Professors: Susan Campbell, Marcia Collaer, Michelle McCauley; Associate Professors: Barbara Hofer, Carlos Vélez (chair); Assistant Professors: Jason Arndt, Kim Cronise, Suzanne Gurland (on leave academic year 2008-09), Augustus Jordan, Matthew Kimble (on leave academic year 2008-09), Shirley Ramirez; Visiting Assistant Professors: Laura Basili, Mark Stefani; Visiting Instructor: Jennifer Goetz, Adela Langrock; Mike Verro; Lecturer: Marianna McShane. Department Coordinator: Ann McLean
The Department of Psychology at Middlebury College has a strong commitment to the scientific study of human mental processes, emotions, and behavior. In keeping with this philosophy, the department offers a broad range of courses that provides students with the opportunity to learn about basic research and its applications in a variety of areas, including social, cognitive, behavioral, cultural, clinical, environmental, biological, and developmental psychology.
Requirements for the Major in Psychology: The psychology major consists of a minimum of 11 courses in three categories: Foundation courses, Area courses, and Senior Work.
I. Foundation courses: The foundation courses provide an overview of the field and provide students with the background and skills necessary to understand psychology as an empirical science. The required foundation courses are Introductory Psychology (PSYC 0105) and the Statistics/Research Methods sequence (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202). Students are expected to complete the Statistics/Research Methods sequence by the end of their sophomore year, and no later than the end of their junior year.
II. Area core courses: Area courses ensure that students have a broad understanding of various subfields within the discipline. They also provide students with a deeper knowledge in one of these areas. These areas are (Neuroscience/Cognitive; Social/Applied; Developmental/Educational; and Personality/Clinical). Students are strongly encouraged to complete core courses no later than the end of their junior year. All students must take 4 area core courses, 1 in each of the four areas of the curriculum. Lab: All students must take 1 lab course in addition to Psychological Statistics and Research Methods in Psychology. This course also may fulfill a core course requirement. Lab courses are followed by (L) in the course lists below.
Area 1 - Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology: PSYC 0301 (L), PSYC 0302 (L), and PSYC 0305 (L).
Area 2 - Social and Applied Psychology: PSYC 0203 and PSYC 0230.
Area 3 - Developmental and Educational Psychology: PSYC 0216 and PSYC 0225.
Area 4 - Personality and Clinical Psychology: PSYC 0204 and PSYC 0224.
III. Electives: All students must take two additional courses. One of these must be a 0300-level course beyond the core course requirement. The second elective may be any psychology course, including a winter term course or directed or independent research (i.e., PSYC 0350, PSYC 0500, or PSYC 0703).
IV. Senior work: Senior work in psychology emphasizes the synthesis and integration of theory and research. Each student must take two senior seminars (0400-level courses) in psychology. Students who meet the department requirements also may elect to complete a senior honors thesis in psychology which requires students to apply their skills and knowledge of the field to the completion of a year-long empirical research project. (See description below.)
Departmental Honors in Psychology: Students who seek to graduate with departmental honors should consult with a faculty member no later than their junior year to actively begin planning their research. Students intending to complete honors work must secure an adviser no later than March 31 of their junior year. The psychology thesis requires three semesters (including Winter Term) of independent research. During the fall term of their senior year, candidates will enroll in PSYC 0500. During the winter and spring terms, after meeting the special requirements listed in the course description and being accepted into honors candidacy, they will enroll in PSYC 0703. A minimum GPA of 3.5 in psychology department courses is required for admission to honors candidacy. Students who complete an honors thesis in psychology can count PSYC 0703 for one of their two senior seminar requirements. PSYC 0703 may count as a student's elective.
V. Independent Research in Psychology or Optional Independent Work: Students may take Directed Research (PSYC 0350) or Advanced Research (PSYC 0500 ) under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will need to get permission from a faculty member prior to enrollment in these courses. Students may not take more than one independent research course in psychology per semester. Either PSYC 0350 or PSYC 0500 can be used to fulfill the elective requirement. Students may not enroll in more than one PSYC 0350 course with the same faculty member.
Requirements for the Minor in Psychology: Five psychology courses, including the following: (1) PSYC 0105; (2) two core courses from among PSYC 0201, PSYC 0202, PSYC 0203, PSYC 0204, PSYC 0224, PSYC 0225 (or PSYC 0216), PSYC 0230, PSYC 0301, PSYC 0302, PSYC 0305, PSYC 0327; (3) one 0300- or 0400-level course (a course may not be double counted for both requirements (2) and (3); and (4) one elective (any fall, spring, or winter term PSYC course).
Advanced Placement: Students who seek advanced placement in psychology should take the College Board Advanced Placement Examination. Credit for PSYC 0105 is given to students who achieve a score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology AP Examination. Credit for PSYC 0201 is given to students who achieve a score of 4 or 5 on the Statistics AP Examination.
Major in Neuroscience: See Neuroscience Program listing for a description of this major.
Joint Major in Psychology and Sociology: Required psychology courses: PSYC 0105; PSYC 0201; PSYC 0203; two core courses from PSYC 0204, PSYC 0224, PSYC 0225 (or PSYC 0216), PSYC 0230, PSYC 0301, PSYC 0302, PSYC 0305, PSYC 0327; one 0400-level seminar; and one elective. Required sociology/anthropology courses: SOAN 0105; SOAN 0252; either SOAN 0301 or SOAN 0302; SOAN 0305; one of SOAN 0103, SOAN 0191, SOAN 0288, or SOAN 0355; one 0400-level seminar; and one elective. Students who elect to do a senior thesis are required to take only one 0400-level seminar in either sociology or psychology. Students should consult their adviser about honors in the joint major.
Restrictions Concerning the Transfer of Courses in Fulfillment of the Psychology Major: Effective fall 2007, students may transfer no more than two psychology courses while enrolled as a full time student at Middlebury. Students wishing to obtain approval to transfer more than two courses must petition the department in advance.
PSYC 0105 Introduction to Psychology (Fall, Spring)
This course will provide a general introduction to the discipline 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, abnormality, and social behavior. (Open to juniors and seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc. SOC (fall: J. Arndt, C. Vélez, M. Verro; spring: M. Collaer, K. Cronise, J. Goetz)
PSYC 0201 Psychological Statistics (Fall, Spring)
This course will examine statistical methods used in the behavioral sciences. Students will learn the logic underlying statistical analysis, focusing primarily on inferential techniques. They also will become familiar with the application of statistics to psychological research, including the use of computer software for conducting and interpreting statistical tests. (PSYC 0105; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver. Not open to students who have taken MA 106 or MATH 0116 or ECON 0210 previously or concurrently) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. lab DED (fall: S. Campbell, M. Stefani; spring: M. Collaer; J. Goetz)
PSYC 0202 Research Methods in Psychology (CW) (Fall, Spring)
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; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. lab DED (fall: J. Arndt, M. McCauley; spring: A. Langrock)
PSYC 0203 Social Psychology (Fall)
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 seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect. SOC (J. Goetz)
PSYC 0204 Personality Psychology (Spring)
This course provides an overview of personality psychology. Several central theories of personality, including psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive, trait, behavioristic, and social learning, will be discussed. The course will also emphasize the connection between personality theory and personality research. (PSYC 0105, open to seniors by waiver only) 2 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc. SOC (C. Vélez)
PSYC 0210 Alcohol Use and Abuse (Spring)
This course offers an in-depth examination of alcohol use and abuse in contemporary American society. Topics covered will include alcoholism vs. problem drinking vs. social drinking; current state, regional, and national drinking patterns; clinical differentiation of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency; dual diagnosis; disease or disorder debate; epidemiology; chronic and acute effects on the central nervous system; medical consequences; fetal alcohol syndrome; adverse social consequences; patterns of usage and effects on women and African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, and Native American populations; pattern of usage and outcomes for college students; models for prevention, intervention, and treatment. (Open to seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect. SOC (Y. McShane)
PSYC 0216 Adolescence (Fall, Spring)
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 seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect. SOC (fall: B. Hofer; spring: A. Langrock)
PSYC 0224 Psychological Disorders (Fall, Spring)
This course will provide an overview of the abnormal mental processes and behaviors currently classified as psychopathological. Data and issues related to the diagnosis, incidence, causes, and treatment of each disorder will be examined. Case studies and current research efforts will provide focus for the discussion of the neuropsychological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and social factors that contribute to each disorder. (PSYC 0105; open to seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc. SOC (fall: L. Basili; spring: A. Jordan)
PSYC 0225 Child Development (Fall)
This course will examine the nature of developmental changes from the prenatal period through adolescence. A variety of theoretical perspectives will be considered, each focusing on a different domain of development. The domains include biological, emotional, social, perceptual, cognitive, language, and moral development. A major challenge for developmental psychologists is to understand how these domains relate to one another, a problem we will work on throughout the semester. Developmental processes will be examined in a variety of contexts, including the home environment, day care, play groups, and the classroom. (PSYC 0105; open to seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc. SOC (fall: A. Langrock)
PSYC 0230 Psychology and Work: An Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Spring)
Students will learn how psychology is applied in industry and business settings. In particular, we will examine the psychological assessments used in hiring, evaluating, and training employees; issues involving harassment at work; organizational attitudes and behavior; and employee satisfaction, stress and well being, work motivation, and leadership. Students will design a structured interview and perform job analysis, read empirical research, and address the basic issues of validity in work assessments. (PSYC 0105; open to seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect. SOC (M. McCauley)
PSYC 0300 Addiction (Not offered 2008-09)
This course will review the current research and theories regarding the concept of addiction. Addictions to both experiences and substances will be covered in detail. The treatment of the addicted person(s) in clinical settings will also be addressed and evaluated. (One psychology course beyond PSYC 0105; open to first-year students by waiver only; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver)
PSYC 0301 Physiological Psychology (Fall, Spring)
This course concerns the biological basis of human behavior. The course will consider the neurochemical, neuroanatomical, and neurophysiological bases of processes such as language, sensation, emotion, aggression, sleep, learning, and memory. In the laboratory the student will conduct experiments using standard (surgical, anatomical, biochemical, behavioral) techniques to investigate central nervous system function. (PSYC 0105 or any biology course; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect./3 hr. lab. SCI (fall: K. Cronise; spring: M. Stefani)
PSYC 0302 Conditioning and Learning (Fall, Spring)
This course introduces the research and theories relating to how animals learn about the causal structure of their environment. A contemporary review of principles generated by the experimental analysis of behavior is considered within the context of a psychobiological approach to learning and behavior. A self-scheduled lab is part of this course. (PSYC 0105; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect. SCI (fall: M. Stefani; spring: K. Cronise)
PSYC 0305 Cognitive Psychology (Spring)
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 previously or concurrently; PSYC 0202 recommended; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab. SCI (J. Arndt)
PSYC/WAGS 0307 Human Sexuality (Not offered 2008-09)
This course will provide an introduction to the biological, psychosocial, behavioral, and cultural aspects of human sexuality. Specifically, the course will cover topics such as the physiology of sexual response, love and the development of sexual relationships, sexual orientation, contraceptive use, and sexually transmitted diseases. Emphasis will be given to discussion of relevant social issues, including sexual harassment, pornography, and cyberspace sexuality. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the sexual norms, attitudes, and practices of their own and other cultures. (Two psychology courses; not open to first year students)
PSYC/RELI 0308 Seminar in Religion and Science: Psyche and Spirit: Psychologies of Religious Experience (Not offered 2008-09)
See Department of Religion for course description. PHL CMP
PSYC 0309 Psychopharmacology (Fall)
This course will examine ways in which drugs act on the brain to influence behavior. Students will learn the basics of brain function, biochemical principles of drug action and dependence, and how legal and illegal drugs alter the behavior of humans and experimental animals (including mood, learning, and motivation). (PSYC 0301, or BIOL 0250, or BIOL 0370; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect. SOC SCI (M. Collaer)
PSYC 0310 Cultural Psychology (Not offered 2008-09)
For most of its history, the study of psychology has involved the search for universal aspects of human behavior and mental processes. A growing body of recent research, however, suggests that the values and commitments of our cultural environment can shape ways of knowing, habits of thought, sense of self, emotions, and reasoning. In this course we will explore how mind and culture are mutually constituted, with attention to examples of high contrast, particularly "western" and "eastern" perspectives. Our goal is to develop a broader understanding of the role of culture in psychological processes, as well as to address implications of such psychological understanding for a global, multicultural society. (PSYC 0105 or by approval) 3 hrs. lect. SOC CMP
PSYC 0311 Neuropsychology (Spring)
In this course we will examine the relationships between human brain function and behavior, with emphasis on the behavioral consequences of brain injury and disease. Students will gain a basic knowledge of brain anatomy and neural function, followed by more detailed study of the neural systems that support cognitive processes such as perception, memory, attention, language, decision making and consciousness. (PSYC 0105; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors; others by waiver) 3 hrs. lect. SCI (M. Stefani)
PSYC 0313 Legal Psychology (Fall)
This course will provide an overview of the role of psychological research in the legal system. Students will be asked to consider how psychology is intertwined with legal decisions of guilt, a defendant's competency to stand trial, eyewitness behavior, jury selection, jury decision making, capital punishment, the insanity defense, and other relevant topics. In addition to the text, students will read empirical studies and Supreme Court decisions relevant to the above topics. As psychology's role is contemplated, the strengths and limitations of the empirical research will be evaluated. (PSYC 0105 or PSCI 0102 or PSCI 0104; not open to first-year students) 3 hrs. lect. SOC (M. McCauley)
PSYC 0325 Social and Personality Development (Not offered 2008-09)
In this course we will review theories and empirical research on children's social and personality development towards a deeper understanding of two key issues. How do children change and develop over time? How do children come to differ from one another? We will consider individual differences, as well as socio-contextual and cultural factors. In addition to the text, students will read empirical papers, engage in critical thinking and discussion about the material, and make applications to everyday issues in life. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0225; not open to first year students; open to junior and senior psychology majors; others by permission) 3 hrs. lect.
PSYC 0327 Educational Psychology (Spring)
The goal of this course is to introduce students to a psychological understanding of teaching and learning through an overview of principles, issues, and related research in educational psychology. The course will examine theories of learning, complex cognitive processes, cognitive and emotional development, motivation, and the application of these constructs to effective instruction, the design of optimum learning environments, assessment of student learning, and teaching in diverse classrooms. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0216 or PSYC 0225; open to psychology majors and teacher education minors) 3 hrs. lect. SOC (B. Hofer)
PSYC 0350 Directed Research in Psychology (Fall, Winter, Spring)
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 in defining conceptual variables and in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data. Finally, students will learn how to write technical articles in psychology by preparing a paper describing the project, using A.P.A. style. (Approval required, three psychology courses beyond the introductory level, not open to first-year students) (Staff)
PSYC 0401 Environmental Problems and Human Behavior (Not offered 2008-09)
There is no longer a question that our behavior is having a negative impact on the natural environment (contributing through overpopulation and over consumption to such problems as global warming, ozone depletion, destruction of ecosystems, species extinctions, depletion of resources, pollution, etc.) The purpose of this course is to examine critically the role psychology has played in contributing to these problems and how understanding psychological principles may help us in problem solutions. We will consider such issues as fundamental human nature, our concept of self, limitations on problem solving ability, attitude formation and change, and models of behavior change. (Any three psychology or neuroscience, or environmental studies courses; open to junior and senior psychology, neuroscience, and environmental studies majors; open to teacher education minors by waiver; others by waiver) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0402 Senior Seminar in Health Psychology (Not offered 2008-09)
Health Psychology is concerned with the application of psychological principles to illness, primary prevention of illness, health and health promotion. In this course we will discuss the key theoretical underpinnings of the field including learning theory and cognitive behavioral approaches; Engel's biopsychosocial hierarchy model and family systems medicine; Seligman's learned helplessness and Bandura's self-efficacy model; stress, psychoneuroimmunology and coping theory. We examine the applications of these theories to specific populations: e.g. children, women's health, and to specific illness groups, e.g. cancer, organ transplant, etc. In addition, we will explore the doctor-patient relationship, medical adherence, health care, and end-stage disease and bereavement. (Open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0403 Human Motivation (Not offered 2008-09)
Why do we throw ourselves into some projects enthusiastically, while only a hefty bribe could induce you to work on others? In this seminar, we will explore the vicissitudes of human motivation across multiple perspectives (e.g., drive, learning, social-cognitive theories), domains of human activity (e.g., academics, athletics), and developmental periods. Through our own observational studies and critical reading of theory and research, we will challenge popular notions of what motivates, examine individual differences in motivation, and complicate our everyday intuitions of how motivation is experienced and measured. (PSYC 0105; open to junior and senior psychology majors only) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0404 Neurobehavioral Toxicology and Teratology (Not offered 2008-09)
The developing brain is vulnerable to neurotoxic insult from legal or illicit drugs, pesticides, stressors, illness, etc. Irreversible outcomes include physical malformations, learning disabilities, and psychopathologies. Teratologists study the causes and manifestations of abnormal neural development via animal models and clinical cases. This course will cover neural development; examine central nervous system abnormalities and neurobehavioral disturbances from pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic developmental neurotoxicity; discuss the genetic and neurophysiological bases of the disturbances; compare the differential effects of toxins on the developing and adult brain; and assess approaches to minimize, prevent, or reverse birth defects. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0301 or related course; open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0405 The Psychology of Racial/Ethnic Minorities (Not offered 2008-09)
This course will explore areas within the field of psychology that relate to the experiences of racial and ethnic groups currently living in the United States. The course is also designed to be an interdisciplinary one. It will incorporate sociological and psychological perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues and problems confronted by members of various racial and ethnic minority groups today. The course will examine issues related to self-concept, cognitive development, family dynamics, assimilation, pluralism, acculturation, biculturalism, bilingualism, and mental health as they pertain to U.S. minorities. (PSYC 0105; open to junior and senior psychology majors, or by waiver only) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0406 Psychological Trauma (Not offered 2008-09)
Current evidence indicates that we have a 50/50 chance of being exposed to a psychologically-traumatizing event during our lifetime. This seminar explores psychological trauma from social, psychological, and biological perspectives. The course will cover the antecedents and consequences of trauma, past and present treatment approaches, and current controversies in the field (i.e., repressed memory, false disability claims). We will consider examples from literature, case studies, and current journal articles Assessment will be based on participation, presentation, and written work. (PSYC 0105; open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only) 3 hrs sem.
PSYC 0407 Racism and Mental Health (Fall)
Racism is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon that often includes various incidents, responses, and coping mechanisms. We will examine the experience of racism in the U.S. and how it might influence mental health outcomes in different ethnic and racial groups. We will also consider that experience as a possible traumatic event and examine the mental health issues that might emerge. We will deepen our understanding of minority mental health issues and the unique factors that need to be considered in the assessment, treatment and diagnosis of several racial and ethnic groups in the United States. (PSYC 0105; open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only; others by permission) 3 hrs. sem. (S. Ramirez)
PSYC 0409 Psychotherapy: Individual and Systemic Approaches (Not offered 2008-09)
This course presents the central theories and practices of modern psychotherapy, with emphasis on methods of therapeutic intervention. Students will explore the theoretical assumptions of four common approaches (i.e. psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems), watch and participate in example interventions, and end evaluate each approach on both theoretical and empirical grounds. Basic assumptions of the therapeutic relationship and the role of these relationships in modern society will also receive attention. Students will be expected to take an active role in class activities, demonstrations, and presentations. (PSYC 0224 required; open to junior and senior psychology majors only) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0410 Parenting and Families in Cultural Context (Not offered 2008-09)
In this seminar we will take an in-depth look at current research on parenting and family from a sociocultural and contextual perspective. How do sociocultural factors shape parenting beliefs, experiences, practices, and family relationships? How are cultural meanings imparted to children such that they learn "appropriate" ways of being? (PSYC 0105; open to junior and senior psychology majors only) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0411 Neuropsychology of Addiction (Fall)
The word addict often stirs up a negative image: a person of low moral character who willfully chooses to engage in questionable behavior. The social stigma attached to addicts reflects the gap between scientific knowledge and public perception of addiction: drug addiction is seen as a character flaw instead of a biological problem. In this course we will examine addiction with emphases on the neurobiology of the disorder. We will integrate human and animal studies to assess the acute and long-term effects of drugs of abuse on neural systems and the subsequent impact on behavior and cognition. (PSYC 0301; open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors) 3 hrs. sem. (K. Cronise)
PSYC 0418 Biological Basis of the Mind: The View from When Things Go Wrong (Not offered 2008-09)
In this course we will examine neurological, psychological, and psychiatric disorders that shed light on the biology of the brain and its relationship to the mind and behavior. Disorders of study may include depression, Parkinson's disease, Tourette syndrome, schizophrenia, disorders of memory, and others. Case studies and clinical observation will be combined with the study of the brain circuitry and chemistry thought to underlie the disorders. (PSYC 0301, or BIOL 0370, or PSYC 0224; restricted to juniors and seniors with a background in physiology) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC/WAGS 0420 Psychology of Women and Gender (Not offered 2008-09)
This seminar will examine the development of theory and research on psychological issues relating to women and gender. Topics such as gender differences and similarities, stereotypes, and gender learning will be addressed. The course will also explore the impact of these issues on individuals' self-views and on relationships between women and men. Students will learn the skills necessary for thinking critically about gender issues as they are discussed and portrayed in academic and popular media. (Open to junior and senior psychology or women's and gender studies majors) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0422 Children in the Legal System (Not offered 2008-09)
This seminar will provide an in-depth study from the psychological issues around children's participation in the legal system. We will discuss the historical role of children in court, the legality of using protective measures such as closed-circuit TV with child witnesses, the accuracy and suggestibility of children's reports, techniques to improve children's recall and testimony, custody issues in divorce cases and special concerns of juvenile offenders. Readings consist of book chapters, empirical articles, as well as amicus briefs and Supreme Court cases relevant to child witnesses. (Open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only; others by permission) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0426 Senior Seminar: Culture, Mind, and Education (Not offered 2008-09)
In this senior seminar we will examine the connections between schooling and culture pertinent to psychologists. Among other topics, we will explore how schooling socializes individuals to particular cultural values and habits of mind, how cultural beliefs about effort and ability relate to learning, cultural differences in motivation, and the psychological correlates of academic achievement across cultures. The course will focus, although not exclusively, on high contrast examples of Eastern and Western cultures, but students will be encouraged to bring their own cultural and educational interests and experiences to bear on the topic. We will also examine the implications of these findings for multicultural education in the U.S. (At least one of the following: PSYC 0216, or PSYC 0225, or PSYC 0310, or PSYC 0327; open to junior and senior psychology majors and teacher education minors only) 3 hrs. sem. CMP
PSYC 0427 Stress & Coping: Across the Lifespan (Fall)
The ways we respond to stress can affect our physical and psychological well-being. In this course we will assess the strengths and weaknesses of the different conceptual models of coping. In addition, we will examine the validity and reliability of a variety of methods utilized to assess coping responses. We will investigate whether differences in gender or developmental stage account for individual differences in responses and whether coping mediates the association between exposure to stress and psychopathology. Students will be evaluated on the basis of in-class participation, written assignments, and a research project. (Open to junior and senior psychology majors only.) 3 hrs. sem. (A. Langrock)
PSYC 0428 Interviewing Children (Spring)
Adults frequently question a child seeking to understand what the child has experienced or learned. This is true when a child goes to the doctor, witnesses a crime, or is tested in school. In this seminar we will investigate different interview protocols used to help children report what they know. We will discuss the cognitive-developmental literature that has informed these protocols as well as child-specific factors (e.g., personality or cognitive abilities) that may interact with interview techniques. In addition, we will learn to identify and establish good rapport, understand children's suggestibility, and examine how stress may affect children's reports. Readings will consist of empirical articles and book chapters. (PSYC 0202 or PSYC 0225; open to junior and senior psychology majors only) 3 hrs. sem. (M. McCauley)
PSYC 0429 The Psychology of Social Identity (Not offered 2008-09)
This advanced seminar will examine the underpinnings of our different social identities including those related to race, ethnicity, and sexuality. Drawing from classic and contemporary theory and research in social psychology, we will explore the nature of social stigmas--investigate where they come from, how they function, and the ways in which they impact our lives. This course will embrace issues such as ethnic conflict, group hierarchy, heterosexism, prejudice and discrimination. (Open to junior and senior psychology majors only.) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0430 Memory: A User's Guide (Spring)
Why do we have trouble remembering our assignments, but do so well at "Jeopardy?" 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. Readins will be a mixture of textbook and journal articles. The class will have a seminar format, with emphasis on student presentations and contributions. Evaluations will be based on a research project, student-led discussions, and reaction papers. (PSYC 0201; open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only) 3 hrs. sem. (J. Arndt)
PSYC 0431 Human Emotion (Fall)
What are emotions? Are feelings like love and fear 'real' or are they artificial labels humans have invented to organize our conscious experience? Do people from all cultures experience the same emotions? Finally, what purpose do emotions serve? Do they get in the way of 'rational' thought or do they serve a purpose? In this seminar, we will explore these questions and cover major theories and methodologies in the exciting new field of emotion in psychology. (PSYC 0105; open to junior and senior psychology majors or by waiver only) 3 hrs. sem. (J. Goetz)
PSYC 0433 Neurobiology of Memory and Cognition (Not offered 2008-09)
In this course we will explore the neurobiological mechanisms that allow animals, humans included, to store, process and recall information used to guide behavior. We will discuss topics that include cellular and chemical mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, network theories of brain function, cognitive enhancement, and the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders. Through reading and discussion of review articles and the primary scientific literature, students will gain an in-depth understanding of how neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology translate into behavior and complex cognitive abilities. (PSYC 0301 or by waiver; open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0435 Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (Not offered 2008-09)
In many species, hormones influence behavior by acting on the nervous system and by interacting with the environment. To what degree do these principles apply to humans? We will study basic principles of endocrinology and the nervous system, and explore how hormones may influence both human and nonhuman species. Competing social/environmental theories also will be addressed, but are not a major course emphasis. Topics may include: hormonal involvement in behavioral sex differences (in cognition, aggression, parental behavior), reproduction, mood, stress, neural structure and function, and sexual orientation. Students should know fundamental structures and operation of the nervous system. (PSYC 0301; open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only) 3 hrs. sem.
PSYC 0500 Advanced Research (Fall, Winter, Spring)
A program of research arranged to meet the needs of advanced students majoring in psychology. Note: All PSYC 0500 students are required to participate in the Psychology Department poster session held during spring term. (Approval required) (Staff)
PSYC 0703 Honors Candidacy (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Students hoping to be considered as candidates for departmental honors must enroll in PSYC 0500 under the sponsorship of a department faculty member and submit a formal, written research proposal to the department by 5 p.m. on Monday of the eleventh week of fall classes in their senior year. If the proposal is approved, the student will enroll in PSYC 0703 during the winter and spring terms of the senior year. The decision about awarding departmental honors will be made after the student submits a thesis by 5 p.m. on Monday of the eleventh week of spring classes. (Feb graduates should consult with their advisors about the appropriate semester in which to begin a thesis.) An oral defense of the thesis may be scheduled and is required if the thesis is to be considered for high or highest honors. (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202; approval required) (Staff)