Courses by semester
Courses for
Complete Cornell University course descriptions are in the Courses of Study .
| Course ID | Title | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH1101 |
Introduction to Psychology
Why are people superstitious? Why do people blush when they are embarrassed? What is intelligence (and are IQ tests a good way to measure it)? Why don't psychopaths feel guilty when they harm others? How reliable are childhood memories? Why do we laugh? Do violent video games make people act violently? Why do some people seem instantly trustworthy and others seem "creepy"? How do we choose whom to sleep with, date, or marry? How does stress affect our body? While questions like these have been asked for centuries, psychology has begun to provide answers to these--and other questions about the human mind--by applying the tools of scientific investigation. In this course you will receive a broad introduction to the science of psychology: from the history of the field and its major advances, to the latest research on topics such as perception, memory, intelligence, morality, sexuality, mental illness, religion, language, and creativity. You will also learn about the tools and methods psychologists use to investigate the mind, such as observing how the mind of a child changes and develops over time, looking at people across cultures, measuring brain activity, and experimentally manipulating everything from the shape of a figure presented on a computer screen, to the smell of a room, or the attractiveness of the experimenter.
|
Fall, Summer (six-week session). |
| PSYCH1103 |
Introductory Psychology Seminars
Weekly seminar that may be taken in addition to PSYCH 1101 to provide an in-depth exploration of selected areas in the field of psychology. Involves extensive discussion and a semester paper related to the seminar topic. Choice of seminar topics and meeting times are available at the second lecture of PSYCH 1101.
Full details for PSYCH 1103 - Introductory Psychology Seminars |
Fall. |
| PSYCH1120 | FWS:Personality & Social Psychology | |
| PSYCH1140 | FWS: Perception, Cognition & Development | |
| PSYCH2050 |
Perception
Basic perceptual concepts and phenomena are discussed with emphasis on stimulus variables and sensory mechanisms. All sensory modalities are considered, vision is discussed in detail.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH2230 |
Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience
Introduction to psychology from a biological perspective, which focuses on brain mechanisms of behavior. Topics include the structure and function of the nervous system, physiological approaches to understanding behavior, hormones and behavior, biological bases of sensation and perception, learning and memory, cognition, emotion, and communication.
Full details for PSYCH 2230 - Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience |
Fall, Summer (six-week session). |
| PSYCH2500 |
Statistics and Research Design
In a complex environment with many sources of variability, how can one tell with confidence whether a particular observed effect is real? And how much confidence is appropriate? This course introduces the principles of statistical description and inference as strategies to answer these questions, with emphasis on methods of principal relevance to psychology and the behavioral and neural sciences.
Full details for PSYCH 2500 - Statistics and Research Design |
Fall, Summer. |
| PSYCH2580 |
Six Pretty Good Books: Explorations in Social Science
This course is modeled after "Great Books" literature courses in the humanities, but with two important differences: we read non-fiction books in the social sciences rather than the humanities, written by highly prominent contemporary social scientists. The course title refers to the fact that the books are new, hence their potential greatness has yet to be confirmed by the test of time. We choose living authors to give students a unique opportunity: to interact with each of the six authors in Q&A sessions in person or via video conferencing. This fall half of the authors will appear in person for Q&A and the others will Skype with the class.
Full details for PSYCH 2580 - Six Pretty Good Books: Explorations in Social Science |
Fall. |
| PSYCH2610 |
Development of Social Behavior
Examines the origins and development of human social behavior. Our species is notably social, with both positive and negative consequences: we thrive in groups, yet we often discriminate against those who are not like us. This course focuses on social cognitive development in infancy and early childhood, with the goal of understanding the foundations of human nature in a social context. Likely topics include theories of mind, social learning, social categorization, motivation, moral development, and attachment.
Full details for PSYCH 2610 - Development of Social Behavior |
Fall. |
| PSYCH2650 |
Psychology and Law
This course explores how cognitive, social & clinical psychology are used in law. Law makes many assumptions about human psychology, and lawyers and judges regularly rely on psychological research in their cases. The course examines the psychology underlying criminal confessions; children's testimony; the insanity defense; risk assessment; judge and jury decision making; criminal punishment; constitutional law; and common law (tort, contract, and property) disputes. The course assesses the use and misuse of psychology in these subjects.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH2750 |
Introduction to Personality
What is "personality"? How is it scientifically studied and measured? To what extent, do biological, social, and cultural factors shape personality? Is personality an expression of our genetic make up and biology, the culmination of social influences, the interplay of both, or the result of random events? In this course, we will review the major theoretical paradigms of personality psychology, discuss contemporary research, theory, and methodology, and learn about key historical debates in the study of "personality".
|
Fall, Winter, Summer (three-week session). |
| PSYCH2800 |
Introduction to Social Psychology
Introduction to research and theory in social psychology. Topics include social influence, persuasion, and attitude change; social interaction and group phenomena; altruism and aggression; stereotyping and prejudice; everyday reasoning and judgment.
Full details for PSYCH 2800 - Introduction to Social Psychology |
Fall, Summer (three-week session). |
| PSYCH2801 |
Introduction to Social Psychology: Writing in the Majors
Writing in the Majors section of PSYCH 2800. In addition to attending all the lectures in PSYCH 2800, students will attend an additional weekly seminar and all assessment is based on writing instead of exams. This course is an introduction to research and theory in social psychology, covering the same material as (social influence, persuasion, and attitude change; social interaction and group phenomena; altruism and aggression; stereotyping and prejudice; everyday reasoning and judgment).
Full details for PSYCH 2801 - Introduction to Social Psychology: Writing in the Majors |
Fall. |
| PSYCH2820 |
Community Outreach
Provides students with information and perspectives essential to volunteer fieldwork with human and social service programs in the community. Readings are drawn from the field of community psychology and include analyses of successful programs, such as Head Start, as well as a review of the methods by which those programs are developed and assessed. Although students are not required to volunteer, the instructor provides students with a list of local agencies open to student placements.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH2830 |
Research Methods in Human Development
This course will introduce students to the basics of research design and will review several methodologies in the study of human development. The focus of the course will be on descriptive and experimental methods. Students will learn the advantages and challenges to different methodological approaches. The course also places an emphasis on developing students' scientific writing and strengthening their understanding of statistics.
Full details for PSYCH 2830 - Research Methods in Human Development |
Fall. |
| PSYCH3200 |
Psychology and Cinema
Analyze feature-length popular movies, with regard to how filmmakers control what and how we perceive. A focus will be on the physical form of these movies, how shots and scences are constructed, how color and texture are used, how narration (the telling of the story) interacts with narrative (and the structure of the story), and how these have changed from 1915 to 2015.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH3220 |
Hormones and Behavior
Covers comparative and evolutionary approaches to the study of the relationship between reproductive hormones and sexual behavior in vertebrates, including humans. Also hormonal contributions to other social behavior (parental behavior, aggression, mating systems), stress, learning and memory, and biological rhythms.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH3240 |
Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory
This course is designed to provide an introduction to experimental research on the neural basis of behavior and cognition in animals. Topics will include basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, neural and hormonal control of behavior, and learning and memory. Students will gain extensive hands on experience with a variety of laboratory techniques, and animal species, and behaviors.
Full details for PSYCH 3240 - Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory |
Fall. |
| PSYCH3270 |
Field Practicum I
Composed of three components that form an intensive undergraduate field practicum. First, students spend three to six hours a week at local mental health agencies, schools, or nursing facilities working directly with children, adolescents, or adults; supervision is provided by host agency staff. Second, the instructor provides additional weekly individual, clinical supervision for each student. Third, seminar meetings cover issues of adult and developmental psychopathology, clinical technique, case studies, and current research issues. Students write one short paper, two final take-home exams, and present an account of their field experience in class.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH3300 |
Introduction to Computational Neuroscience
Covers the basic ideas and techniques involved in computational neuroscience. Surveys diverse topics, including neural dynamics of small networks of cells, neural coding, learning in neural networks and in brain structures, memory models of the hippocampus, sensory coding, and others.
Full details for PSYCH 3300 - Introduction to Computational Neuroscience |
Fall (offered alternate years). |
| PSYCH3310 |
Developmental Psychopathology
Why do some children grow up well-adjusted and others do not? This course applies a developmental framework to understanding psychological disorders. We will consider the common disorders of childhood and adolescence; the individual contexts which promote risk versus resiliency; trends and trajectories in disorders over time; and the complex ethical issues associated with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders early in life.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH3350 |
The Psychology of Attention
This seminar will survey core topics on attention, exploring how it influences what people perceive, what they are aware of, what they remember, and how well they can perform tasks. Original articles presenting behavioral and neuroscientific research on attention will be discussed. In-class demonstrations and presentations will further provide students with a broad understanding of attention and the ability to critically apply attention concepts to their everyday lives.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH3420 |
Human Perception: Application to Computer Graphics, Art, and Visual Display
Our present technology allows us to transmit and display information through a variety of media. To make the most of these media channels, it is important to consider the limitations and abilities of the human observer. The course considers a number of applied aspects of human perception with an emphasis on the display of visual information. Topics include "three-dimensional" display systems, color theory, spatial and temporal limitations of the visual systems, attempts at subliminal communication, and "visual" effects in film and television.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH4180 |
Psychology of Music
Covers the major topics in the psychology of music treated from a scientific perspective. Presents recent developments in the cognitive science of music, including perception and memory for pitch and rhythm, performing music, the relationship between music and language, musical abilities in infants, emotional responses, and the cognitive neuroscience of music.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH4270 |
Evolution of Language
Seminar surveying a cross-section of modern theories, methods, and research pertaining to the origin and evolution of language. Considers evidence from psychology, the cognitive neurosciences, comparative psychology, and computational modeling of evolutionary processes. Topics for discussion may include: What does the fossil record tell us about language evolution? What can we learn from comparative perspectives on neurobiology and behavior? Can apes really learn language? Did language come about through natural selection? What were the potential preadaptations for language? What is the relationship between phylogeny and ontogeny?
|
Fall (offered alternate years). |
| PSYCH4320 |
Topics in Cognitive Science
A course examining the core disciplines of cognitive science using varied themes from semester to semester.
|
Fall, Spring. |
| PSYCH4700 |
Undergraduate Research in Psychology
Practice in planning, conducting, and reporting independent laboratory, field, and/or library research.
Full details for PSYCH 4700 - Undergraduate Research in Psychology |
Fall or Spring. |
| PSYCH4710 |
Advanced Undergraduate Research in Psychology
Advanced experience in planning, conducting, and reporting independent laboratory, field, and/or library research. One, and preferably two, semesters of PSYCH 4700 is required. The research should be more independent and/or involve more demanding technical skills than that carried out in PSYCH 4700.
Full details for PSYCH 4710 - Advanced Undergraduate Research in Psychology |
Fall or Spring. |
| PSYCH4750 |
Quantitative Methods 1
This course is developed as an introduction to graduate statistics for social sciences. It will review descriptive statistics and probability theory. It will cover exploratory data analysis, basic inferential statistics with a focus on analyses for experimental designs, e.g. ANOVA models. No costs other than textbooks are incurred.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH4770 |
Advanced Developmental Seminar
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research pertaining to current topics and controversies in developmental psychology. The specific topic will change each year. We will emphasize a comparative approach where appropriate and will seek to understand developmental mechanisms and influences across multiple levels of organization, from genes to social groups. Students will be expected to present research and lead discussion 2-3 times during the semester.
Full details for PSYCH 4770 - Advanced Developmental Seminar |
Fall. |
| PSYCH4810 |
Advanced Social Psychology
The focus of this team-taught course is on discussion and critical analysis of selected articles from very recent issues of the best social psychological journals. Readings are chosen for their importance, their coverage of topics of contemporary topics in social psychology. Students write brief "thought papers" before each class in which they offer suggestions for class discussion based on their close reading of the day's assigned articles. They also write a term paper (details at first class meeting).
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH4830 |
Social Neuroscience
This course will survey the emerging field of Social Neuroscience, and examine how theories and methods of neuroscience may be used to address classic questions of social psychology from new and informative angles. The goal is to give students the tools to become critical consumers of this literature, broaden their thinking about conncetions between the mind, brain, and behavior in a social context, and apply these ideas to their own future research in psychology.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH6000 |
General Research Seminar
This course is designed to introduce first-year graduates to the Psychology Department faculty through a weekly series of presentations of current research.
|
Fall, Spring. |
| PSYCH6001 | Graduate Professionalism Seminar | |
| PSYCH6050 |
Perception
Basic perceptual concepts and phenomena are discussed with emphasis on stimulus variables and sensory mechanisms. All sensory modalities are considered, vision is discussed in detail.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH6180 |
Psychology of Music
Covers the major topics in the psychology of music treated from a scientific perspective. Presents recent developments in the cognitive science of music, including perception and memory for pitch and rhythm, performing music, the relationship between music and language, musical abilities in infants, emotional responses, and the cognitive neuroscience of music.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH6210 |
Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Graduate seminar coupled with the Psychology Colloquium series. For 6-8 of the speakers, we read readings designated by the speaker in advance of their arrival, and meet with the speaker in the Thursday seminar. Intended for graduate students in the Field of Psychology who may register for this course without permission, all others please ask for permission from the instructor. Registration in both semesters is required.
|
Fall, Spring. |
| PSYCH6240 |
Biopsychology Laboratory
This course is designed to provide an introduction to experimental research on the neural basis of behavior and cognition in animals. Topics will include basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, neural and hormonal control of behavior, and learning and memory. Students will gain extensive hands on experience with a variety of laboratory techniques, and animal species, and behaviors.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH6270 |
Evolution of Language
Seminar surveying a cross-section of modern theories, methods, and research pertaining to the origin and evolution of language. Considers evidence from psychology, the cognitive neurosciences, comparative psychology, and computational modeling of evolutionary processes. Topics for discussion may include: What does the fossil record tell us about language evolution? What can we learn from comparative perspectives on neurobiology and behavior? Can apes really learn language? Did language come about through natural selection? What were the potential preadaptations for language? What is the relationship between phylogeny and ontogeny?
|
Fall (offered alternate years). |
| PSYCH6271 |
Topics in Biopsychology
Course explores current issues in Psychology. Topics vary by section.
|
Fall, Spring. |
| PSYCH6350 |
The Psychology of Attention
This seminar will survey core topics on attention, exploring how it influences what people perceive, what they are aware of, what they remember, and how well they can perform tasks. Original articles presenting behavioral and neuroscientific research on attention will be discussed. In-class demonstrations and presentations will further provide students with a broad understanding of attention and the ability to critically apply attention concepts to their everyday lives.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH6420 |
Human Perception: Applications to Computer Graphics, Art, and Visual Display
Our present technology allows us to transmit and display information through a variety of media. To make the most of these media channels, it is important to consider the limitations and abilities of the human observer. The course considers a number of applied aspects of human perception with an emphasis on the display of visual information. Topics include "three-dimensional" display systems, color theory, spatial and temporal limitations of the visual systems, attempts at subliminal communication, and "visual" effects in film and television.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH6750 |
Quantitative Methods 1
This course is developed as an introduction to graduate statistics for social sciences. It will review descriptive statistics and probability theory. It will cover exploratory data analysis, basic inferential statistics with a focus on analyses for experimental designs, e.g. ANOVA models. No costs other than textbooks are incurred.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH6770 |
Advanced Developmental Seminar
This seminar will focus on cutting-edge research pertaining to current topics and controversies in developmental psychology. The specific topic will change each year. We will emphasize a comparative approach where appropriate and will seek to understand developmental mechanisms and influences across multiple levels of organization, from genes to social groups. Students will be expected to present research and lead discussion 2-3 times during the semester.
Full details for PSYCH 6770 - Advanced Developmental Seminar |
Fall. |
| PSYCH6810 |
Advanced Social Psychology
The focus is on discussion and critical analysis of selected articles from very recent issues of the best social psychological journals. Readings are chosen for their importance, their readability, and the likelihood that they will generate stimulating discussion. Students write brief "thought papers" before each class in which they offer suggestions for class discussion based on their close reading of the day's assigned articles. They also write a term paper on a social psychological topic of their own choosing. No exams.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH6830 |
Social Neuroscience
This course will survey the emerging field of Social Neuroscience, and examine how theories and methods of neuroscience may be used to address classic questions of social psychology from new and informative angles. The goal is to give students the tools to become critical consumers of this literature, broaden their thinking about conncetions between the mind, brain, and behavior in a social context, and apply these ideas to their own future research in psychology.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH7000 |
Research in Biopsychology
A graduate research seminar in biopsychology.
|
Fall, Spring. |
| PSYCH7100 |
Research in Human Experimental Psychology
A graduate research seminar in human experimental psychology.
Full details for PSYCH 7100 - Research in Human Experimental Psychology |
Fall, Spring. |
| PSYCH7200 |
Research in Social Psychology and Personality
A graduate research seminar in social psychology and personality.
Full details for PSYCH 7200 - Research in Social Psychology and Personality |
Fall, Spring. |
| PSYCH7220 |
Hormones and Behavior
Covers comparative and evolutionary approaches to the study of the relationship between reproductive hormones and sexual behavior in vertebrates, including humans. Also hormonal contributions to other social behavior (parental behavior, aggression, mating systems) stress, learning and memory, and biological rhythms.
|
Fall. |
| PSYCH7750 |
Proseminar in Social Psychology I
First semester of a year-long discussion-seminar course intended to give graduate students an in-depth understanding of current research and theory in social psychology. Emphasizes social cognition, but other topics, such as group dynamics, social influence, the social psychology of language, and emotional experience, are covered.
Full details for PSYCH 7750 - Proseminar in Social Psychology I |
Fall. |
| PSYCH9000 |
Doctoral Thesis Research in Biopsychology
A graduate seminar on doctoral thesis research in biopsychology.
Full details for PSYCH 9000 - Doctoral Thesis Research in Biopsychology |
Fall, Spring. |
| PSYCH9100 |
Doctoral Thesis Research in Human Experimental Psychology
A graduate seminar on doctoral thesis research in human experimental psychology.
Full details for PSYCH 9100 - Doctoral Thesis Research in Human Experimental Psychology |
Fall, Spring. |
| PSYCH9200 |
Doctoral Thesis Research in Social Psychology and Personality
A graduate seminar on doctoral thesis research in social psychology and personality.
Full details for PSYCH 9200 - Doctoral Thesis Research in Social Psychology and Personality |
Fall, Spring. |
| HD1150 |
Human Development: Infancy and Childhood
Introduces students to the basic concepts, theories, and research in human development as they explain prenatal development and development in infancy and childhood, including physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development. The focus is on individual development from an interdisciplinary perspective with an emphasis on psychological development, but also drawing from the fields of sociology, history, biology, anthropology, neuroscience, and education.
Full details for HD 1150 - Human Development: Infancy and Childhood |
Fall. |
| HD2180 |
Human Development: Adulthood and Aging
Introduces students to theories and research in adult development and aging. Describes biological, psychological and social changes from youth through late adulthood. Identifies strategies to promote healthy aging at the individual and societal level.
Full details for HD 2180 - Human Development: Adulthood and Aging |
Fall. |
| HD2200 |
The Human Brain and Mind: An Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
At the turn of the 21st century the age of Embodied Cognition dawned: a reconsideration of relationships between body, brain, and mind. Researchers in philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and cognitive neuroscience challenged the 20th-century dogma that the mind is like a digital computer, and can be studied independently of the body, brain, and world. Researchers turned their attention to the role that bodily experience plays in thinking and learning, and the roles neural systems for perception and action play in cognition. This course views the field of Cognitive Neuroscience through the lens of Embodied Cognition research, and evaluates the extent to which "embodiment" may be passing fad, a useful shift in perspective, or a revolutionary new way of building theories about brain and mind.
Full details for HD 2200 - The Human Brain and Mind: An Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience |
Fall. |
| HD2580 |
Six Pretty Good Books: Explorations in Social Science
This course is modeled after "Great Books" literature courses in the humanities, but with two important differences: we read non-fiction books in the social sciences rather than the humanities, written by highly prominent contemporary social scientists. The course title refers to the fact that the books are new, hence their potential greatness has yet to be confirmed by the test of time. We choose living authors to give students a unique opportunity: to interact with each of the six authors in Q&A sessions in person or via video conferencing. This fall half of the authors will appear in person for Q&A and the others will Skype with the class.
Full details for HD 2580 - Six Pretty Good Books: Explorations in Social Science |
Fall. |
| HD2600 |
Introduction to Personality
What is "personality"? How is it scientifically studied and measured? To what extent, do biological, social, and cultural factors shape personality? Is personality an expression of our genetic make up and biology, the culmination of social influences, the interplay of both, or the result of random events? In this course, we will review the major theoretical paradigms of personality psychology, discuss contemporary research, theory, and methodology, and learn about key historical debates in the study of "personality".
|
Fall, Winter, Summer (three-week session). |
| HD2610 |
Development of Social Behavior
Examines the origins and development of human social behavior. Our species is notably social, with both positive and negative consequences: we thrive in groups, yet we often discriminate against those who are not like us. This course focuses on social cognitive development in infancy and early childhood, with the goal of understanding the foundations of human nature in a social context. Likely topics include theories of mind, social learning, social categorization, motivation, moral development, and attachment.
|
Fall. |
| HD2650 |
Psychology and Law
This course explores how cognitive, social & clinical psychology are used in law. Law makes many assumptions about human psychology, and lawyers and judges regularly rely on psychological research in their cases. The course examines the psychology underlying criminal confessions; children's testimony; the insanity defense; risk assessment; judge and jury decision making; criminal punishment; constitutional law; and common law (tort, contract, and property) disputes. The course assesses the use and misuse of psychology in these subjects.
|
Fall. |
| HD2820 |
Community Outreach
Provides students with information and perspectives essential to volunteer fieldwork with human and social service programs in the community. Readings are drawn from the field of community psychology and include analyses of successful programs, such as Head Start, as well as a review of the methods by which those programs are developed and assessed. Although students are not required to volunteer, the instructor provides students with a list of local agencies open to student placements.
|
Fall. |
| HD2830 |
Research Methods in Human Development
This course will introduce students to the basics of research design and will review several methodologies in the study of human development. The focus of the course will be on descriptive and experimental methods. Students will learn the advantages and challenges to different methodological approaches. The course also places an emphasis on developing students' scientific writing and strengthening their understanding of statistics.
Full details for HD 2830 - Research Methods in Human Development |
Fall. |
| HD3110 |
Educational Psychology
Educational psychology is the application of psychological concepts to educational settings. This course examines the dynamic interaction between people as teachers and learners, schools as social and learning environments, and the sociocultural contexts that influence learning. The focus is on those interactions in cognitive, epistemic, social, moral, and personal domains in educational contexts.
|
Fall, Spring. |
| HD3190 |
Memory and the Law
Focuses on how the scientific study of human memory interfaces with the theory and practice of law.
|
Fall. |
| HD3270 |
Field Practicum I
Composed of three components that form an intensive undergraduate field practicum. First, students spend three to six hours a week at local mental health agencies, schools, or nursing facilities working directly with children, adolescents, or adults; supervision is provided by host agency staff. Second, the instructor provides additional weekly individual, clinical supervision for each student. Third, seminar meetings cover issues of adult and developmental psychopathology, clinical technique, case studies, and current research issues. Students write one short paper, two final take-home exams, and present an account of their field experience in class.
|
Fall. |
| HD3300 |
Developmental Psychopathology
Why do some children grow up well-adjusted and others do not? This course applies a developmental framework to understanding psychological disorders. We will consider the common disorders of childhood and adolescence; the individual contexts which promote risk versus resiliency; trends and trajectories in disorders over time; and the complex ethical issues associated with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders early in life.
|
Fall. |
| HD3310 |
Psychology of Gender
This course explores psychological research on gender, examining the interactions between biology and social learning, gender identity, stereotypes, gender non-conformity, and discrimination. We will critically evaluate sex-related comparisons in cognition, attitudes, leadership, close relationships, psychological development, achievement, communication, and health. We will engage with course material using an intersectional approach that acknowledges that gender development and expression are deeply impacted by race, social class, sexuality, and culture.
|
Fall. |
| HD3450 |
The Nature of Leadership
The course will survey the nature of leadership. Examples of topics include definitions of leadership, theories of leadership, the trait approach, the skills approach, transformational leadership, servant leadership, authentic leadership, team leadership, women and leadership, culture and leadership, leadership ethics. The course will be in seminar format.
|
Fall. |
| HD3490 |
Positive Psychology
Takes a comprehensive look at current research and theory in the emerging field of Positive Psychology. Students become familiar with theories, methods, and empirical research pertaining to the psychology of human strengths, virtues, abilities, and talents.
|
Fall. |
| HD3510 |
Racial and Ethnic Identity Development
The purpose of this course is to examine (a) how individuals construct and maintain their sense of themselves racially and ethnically, and (b) personal- and societal-level consequences of such identities. This course includes a review of essential theories pertaining to race and ethnicity in the United States, methodological strategies for studying identity development, and practical applications related to understanding how racial and ethnic identities play a meaningful role in the human experience.
Full details for HD 3510 - Racial and Ethnic Identity Development |
Fall. |
| HD4000 |
Directed Readings
For study that predominantly involves library research and independent study.
|
Fall, Spring. |
| HD4250 |
Translational Research on Decision Making
Introductory laboratory-based course focusing on basic foundations in translational research on decision making across the lifespan. The course introduces students to hands-on applications of research skills in the context of research on decision making, spanning basic and applied research in law, medicine, behavioral economics, and policy. It focuses on such topics as human subjects protection, working with populations across the lifespan (e.g., children, seniors), database development, working with external partners and stakeholders (e.g., schools, hospitals), and basic concepts and techniques in decision research. Students participate in weekly laboratory meetings in small teams focused on specific projects as well as monthly meetings in which all teams participate. During laboratory meetings, students discuss ongoing research, plans for new studies, and interpretations of empirical findings from studies that are in progress or have been recently completed. New students work closely with experienced students and eventually work more independently. In order to fully grasp how the research projects fit into the broader field, students read relevant papers weekly and write reaction responses. Because several projects are ongoing at all times, students have the opportunity to be involved in more than one study and are assigned multiple tasks such as piloting research paradigms, subject recruitment, data collection, data analysis, and data entry. Students attend a weekly lab meeting for 1.5 hours per week, read pertinent papers, write reaction responses, and work 10.5 hours per week in the laboratory completing tasks that contribute to ongoing research studies.
Full details for HD 4250 - Translational Research on Decision Making |
Fall. |
| HD4260 |
Translational Research on Memory and Neuroscience
Laboratory-based course focusing on basic foundations in translational research on the neuroscience of human memory and memory development. Students attend a weekly lab meeting for 1.5 hours per week, read pertinent papers, write reaction responses, and work 10.5 hours per week in the laboratory completing tasks that contribute to ongoing research studies.
Full details for HD 4260 - Translational Research on Memory and Neuroscience |
Fall. |
| HD4290 | Psychology and the Law: Experimental and Correlational Research | |
| HD4540 |
Creativity and Its Development
This course will survey theory, research, and practice with regard to human creativity and its development. An especial emphasis will be on how to use research findings in the service of developing your own creativity. Examples of topics will include theories of creativity, research on creativity, improving creativity, mental health and creativity, and the dark side of creativity.
|
Fall. |
| HD4570 |
Health and Social Behavior
Critically examines theories and empirical research on the relationships among social group membership, social status, and physical and mental health.
|
Fall. |
| HD4580 |
The Science of Social Behavior
This is a capstone seminar for seniors who are interested in graduate or professional study in scientific disciplines that focus on human behavior and social interaction. The intent is to provide seniors with an opportunity to summon, integrate, and apply insights that they have acquired over the course of their undergraduate education, and give prospective graduate students the opportunity to lead discussions in a large introductory lecture course, "Six Pretty Good Books" (HD/ILRLR/COMM/SOC 2580). Each seminar member is part of a two or three-person team that leads the discussion together, under the supervision of a graduate teaching assistant. Seminar meetings are devoted to building lesson plans for leading an effective discussion of each of the six books. The authors vary from year to year but include Malcolm Gladwell, Michelle Alexander, Nate Silver, and Nicholas Christakis. All authors have agreed to participate in a "Q&A" session with the students which seminar members are required to attend. The course meets Cornell's SBA distribution requirement.
|
Fall. |
| HD4750 |
Quantitative Methods 1
This course is developed as an introduction to graduate statistics for social sciences. It will review descriptive statistics and probability theory. It will cover exploratory data analysis, basic inferential statistics with a focus on analyses for experimental designs, e.g. ANOVA models. No costs other than textbooks are incurred.
|
Fall. |
| HD4850 |
Professional Development in Translational Research
As a supplement to their immersive learning experience working on faculty research projects, students in this course will engage with actors and ideas from across the youth development research and practice communities, learn about research methods and dissemination to various audiences, and begin to see the world from a translational research perspective.
Full details for HD 4850 - Professional Development in Translational Research |
Fall, Spring. |
| HD4860 |
Nearest Neighbor
As a supplement to their immersive learning experience working on translational research projects led by CHE faculty, and building on their experience in HD4850 (Professional Development in Translational Research), this course will provide opportunities for students to put their learning into practice by proposing and implementing a translational research project in collaboration with community partners.
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Fall, Spring. |
| HD4980 |
Senior Honors Seminar
In this weekly seminar, students are guided through the process of completing an honors thesis in human development. The course focuses on developing students' writing abilities, reviewing statistics and how to present research findings in a manuscript, and receiving feedback on drafts of their thesis, as well as practice presenting the results of their thesis in poster and oral presentations.
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Fall, Spring. |
| HD4990 | Senior Honors Thesis | Fall, Spring. |
| HD6110 |
Psychology of Emotion
Takes a comprehensive look at current research and theory in the field of emotion. Students become familiar with theories, methods, and empirical research pertaining to the psychology of emotions. Topics include-but are not limited to-theoretical models of emotion, emotion antecedents, emotional responses (facial, subjective, and physiological), functions of emotion, emotion regulation, individual differences, and health implications.
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Fall. |
| HD6190 |
Memory and the Law
Focuses on how the scientific study of human memory interfaces with the theory and practice of law. Students study relevant areas of memory research and memory theory.
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Fall. |
| HD6200 |
First-Year Proseminar in Human Development
Designed as an orientation to the department and the university. Activities include attendance at research presentations, visits to departmental research laboratories, relevant informational sessions (e.g., Institutional Review Board for Human Participants, proposal writing), and guidance in preparing a public research presentation to be made at the end of spring semester.
Full details for HD 6200 - First-Year Proseminar in Human Development |
Fall, Spring. |
| HD6210 |
Seminar on Autobiographical Memory
This graduate seminar is designed to give an overview as well as in-depth analysis of topics related to autobiographical memory and its development. Readings focus heavily on current theories and empirical research on a wide range of topics including childhood amnesia, reminiscence bump, emotion and memory, memory accuracy, development and disruption, neurological perspectives, memory functions, and memory across cultures.
Full details for HD 6210 - Seminar on Autobiographical Memory |
Spring. |
| HD6540 |
Creativity and Its Development
This course will survey theory, research, and practice with regard to human creativity and its development. An especial emphasis will be on how to use research findings in the service of developing your own creativity. Examples of topics will include theories of creativity, research on creativity, improving creativity, mental health and creativity, and the dark side of creativity. There will be special emphasis on designing and interpreting research on human creativity.
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Fall. |
| HD6750 |
Quantitative Methods 1
This course is developed as an introduction to graduate statistics for social sciences. It will review descriptive statistics and probability theory. It will cover exploratory data analysis, basic inferential statistics with a focus on analyses for experimental designs, e.g. ANOVA models. No costs other than textbooks are incurred.
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Fall. |
| HD7000 |
Directed Readings
For study that predominantly involves library research and independent study.
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Fall, Spring. |
| HD7010 |
Empirical Research
For study that predominantly involves collection and analysis of research data.
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Fall, Spring. |
| HD7020 |
Practicum
For study that predominantly involves field experience in community settings.
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Fall, Spring. |
| HD7030 |
Teaching Assistantship
For students assisting faculty with instruction. Does not apply to work for which students receive financial compensation.
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Fall, Spring. |
| HD8060 |
Teaching Practicum
For advanced graduate students who independently develop and teach an undergraduate topics course under the supervision of a faculty member.
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Fall, Spring. |
| HD8990 | Master's Thesis and Research | Fall, Spring. |
| HD9990 | Doctoral Thesis and Research | Fall, Spring. |