Psychology

Courses

Below you will find a list of our current or recent offerings. See the course catalog for descriptions and updated information.

  • 33-104 Principles of Psychology
    Students will be introduced to the methods and findings of both classic and current psychological research, as well as to the practical applications of this work. Emphasis is placed on acquiring a foundation of knowledge and critical skills that are necessary to evaluate psychological research. Contributes to Animal Studies and Health Studies. (Fall, Spring) (ScS)
  • 33-204 Survey of Research Methods
    This course introduces students to a variety of research methods in psychology, including experimental and non-experimental designs. Topics include literature review, hypothesis formation, psychological measurement, sampling, design, statistical analysis, ethics, and scientific writing in APA style. This course (with no lab) covers the basic methodological background necessary for upper-level psychology courses but does not involve project-based research. It is recommended for (a) psychology majors pursuing non-psychology careers or who prefer an internship capstone rather than a research capstone, (b) psychology minors, and (c) non-psychology majors preparing to take the MCAT. Contributes to Data Analytics and Data Science. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-104 and Mathematics 52-114, minimum grades of C required. (Spring) (WA) (ScS)
  • 33-211 Lab for Inquiry Based Research Methods
    This 1-credit lab is designed to give students practical, hands-on experience in designing, conducting, analyzing, and writing up original research. This lab is required for Inquiry-Based Research Methods. Co-requisite: Concurrent registration in 33-214, with the same professor, is required. You must register for lecture and lab with matching section numbers (e.g. 33-214-01 & 33-211-01). (Fall, Spring) (ScS)
  • 33-214 Inquiry-Based Research Methods
    This course gives students in-depth experience with the research methods used in psychology, including experimental and non-experimental designs. Topics include literature review, hypothesis formation, psychological measurement, sampling, statistical analysis, ethics, and scientific writing in APA style. This course (which includes a required 1-credit lab; 33-211) involves intense project-based original research, and serves as good preparation for later independent research (capstone research or graduate school). This course is recommended for (a) psychology majors who prefer a research capstone over an internship capstone, and (b) students considering applying to graduate school in psychology. Co-requisite: Concurrent registration in 33-211, with the same professor, is required. You must register for lecture and lab with matching section numbers (e.g. 33-214-01 & 33-211-01). Contributes to Data Analytics and Data Science. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-104 and Mathematics 52-114, minimum grades of C required. (Fall, Spring) (WA) (ScS) Not appropriate for first-year students.
  • 33-221 Lab Inquiry Based Research Mthd W/ Anim
    This 1-credit lab is designed to give students practical, hands-on experience in designing, conducting, analyzing, and writing up original research in animal behavior. This lab is required for Inquiry-Based Research Methods (with ANIMALS). Co-requisite: Concurrent registration in 33-224, with the same professor, is required. You must register for lecture and lab with matching section numbers (e.g. 33-224-01 & 33-221-01). (Fall) (ScS)
  • 33-224 Inquiry Based Research Methods W/ Animal
    This course gives students in-depth experience with the research methods used in psychology, including experimental and non-experimental designs. Topics include literature review, hypothesis formation, psychological measurement, sampling, statistical analysis, ethics, and scientific writing in APA style. This course (which includes a required 1-credit lab; 33-211) involves intense project-based original research with animals, and serves as good preparation for later independent research (capstone research or graduate school). This course is recommended for (a) psychology majors who prefer a research capstone over an internship capstone, (b) students considering applying to graduate school, and (c) students interested in the Animal Studies Minor. Contributes to Animal Studies, Data Analytics, and Data Science. Co-requisite: Concurrent registration in 33-221, with the same professor, is required. You must register for lecture and lab with matching section numbers (e.g. 33-224-01 & 33-221-01). Prerequisites: Psychology 33-104 and Mathematics 52-114, minimum grades of C required. (Fall) (WA) (ScS) Not appropriate for first-year students.
  • 33-334 Personality Theory and Research
    A survey course that provides an overview of the major personality theories and the methods and findings of personality research. The trait approach will be fully explored, but significant attention will also be paid to both classical and modern modifications of psychoanalytic theories and to biological, learning-based (behavioral), cognitive, and humanistic theories. The emphasis will be on examination and evaluation of the experimental evidence pertinent to each theory. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-104. (Spring) (ScS)
  • 33-344 Lifespan Development
    This course will provide a broad overview of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of development from conception through late adulthood. In this course students will learn to think critically about environmental, cultural, and biological influences on development. Contributes to Health Studies. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-104. (Fall, Spring) (ScS)
  • 33-354 Cross-Cultural Psychology
    CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY. In this four-week travel course, we will study the principles of cultural psychology and how psychological processes/outcomes differ and/or the same for people from different cultural backgrounds. Through examining behavior, social institutions, and cultural norms we will compare the American psychological approach to three other countries that we visit. While in country, the course will include walking tours in each country, cultural visits, and day trips to neighboring areas. From these experiences, we gather our data that we then use to test cultural similarities and differences as well as consider the implications those have for psychological theories. (Summer) (ScS)
  • 33-364 Sexuality and Culture
    The goal of this four-week travel course is to increase students' understanding of cross-cultural differences in sexual attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, students will learn the ways in which sex education, sexual health, and sexual and gender politics differ in other countries compared to the United States. In addition to an in-depth analysis of sexuality, students will study the history of marginalized groups, including the LGBT, sex work, and immigrant communities, with a focus on the psychology of prejudice and discrimination. Students will also be immersed in the visited culture(s) through guided tours, site visits to governmental and non-profit agencies, excursions, and other cultural activities. (Summer) (ScS) (SJ)
  • 33-374 Evolutionary Psychology
    This survey course will provide a solid theoretical foundation for the study of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. We will apply to humans the same lens that evolutionary biology has applied to other species. This perspective cuts across cognition, motivation, attention, social behavior, and many other aspects of psychology. The course will begin with an in-depth introduction to evolutionary theory as it applies to human psychology and behavior, followed by a survey of more specific psychological phenomena studied from an evolutionary perspective. Contributes to Animal Studies. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-104. (Fall) (ScS)
  • 33-384 Learning and Cognition
    This course will use a functional lens to provide students with a foundation for learning theory as well as modern cognitive science. The first part of the course explores the traditional learning approach (e.g., classical and instrumental conditioning). The second part of the course is devoted to cognitive science - starting with basic components (e.g., perception, attention), moving to an in-depth consideration of memory, and ending with special topics in cognition (e.g., judgment, decision-making). Contributes to Animal Studies and Neuroscience. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-104. (Fall) (ScS)
  • 33-412 Careers in Psych I: Major & Career Expl
    This 2-credit course is intended for first years or sophomores (or junior transfers) who want to explore career possibilities in psychology and maximize their experience in the major. In addition to learning about the breadth of the field of psychology, assessing work values/interests/skills, and researching three different occupations, students will learn skills necessary for success as a psychology major, including study skills, professional and ethical behavior, and time management. This course may be taken concurrently with Psychology 33-422 (Careers in Psychology II: Professional Development and Career Planning) if desired. (Fall)
  • 33-422 Career Psych Ii: Prof Devel & Career Pln
    This 2-credit course is intended for juniors or seniors who intend to pursue graduate study or a career in psychology or a psychology-related field. Students will engage in a variety of activities that facilitate career exploration and professional development, including how to research job opportunities and graduate programs, practice writing resumes and vitae, cover letters, and personal statements, and developing a career plan and portfolio of marketable skills. This course may be taken concurrently with Psychology 33-412 (Careers in Psychology I: Major and Career Exploration) if desired. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-104, and either Psychology 33-204, 33-214, or 33-224. (Fall)
  • 33-434 Attraction and Close Relationships
    This course explores topics surrounding the initiation and maintenance of sexual and romantic relationships. The first half of the course covers attraction and uses an evolutionary perspective to explore how and why people are attracted to others. The second half of the course covers core concepts in the close relationship literature, including relationship formation, development, maintenance, and transitions. Emphasis is placed on healthy practices and behaviors in romantic relationships, including conflict resolution and support. The overarching goal of the course is to better understand how we affect and are affected by sexual and romantic relationships.(May term) (ScS)
  • 33-474 Forensic Psychology
    This course focuses on the application of psychological knowledge in the civil and criminal justice systems. As a seminar course with emphasis on critical discussion and student presentations, it will include an exploration of the role that psychologists play in the courtroom (e.g. case preparation, jury selection) and in criminal investigation (e.g. profiling, interrogations). Emphasis will also be placed on the role of psychologists in evaluating various states of mind or behavioral dispositions which bear on judicial process, such as competency (to stand trial), insanity (defense), dangerousness (involuntary commitment), and criminally relevant forms of psychopathology (e.g. psychopathy, sexual deviance). (May term) (ScS)
  • 33-484 Human Sexuality
    This course is an introduction to the psychology of human sexuality. It covers a broad range of topics, including male and female physiology, sexual orientation, sexual expression and variation, sexual difficulties, birth control, reproduction, prostitution, pornography and many others. The primary goal of this course is for students to develop a greater understanding of their own sexuality and the sexuality of others, as well as to become more knowledgeable about the topic of sex. Contributes to Health Studies. (Summer) (ScS)
  • 33-524 Psychopathology & Clinical Science
    An overview of the field of clinical psychology that involves the scientific study of mental illness (psychopathology). The focus is on an empirically grounded examination of the symptomatic presentation, classification and cause of a broad range of psychological disorders. Methods used in the field to assess, treat and conduct research on the disorders will also be studied. Contributes to Health Studies and Neuroscience. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-204, 33-214, or 33-224. Psychology 33-334 recommended. (Fall) (ScS)
  • 33-534 Behavioral Neuroscience
    An introduction to the neurosciences with an emphasis on the techniques used to study the neurobiological basis of behavior. The anatomy and function of the central nervous system is a primary focus of the course and specific topics include how the central nervous system mediates perception, emotions, motivation, sleep, learning and memory. Also Biology 50-324. Contributes to Animal Studies, Biology, Health Studies, and Neuroscience. Prerequisite: Take Biology 50-123/121, 50-173/171 or 50-183/181, and one of the following: Psychology 33-204, Psychology 33-214, Psychology 224, Kinesiology 48-214, Biology 50-222 & 50-232, or Chemistry 51-862; or permission of instructor. (Spring)
  • 33-544 Health Psychology
    This course will introduce students to the field of health psychology, which is the application of psychological principles in understanding how the mind, body and behavior interact in health and illness. Emphasis will be placed on the biopsychosocial model, which considers the role of biological, psychological and social factors in health and illness. Topics of interest include health promotion and primary prevention of illness, stress and coping, pain management, health behaviors (e.g., nutrition, exercise, smoking), and a variety of behavior-related medical conditions (e.g. cardiovascular disease, cancer, AIDS, eating disorders). Contributes to Health Studies and Kinesiology. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-104, and either Psychology 33-204, 33-214, 33-224, Biology 50-222/50-232, Kinesiology 48-214, or Sociology 34-314. (Alternating Spring) (ScS)
  • 33-564 Social Psychology
    An introduction to the field of social psychology, which is the scientific study of how the thoughts, feelings and actions of a person are influenced by other people and by social situations. Topics include self-perception, self-presentation, person perception, attribution, attitude formation and change, group dynamics and conflict, prejudice and stereotypes, interpersonal relationships, and social influence and persuasion among others. The focus is on historical development of these topics as well as on current research and theory in these areas. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-204, 33-214, or 33-224. (Spring) (ScS)
  • 33-574 Close Relationships
    People's lives exist in the context of interpersonal relationships. This 4-credit course is designed to introduce students to theory and research on relationships, including friendships, parent-child relationships, and adult romantic relationships. We will discuss issues and concepts from attraction and mate selection all the way through break-up and divorce. Along the way we will explore the major theories of close relationships and examine research that helps us to understand how it is that intimate relationships develop, thrive, or deteriorate over time. Prerequisite: Psychology 33-204, 33-214, or 33-224. (Alternating Spring) (ScS)
  • 33-824 Research in Applied Psychology
    Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning applied psychology. Students work directly with a faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data, and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-214 or 33-224, and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experiences. (Fall, Spring) (WA) (ScS)
  • 33-834 Research in Behavioral Neuroscience
    Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning neuroscience. Students work directly with a faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Contributes to Neuroscience. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-224 or 33-214, Psychology 33-534, and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experiences. (Fall, Spring) (WA) (ScS)
  • 33-844 Research in Clinical Psychology
    Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning clinical psychology. Students work directly with a faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-214 or 33-224, Psychology 33-524, and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experiences. (Fall, Spring) (WA) (ScS)
  • 33-864 Research in Developmental Psychology
    Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning changes in behavior across the life-span. Students work directly with a faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-214 or 33-224, Psychology 33-344, and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experiences. (Fall, Spring) (WA) (ScS)
  • 33-874 Research in Social Psychology
    Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience related to questions concerning social psychology. Students work directly with a faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data, and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-214 or 33-224, Psychology 33-564, and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experiences. (Fall, Spring) (WA) (ScS)
  • 33-884 Research in Cognitive Evolutionary Psych
    Laboratory or field-based research course designed to provide hands-on research experience on cognitive phenomena from an evolutionary perspective. Students work directly with a faculty member within the department. Students read and synthesize the literature, design a study, collect and analyze data, and report the results. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-214 or 33-224, Psychology 33-374, and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different experiences. (Fall, Spring) (WA) (ScS)
  • 33-912 Teaching Assistant Practicum
    A field-based course designed to provide hands-on experience teaching at the undergraduate level, preparing lectures, creating and grading assignments, and holding weekly supplemental instruction sessions. In addition to attending the course with which they are assisting, they will also meet with the course instructor on a weekly basis. A written product is required of all students. Prerequisites: Psychology 33-214 or 33-224, and permission of instructor .