Psychology

Psychology at Carleton provides a systematic approach to the study of behavior and experience. It examines processes of physiological functioning, human and animal learning, human and animal cognition, cognitive and social development, personality, social influence, and psychopathology, and treats particular topics (e.g., prejudice, real-life decision making, and psychopharmacology) that are representative of the diversity and complexity of psychology. It also strongly emphasizes the development of analytic and expressive skills that are the basis of investigation, evaluation, and communication in the field.

Psychology 110 is the basic introductory course in the department and is a prerequisite for all other courses in psychology. Only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., an AP score of 4 or 5 or a higher level IB score of 6 or 7) will a student be allowed to enroll in an upper-level psychology course without having taken Psychology 110.

Majors are advised to plan their schedules carefully in light of the prerequisites listed for upper-level courses in each area and the schedule of course offerings. A major in psychology prepares students for graduate study toward an advanced research degree in psychology and for a variety of professional programs and careers in psychological and social service areas. It also serves those intending to pursue careers in law, medicine, education, and business.

Requirements for the Psychology Major

  • The introductory course, PSYC 110 or an AP score of 4 or 5 or a higher level IB exam score of 6 or 7, and successful completion of a mid-level course)
  • The measurement and methods course and lab:
    • PSYC 200 Measurement and Data Analysis in Psychology
    • PSYC 201 Measurement and Data Analysis Lab
    (to be taken during the sophomore or junior year)
  • Four core courses (courses cannot count in two groups):
    • one from the Biological and Behavioral Processes group 
    • one from the Cognitive Studies group
      • CGSC 232 Cognitive Processes
      • CGSC 236 Thinking, Reasoning, and Decision Making (not offered in 2020-21)
      • MUSC 227 Perception and Cognition of Music
      • PSYC 220 Sensation and Perception
      • PSYC 232 Cognitive Processes
      • PSYC 234 Psychology of Language
      • PSYC 238 Memory Processes (not offered in 2020-21)
    • one from the Social Behavior, Development and Personality group
      • PSYC 244 Positive Psychology (not offered in 2020-21)
      • PSYC 248 Cross-Cultural Psychology
      • PSYC 250 Developmental Psychology
      • PSYC 251 Lifespan Development (not offered in 2020-21)
      • PSYC 252 Personality
      • PSYC 254 Psychopathology (not offered in 2020-21)
      • PSYC 256 Social Behavior and Interpersonal Processes
      • PSYC 258 Social Cognition (not offered in 2020-21)
      • PSYC 260 Health Psychology
  • Two laboratory courses (in addition to PSYC 201):
    • MUSC 228 Perception and Cognition of Music Lab
    • PSYC 211 Laboratory Research Methods in Learning and Memory (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 217 Laboratory Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience
    • PSYC 221 Laboratory Research Methods in Sensation and Perception
    • PSYC 233 Laboratory Research Methods in Cognitive Processes
    • PSYC 235 Psychology of Language Laboratory
    • PSYC 239 Memory Processes Lab (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 253 Research Methods in Personality
    • PSYC 257 Laboratory Research Methods in Social Behavior and Interpersonal Processes
    • PSYC 259 Laboratory Research Methods in Social Cognition (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 261 Health Psychology Lab
  • Two upper-level courses:
    • PSYC 318 Psychopharmacology (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 354 Counseling Psychology
    • PSYC 358 Cross-Cultural Psychology Seminar in Prague: Cross-Cultural Psychopathology (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 362 Psychology of Spoken Words (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 365 Science and Pseudoscience in Psychology (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 366 Cognitive Neuroscience
    • PSYC 367 Neuropsychology of Aging (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 368 Hot Off the Bench: Advanced Study of Neuroscience Topics (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 370 Behavioral Neuroimmunology
    • PSYC 371 Evolutionary and Developmental Trends in Cognition (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 373 Topics in Professional Psychology (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 375 Language and Deception (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 379 Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
    • PSYC 382 Topics in Social and Personality: Endings (not offered in 2020-21)
    • PSYC 384 Psychology of Prejudice
    only one of which may be PSYC 318, 354 or 358
  • The capstone seminar:
  • The integrative exercise PSYC 400 (3 credits)

Particular courses in biology, education, linguistics, mathematics and computer science, economics, philosophy, and sociology-anthropology may also be recommended, depending on an individual's interests and plans.

Majors will take the capstone seminar during the fall term of their senior year and their integrative exercise during the winter term of their senior year.

Psychology Courses

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 credits; SI; Fall, Winter, Spring; Julie J Neiworth, Emily A Hazlett, Mija M Van Der Wege, Lawrence J Wichlinski, Gisel G Flores-Montoya
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, or Psychology/Cognitive Science 232/233, or instructor permission; Concurrent registration in Psychology 201 required. 6 credits; FSR, QRE; Winter, Spring; Julie J Neiworth, Ken B Abrams
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. Prerequisite: Psychology 110, or Psychology/Cognitive Science 232/233, or instructor permission. Concurrent registration in Psychology 200 is required. 2 credits; QRE; Winter, Spring; Julie J Neiworth, Ken B Abrams
PSYC 210 Psychology of Learning and Memory 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 Neuroscience 127 or instructor permission. 6 credits; WR2, QRE, LS; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 211 Laboratory Research Methods in Learning and Memory 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 and memory. 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 or Neuroscience 127 or instructor permission; Concurrent registration in Psychology 210. 2 credits; QRE, LS, WR2; Not offered 2020-21
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. Requires concurrent registration in Psychology 217 6 credits; LS; Winter; Lawrence J Wichlinski
PSYC 217 Laboratory Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience 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. Psychology 217 requires concurrent registration in Psychology 216. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 216 and 217 to satisfy the LS requirement. 2 credits; LS; Winter; Lawrence J Wichlinski
PSYC 218 Hormones, Brain, and Behavior In this course, students will learn about how hormones act in the brain and the body to affect behaviors. This course draws heavily on biological psychology and students learn about techniques in neuroendocrinology to better understand cellular function, neural circuits, and the display of behaviors. Team-based learning and case studies are used to explore the endocrine system, sexual differentiation, the stress response, thirst and digestion, and reproductive behaviors. The experimental evidence upon which our understanding of hormones, brain, and behavior is constructed is emphasized. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor consent. 6 credits; NE, WR2, QRE; Winter; Sarah H Meerts
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 instructor permission. 6 credits; LS; Winter; Julia F Strand
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 credits; LS, QRE, WR2; Winter; Julia F Strand
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 is given to gender and individual differences in cognition, as well as cultural settings for cognitive activities. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both PSYC/CGSC 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110, Cognitive Science 100, Cognitive Science 130 or permission of the instructor.; Requires concurrent registration in Psychology 233. 6 credits; WR2, LS; Winter; Kathleen M 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. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both to complete the LS requirement Prerequisite: Psychology 232; Psychology 110, Cognitive Science 100, Cognitive Science 130 or instructor permission. 2 credits; LS, QRE; Winter; Kathleen M 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. Concurrent registration in PSYC 235 is optional, but strongly recommended. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 234 and 235 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor consent. 6 credits; LS; Spring; Mija 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 or instructor consent; Concurrent registration in Psychology 234. 2 credits; LS, QRE; Spring; Mija M Van Der Wege
PSYC 238 Memory Processes Memory is involved in nearly every human activity: We use our memory not only when we reminisce about the past, but when we study for our exams, talk to our friends, and tie our shoes. This course explores the psychological science of human memory. We will examine different types of memory, how we encode new memories and retrieve old ones, how to ensure a memory is never forgotten, and how to implant a false memory in someone else. In doing so we will look at both old and new research, and discuss how memory research can be applied to some real world environments, such as courtrooms and classrooms. By the end of the course you will be familiar with the major issues in the field of memory research and be able to evaluate the quality of the studies used as evidence in these debates. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor consent. 6 credits; SI; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 239 Memory Processes Lab This course accompanies Psychology 238. Students will replicate classic studies in human memory and will plan and conduct original projects. Students will get experience evaluating research, designing and conducting studies, and sharing their findings in a clear and persuasive manner. Requires concurrent registration in Psychology 238. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 238 and 239 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Psychology 238; Psychology 110. 2 credits; LS, QRE; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 244 Positive Psychology This course evaluates the effort to use the tools of psychological science to understand the sources and nature of positive human strengths, characteristics, resources, and aspirations, and to apply any knowledge gained to help individuals and institutions function more effectively. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 credits; SI; Not offered 2020-21
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. A major component will be on applied products, such as a web site containing 1) a critical analysis of a particular cross cultural psychological phenomenon, and 2) an evidence-based proposal for improving cross cultural interaction. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor consent. 6 credits; SI, IS; Winter; Sharon A 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 instructor permission. 6 credits; SI, WR2; Fall; Kathleen M Galotti
PSYC 251 Lifespan Development This course explores the concepts, theories, and research on human development as it occurs over the lifespan and across contexts. We will learn about physical, cognitive, and psychosocial developmental milestones and challenges unique to each stage of human development. This exploration “from womb to tomb” includes infancy, early and middle childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, adulthood, and old age. Through readings, class discussions, and group and individual activities, students will have the opportunity to apply the concepts we are learning to the world around us. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or equivalent. 6 credits; SI; Not offered 2020-21
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. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 252 and 253 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. 6 credits; LS; Winter; Neil S Lutsky
PSYC 253 Research Methods in Personality A laboratory to undertake research on topics in personality. Requires concurrent registration in Psychology 252. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 252 and 253 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 2 credits; LS, QRE; Winter; Neil S Lutsky
PSYC 254 Psychopathology This course will focus on causal factors and clinical presentations of mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, dissociative disorders, and psychotic disorders, among others. We will use an integrative approach that incorporates psychological, biological, interpersonal, and sociocultural perspectives. Methods of assessment and treatment will also at times be discussed. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor permission. 6 credits; SI; Not offered 2020-21
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 optional, but strongly recommended. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 256 and 257 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor consent. 6 credits; LS; Spring; Sharon A 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. 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. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor consent. 2 credits; LS, QRE; Spring; Sharon A 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. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 258 and 259 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor. 6 credits; LS; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 259 Laboratory Research Methods in Social Cognition Students will participate in the design and replication of social psychological studies related to social cognition. Requires concurrent registration in Psychology 258. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 258 and 259 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor permission. 2 credits; LS, QRE; Not offered 2020-21
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 or instructor permission. 6 credits; LS, QRE; Fall; Gisel G Flores-Montoya
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. Requires concurrent registration in Psychology 260. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Psychology 260 and 261 to satisfy the LS requirement. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Psychology 260. 2 credits; QRE, LS; Fall; Gisel G Flores-Montoya
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 or instructor permission. 6 credits; SI; Fall, Winter; Lawrence J Wichlinski
PSYC 267 Clinical Neuroscience This course will explore brain disorders with significant psychological manifestations, such as Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance abuse, among others. Students will also receive a foundation in brain anatomy, physiology, and chemistry so that they may better understand the biological correlates of these clinical conditions. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. 6 credits; NE; Winter; Lawrence J Wichlinski
PSYC 300 Special Topics in Psychological Research This course is a hands-on empirical research seminar related to a faculty member’s research program. Students are expected to collect and analyze data, read primary literature, meet regularly with the faculty supervisor, and submit a final paper. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor permission. 1-6 credit; NE; Fall, Winter, Spring; Gisel G Flores-Montoya, Sarah H Meerts, Sharon A Akimoto, Julia F Strand, Mija M Van Der Wege
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 instructor permission. 6 credits; SI; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 354 Counseling Psychology An introduction to theories, research, techniques, and issues in the field of counseling psychology. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor permission. 6 credits; SI; Fall; Steven F Kozberg
PSYC 358 Cross-Cultural Psychology Seminar in Prague: Cross-Cultural Psychopathology In the West mental illness has traditionally been approached with a biomedical model that views it as independent of culture. By contrast the "relativist" position assumes that, to a large extent, human behaviors are culturally determined and that the etiology and manifestation of mental disorders are affected by society and culture. This course will address such issues as well as their implications for assessment and treatment through an examination of several Western and non-Western societies, with a special emphasis on Czech society. There will be several guest lectures by Czech psychology professors as well as excursions within Prague to psychiatric hospitals and clinics, where students will meet with Czech clinicians and patients. Prerequisite: Acceptance in Cross-Cultural Studies in Prague program. 6 credits; SI, IS; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 362 Psychology of Spoken Words This course explores the cognitive and perceptual processes that allow humans to understand and produce spoken words. We will review major findings on word perception and production, and then focus on specific topics including the perception of accents in speech, language disorders, the links between music and speech, the connection between sounds and meaning, the influence of gesturing on word production, slips of the tongue, bilingualism, tip-of-tongue-states (being temporarily unable to recall a word), and other related issues. Prerequisite: Psychology 220, Psychology 232/Cognitive Science 232, Psychology 234, Psychology 238, Computer Science 322, any 200 level linguistics course, or permission of the instructor. 6 credits; NE; Not offered 2020-21
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. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. 6 credits; SI; Not offered 2020-21
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, perception, language, decision-making, emotional responding, empathy, morality, social thinking, deception, and manipulation as they are supported by neurons and neural connections is a longstanding and elusive problem in psychology. Contemporary primary source articles are mostly used for this discussion-driven course, but a brief textbook/manual on brain processing is also required. The student should leave the class with a working understanding of brain processes and of contemporary theories of brain processes that may support many mental processes in humans. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or Biology 125 or Psychology 216 or Neuroscience 127 or permission of the instructor. 6 credits; SI, QRE; Fall; Julie J Neiworth
PSYC 367 Neuropsychology of Aging With the aging population comes a variety of challenges, including those to cognitive health and decline. Neurodegenerative diseases create various forms of dementia and cause unique problems beyond those that are an outcome of healthy aging. The disabling effects of aging and dementia extend beyond the person to family, friends and wider community. The need to understand and extend knowledge of both healthy aging and the pathological changes that occur with neurodegenerative diseases with aging is of great importance. By understanding how the brain is impacted by age, dementia, and other clinical syndromes, both management of the cognitive issues and advances in treatments to improve mental functioning can be made. This course takes a neuropsychological approach to study healthy aging and neurodegenerative disease. In this seminar, lectures and discussions explore the cognitive, behavioral, and molecular aspects of healthy aging and neurodegenerative disease processes in humans. Cognitive topics include working memory, long term memory, attention, familiarity and recollection, emotion, and social factors that interact with aging. The physiological and cognitive outcomes of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and various types of dementia are compared with the physiology and cognitive decline evident in healthy aging. Students will read primary articles on these topics, and propose a project based on course discussion and interactions with people at senior centers and convalescent centers in Northfield. Prerequisite: Neuroscience 127 or Psychology 216 or Psychology 110 or instructor permission. 6 credits; SI; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 368 Hot Off the Bench: Advanced Study of Neuroscience Topics This seminar will use research to be presented at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting as the basis for discussions. We will read the most recent publications relating to neural control of behavior to prepare to attend poster sessions, symposia, and talks at the conference. Each topic will be considered in light of the role of the brain and the interpretation of behavior to better understand the development of research questions and the use of evidence to expand scientific knowledge. Travel to the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting in Washington, DC is a required part of the course; funding for the trip is available. Prerequisite: Psychology 216 and 217 and Neuroscience Minor or instructor permission. 6 credits; NE; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 370 Behavioral Neuroimmunology The immune system directly influences the central nervous system and behavior during both health and disease. The course will have an emphasis on animal behavior (e.g. memory and sociability assays) and techniques in neuroimmunology that range from genetic engineering (e.g. CRISPR and DREADD) to immune cell function, detection of surface receptors, and protein expression (e.g. flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, immune cell migration assays, ELISA, and western blot.) The topics that will be covered range from how cytokines influence behavior to effects of gut microbiota in brain function and behavior. This course will primarily use empirical research that will help you develop a deeper understanding of molecular techniques, cell biology, and develop strong analytical skills of biological findings in immunology and its connection with animal behavior.  Prerequisite: Neuroscience 127 or Psychology 216 recommended or instructor permission. 6 credits; WR2, NE; Spring; Gisel G Flores-Montoya
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 emphasis 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. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or Biology 126 or Psychology 216 or instructor permission. 6 credits; SI, QRE; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 373 Topics in Professional Psychology This seminar will examine topics in professional psychology, including professional standards, assessment, case formulation, evidence-based treatments, interdisciplinary issues, and selected mental disorders. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor, Psychology 254 or Psychology 354. 6 credits; SI; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 374 Applying Cognitive Psychology to Education In this seminar we will we explore how findings from cognitive psychology can be used to improve education. The course will cover three main areas. First we will review research on learning and memory and the effectiveness of different student study strategies, such as highlighting, rereading, and quizzing yourself. Then we will explore some metacognitive aspects of learning--what students know about their own thinking--and how motivation affects performance in school. Finally, we will discuss some current issues in education (do learning styles exist? are standardized tests good for education?) and examine research exploring those issues. Students will be asked to evaluate basic research and consider how such research can be applied to educational contexts. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 required and a course in cognitive psychology is recommended. 6 credits; NE; Not offered 2020-21
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? Prerequisite: Psychology 232, 234, 238 or Cognitive Science 236. 6 credits; SI, QRE; Not offered 2020-21
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 credits; NE; Spring; Lawrence J Wichlinski, Steven F Kozberg
PSYC 382 Topics in Social and Personality: Endings This seminar will examine the psychology of endings, including endings associated with psychotherapy, social interactions, personal relationships, social roles, literature and the arts, and life itself. We will address when and how endings occur, how we experience endings, and what makes an ending a good or poor one, among other issues. Prerequisite: Psychology 252, 256, 258, or instructor permission. 6 credits; SI; Not offered 2020-21
PSYC 384 Psychology of Prejudice This seminar introduces students to major psychological theories and research on the development, perpetuation and reduction of prejudice. A social 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. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or instructor permission. Psychology 256 or 258 recommended. 6 credits; SI, IDS; Winter; Sharon A Akimoto
PSYC 399 Capstone Seminar Each of the three capstone seminars focus on a topic of interest to students in psychology. The goals of the course are to consider questions on a selected topic through reading primary research and discussion and review skills pertinent to scholarly investigation within the topic. Students are then mentored through a substantial paper related to the seminar topic. Prerequisite: Several 200-level Psychology courses and senior Psychology major. 6 credits; NE; Fall, Winter; Julia F Strand, Sarah H Meerts, Sharon A Akimoto, Neil S Lutsky
PSYC 400 Integrative Exercise Students independently revise and extend the fall term paper, integrating the feedback from their faculty advisor.  Based on this work, students submit a final comps paper (approx. 20 pages) that makes original contributions to the field of psychology through critiquing existing psychology primary sources, applying empirically-supported psychological theories to new questions, generating potential applied guidelines, and/or proposing new theories or empirical studies based on published theories and empirical research. Prerequisite: Psychology 399. 3 credits; S/NC; Fall, Winter, Spring; Ken B Abrams, Sharon A Akimoto, Steven F Kozberg, Neil S Lutsky, Sarah H Meerts, Julia F Strand, Mija M Van Der Wege, Lawrence J Wichlinski, Julie J Neiworth, Kathleen M Galotti, Gisel G Flores-Montoya

Other Courses Pertinent to Psychology

  • CGSC 232 Cognitive Processes
  • CGSC 236 Thinking, Reasoning, and Decision Making (not offered in 2020-21)
  • CGSC 386 Adolescent Cognitive Development: Developing an Identity and Life Plans (not offered in 2020-21)
  • ECON 267 Behavioral Economics
  • EDUC 234 Educational Psychology
  • MUSC 227 Perception and Cognition of Music
  • MUSC 228 Perception and Cognition of Music Lab
  • PE 332 Foundations of Sport Psychology and Performance Mentality
  • POSC 226 Political Psychology (not offered in 2020-21)