Carleton College

PSYC 100. The Psychology of Numbers: A Fair & Balanced Look at Statistical Reporting This course will focus on topics such as the cognitive processes underlying how people interpret numbers and visual representations of numbers, the persuasive effects of using different numbers or visual representations, and how journalists and politicians use and report research statistics. Students will attain a grasp of basic statistics, an understanding of the scientific method and survey research methods, and an introduction to relevant aspects of cognitive and social psychology. In addition, students will hone their skills both at interpreting and critiquing numerical reporting and integrating numbers and scientific evidence in their writing. 6 cr., WR; AI, WR1, QRE, Fall—M. Van Der Wege

PSYC 110. Principles of Psychology This course surveys major topics in psychology. We consider the approaches different psychologists take to describe and explain behavior. We will consider a broad range of topics, including how animals learn and remember contexts and behaviors, how personality develops and influences functioning, how the nervous system is structured and how it supports mental events, how knowledge of the nervous system may inform an understanding of conditions such as schizophrenia, how people acquire, remember and process information, how psychopathology is diagnosed, explained, and treated, how infants and children develop, and how people behave in groups and think about their social environment. 6 cr., SS; SI, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff

PSYC 200. Measurement and Data Analysis in Psychology The course considers the role of measurement and data analysis focused on behavioral sciences. Various forms of measurement and standards for the evaluation of measures are explored. Students learn how to summarize, organize, and evaluate data using a variety of techniques that are applicable to research in psychology and other disciplines. Among the analyses discussed and applied are tests of means, various forms of analysis of variance, correlation and regression, planned and post-hoc comparisons, as well as various non-parametric tests. Research design is also explored. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. Psychology 200 requires concurrent registration in Psychology 201. 6 cr., MS; FSR, QRE, Winter,Spring—J. Neiworth, M. Van Der Wege

PSYC 201. Measurement and Data Analysis Lab This lab course accompanies the lecture course, Psychology 200, and must be taken during the same term. The lab will provide an opportunity to explore lecture topics more deeply, and in particular emphasize data collection and computational skills. 2 cr., ND; FSR, QRE, Winter,Spring—J. Neiworth, M. Van Der Wege

PSYC 210. Psychology of Learning A summary of theoretical approaches, historical influences and contemporary research in the area of human and animal learning. The course provides a background in classical, operant, and contemporary conditioning models, and these are applied to issues such as behavioral therapy, drug addiction, decision-making, education, and choice. It is recommended that students enroll concurrently in Psychology 211. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 210 and 211 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110, or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., SS, WR; LS, WR2, QRE, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 211. Laboratory Research Methods in Learning This course accompanies Psychology 210. Students will replicate classical studies and plan and conduct original empirical research projects in the study of human and animal learning. Psychology 211 requires concurrent or prior registration in Psychology 210. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 210 and 211 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 2 cr., ND, WR; LS, WR2, QRE, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 212. Comparative Cognition This course is a systematic investigation of nonhuman animals' mental experiences. Various cognitive capabilities are reviewed, including counting, communication, categorization, self concept, and deception, memory mechanisms such as rehearsal and imagery, and social concepts in animals. Under review are these capabilities in different species of birds and mammals, including rats, pigeons, parrots, various species of monkeys, apes, and dolphins. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or Biology 126 or Psychology 216 or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., SS, WR; SI, WR2, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 216. Behavioral Neuroscience An introduction to the physiological bases of complex behaviors in mammals, with an emphasis on neural and hormonal mechanisms. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 216 and 217 to satisfy the LS requirement. 6 cr., MS; LS, Winter—L. Wichlinski

PSYC 217. Laboratory Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience This course accompanies Psychology 216. The course provides instruction and experience in methods of behavioral neuroscience, the study of the inter-relation of the brain (and hormonal systems) and behavior. The focus of this laboratory will be on standard methods of inducing behavioral changes via neural and hormonal manipulations in mammals. This course may be taken separately from Psychology 216. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 216 and 217 to satisfy the LS requirement. 2 cr., ND; NE, Winter—L. Wichlinski

PSYC 220. Sensation and Perception We will address the question of how humans acquire information from the world to support action, learning, belief, choice, and the host of additional mental states that comprise the subject matter of psychology. In other words "How do we get the outside inside?" We will initially consider peripheral anatomical structures (e.g. the eye) and proceed through intermediate levels of sensory coding and transmission to cover the brain regions associated with each of the major senses. Readings will include primary sources and a text. In addition to exams and papers, students will conduct an investigation into an area of personal interest. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 220 and 221 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or consent of instructor. 6 cr., SS; LS, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 221. Laboratory Research Methods in Sensation and Perception This course accompanies Psychology 220. Students will replicate classical phenomena and plan and conduct original empirical research projects in the study of human perceptual processes. Psychology 221 requires concurrent or prior registration in Psychology 220. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 220 and 221 to satisfy the LS requirement. 2 cr., ND; LS, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 224. Psychology of Gender This course will engage the student in various readings and exercises on theory and research in the psychology of gender. The student will come to clearly understand (1) several broad theories of gender, (2) how gender impacts our thoughts and behavior, (3) a sampling of empirical research of gender, (4) how to critically evaluate gender research, especially "popular" research, (5) the controversies surrounding traditional descriptions of gender, (6) how gender is involved in family, sexuality, work, friendships/relationships, mental health, and cross-cultural concerns. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS; SI, Spring—S. Gorchoff

PSYC 232. Cognitive Processes Cross-listed with CGSC.232. An introduction to the study of mental activity. Topics include attention, pattern recognition and perception, memory, concept formation, categorization, and cognitive development. Some attention to gender and individual differences in cognition, as well as cultural settings for cognitive activities. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Psychology 233. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement. 6 cr., SS, WR; LS, WR2, Spring—K. Galotti

PSYC 233. Laboratory Research Methods in Cognitive Processes Cross-listed with CGSC.233. Students will participate in the replication and planning of empirical studies, collecting and analyzing data relevant to major cognitive phenomena. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Psychology 232. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement. 2 cr., ND; LS, Winter—K. Galotti

PSYC 234. Psychology of Language This course will cover a range of aspects of language use. We will spend time discussing language production and comprehension, discourse processing, the relationship between language and thought, and language acquisition. Additionally, we will touch on issues of memory, perception, concepts, mental representation, and neuroscience. Throughout the course, we will emphasize both the individual and social aspects of language as well as the dynamic and fluid nature of language use. Requires concurrent registration in Psychology 235. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 234 and 235 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS; LS, Winter—M. Van Der Wege

PSYC 235. Psychology of Language Laboratory This laboratory experience will expose students to a variety of methodologies employed by researchers interested in studying language. Throughout the term, students will both participate in experiments and conduct experiments. We will spend time discussing and performing typical analyses. Finally, students will be expected to become proficient in writing their experimental work in APA format and in presenting their research ideas in an oral format. Psychology 235 requires concurrent registration in Psychology 234. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 234 and 235 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 2 cr., ND; LS, Winter—M. Van Der Wege

PSYC 248. Cross-Cultural Psychology Do psychological principles apply universally or are they culture specific? How does the exploration of psychological phenomenon across cultures inform our understanding of human behavior? This course examines major theoretical and empirical work in the field of Cross-Cultural Psychology. The course is structured in two segments. The first half provides background in major aspects of the field. The second half focuses on the creation of an applied product: a web site containing 1) critical analysis of a particular cross cultural psychological phenomenon, 2) visual depiction of the phenomenon in action, and 3) evidence-based proposal for improving cross cultural interaction. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS, RAD; SI, IS, Fall—S. Akimoto

PSYC 250. Developmental Psychology An introduction to the concept of development, examining both theoretical models and empirical evidence. Prenatal through late childhood is covered with some discussion of adolescence when time permits. Topics include the development of personality and identity, social behavior and knowledge, and cognition. In addition, attention is paid to current applications of theory to such topics as: day care, the role of the media, and parenting. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or prior consent of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, Winter—K. Galotti

PSYC 252. Personality An examination of analytic models that attempt to characterize and explain aspects of behavior, thought, and emotion that are central to our conceptions of ourselves as distinctly human beings and as individuals. Original theoretical statements and relevant empirical literature will be consulted. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, Spring—N. Lutsky

PSYC 253. Research Methods in Personality Laboratory A laboratory to be taken concurrently with the Personality course, to undertake research on topics in personality. 2 cr., ND; SI, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 254. Psychopathology An introduction to theories, research, treatments, and issues in the field of psychopathology. This course will be run as a seminar. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. Recommended: Psychology 252. 6 cr., SS; SI, Fall,Winter—S. Kozberg

PSYC 256. Social Behavior and Interpersonal Processes The social psychological analysis of human social behavior, interpersonal processes, and group influences. Concurrent registration in Psychology 257 is strongly recommended. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 256 and 257 to satisfy the LS requirement. 6 cr., SS; LS, Winter—S. Akimoto

PSYC 257. Laboratory Research Methods in Social Behavior and Interpersonal Processes Students will participate in the planning and replication of empirical studies of the social psychology of social behavior. Psychology 257 requires concurrent registration in Psychology 256. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 256 and 257 to satisfy the LS requirement. 2 cr., ND; LS, Winter—S. Akimoto

PSYC 258. Social Cognition This course will focus on a social psychological analysis of social cognition, perception and judgment. It includes the examination of attitudes, stereotyping, attribution and the self. Concurrent registration in Psychology 259 is strongly suggested. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, Fall—S. Gorchoff

PSYC 259. Laboratory Research Methods in Social Cognition Students will participate in the design and replication of social psychological studies related to social cognition. This course requires concurrent registration in Psychology 258. 2 cr., ND; SI, Fall—S. Gorchoff

PSYC 260. Health Psychology This course will examine how psychological principles can be employed to promote and maintain health, prevent and treat illness, and encourage adherence to disease treatment regimens. Within a biopsychosocial framework, we will analyze behavioral patterns and public policies that influence risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic pain, substance abuse, and sexually transmitted diseases, among other conditions. Additionally, students in groups will critically examine the effects of local policies on health outcomes and propose policy changes supported by theory and research. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 260 and 261 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS; LS, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 261. Health Psychology Lab This course provides students with direct experience applying principles of health psychology. Students will engage in a term-long self-directed project aimed at increasing the frequency of a healthy behavior (such as exercising) or decreasing the frequency of an unhealthy behavior (such as smoking). Additionally, we will read and discuss case studies that relate to the current topic in the lecture portion of the course. Concurrent registration in Psychology 260 is required. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 260 and 261 to satisfy the LS requirement. 2 cr., ND; LS, QRE, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 263. Sleep and Dreaming This course will examine recent experimental findings and current perspectives on sleep, dreaming, sleep disorders, and states of consciousness. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS; SI, Spring—L. Wichlinski

PSYC 290. Cross Cultural Seminar in Prague: Directed Reading 2 cr., S/CR/NC, ND; NE, Fall—K. Abrams

PSYC 299. Capstone Seminar: General This capstone seminar focuses on issues of interest to all students planning to choose a comprehensive project. The course is a lead in to the more specialized core seminars of 397, 398, and 399. The goal of the course is to provide a broad review of subject matter and options that would aid students in their selection of a specific topic. Students will then be assigned to 397, 398, or 399 depending upon discussions and expressed interest. Prerequisite: Psychology Major. 3 cr., S/CR/NC, ND; NE, Spring—Staff

PSYC 318. Psychopharmacology This course will cover the major categories of drugs that possess psychoactive properties, with an emphasis on their effects on the nervous system. In addition, drug use and abuse in a larger societal context will be examined. Prerequisite: Psychology 216 or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., ND; SI, Fall—L. Wichlinski

PSYC 354. Counseling Psychology An introduction to theories, research, techniques, and issues in the field of counseling psychology. This course will be run as a seminar. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. Recommended: Psychology 252. 6 cr., SS; SI, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 358. Cross-Cultural Psychology Seminar in Prague: Cross-Cultural Psychopathology In this course we will critically examine the extent to which the etiology and manifestation of mental disorders are affected by culture and politics. The proposition that mental disorders prevalent within a culture shed light on the value structure and preoccupations of that culture will be considered. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS, RAD; SI, IS, Fall—K. Abrams

PSYC 364. Psychology of Reading Words The seminar explores the thought processes that contribute to our ability to turn written marks on a page into a message. We look at the sub-skills necessary to identify a word in text and what happens when such skills are missing. In addition, we consider how words are integrated into meaningful thought. The first portion of the course reviews the literature in this important area while the last portion requires student reports on related and applied issues. Thus, we also consider braille reading, reading by deaf, dyslexia, bilingualism, etc. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 and a course in cognition or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; NE, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 365. Science and Pseudoscience in Psychology In this seminar we will explore the differences between scientific and pseudoscientific approaches to the study of human behavior. Common characteristics of pseudoscientific approaches as well as tools for critically evaluating claims to knowledge will be identified. Topics covered will include controversial assessment techniques (astrology, hypnosis), treatments for psychological conditions (homeopathy, facilitated communication), treatments for medical conditions (psychic surgery, faith healing), and paranormal phenomena (extrasensory perception, UFO abductions). Students will be encouraged to maintain a healthy degree of skepticism toward controversial claims and utilize a high standard of evidence before accepting them. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 366. Cognitive Neuroscience It should be obvious that every process that goes on in the mind has physiological underpinnings. But, whether we can unlock the secrets of learning, memory and perception as they are supported by neurons and neural connections is a longstanding and elusive problem in psychology. Contemporary articles are the text for this discussion-driven course. The student should leave the class with a working understanding of brain processes and of contemporary theories of brain processes that may support perception, memory, language, and consciousness. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or Biology 125 or Psychology 216 or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, QRE, Fall—J. Neiworth

PSYC 367. Clinical Psychobiology This seminar will focus on the biological basis of human mental disorders including schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. 6 cr., SS; SI, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 369. Behavioral Medicine This seminar will examine mind-body interactions and health-related aspects of psychology. Topics covered include psychosomatic illness, personality variables in health and disease, and nervous system-immune system interactions. 6 cr., SS; NE, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 371. Evolutionary and Developmental Trends in Cognition Recent findings have brought to light some very compelling examples of humanlike cognition in nonhuman primates: tool use and tool making, family bonding, complex social behaviors such as cooperation, altruism, communication, and emotion. The study of infant cognition has also revealed more complex cognitive abilities in developing humans. Each of these topics is considered in the context of the cognitive workings of the primate mind, with emphases on apes (gorilla, chimpanzee), monkeys (particularly cebus and rhesus varieties) and human children. The goal is to evaluate the uniqueness of primate cognition, both human and nonhuman. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or Biology 126 or Psychology 216 or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, QRE, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 373. Face Recognition This seminar begins with an overview of some of the explanations offered on how we recognize faces. We then delve into specific issues such as cross race identification, eyewitness identification, own face perception, perception of emotion on a face, and perception of faces by children. Primary sources material will come from primarily cognitive and social cognitive journals. Prerequisite: Psychology 232, or Psychology 220 recommended or permission of instructor. 6 cr., ND; NE, Winter—S. Greenberg

PSYC 374. Eyewitness Testimony in Children: Reconstructive Memory The course covers in a broad sense how cognitive research informs us about the accuracy of eyewitnesses. Issues raised include memory for traumatic and isolated events, false memory, reconstructive memory, role of attention and perception and face recognition. We also discuss remedies for innaccurate reporting. Special attention is paid to child performance in a witness role. The course begins with general discussion of these issues, and then continues with lectures from noted experts in the field. Students will have a chance to read original research and discuss their conclusions with experts. Prerequisites: Either Cognitive Science/Psychology 232 or 256 or 258. 6 cr., SS; SI, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 375. Language and Deception In this course we will examine deception and persuasion in language use. We will take up three main issues. The first is what it means to deceive and how people deceive others through language. What methods do they use, and how do these methods work? The second issue is why people deceive. What purposes do their deceptions serve in court, in advertising, in bureaucracies, in business transactions, and in everyday face-to-face conversation? The third issue is the ethics of deception. Is it legitimate to deceive others, and if so, when and why? Prerequisites: Psychology/Cognitive Science 232, 234, or 236. 6 cr., SS; SI, QRE, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 376. Neural Plasticity This seminar will examine how the brain changes in response to experience, with a focus on the mammalian brain. Examples will be drawn from the literature on "normal" development as well as from recent clinical research, both basic and applied. Prerequisite: Psychology 216. 6 cr., SS; NE, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 377. Research Seminar in Language: Conversational Processes Any conversation is a series of coordinated actions on the part of two or more people. This seminar will review current research on the cognitive and social processes involved in this coordination. Students will take an active role in conducting research based on the readings and class discussions. Prerequisites: Psychology 200/201 and CGSC/PSYC 232 or Psychology 234. 6 cr., SS; NE, Not offered in 2010-2011.

PSYC 379. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry This seminar will focus on the biological and psychological components of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. We will also address the possible causes of these disorders, and examine some current controversies surrounding diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 cr., SS; NE, Spring—S. Kozberg, L. Wichlinski

PSYC 382. Topics in Social and Personality: Close Relationships This seminar will examine the contemporary effort to use the tools of rigorous science to help us understand the sources and nature of interpersonal relationship of significance. Prerequisite: Psychology 252, 256, 258, or permissions of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, Winter—S. Gorchoff

PSYC 382. Topics in Social and Personality: Positive Psychology This seminar will examine the contemporary effort to use the tools of rigorous science to help us understand the sources and nature of positive human strengths, characteristics, resources, aspirations and institutions. Prerequisite: Psychology 252, 256, 258, or permissions of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, Fall—N. Lutsky

PSYC 384. Psychology of Prejudice This seminar introduces students to major psychological theories and research on the development, perpetuation and reduction of prejudice. A sociological and historical approach to race, culture, ethnicity and race relations will provide a backdrop for examining psychological theory and research on prejudice formation and reduction. Major areas to be discussed are cognitive social learning, group conflict and contact hypothesis. Prerequisites: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. Psychology 256 or 258 recommended. 6 cr., SS, RAD; SI, IDS, Spring—S. Akimoto

PSYC 397. Biologial and Behavioral Psychology This capstone seminar focuses on issues of interest to students planning to choose a comprehensive project in the areas of biological and behavioral psychology. The goals of the course are to review skills pertinent to scholarly investigation of topics within biological and behavioral psychology, introduce a variety of topics that are of current interest in the respective fields, mentor students in scientific proposal development and guide students in preparing the construction of comps projects. Prerequisite: Several 200-level courses in Psychology. 3 cr., ND; NE, Spring—J. Neiworth

PSYC 398. Cognitive and Developmental Psychology This capstone seminar focuses on issues of interest to students planning to choose a comprehensive project in the areas of cognitive and developmental psychology. The goals of the course are to review skills pertinent to scholarly investigation of topics within cognitive and developmental psychology, introduce a variety of topics that are of current interest in the respective fields, mentor students in scientific proposal development and guide students in preparing the construction of comps projects. Prerequisite: Several 200-level courses in Psychology. 3 cr., ND; NE, Spring—S. Greenberg, M. Van Der Wege

PSYC 399. Social, Personality, Clinical and Health Psychology This capstone seminar focuses on issues of interest to students planning to choose a comprehensive project in the areas of social, personality, clinical and health. The goals of the course are to review skills pertinent to scholarly investigation of topics within social, personality, clinical and health psychology, introduce a variety of topics that are of current interest in the respective fields, mentor students in scientific proposal development and guide students in preparing the construction of comps projects. Prerequisite: Several 200-level courses in Psychology. 3 cr., ND; NE, Spring—N. Lutsky, S. Akimoto

PSYC 400. integrative exercise Prerequisite: Psychology 397, 398, or 399. 6 cr., S/NC, ND; NE, Fall—Staff