Psychology

Introduction to Psychology A survey of the rich and varied determinants of human behavior, this course examines the biological bases of behavior; the origins of perception, thought, emotion, and language; the components of learning and how people develop over the life span; and the formation of personality, psychological disorders, and forms of psychotherapy. It examines human beings as individuals and within the context of society.

Developmental Psychology This course covers the major issues in human development from the prenatal stage to adolescence, introducing the concepts of behavioral, psychoanalytic, and Piagetian developmental theory. Topics include genetic and prenatal influences, early parent/child interaction, cultural differences in child-rearing, the acquisition of language, cognitive and moral development, sex-role development, and social/ cultural conditions affecting development. Prerequisite: Psychology 100.

Social Psychology Each individual is embedded in a variety of social contexts. This course focuses on the ways in which interactions between people in groups produce change and on how these interchanges affect the individuals involved. Topics include conformity to authority, social influence and persuasion, interpersonal attraction, attitude formation and change, and cooperation and competition. Major research strategies in social psychology are also introduced. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or permission of the instructor.

Theories of Personality History is replete with theories about how the human infant develops adult psychological function. These theories have focused on a range of contributing factors, from inborn biological states or drives to environmental events. This course examines the major theories of personality developed by Erikson, Freud, Jung, Rogers, and Sullivan, as well as more recent theorists in self-psychology and object relations. Readings include both a text and primary sources. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or permission of the instructor.

Human Sexuality This course covers a wide range of topics in human sexuality, beginning with sexual anatomy, physiology, and basic functioning and including gender differentiation and gender roles; menstruation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS); pregnancy and birth; contraception; resolving unwanted pregnancy; sexual attraction and sexual fantasies; sexual dysfunctions, diseases, and disabilities; sexual preference; coercive sexuality; violent pornography; atypical sexual behaviors; and loving sexual interaction. The materials presented in lectures, films, slides, and the texts are quite explicit, and students anticipating discomfort should consult the instructor before registering for the course. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or permission of the instructor.

Abnormal Psychology This course systematically reviews and discusses the principal forms of psychopathology, with an emphasis on empirical research. The DSM IIR is the focus for classification and definition of the clinical syndromes. Readings include a text, case study book, and original sources. The course is a seminar and students contribute formal presentations. Prerequisite: Psychology 100; Psychology 206 advised.

Conflict and Conflict Resolution Conflicts are inevitable aspects of life; however, the nature, course, and outcome of conflicts depend on situational, cultural, relational, and personality variables. In this course we examine many of these factors—focusing particularly on those that predict when conflicts will emerge, when and why a conflict may escalate or not, and successful negotiation or other resolution. The goal of the course is to integrate readings, discussions, and role plays, and other exercises to form a broader understanding of conflict. There are two main goals in this course. The first is that students will become familiar with the literature and research on conflict and negotiation. The second goal, which is more hands-on, is that students acquire greater skills for negotiation and mediation. Prerequisite: At least one 200-level Social Science course; Psychology 203 is recommended, but not required.

Psychological Theories of Self This course reviews the major psychological theories of self. The format is discussion oriented, thus it is assumed that students come with some familiarity of general theories and concepts from personality and/or social psychology so that we can engage in close readings of both classic and “newer” psychological texts on the self. We begin with a brief review of philosophical discourses on the self, and then we discuss in depth the different theoretical and empirical orientations in psychology. Topics include (but are not limited to): psychoanalytic and neopsychoanalytic theories of self, comparing the “self” vs. the “ego,” self vs. identity, cognitive and behaviorist theories of self-experience, self-esteem and narcissism, self-related disorders. Theorists will include: Baumeister, Freud, Gergen, Horney, James, Judith Jordan, Mahler, Markus and Kitayama, and Alice Miller, among others. Prerequisites: Psychology 203 or 206.

Principles of Clinical Psychology This course is designed for students considering advanced study and careers in mental health professions. It provides an overview of the field of clinical psychology focusing on issues relevant to research into and treatment of the psychological disorders. In particular, it covers ethical, conceptual, and methodological issues facing psychologists regarding assessment, diagnosis, forms of psychotherapy, and evaluation of psychological interventions. It stresses both the empirical foundation of clinical psychology, such as research in therapy efficacy studies, and practical experience in interviewing and testing. Additionally it addresses specific concerns and controversies facing psychologists today, including prescription privileges for psychologists, research into recovered memories, ethics and utility of personality and intelligence measurement, and suicide and sexual reorientation interventions. Prerequisite: 206, 302, or permission of the instructor.

Psychology Tutorial Under these course numbers, juniors and seniors design tutorials to meet their particular interests and programmatic needs. A student should see the prospective tutor to define an area of mutual interest to pursue either individually or in a small group. A student may register for no more than one tutorial in any semester. Recent tutorials have included: Psychopharmacology, Psychology of Language, and Forensic Psychology.