Catalogue 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Psychology Department
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Chair: Debra Zeifman;
Professors: N. Jay Bean, Randolph R. Cornelius, Janet Gray, Kevin Hollowaya, Susan Trumbetta, Debra Zeifman;
Associate Professors: Abigail A. Baird, John Mark Cleaveland, Allan D. Clifton, Dara N. Greenwood, Jannay Morrow, Carolyn F. Palmer, Michele Tugadea;
Assistant Professor: Bojana Zupanb;
Lecturers: Nicholas A. de Leeuw, Julie A. Riess (and Director of Wimpfheimer Nursery School);
a On leave 2014/15, first semester
b On leave 2014/15, second semester
Advisers: The department.
Major
Psychology: I. Introductory
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PSYC 105 - Introduction to Psychology: A Survey Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
This course is designed to introduce the student to fundamental psychological processes, their nature and development, and contemporary methods for their study through a survey of the major research areas in the field. Areas covered include the biological and evolutionary bases of thought and behavior, motivation and emotion, learning, memory, thinking, personality, developmental, and social psychology. Students are expected to participate in three hours of psychological research during the semester. The department.
Students may not take both 105 and PSYC 106 .
Open to all classes.
Enrollment limited.
AP credit is not accepted as a substitute for this course in Psychology.
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PSYC 106 - Introduction to Psychology: Special Topics Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the science of psychology by exploration in depth of a specific research area. Regardless of the special topic, all sections include exposure to core concepts in the biological and evolutionary foundations of thought and behavior, learning, cognition, and social processes. Students are expected to participate in three hours of psychological research during the semester. The department.
Students may not take both PSYC 105 and 106.
Open to all classes.
Enrollment limited.
AP credit is not accepted as a substitute for this course in Psychology.
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PSYC 110 - The Science and Fiction of Mind
1 unit(s)
(Same as COGS 110 ) Our understanding of what minds are and of how they work, has exploded dramatically in the last half century. As in other areas of science, the more we know the harder it becomes to convey the richness and complexity of that knowledge to non-specialists. This Freshman Course will explore two different styles of writing for explaining new findings about the nature of mind to a general audience. The most direct of these styles is journalistic and explanatory and is well represented by the work of people like Steven Pinker, Bruce Bower, Stephen J. Gould, and Ray Kurzweil. The second style is fictional. At its best, science fiction not only entertains, it also stretches the reader’s mind to a view of implications and possibilities beyond what is currently known. Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Greg Bear, and Richard Powers all provide excellent models of this kind of writing. In this course students practice both ways of writing about technical and scientific discoveries. By working simultaneously in both styles it should become clear that when done well even a strictly explanatory piece of science writing tells a story. By the same token even a purely fictional narrative can explain and elucidate how the real world works. The focus of our work is material from the sciences of mind, but topics from other scientific areas may also be explored. This course does not serve as a prerequisite for upper-level courses in Psychology or Cognitive Science. Mr. Livingston.
Open only to freshmen; satisfies college requirement for a Freshman Writing Seminar.
Not offered in 2014/15.
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PSYC 184 - Living Rhythms Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
Human activity is rhythmic. We engage in cycles of eating, loving, working, resting, walking, talking, learning, and sleeping. We multitask, nesting and switching cycles within cycles. Our activity entrains to cycles of the sun, moon, weather, natural and cultural seasons, and human-made devices. In this course, students explore and write about the psychology of rhythmic activity by means of participation, observation, interview, and literature review. Ms. Palmer.
Open only to freshmen; satisfies the college requirement for a Freshman Writing Seminar.
Two 75-minute periods.
Psychology: II. Intermediate
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PSYC 200 - Statistics and Experimental Design Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
An overview of principles of statistical analysis and research design applicable to psychology and related fields. Topics include descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, concepts of reliability and validity, and basic concepts of sampling and probability theory. Students learn when and how to apply such statistical procedures as chi-square, z-tests, t-tests, Pearson product-moment correlations, regression analysis, and analysis of variance. The goal of the course is to develop a basic understanding of research design, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and the appropriate use of statistical software for performing complex analyses. Ms. Andrews, Mr. Clifton, Ms. Trumbetta, Ms. Zupan.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
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PSYC 201 - Principles of Social Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
The study of the individual under social influences, including such topics as attitude formation and change, prosocial behavior, aggression, social influence processes, group dynamics, attribution theory, and interpersonal communication processes. Psychology 201 may NOT be taken if PSYC 205 has already been taken. Mr. Cornelius, Ms. Greenwood, Ms. Morrow, Ms. Tugade.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
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PSYC 205 - Topics in Social Psychology
1 unit(s)
Not offered in 2014/15.
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PSYC 209 - Research Methods in Social Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
A survey of research methods in social psychology. Every stage of the research process is considered including hypothesis generation, operationalization of variables, data collection and analysis, and communication of results. Observational, questionnaire, and experimental approaches are considered. The focus is on the development of skills necessary for evaluating, designing, and conducting research. Mr. Cornelius, Ms. Greenwood, Ms. Morrow, Ms. Tugade.
Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and PSYC 201 or PSYC 205 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
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PSYC 211 - Perception and Action Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as COGS 211 ) This course is about the ongoing, dynamic, causal loops of action and perception that situate agents in the world and form the foundation for their intelligence. Topics include how physical energies become perceptual experiences, how systems evolve, develop, and learn the ability to perform complex actions, and how it is that actions are brought under the control of perceptions. Material is drawn from the neurosciences, robotics, human and non-human animal behavior research, and philosophy. Classes include regular laboratory work including human experimental work and robotics. Mr. Livingston.
Prerequisite: COGS 100 .
Two 75-minute periods, plus one 4-hour laboratory. -
PSYC 213 - Language Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as COGS 213 ) This course considers the rich and complex phenomenon of human language from a multidisciplinary perspective. The emphasis is on the cognitive representations and processes that enable individual language users to acquire, perceive, comprehend, produce, read, and write language. Consideration is given to the relation of language to thought and consciousness; to neural substrates of language and the effects of brain damage on language ability; to computational models of language; and to language development. Throughout, language is examined at different levels of analysis, including sound, structure, and meaning. Ms. Andrews.
Prerequisite: COGS 100 .
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PSYC 215 - Knowledge and Cognition Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as COGS 215 ) This course asks how knowledge and cognition contribute to the functioning of biological and synthetic cognitive agents. Along the way it inquires into the origins and nature of knowledge, memory, concepts, goals, and problem-solving strategies. Relevant philosophical issues are examined along with research on the brain, experimental evidence from cognitive psychology, computer models, and evolutionary explanations of mind and behavior. A major goal of the course is to explore how cognitive scientists are coming to understand knowledge and cognition within an embodied agent embedded in a real world. Ms. Broude.
Prerequisite: COGS 100 .
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PSYC 219 - Research Methods in Cognitive Science Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as COGS 219 ) In this course, students learn to apply the principal methodologies of cognitive science to a specific problem in the field, such as sentence processing or visual form perception. The methods are drawn from human neurophysiology, experimental cognitive psychology, computer modeling, linguistic and logical analysis, and other appropriate investigative tools, depending on the specific issue chosen for study. A major goal of the course is to give students hands-on experience with the use and coordination of research techniques and strategies characteristic of contemporary cognitive science. Mr. Long.
Prerequisites: PSYC 200 , and either COGS 211 , COGS 213 , or COGS 215 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
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PSYC 221 - Learning and Behavior Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
A survey of major principles that determine the acquisition and modification of behavior. Topics include the relation of learning and evolution, habituation and sensitization, classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment, stimulus control, choice behavior, animal cognition, concept formation, perceptual learning, language, reasoning, and self-control. Mr. Cleaveland, Mr. Holloway.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
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PSYC 222 - Psychological Perspectives on the Holocaust Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as JWST 222 ) The Holocaust has spawned several now classic programs of psychological research. This course considers topics such as: anti-Semitism and stereotypes of Jews; the authoritarian and altruistic personalities; conformity, obedience, and dissent; humanistic and existential psychology; and individual differences in stress, coping and resiliency. The broader implications of Holocaust-inspired research is explored in terms of traditional debates within psychology such as those on the role of the individual versus the situation in producing behavior and the essence of human nature. The ethical and logical constraints involved in translating human experiences and historical events into measurable/quantifiable scientific terms are also considered. Ms. Zeifman.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
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PSYC 223 - Comparative Psychology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
The study of evolutionary theory, with attention to how it informs the developmental, ecological, genetic, and physiological explanations of behavior. Mr. Cleaveland, Mr. Holloway.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
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PSYC 229 - Research Methods in Learning and Behavior Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 229 ) An introduction to experimental and observational methods in animal learning and behavior. Laboratory experiences have included audio recording and quantitative analysis of animal sounds (bat echolocation and birdsong), operant conditioning, census taking, determining dominance hierarchies, and human visual and auditory psychophysics. Mr. Cleaveland, Mr. Holloway.
Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and PSYC 221 or PSYC 223 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
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PSYC 231 - Principles of Development Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
The study of principles and processes in developmental psychology, surveying changes in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development during the life span. Major theoretical orientations to the growing person are illustrated by empirical material and supplemented by periodic observations of children in natural settings. Ms. Baird, Mr. deLeeuw, Ms. Palmer, Ms. Zeifman.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
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PSYC 237 - Early Childhood Education: Theory and Practice Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as EDUC 237 ) What is the connection between a textbook description of preschool development and what teachers do every day in the preschool classroom? This course examines curriculum development based on contemporary theory and research in early childhood. The emphasis is on implementing developmental and educational research to create optimal learning environments for young children. Major theories of cognitive development are considered and specific attention is given to the literatures on memory development; concepts and categories; cognitive strategies; peer teaching; early reading, math, and scientific literacy; and technology in early childhood classrooms. Ms. Riess.
Prerequisites: PSYC 231 and permission of the instructor.
One 2-hour period; 4 hours of laboratory participation. -
PSYC 239 - Research Methods in Developmental Psychology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Problems and procedures in developmental research are examined. The course considers issues in the design of developmental research, basic observational and experimental techniques, and reliability and validity of developmental data. Students may work with children of different ages in both laboratory and naturalistic settings. Ms. Baird, Mr. deLeeuw, Ms. Palmer, Ms. Zeifman.
Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and PSYC 231 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
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PSYC 241 - Principles of Physiological Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 241 ) The role of physiological systems, especially the brain, in the regulation of behavior. In addition to basic topics in neuroscience (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry and pharmacology), topics may include: sensory mechanisms, motivational systems (e.g., sleep, eating, reproductive behaviors), emotion, learning and memory, language, stress and psychopathology. Mr. Bean, Ms. Christensen, Ms. Gray, Mr. Holloway, Ms. Zupan.
Recommended: Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
Psychology 241 may NOT be taken if PSYC 243 has already been taken.
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PSYC 243 - Topics in Physiological Psychology
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 243 ) The study of the functions of particular brain structures and their relation to behavior and mental activity. In addition to basic topics in neuroscience the course focuses on such topics as: perception, attention, memory, language, emotion, control of action, and consciousness. Neural alterations related to learning disabilities, neurological and psychiatric disorders may be examined as well. Ms. Christensen.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
Psychology 243 may NOT be taken if PSYC 241 has already been taken.
Not offered in 2014/15.
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PSYC 249 - Research Methods in Physiological Psychology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as NEUR 249 ) The study of experimental methods in physiological psychology. In addition to exploring issues related to the ethics, design, measurement, analysis and reporting of research, laboratory topics may include: neuroanatomy, behavioral responses to pharmacological and/or surgical interventions, electrophysiology, neuropsychology, neurochemistry and histology. Mr. Bean, Mr. Holloway, Ms. Zupan.
Prerequisites: PSYC 200 , and PSYC 241 or PSYC 243 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
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PSYC 253 - Individual Differences and Personality Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
An introduction to contemporary approaches to understanding personality. The focus of the course is on evaluating recent theories and research that attempt to uncover the underlying dimensions that distinguish one person from another. Emphasis is placed on understanding behavior in interactions with others; the development of personality over time; and people’s intuitive theories about personality, including their own. Mr. Clifton, Mr. Cornelius, Ms. Morrow, Ms. Trumbetta, Ms. Tugade.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
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PSYC 255 - The Psychology of Sport
1 unit(s)
(Same as PHED 255 ) This course assesses the factors that influence behaviors related to participation in sports. The relationships of individual differences, attention, arousal, anxiety, and motivation, team cohesion, leadership, and audience effects on sports performance may be addressed. Mr. Bean.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
Not offered in 2014/15.
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PSYC 259 - Research Methods in Personality and Individual Differences
1 unit(s)
The study of research methods in personality and individual differences. Every stage of research is considered: the generation of hypotheses; the operationalization of variables; the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data; and the communication of results. The focus is on the development of skills necessary for evaluating, designing, and conducting research. Mr. Clifton, Ms. Morrow, Ms. Trumbetta, Ms. Tugade.
Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and PSYC 253 .
Regular laboratory work.
Enrollment limited.
Not offered in 2014/15.
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PSYC 262 - Principles of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
A survey of research and theory concerning the nature, origins, and treatment of major psychological disorders. The course considers behavioral, biological, cognitive and psychodynamic approaches to understanding psychopathology. Topics may include schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, childhood disorders, and personality disorders. Ms. Baird, Mr. Clifton, Ms. Morrow, Ms. Trumbetta.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
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PSYC 269 - Research Methods in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
The study of research methods in psychopathology and clinical psychology. Every stage of research is considered: the generation of hypotheses, operationalization of variables, data collection, analysis and evaluation, and presentation of results. The focus is on the development of skills particular to research with clinical populations including ethical considerations, structured clinical interviews, behavioral observations, reliable and valid assessment, and measurement of change over time. Mr. Clifton, Ms. Trumbetta.
Prerequisites: PSYC 200 and PSYC 262 .
Two 2-hour periods. -
PSYC 280 - Social Psychological Approaches to Mass Media: Understanding Content, Motivation, and Impact Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as MEDS 280 ) This course is designed to introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of “media psychology,” which applies social scientific theory and methodology to the study media use, content, and impact. We will first review theoretical contributions from both Communication Studies and Social Psychology before moving into a range of “hot topics” in the field (e.g., violent media, persuasion and advertising, news, politics, representations of social groups, social media). Along the way, we will consider: psychological processes relevant to media use and impact, individual differences that motivate selective exposure and reception, the positive and negative effect that media may have on our attitudes and behaviors, and the complexities of developing and executing media effects research. Ms. Greenwood.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 is required. MEDS 160 is recommended but not required.
Two 75-minute periods. -
PSYC 284 - Health Psychology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Health Psychology is the scientific study that applies psycholgoical theory and empirical research to examine the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of illness. Students taking this course will gain a firm foundation in health psychology, and learn about the various scientific approaches to understanding the mind/body connection. This course takes a biopsychosocial approach and considers research and theory related to health promotion, illness prevention, and behavior change. Studnets will learn about psychophysiological processes relevant to health psychology (e.g., immunology) and will examine health processes in diverse populations with regard to age, ethnicity, socioeconomic backgrounds and health status. Topics may include health enhancing and health damaging behaviors, pain management, stress and coping. Emphasis will be placed on critically evaluating primary sources, drawing from empirical studies in psychology, public health, and behavioral medicine. Ms. Tugade.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 .
Two 75-minute periods. -
PSYC 285 - Emotional Engagement with Film Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as FILM 285 and MEDS 285 ) While movies engage our emotions in psychologically significant ways, scholarship on the psychological allure and impact of film has existed primarily at the interdisciplinary margins. This course aims to bring such scholarship into the foreground. We begin with a careful examination of the appeal and power of narrative, as well as processes of identification and imagined intimacy with characters, before taking a closer analytical look at specific film genres (e.g., melodrama, horror, comedy, action, social commentary) both in their own right and in terms of their psychological significance (e.g., why do we enjoy sad movies? How do violent movies influence viewer aggression? How might socially conscious films inspire activism or altruism?) In addition to delving into theoretical and empirical papers, a secondary goal of the course is to engage students as collaborators; brainstorm and propose innovative experimental methods for testing research questions and hypotheses that emerge in step with course materials. Ms. Greenwood and Ms. Kozloff.
Prerequisites: for Psychology majors - PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 ; for Film majors - FILM 175 or FILM 210 ; for Media Studies majors - MEDS 160 .
Two 75-minute periods plus outside screenings. -
PSYC 290 - Field Work Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1/2 to 2 unit(s)
Individuals or group field projects or internships, with prior approval of the adviser and the instructor who supervises the work. May be elected during the college year or during the summer. The department.
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PSYC 298 - Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1/2 to 1 unit(s)
Individual or group studies with prior approval of the adviser and of the instructor who supervises the work. May be elected during the college year or during the summer. The department.
Psychology: III. Advanced
Open to seniors. For majors, satisfactory completion of a research methods course (PSYC 209 , PSYC 219 , PSYC 229 , PSYC 239 , PSYC 249 , PSYC 259 ) is a prerequisite for these courses. Seminar seats are assigned according to a department lottery system. Please contact department office for lottery information. Non-majors and juniors should consult the instructor.
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