A study of clinical psychology from a scientist-practitioner perspective, including DSM diagnostic criteria, assessment measures and strategies, treatment modalities, case studies, and ethical issues. Major theoretical paradigms and research on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness are presented and discussed.
This course explores how social dynamics shape individuals' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within various social contexts. Students will explore key theories and empirical research on topics, such as interpersonal attraction, attitude change, group behavior, conformity, prejudice, and altruism. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the ways in which social influences impact decision making, perception, and interactions, and applying social psychological principles to real world situations. The course also provides a critical examination of the research methods used in social psychology, helping students evaluate the strengths and limitations of different approaches.
An introduction to the study of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, and reasoning. Students consider empirical findings from a variety of methodologies as well as the methodologies themselves. Broader issues such as unconscious processes and cultural differences in cognition are also examined in this context. Students are encouraged to discover applications of findings in cognitive psychology to other areas of psychology, other disciplines, and their everyday lives.
A survey and critical evaluation of research investigating individual, social, psychological, and cultural factors in sexual behavior, with some attention to the biological underpinnings of sexuality, along with comparison and contrast across individuals, cultures, and species. Common topics include sex research methodology, gender, sexual orientation, changes across the lifespan, paraphilias, and non-human sexual behavior. Readings include selections from works that have changed understanding of sexual behavior.
This course provides an overview of major concepts, theories, and research related to human development from prenatal to end of life. Significant factors influencing individual functioning and empirical findings related to cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan will be explored.
An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles.
An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles.
This course offers a psychological exploration of human diversity, with a primary focus on minority groups in the U.S. Students examine a wide range of psychological topics within a cultural context, including gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, social class, personality, intelligence, health, intergroup relations, and intercultural communication. The course also introduces cross-cultural research methods that enable diverse perspectives to shape psychological theory and practice. Students develop a nuanced appreciation of how diversity impacts various aspects of life, including research, service delivery, workplace dynamics, and personal relationships.
An examination of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of infants and children, with a primary emphasis on theoretical issues and scientific methodology. Development is presented as a process of progressive interaction between the active, growing individual and his or her constantly changing and multifaceted environment. Organized chronologically with an approximately equal emphasis on the prenatal through middle childhood periods of development. Includes a laboratory that focuses on designing and conducting studies (including data analyses) to answer empirical questions on human development.
An examination of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of infants and children, with a primary emphasis on theoretical issues and scientific methodology. Development is presented as a process of progressive interaction between the active, growing individual and his or her constantly changing and multifaceted environment. Organized chronologically with an approximately equal emphasis on the prenatal through middle childhood periods of development. Includes a laboratory that focuses on designing and conducting studies (including data analyses) to answer empirical questions on human development.
Action research seeks to produce knowledge that communities can use to address the problems they face. In this course, students will explore how psychologists and community stakeholders engage in research collaboratively in the pursuit of social change. The course introduces qualitative, quantitative, and participatory approaches to research and provides opportunities to acquire skills in study design, data collection, data analysis, and the interpretation and presentation of results.
Action research seeks to produce knowledge that communities can use to address the problems they face. In this course, students will explore how psychologists and community stakeholders engage in research collaboratively in the pursuit of social change. The course introduces qualitative, quantitative, and participatory approaches to research and provides opportunities to acquire skills in study design, data collection, data analysis, and the interpretation and presentation of results.
An introduction to theoretical and methodological approaches to structuring, collecting, analyzing, and reporting qualitative data. The course explores the various theoretical perspectives on critical thinking and analysis relevant to designing and implementing research, including post-positivist, social constructivist, phenomenology, and critical theory. Research approaches studied in this course include ethnography, phenomenology, case studies, grounded theory, naturalistic inquiry, thematic synthesis, and mixed-method techniques. Various data types used in qualitative analysis are considered, including textual, visual, and observational data. In the lab sessions, students will conduct qualitative analysis to address research questions and solve practical, real-world issues through the implementation of qualitative software.
An introduction to theoretical and methodological approaches to structuring, collecting, analyzing, and reporting qualitative data. The course explores the various theoretical perspectives on critical thinking and analysis relevant to designing and implementing research, including post-positivist, social constructivist, phenomenology, and critical theory. Research approaches studied in this course include ethnography, phenomenology, case studies, grounded theory, naturalistic inquiry, thematic synthesis, and mixed-method techniques. Various data types used in qualitative analysis are considered, including textual, visual, and observational data. In the lab sessions, students will conduct qualitative analysis to address research questions and solve practical, real-world issues through the implementation of qualitative software.
This course will provide an introductory overview of the theoretical orientations to psychotherapy, and will focus on current theories and frameworks in the field of clinical psychology. Theories will be considered in relation to specific presenting concerns and associated treatment effectiveness. Current issues in the practice of psychotherapy will be explored, such as evidenced-based treatments, evaluation and assessment of psychotherapy, and ethical dilemmas.
This seminar examines selected topics, perspectives, and approaches that contribute to our understanding of human judgment and decision-making. Drawing from research in psychology and related disciplines, the course explores factors influencing our judgments and decisions, and considers how we can use this evolving understanding to make better choices. Applications and implications for individual, organizational, and societal decisions across a range of significant real-world arenas are explored. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology.
This seminar examines selected topics, perspectives, and approaches that contribute to our understanding of human judgment and decision-making. Drawing from research in psychology and related disciplines, the course explores factors influencing our judgments and decisions, and considers how we can use this evolving understanding to make better choices. Applications and implications for individual, organizational, and societal decisions across a range of significant real-world arenas are explored. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology.
This seminar course will review questions and controversies in current theory and research on human sexual behavior. The focus of class discussion will be the scientific literature within the field.
Selected topics in psychology, typically incorporating relevant primary literature. Prerequisites vary by topic.
Religious Studies
This course addresses topics related to the field of religious studies not addressed in other courses and is offered depending on interest. Prerequisites vary with topic. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.