a review of the literature or a research apprenticeship with a faculty member. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or 101 and consent of instructor. 1/2 or 1 unit (1 unit when taken as an extended format course over a year; 1/2 unit when taken as an extended format course over 1 semester.) - Department.

312 Neuroscience. An introduction to brain-behavior relations that explores human neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. The neural substrates of several areas are explored, including sensory systems, motor systems, emotions, memory, attention, and higher cortical functions. Laboratory work emphasizes gross neuroanatomy and neurohistology. (Also listed as Biology 311). Prerequisite: 100, 101, or BY 109 or consent of instructor (PY 201 recommended). 1 unit - Jacobs.

324 Perception. A research based analysis of perceptual processes including vision, audition, the skin senses, pain, and the integration of these processes. Emphasis will be placed on psychophysical methods, experimental techniques used to investigate perception, and changes in perception over the lifespan. Lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, 201. 1 unit - Weir.

332 Learning and Adaptive Behavior. Functional relations between animal and environment that define learning. The course emphasizes the significance of behavior and plasticity in adaptation and concentrates on learning and how evolutionary processes affect learning. Experimental work involves a range of animals. Lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, (201 recommended). 1 unit - Horner.

344 Cognition. The process of knowing explored from an empirical perspective. Topics include remembering, thinking, categorizing, meaning, representing, problem solving, imaging, sensing, perceiving and acting. The course has a significant laboratory component of original research using human subjects. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, 201. 1 unit - Horner.

362 Abnormal Psychology. Surveys major psychological disorders as scientific as well as socio-cultural constructs. Prevalence, assessment, causal factors, treatment approaches, and the legal and ethical implications of “abnormality” are addressed. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, 201. 1 unit - Erdal.

374 Lifespan Developmental Psychology. A research-based analysis of perspectives, issues, and influences on human development from conception to death. Content areas to be examined include aspects of cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. (Meets the Laboratory/Field requirement for the natural sciences.) Prerequisite: 100 or 101 (201 recommended). 1 unit - C. Martin.

382 Gender Differences and Similarities. An examination of research and theory on psychological gender differences and similarities. “Nature and nurture” explanations for differences are explored. Special attention is paid to methodological issues, and to critiques of traditional, and androcentric methods of data collection and analysis. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, or consent of instructor (201 recommended). (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Also listed as Women’s Studies 382.) 1 unit - Roberts.

394 Emotion. An in-depth exploration of the scientific research on emotion , paying particular attention to new theoretical frameworks, and new experimental investigations into the nature of emotional experience and expression. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, 201. 1 unit - Roberts.

400 Senior Seminar. An integrative experience for majors in psychology. Students will explore in-depth various contemporary issues in psychology. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, 201, three of the four required courses from the Biobehavioral and Sociobehavioral groups, and senior status. 1 unit - Jacobs, Waters.

405, 406, 407, 408 Topical Seminar. For advanced students to do intensive study in a special area of current faculty interest. Prerequisite: Varies with the problem. 1 unit each Department.

Parents and Children (PY 406). This course considers parenting from cultural and biological perspectives, comparing human families across periods and with non-human animal families. Topics include mate selection, parental investment, attachment and bonding, asymmetries in sex and gender roles, competition/cooperation for resources between parents and offspring and among offspring, and maturation. Class discussions and written work will, further, address the extent to which pre-modern and post-industrial European family patterns have corresponded to evolutionary pressures. Sources will include primary texts and critical essays in history, psychology, anthropology and biology. (Also listed as History 304 and Women's Studies 206). Prerequisites: 100 or 101, 201, and 332 or 374 or consent of instructor. 1 unit - Horner and Neel (History faculty).

Depression (PY 405). An examination of the etiology, course and treatment of depression. Risk factors in the onset of depressive disorders are investigated, including biological/genetic contributions, environmental and familial factors, and individual differences or personality factors. Distinguishing features of the multiple forms of depression (bipolar vs. unipolar; endogenous vs. exogenous) are also examined, as well as differences in the prognosis and treatment of these various forms. Investigation of the impact of depression on relationships and family systems, and cultural and gender issues in the diagnosis and treatment of depression are explored. Prerequisite: 362 or consent of instructor. 1 unit – Waters.

Adolescence (PY 407). Is "storm and stress" a normal part of adolescence? Is adolescence a discrete development state or a social construction? This course examines the adolescent experience from theoretical, empirical, cross-cultural, and biographical perspectives. A case analysis approach is used to examine the implications of cognitive, socio-emotional and physical changes that occur during adolescence. The course investigates the nature of the adolescent passage in its typical and atypical forms and examines socio-cultural factors that contribute to healthy or maladaptive adolescent development. Prerequisite: 362 or 374. 1 unit – Waters.

412 Neuropsychology. An in-depth consideration of the functional organization of the human central nervous system. General topics explored include neurology (e.g., language, spatial, memory, sensorimotor, and emotional disorders), brain imaging techniques, and neuropsychological assessment,. Field experience with brain damaged/impaired individuals. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, 201 and 312, or consent of instructor. 1 unit - Erdal.

417-Advanced Neuroscience . Advanced Neuroscience Seminar An in-depth, student-centered exploration of advanced issues in fundamental areas of neuroscience. Topics may include but are not limited to cellular and molecular neuroscience, nervous system development, sensory and motor systems, regulatory systems, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. (Also listed as Biology 417). Prerequisites: PY312 / BY311 and PY201 or BY220. 1 unit - Jacobs.

441 Remembering. An examination of research on memory with an emphasis on empirical work and historical trends in the field. Students are expected to integrate research into a coherent theory of remembering using primary sources and in-class experiments. The class is conducted in a seminar format with students expected to contribute to discussion and analysis. Lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, 201, and 344 or consent of instructor. 1 unit - Horner.

449 History and Systems of Psychology. Modern and contemporary scientific issues as they pertain to psychology. Historical origins of these issues. Topics such as mathematical models, psychophysics, cognitive psychology, CNS theories, the logic of science and Gestalt theory discussed within the context of the correspondences between constructs and events. Prerequisite: 100 or 101, 201, and one course from the Biobehavioral group and one course from the Sociobehavioral group or consent of instructor. (Not offered 1998-99.) 1 unit Horner. NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT INVENTORY OF COURSES.

451, 452, 453, 454, 455 Advanced Research Topics. Supervised independent research or special reading in selected areas. Advanced Research Topics (ART) are awarded on a competitive basis. If you are interested in doing an ART you must submit a research proposal in the year prior to your research. Consult the Psychology Major’s Handbook for details. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor under whose supervision work is to be done. 1/2 or 1 unit (1 unit when taken as a block course or an extended format course over a year; 1/2 unit when taken as an extended format course over 1 semester.) - Department.

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