Courses
Courses offered in the past four years. Courses offered currently are as noted.
PSYC 0105
Upcoming
Introduction To Psychology
Course Description
Introduction to Psychology
This course will provide a general introduction to the field of psychology. The most central and important theories, concepts, findings, controversies, and applications in the following areas will be considered: biological bases of behavior, learning, perception, thinking, development, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior. (Open to Juniors and Seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs lect./1 hr. disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0201
Upcoming
Psychological Statistics
Course Description
Psychological Statistics
This course will examine statistical methods used in the behavioral and biological sciences. Students will learn the logic underlying statistical analysis, focusing primarily on inferential techniques. They also will become familiar with the application and interpretation of statistics in psychological empirical research, including the use of computer software for conducting and interpreting statistical analyses. (PSYC 0105; open to psychology and neuroscience majors, others by waiver. Not open to students who have taken MATH 0116 (aka STAT 0116) or STAT 0201 or ECON 0210) 3 hrs. lect./1.5 hr. lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0202
Upcoming
Research Methods in Psychology
Course Description
Research Methods in Psychology
This course will provide students with an understanding of the research methodology used by psychologists. Students will learn to read psychological studies and other related research as informed consumers. Students will collect, analyze, and interpret data during lab assignments. They will also design an empirical study, review the related literature, and write a formal APA-style research proposal. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0201 or MATH 0116 or STAT 0201 or ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210); not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors) 3 hrs. lect./1.5 hr. lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0203
Upcoming
Social Psychology
Course Description
Social Psychology
Social psychology is the study of how social situations affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals. This course will provide an overview of social psychological theory and research findings, as well as reviewing the ways in which these findings are applied to the study of issues such as aggression, close relationships, prejudice, and altruism. Students will also learn about the research methods that social psychologists use to test their theories. (PSYC 0105; open to Psychology majors and undeclared majors only; open to seniors by waiver only; ) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0205
Upcoming
Emotions
Course Description
Emotions
Emotions inform thoughtful decisions, but also prompt knee-jerk reactions that make us appear irrational at times. They inspire and dissuade us at both conscious and unconscious levels. They evolved to trigger self-protective responses, but their dark side fuels self-destructive behaviors as well. In this course we will discuss what emotions are, where they come from, how individual emotions differ, and whether or not everyone experiences emotions the same way. We will also explore how appreciating the complexities of emotions might improve emotion regulation and interpersonal dynamics. Topics to be considered will include biological, socio-cultural, clinical, and cognitive theories of emotion. (PSYC 105, open to PSYC, ESCP and NSCI majors only, other by waiver) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0206
Upcoming
Brain Plasticity
Course Description
Brain Plasticity
Starting in early development and continuing throughout your lifespan, your experiences will restructure your brain and thereby change who you are! We will explore the foundations of brain plasticity through the investigation of brain development, memory and memory systems, and the neurobiology of memory. Our understanding of brain plasticity will be applied to better understand how plasticity can be harnessed to improve cognition and alleviate a variety of brain disorders. Our exploration will be informed by authors, and artists portrayals of memory, scientific literature, and clinical case studies. (PSYC 0105 or any BIOL course; open to PSYC, ESCP, and NSCI majors; others by waiver, open to seniors by waiver only.) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0216
Adolescence
Course Description
Adolescence
This course is designed to provide an overview of adolescent development, including the biological, cognitive, and social transitions of individuals during this period of life. Development also takes place in context, and we will pay particular attention to the role of family, peer group, school, work, and culture. Students will read research literature, as well as cases, in order to examine the central psychological issues of this developmental period, including identity, autonomy, intimacy, sexuality, and achievement. (PSYC 0105; open to Psychology majors and undeclared majors only; open to seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0220
Upcoming
Cultural Psychology
Course Description
Cultural Psychology
Historically, much psychological research has focused on the United States and has aimed to interpret human psychological processes without reference to their cultural contexts. Cultural psychology, by contrast, holds that culture is essential for human psychology as we know it. The goal of this course is to understand that premise. Drawing on new research insights from around the globe, we will explore cross-cultural variations in psychological functioning from emotions, cognitions, and perceptions, to development, personality, and mental health. We will analyze where cultural variations come from, how the mind becomes enculturated, and the sense in which human nature is cultural. (PSYC 0105, open to Psychology majors Environmental Studies/Conservation Psychology and undeclareds only, seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs lecture
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0224
Upcoming
Psychological Disorders
Course Description
Psychological Disorders
What makes an individual “abnormal”? Under what circumstances do mental health professionals classify emotions, thoughts, or behaviors as “disordered”? In this course, we will explore these questions with attention to their historical, theoretical, ethical, and diagnostic implications. We will investigate various classes of disorders, like anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders, with a focus on their causes and treatments. Throughout, we will aim to appreciate the complexities and uncertainties surrounding diagnosis, and to recognize and challenge common assumptions about psychological disorders. In addition to lecture, the course will include discussions of current and controversial topics, and occasional demonstrations, analysis of clinical case material, and/or role plays. (PSYC 0105; open to Psychology majors Environmental Studies/Conservation Psychology and undeclared majors only, open to seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0225
Upcoming
Child Development
Course Description
Child Development
In this course, we will examine the nature of developmental change from the prenatal period through middle childhood. Our critical examination of developmental processes will invite us to consider various theoretical perspectives (e.g., learning, cognitive, biological, contextual) across various domains of development (i.e., physical, social-emotional, and cognitive). We will address major themes in developmental psychology, such as the interrelatedness of development across domains, the contributions of nature and nurture, and the relative continuity versus discontinuity of developmental change. Throughout, we will practice applying developmental principles to practical settings, policy issues, and topics of current interest. (PSYC 0105; open to Psychology majors and undeclared majors only; open to seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0226
Upcoming
Brain and Behavior
Course Description
Brain and Behavior
Activity within our brains provides the basis for our thoughts and behavior. Brain activity and behavior are dynamic processes subject to temporary changes (e.g. emotional states, attention, sleep/wake cycles, and sensations) and lasting modifications (e.g. development, language, personality, memory, and therapeutic treatments). In this course, we will explore brain mechanisms that produce complex behaviors and examine the contributions of brain activity to psychological and neurodegenerative disorders. During either a lab or a discussion section, we will develop our understanding of brain structure, probe our own brain activity, and/or investigate how chemical changes alter animal behavior in predictable ways. (PSYC 0105; open to psychology majors and undeclareds; others by waiver. Not open to students required to take NSCI 0252. When taught with a discussion section instead of a lab section this course will not meet the PSYC major lab requirement.) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab OR 1 hr. disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0227
Cognitive Psychology
Course Description
Cognitive Psychology
Questions about the nature of the mind, thinking, and knowledge have a long and rich history in the field of psychology. This course will examine the theoretical perspectives and empirically documented phenomena that inform our current understanding of cognition. Lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and experiments will form the basis for our explorations of cognition in this class. Topics to be considered include attention, perception, memory, knowledge, problem solving, and decision making. (PSYC 0105; PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202 recommended; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver. Not open to students who have taken PSYC 0305) 3 hrs. lect./1.5 hrs. lab.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0303
Upcoming
Sensation and Perception
Course Description
Sensation and Perception
Remarkably, using just five basic senses, our brains translate simple external stimuli (e.g. light and sound waves) into unique and vivid perceptual experiences enabling us to interact with our surrounding physical reality. Focusing primarily on the underlying mechanisms of vision and audition, we will explore how our brains construct detailed representations of our world. Throughout these explorations, we will identify perceptual limitations and investigate how mental processes such as attention and emotion affect our perceptions. We will review recent scientific articles and conduct experiments. (PSYC 0105 or APPY 4 or PYDP 70) or any BIOL course; not open to first year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0307
Upcoming
Human Sexuality
Course Description
Human Sexuality
In this course we will discuss the biological, psychological, behavioral, and cultural aspects of human sexuality, starting with a review of anatomy, physiology and function. We will use current research findings to inform discussions of topics such as arousal and desire, relationships, sexual orientation, consent, pornography, and compulsive sexual behavior. We will look at how issues like contraception, sexuality, and sexually transmitted diseases have influenced and been influenced by their cultural context. (Two psychology courses; not open to first year students; open to Psychology and GSFS majors) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
PSYC 0309
Psychopharmacology
Course Description
Psychopharmacology
This course will examine ways in which drugs act on the brain to influence behavior. Students will learn the basics of brain function, will learn basic properties of drug action, and will learn how legal and illegal drugs, including drugs used to treat psychological disorders, alter the brain function and behavior of humans and experimental animals. (PSYC 0226 or PSYC 0301 or BIOL 0370 or NSCI 0252; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0312
Upcoming
Child Therapies:TheoryPractice
Course Description
Child Therapy: Theory and Practice
For well over fifty years, therapists have been using play and other therapies to understand and relieve psychological distress in children. Do these therapies work? If so, how and for whom? In this course we will critically examine the theoretical underpinnings of therapies with children, weigh the research evidence supporting their effectiveness in treating a range of diagnoses, and explore issues at the intersection of theory and practice. Our work will be guided by theoretical and empirical texts, as well as videotaped and potentially mock or live simulated or actual therapeutic sessions that students will observe, conduct, and/or critique. (PSYC 0216 or PSYC 0224 or PSYC 0225; Open to Psychology majors only) 3 hrs. lect./1.5 hrs lab.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0317
Biobehavioral Addiction
Course Description
Biobehavioral Addiction
Addiction is a pervasive disorder affecting society on a global scale. To understand this complex disorder, addictions are studied from the basic neural mechanisms, such as how neurons respond to addictive substances, to psychological factors and how they protect or increase risk. In this course we will examine the principles of substance addictions, emerging behavioral addictions (internet/gaming, problem-gambling), and underlying mechanisms that drive addiction. Topics include neural pathways of addictive substances, brain functional and structural changes, theories of motivation, neuropsychological risk factors, and modern prevention and treatment. Psychology and neuroscience students will bring their relative expertise to the class for thoughtful review of the literature.(PSYC 0105; not open to first year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0320
Upcoming
Social/Emotional Development
Course Description
Social and Emotional Development
In this course students will explore current research and theory on the interrelated domains of social and emotional development from infancy through adulthood. Families and peers serve as the primary relationships for children’s and adolescents’ socialization, and relationships will be explored to further understand how they influence emotion regulation, adaptation to stressful life events, and intrapersonal conflicts. Emphasis will be placed on the role of context and culture in the formation of social and emotional competencies and experiences. We will explore the theory and practice of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula to enhance individuals’ social and emotional skills. (PSYC 0105; not open to first-year students; open to Psychology majors, others by waiver). 3 hrs. lect./1.5 hrs lab.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0322
Forensic Psyc & Crim Behavior
Course Description
Forensic Psychology and Criminal Behavior
This course will provide students with an introduction to the field of forensic psychology through the in-depth study of criminal behavior.Topics will include developmental factors for criminality, risk assessment and dangerousness, psychopathy, criminal profiling (with a focus on perpetrators of serious crimes), extremism and terrorism, and victimology and treatment.The material will be considered from a range of theoretical perspectives. We will read books, chapters, articles, and direct source material, and watch a few films. The class will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and student presentations. Students will have opportunities to focus on areas of specific interest. Not open to students who have taken PSYC 1030.This course will count as a PSYC elective.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0323
Living With Illness
Course Description
Children and Families Living with Illness: Psychological, Spiritual, and Cultural Perspectives
Over the course of a lifetime, most people are confronted with their own illness or the illness of a loved one. How do children and families cope with illness? How do they make meaning of their experiences? How do their spiritual and cultural beliefs impact their care and their views on healing? We will examine developmental, psychological, cultural and spiritual issues confronting children and families living with acute, chronic, and life-threatening illnesses. We will explore the psychological and spiritual interventions provided to children & families. Writings, artwork and videotaped interviews will be used to illustrate varied perspectives on illness and healing. This course counts as elective credit towards the Psychology major. (PSYC 0105) (Not open to students who have already taken PSYC 1003.) (Open to PSYC majors only; others by waiver.)
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0344
Upcoming
Intro to Psycholinguistics
Course Description
Introduction to Psycholinguistics
This course will provide an overview of the topics and experimental methods that are central to the field of psycholinguistics. Through lectures, discussions and demonstrations we will learn how language is acquired, organized, and represented in our minds and what experimental research techniques psycholinguists use to answer questions about various language phenomena such as speech perception and production, sentence processing, language development, bilingualism, and language disorders (PSYC 0105, PSYC majors only, others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0345
Gender and Sexual Development
Course Description
Gender and Sexual Development
In this course, we will discuss gender and sexual development with an emphasis on cognitive, cultural, and social processes. Students in this course will learn about various theoretical approaches to gender and sexual development. Further, students in this course will consider how to apply course content to real-world settings (e.g., designing laws and policies). Some of the key topics covered in the course will include: measuring gender and sexual orientation, gender stereotypes, the role of gender in schooling, risk and resilience of LGBTQ+ youth, early expressions of sexuality, sexualization of children and youth, technology use in the context of sexual development, adolescent romantic relationships, and sexual violence and prevention. (PSYC 0105, PSYC majors only, others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0350
Upcoming
Directed Research
Course Description
Directed Research in Psychology
Directed research provides opportunities for advanced students to become familiar with and participate in ongoing research projects under the direction of a faculty member. The student will first read background literature on the content area to be investigated and experimental methodologies to be used. Procedures involved in conducting psychological research will then be learned through firsthand experience. Potential activities include the design of research and the defining of conceptual variables and the gathering, analyzing, and interpretation of data. Finally, students will learn how to write technical articles in psychology by preparing a paper describing the project, using APA style. (Approval required; not open to first-year students) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
PSYC 0353
Social Neuroscience
Course Description
Social Neuroscience
Social neuroscience integrates neuroscientific and psychological approaches to enrich our understanding of human social behavior. The field is concerned with how we recognize, understand, and interact with each other in social settings. We will explore how the brain processes (and is shaped by) social/emotional information and how it gives rise to our physiological, cognitive, and behavioral repertoires of social responses. Topics include: theories and methods of social neuroscience research, the brain bases of social processes such as the self, person perception, social affiliation, rejection and conflict, social cognition, group dynamics, emotions, and cultural neuroscience. (not open to students who have taken PSYC/NSCI 0437) (PSYC 0226 or NSCI 0252; Open to psychology or neuroscience majors only, others by approval) 3 hrs lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0413
Upcoming
Theories of Clinical Psych
Course Description
Approaches to Clinical Psychology: Theory and Practice
What are the major theoretical orientations of clinical psychology, and how does each view the domains of thinking, behavior, free will, psychopathology, and treatment? In this discussion-based course, we will explore cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, behaviorist, existential, and other approaches to clinical psychology. Each has its own emphasis; some focus on symptoms, while others teach emotional tolerance or address unconscious drives. Using philosophy, theory, evidence, and case examples, we will explore similarities and differences among the major orientations and consider their consequences for researchers, therapists, and society at large. (PSYC 0224 recommended; open to junior/senior psychology majors; others by waiver.) 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
PSYC 0414
Rhythms of the Brain
Course Description
Rhythms of the Brain
How do the ~86 billion neurons of the human brain coordinate their activity to produce complex cognition and behavior? In this course we will explore how rhythmic oscillations in neuronal activity may provide a unified mechanism that contributes to diverse brain functions including attention, learning and memory, motor coordination, sleep, respiration, and perhaps even consciousness itself. Through background lectures and class discussion of primary scientific literature, students will develop their understanding of the relationships between ongoing neuronal activity, cognition, and behavior. (PSYC 0226/0301 or PSYC 0303 or NSCI 0100 or NSCI 0252; open to junior/senior psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0416
Environmental Decision Making
Course Description
Environmental Decision Making
Most people report caring about the environment, yet few decide to actively work towards reduced environmental degradation. Why don’t, and when do, people decide to invest in environmental care? In this course we will examine how different aspects of communication and the situation (e.g., uncertainly, framing, discounting, risk, values, norms, etc.) influence environmental decision making. Using prominent decision-making theories, we will highlight; environmental justice, perceptions of the time horizon of risk, and successful efforts to communicate and optimize environmental decisions. (Any three psychology or environmental studies courses; open to junior and senior psychology, and environmental studies majors; open to others by waiver). 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
PSYC 0418
Psychobio & Sex Diff: Critique
Course Description
Psychobiology and Sex Differences: Exploration and Critique
Men and women differ reproductively, in hormonal patterns, in average height, and in muscle mass. Biology is accepted as influencing these differences. Do biological contributions stop at the neck? Or might biology also contribute to neural and behavioral development in human as well as nonhuman species? We will examine evidence both for and against relationships between psychobiological factors (such as hormones and chromosomes) and sex/gender differences in behavior and psychological states (such as play behavior, cognition, sexual orientation, stress, addiction, and psychological disorders). Further, we will consider potential perils of such investigations, and additionally, will explore relationships between social/experiential factors and sex/gender differences as these may provide alternative, sometimes stronger, explanations. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0201; Open to junior and senior neuroscience and psychology majors only, others by waiver) 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
PSYC 0423
Upcoming
Nature, Technology, Self
Course Description
Nature, Technology, and the Self
Modern humans are entangled in the intersection of three domains: the natural world, digital technology, and our psychological sense of “self.” How does each domain affect the other? Are these effects positive or negative? In this seminar we draw on recent research examining how nature, and social media/ internet usage impact us cognitively, neurologically, socially, and emotionally. Further, we explore how digital devices can inhibit or facilitate engagement with the natural world, combining critical inquiry with experiential methods such as digital detox, forest bathing, self-observation, nature apps, and citizen science. (Open to junior and senior psychology majors only, others by waiver). 3 hrs sem
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0430
Memory: A User's Guide
Course Description
Memory: A User's Guide
How can I remember names better? How can I best study for an exam? How accurate are our memories? A deep understanding of how people remember will allow us to answer these and many other questions. Topics covered in this course include working memory, the nature of encoding and retrieval, applied aspects of remembering, and neuroscientific approaches to understanding memory. Readings will be a mixture of textbook and journal articles. The class will have a seminar format, with emphasis on student-led discussions and contributions. Additionally, student research groups will design and execute a research study examining human memory. Evaluations will be based on the research project, student-led discussions, and reaction papers. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0201 or ECON 0210 or MATH 0116 or BIOL 0211; open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only) 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
PSYC 0434
Genes, Brain, Behavior
Course Description
Genes, Brain, and Behavior
What we experience—and how we experience it—is influenced by our unique combination of genes. For better or worse, the gene variants we inherit from our parents contribute to our predispositions to psychological disorders, our personalities, and even the way in which we perceive the world around us. To be clear, anything that you can do or think is in some way influenced by your genes. However, this statement comes with a large caveat: except in the case of (relatively) rare single gene mutations, your genes do not determine but rather contribute to who you are. Working within the field of behavior genetics, we will cover topics such as social behavior, sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, language, intelligence, and psychopathology. (PSYC 0226 or BIOL 0145 or NSCI 0251; Open to junior and senior psychology or neuroscience majors only, others by approval) 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0439
Upcoming
Resilience
Course Description
Resilience
Adversity and challenge are part of the human condition. Why is it that some individuals struggle in the face of difficulty and others seem to rise to the occasion? What are the psychological factors that play a role in these very different outcomes? The goal of this course is to have students examine and present on self-chosen topics of interest that expand our understanding of resilience and interpersonal growth during adversity. An emphasis will be placed on providing an integrated model of resilience that includes biological, developmental, cultural, and social perspectives. (Open to Psychology, NSCI majors by waiver only) 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0441
Upcoming
Bilingualism and Cognition
Course Description
Bilingualism and Cognition Across Lifespan
In this course we will discuss an interplay between bilingualism and cognitive processes throughout the human lifespan. Through discussions of empirical papers and demonstrations, we will explore how learning two or more languages shapes cognitive development from young ages to adulthood. The topics that we will cover include the bilingual advantage debate with respect to memory, attention, cognitive control and language, as well as bilingual language disorders and cognitive decline (PSYC majors only, others by waiver) 3 hrs. sem.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 0442
Science of Compassion
Course Description
The Science & Practice of Compassion & Prosociality
Everyone needs help sometimes. Giving and receiving help gets us through the day, connects us to others, and ensures our mental and physical well-being. Despite these benefits, lending a helping hand or accepting help can be hard. Why is something so essential so difficult for so many? In this course, we will discuss the psychological, cultural, and brain bases of compassion and prosociality. To put knowledge into practice, this course is largely experiential. Students will undergo Compassion Cultivation TrainingTM each week to acquire the skills necessary for extending compassion to the self and to friend, foe, stranger, and the world. Designed at Stanford University and The Compassion Institute, this training challenges worldviews for the betterment of ourselves and others. This course is especially appropriate for students going into the health professions. (PSYC 105, Open to junior and senior psychology majors only, others by approval) 3 hr sem
Terms Taught
PSYC 0500
Upcoming
Advanced Research
Course Description
Advanced Research
A program of research arranged to meet the needs of advanced students majoring in psychology. (Approval required)
Terms Taught
PSYC 0700
Upcoming
Senior Research
Course Description
Senior Research
A program of research arranged to meet the needs of advanced senior majors in psychology. (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202; Approval required)
Terms Taught
PSYC 0701
Upcoming
Senior Thesis Proposal
Course Description
Senior Thesis Proposal
Students hoping to be considered as candidates for departmental honors must enroll in PSYC 0701 under the sponsorship of a department faculty member. Their semester’s work will culminate in the submission of a formal, written research proposal by the due date as specified by the department. If the proposal is approved, the student will enroll in PSYC 0702 during the winter term and PSYC 0703 during the spring term of their senior year. (Feb graduates should consult with their advisors about the appropriate semester in which to begin a thesis.) (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202; Approval required)
Terms Taught
PSYC 0702
Upcoming
Senior Thesis Second Semester
Course Description
Senior Thesis Second Semester
Students whose honors thesis proposal (PSYC 0701) has been approved will collect, analyze, and interpret their data. This is the second semester of the 3-semester senior thesis. (PSYC 0201, PSYC 0202, and PSYC 0701; Approval required)
Terms Taught
PSYC 0703
Upcoming
Senior Thesis
Course Description
Senior Thesis*
This is the third and final semester of the senior thesis. Students will finish analyzing and interpreting their data. This process culminates in a written thesis to be submitted by the due date as specified by the department, a presentation, and an oral defense. The decision about awarding departmental honors will be made after the student submits the thesis. (PSYC 0201, PSYC 0202, and PSYC 0702; Approval required)
Terms Taught
PSYC 1012
Learning, Education, Brain
Course Description
Learning, Education, and the Brain
All aspects of human learning -- be it learning to read, memorizing historical facts, or remembering the route to a new restaurant -- depend on the brain’s ability to adapt in response to input from the environment. In this course, we will explore the brain’s learning systems to understand how the human brain changes both structurally and functionally in response to learning experiences. Using insights from educational neuroscience and the learning sciences, we will study the relationship between neuroplasticity and different forms of learning, explore the impact of educational interventions on the brain, and debate the implications of neuroscience-informed educational practices. We will also have the option to analyze neuroimaging datasets to gain hands-on experience exploring learning in the brain.
Ethan Roy is a PhD Candidate at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. He graduated from Middlebury College in 2015.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 1023
Hormones and Cognition
Course Description
Hormones and Cognition
One of the most critical features of hormones is their widespread impact on physiology and behavior. The brain is an endocrine organ; it produces and guides the production of hormones and is in turn influenced by hormones. Yet, scientists tend to forget that the action of ovarian hormones are not limited to the ovaries. In fact, brain regions that underlie cognition such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex are densely packed with estrogen receptors. In this course, we will evaluate the powerful role hormones have in shaping neural structure, function, and cognition. We will explore topics such as the menstrual cycle, menopause, and endocrine disorders through empirical articles and popular media sources. (recommended: PSYC 0105 or BIOL 0145.)
Elle Murata received her B.A. in Neuroscience from Middlebury College and is currently a third year PhD student focusing on the intersection of neuroscience and women’s health at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research explores the neuromodulatory role of sex steroid hormones on neural structure and function; in particular, she is interested in how reproductive aging (menopause) and reproductive disorders (endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome) shape the brain.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 1024
College Student Mental Health
Course Description
College Student Mental Health
In this course we will explore central mental health themes during early adulthood and the college experience. Topics will include identity development, sexual wellness, communication strategies and stress management. This course will utilize a variety of educational mediums, from research articles to popular psychological texts as well other media.
Rita Munro, LICSW, is a mental health clinician in private practice in Middlebury with over 10 years of experience working with college-age clients.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 1076
Upcoming
Cult. Psych of Happiness
Course Description
Cultural Psychology of Happiness
What is happiness, and what are the conditions for human flourishing? Why are citizens of Scandinavian and Nordic countries the happiest people in the world? How can you apply what you learn about happiness to your own life and develop a road map for flourishing at Middlebury? In a seminar format, we will read and discuss psychological research on these topics, apply concepts to our own lives in a “happiness lab,” and write and present what we are learning. The goal of this course is to develop a broader understanding of the role of culture in psychological processes and how societies can support or restrain human satisfaction, as well as address implications for ourselves and for a global, multicultural society.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PSYC 1248
Stress&Resilience in the Brain
Course Description
Stress & Resilience in the Brain
Stress is pervasive in our lives, and while it’s typically considered negative, some degree of stress is beneficial. In this course we will broadly explore the neurobiology of stress, spanning anatomy and physiology, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, and human disease and interventions. We will investigate how neural systems perceive and regulate stress, the effect stress has on brains and behavior, and how stress produces resilience or vulnerability to subsequent disease. Students will become skilled at critically reading peer-reviewed articles and evaluating current research methods. Further, this course will incorporate applied exercises in stress reduction, with the goal of building resilience. (This course will count for elective credit for the PSYC major and minor)
Terms Taught
Requirements