Courses

Courses by semester

Courses for Spring 23

Complete Cornell University course descriptions and section times are in the Class Roster.

Course ID Title Offered
PSYCH 1102 Introduction to Cognitive Science

This course provides an introduction to the science of the mind. Everyone knows what it's like to think and perceive, but this subjective experience provides little insight into how minds emerge from physical entities like brains. To address this issue, cognitive science integrates work from at least five disciplines: Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Linguistics, and Philosophy. This course introduces students to the insights these disciplines offer into the workings of the mind by exploring visual perception, attention, memory, learning, problem solving, language, and consciousness. 

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, KCM-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 1102 - Introduction to Cognitive Science

Spring, Summer.

PSYCH 1104 WIM: Introduction to Cognitive Science

This section is highly recommended for students who are interested in learning about the topics covered in the main course through writing and discussion. 

Full details for PSYCH 1104 - WIM: Introduction to Cognitive Science

Spring.

PSYCH 1120 FWS:Personality & Social Psychology

PSYCH 1131 Introduction to Human Development

Introduction to Human Development provides a broad and foundational overview of field of human development, starting from conception and ending through process of death and dying. The course will start with an outline and explanation of the lifespan perspective in human development. The biological beginnings of life and prenatal development will serve as the start of the discussion of human development, followed by an exploration of physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development at each subsequent stage within the lifespan (e.g., infancy, early childhood, middle & late childhood, etc.). Discussion of each developmental stage will highlight major research findings and their real-world application.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-AS, SSC-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 1131 - Introduction to Human Development

Fall, Spring, Summer.

PSYCH 2020 Experimental Psychology: Learning

PSYCH 2050 Perception

PSYCH 2090 Developmental Psychology

One of four introductory courses in cognition and perception. A comprehensive introduction to current thinking and research in developmental psychology that approaches topics from both psychobiological and cognitive perspectives. We will use a comparative approach to assess principles of development change. The course focuses on the development of perception, action, cognition, language, and social understanding in infancy and early childhood.

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, KCM-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 2090 - Developmental Psychology

Spring.

PSYCH 2091 WIM: Developmental Psychology

This section is highly recommended for students who are interested in learning about the topics covered in the main course through writing and discussion. 

Full details for PSYCH 2091 - WIM: Developmental Psychology

Spring.

PSYCH 2150 Psychology of Language

Provides an introduction to the psychology of language. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the scientific study of psycholinguistic phenomena. Covers a broad range of topics from psycholinguistics, including the origin of language, the different components of language (phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics), processes involved in reading, computational modeling of language processes, the acquisition of language (both under normal and special circumstances), and the brain bases of language.

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, KCM-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 2150 - Psychology of Language

Spring.

PSYCH 2225 Psychological Assessment

This course will explore the basic methods, concepts, and challenges in the development and use of psychological tests. We will cover the conceptual, scientific, and methodological principles that guide test development. We will explore assessment of intelligence, psychopathology, and personality. We will discuss multimodal psychological evaluations and how they can be used to inform decision making (for instance forensic, ADHD, learning disability, compensation and pension evaluations, and determining eligibility for services) in addition to ethics. Throughout the course, students should gain an understanding of the scientific manner in which psychological tests are constructed, the different types of psychological testing, and the utility of psychological testing.

Full details for PSYCH 2225 - Psychological Assessment

Spring.

PSYCH 2580 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 some of the authors will appear in person for Q&A and the others will Skype with the class.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-AS, SSC-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 2580 - Six Pretty Good Books: Explorations in Social Science

Fall.

PSYCH 2750 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".

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, SBA-AS, SSC-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 2750 - Introduction to Personality

Fall, Winter, Summer.

PSYCH 2930 Introduction to Data Science for Social Scientists

Intro to Data Science for Social Scientists using R.

Full details for PSYCH 2930 - Introduction to Data Science for Social Scientists

Fall.

PSYCH 2940 Better Decisions for Life, Love and Money

Effective judgments and decisions are critical to success in every avenue of life. This course will explore research on the principles of sound judgment and decision making, and on the ways in which people's judgments and decisions are prone to bias and error. The course aims to improve students' critical thinking skills and to enable them to make better judgments and decisions in an increasingly complicated world. The course is taught by a team of psychologists and economists who draw on recent research in psychology and behavioral economics that can benefit the lives of students.

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, KCM-AS, SSC-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 2940 - Better Decisions for Life, Love and Money

Spring.

PSYCH 3130 Language and Power

In this course, we will explore how language interacts with power: how does language reflect, shape, threaten and reinforce power relations in human society? From childhood through old age, language is an ever-present source of symbolic power. We use it to develop and express our identities, to position ourselves in hierarchies, and to establish group membership and exclusion throughout life. Language shapes ourselves, our families, our social lives, and our institutions. Understanding how people use language can provide a window into hidden aspects of both individuals and the social world. This course will be built around student presentations and both in-class and online discussion of the content of the readings and the questions and dilemmas they raise.

Catalog Distribution: (CA-AS, SSC-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 3130 - Language and Power

Spring.

PSYCH 3140 Computational Psychology

This course states and motivates the observation that cognition is fundamentally a computational process and explores the implications of this idea. Students are introduced to a variety of conceptual tools for thinking about cognitive information processing, including statistical learning from experience and the use of patterns distilled from past experience in guiding future actions. They learn to apply these tools to gain understanding of perception, memory, motor control, language, action planning, problem solving, decision making, reasoning, intelligence, and creativity.

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, KCM-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 3140 - Computational Psychology

Spring.

PSYCH 3150 Obesity and the Regulation of Body Weight

Multidisciplinary discussion of the causes, effects, and treatments of human obesity. Topics include the biopsychology of eating behavior, the genetics of obesity, the role of activity and energy metabolism, the psychosocial determinants of obesity, anorexia nervosa, therapy and its effectiveness, and social discrimination.Multidisciplinary discussion of the causes, effects, and treatments of human obesity. Topics include the biopsychology of eating behavior, the genetics of obesity, the role of activity and energy metabolism, the psychosocial determinants of obesity, anorexia nervosa, therapy and its effectiveness, and social discrimination.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS, PBSS-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 3150 - Obesity and the Regulation of Body Weight

Spring, Summer.

PSYCH 3250 Adult Psychopathology

A theoretical and empirical approach to the biological, psychological, and social (including cultural and historical) aspects of adult psychopathology. Readings range from Freud to topics in psychopharmacology. The major mental illnesses are covered, including schizophrenia as well as mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. Childhood disorders are not covered.

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, SBA-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 3250 - Adult Psychopathology

Spring.

PSYCH 3280 Field Practicum II

Continues the field practicum experience from PSYCH 3270.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 3280 - Field Practicum II

Spring.

PSYCH 3325 Theory and Practice of Contemporary Clinical Psychology

This course will explore and examine different areas of clinical psychology comprising several areas. The first part of the course will focus on how psychopathology develops. The second part will focus on assessment and treatment of psychopathology. The third part will examine different aspects of today's practice of clinical psychology. The goal of the course is to introduce advanced students who have already taken several psychology courses to the field of clinical psychology.

Full details for PSYCH 3325 - Theory and Practice of Contemporary Clinical Psychology

Spring.

PSYCH 3420 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.

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, KCM-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 3420 - Human Perception: Application to Computer Graphics, Art, and Visual Display

Spring.

PSYCH 3450 On Being Social

Humans are said to be "social animals." This seminar provides an in-depth exploration of what it means to be social. Examples of topics to be covered include the fundamental need to belong and the affiliative system underlying cooperation; attachment and the proclivity to form strong affective ties throughout the life span; the biological bases of attraction and relationship formation; and the various consequences of thwarted relational needs, including the end of relationships through break-up, divorce, or death, and social alienation and chronic loneliness. We will focus on people's most intimate relationships – with partners, parents, and close friends – but will explore how our social nature is expressed in diverse ways – with unknown others, in social networks, and with political leaders, celebrities, and objects. These topics will be considered from diverse theoretical perspectives including work from social neuroscience, social, personality, developmental, cognitive, and evolutionary psychology, as well as drawing from work in communications, information science, sociology, and political science. Articles will be a combination of theoretical, review, or perspective pieces as well as empirical papers.

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, SBA-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 3450 - On Being Social

Spring.

PSYCH 4230 Navigation, Memory, and Context: What Does the Hippocampus Do?

Although the hippocampus has been the subject of intense scrutiny for nearly 50 years, there remains considerable disagreement about functional contributions the hippocampus makes to learning and memory process. This course will examine the diverse functions attributed to the hippocampus with an eye toward integrating the differing viewpoints in the literature. After a brief historical overview, students will discuss cutting-edge literature on the hippocampal role in spatial navigation, learning, and memory, and context processing.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS, SBA-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 4230 - Navigation, Memory, and Context: What Does the Hippocampus Do?

Spring.

PSYCH 4320 Topics in Cognitive Science

A seminar series examining current and classical ideas in human sciences and the humanities.  Themes vary from semester to semester.

Full details for PSYCH 4320 - Topics in Cognitive Science

Fall, Spring.

PSYCH 4390 Neural Circuits for Social Behavior

This course explores what is known, and what remains unknown, about the neural circuits that control social behavior, including parental behavior, sexual behavior, aggression, and vocalization. How do neural circuits control and coordinate distinct social behaviors? How are sex-typical social behaviors generated? How do past experiences and internal states influence social behavior, and what are the neural mechanisms for these effects? This course focuses mainly, although not exclusively, on research performed in non-human animals, and we'll also examine differences and similarities in the neural circuits for social behavior across species.

Full details for PSYCH 4390 - Neural Circuits for Social Behavior

Spring.

PSYCH 4580 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". 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.

Full details for PSYCH 4580 - The Science of Social Behavior

Spring.

PSYCH 4600 Neural Representations

Neurons generate action potentials. Brains underlie feeding, fighting, fleeing, and reproduction, also navigation, attention, sociality, art, and science. What about the middle part? This advanced seminar course examines the construction and transformations of neural representations that enable animals to comprehend and interact effectively with their environments. The curriculum emphasizes integration across levels of analysis and organization, including cellular and synaptic physiology, the emergent properties of networks, energy and information management, quantitative modeling, cognitive algorithms, and adaptive behavioral outcomes.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS, PBSS-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 4600 - Neural Representations

Spring.

PSYCH 4700 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.

PSYCH 4710 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.

PSYCH 4830 Social Neuroscience

This course examines how theories and methods of neuroscience are used to address classic social psychological questions from new and informative angles. The goal is to give students the tools to become critical consumers of the social neuroscience literature, broaden their thinking about connections between the mind, brain, and behavior in a social context, and apply these ideas to their own future research in psychology.

Catalog Distribution: (KCM-AS, SSC-AS)

Full details for PSYCH 4830 - Social Neuroscience

Spring.

PSYCH 4940 Moral Psychology in Action

Moral Psychology in Action is an applied psychology course for students who want to make a difference in the world through ethical leadership and positive contributions in organizations, and who are drawn to scholarly work on psychology, ethics, and morality.

Full details for PSYCH 4940 - Moral Psychology in Action

Spring.

PSYCH 6000 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.

Full details for PSYCH 6000 - General Research Seminar

Fall, Spring.

PSYCH 6140 Computational Psychology

This course states and motivates the observation that cognition is fundamentally a computational process and explores the implications of this idea. Students are introduced to a variety of conceptual tools for thinking about cognitive information processing, including statistical learning from experience and the use of patterns distilled from past experience in guiding future actions. They learn to apply these tools to gain understanding of perception, memory, motor control, language, action planning, problem solving, decision making, reasoning, intelligence, and creativity.

Full details for PSYCH 6140 - Computational Psychology

Spring.

PSYCH 6210 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.

Full details for PSYCH 6210 - Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Fall, Spring.

PSYCH 6230 Navigation, Memory, and Context: What Does the Hippocampus Do?

Although the hippocampus has been the subject of intense scrutiny for nearly 50 years, there remains considerable disagreement about functional contributions the hippocampus makes to learning and memory process. This seminar will examine the diverse functions attributed to the hippocampus with an eye toward integrating the differing viewpoints in the literature. After a brief historical overview, students will discuss cutting-edge literature on the hippocampal role in spatial navigation, learning, and memory, and context processing.

Full details for PSYCH 6230 - Navigation, Memory, and Context: What Does the Hippocampus Do?

Spring.

PSYCH 6271 Topics in Biopsychology

Course explores current issues in Psychology.  Topics vary by section.

Full details for PSYCH 6271 - Topics in Biopsychology

Fall, Spring.

PSYCH 6420 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.

Full details for PSYCH 6420 - Human Perception: Applications to Computer Graphics, Art, and Visual Display

Spring.

PSYCH 6450 On Being Social

PSYCH 6600 Neural Representations

Neurons generate action potentials.  Brains underlie feeding, fighting, fleeing, and reproduction, also navigation, attention, sociality, art, and science.  What about the middle part?  This advanced seminar course examines the construction of neural circuits and systems that enable achievement of behavioral goals.  The curriculum emphasizes integration across levels of analysis and organizations, including cellular and synaptic physiology, the emergent properties of networks, energy and information management, quantitative modeling, cognitive algorithm, and adaptive behavioral outcomes.

Full details for PSYCH 6600 - Neural Representations

Spring.

PSYCH 6830 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 connections between the mind, brain, and behavior in a social context, and apply these ideas to their own future research in psychology.

Full details for PSYCH 6830 - Social Neuroscience

Spring.

PSYCH 7000 Research in Biopsychology

A graduate research seminar in biopsychology.

Full details for PSYCH 7000 - Research in Biopsychology

Fall, Spring.

PSYCH 7090 Developmental Psychology

One of four introductory courses in cognition and perception. A comprehensive introduction to current thinking and research in developmental psychology that approaches problems from both psychobiological and cognitive perspectives. We will use a comparative approach to assess principles of development change. The course focuses on the development of perception, action, cognition, language, and social understanding in infancy and early childhood.

Full details for PSYCH 7090 - Developmental Psychology

Spring.

PSYCH 7100 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.

PSYCH 7200 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.

PSYCH 7760 Proseminar in Social Psychology II

Second 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, moral psychology and emotional experience are covered.

Full details for PSYCH 7760 - Proseminar in Social Psychology II

Spring.

PSYCH 9000 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.

PSYCH 9100 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.

PSYCH 9200 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.

HD 1102 Introduction to Cognitive Science

This course provides an introduction to the science of the mind. Everyone knows what it's like to think and perceive, but this subjective experience provides little insight into how minds emerge from physical entities like brains. To address this issue, cognitive science integrates work from at least five disciplines: Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Linguistics, and Philosophy. This course introduces students to the insights these disciplines offer into the workings of the mind by exploring visual perception, attention, memory, learning, problem solving, language, and consciousness. 

Catalog Distribution: (KCM-HE)

Full details for HD 1102 - Introduction to Cognitive Science

Spring.

HD 1120 People in Perspective: Brain, Mind, and Society

Human Behavior and mental processes including the nervous system, consciousness, learning, memory, development, emotion, psychopathology, interpersonal process, society, and culture, bridging historical perspectives with current research.

Catalog Distribution: (KCM-HE, PBS-HE, SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 1120 - People in Perspective: Brain, Mind, and Society

Spring.

HD 1125 FWS: Topics in Human Development

This is a topics course for Human Development First-Year Writing Seminars.

Catalog Distribution: (LAD-HE)

Full details for HD 1125 - FWS: Topics in Human Development

Fall, Spring.

HD 1130 Introduction to Human Development

Introduction to Human Development provides a broad and foundational overview of field of human development, starting from conception and ending through process of death and dying. The course will start with an outline and explanation of the lifespan perspective in human development. The biological beginnings of life and prenatal development will serve as the start of the discussion of human development, followed by an exploration of physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development at each subsequent stage within the lifespan (e.g., infancy, early childhood, middle & late childhood, etc.). Discussion of each developmental stage will highlight major research findings and their real-world application.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 1130 - Introduction to Human Development

Fall, Spring, Summer.

HD 1155 FWS: Playing to Learn

Children learn through play, but what they learn is influenced by how they're playing! In this course, we will explore how toys, games, and media shape children's learning experiences from infancy into middle childhood. We will discuss learning across the motor, cognitive, and social domains and ask questions such as: What makes a toy "developmentally appropriate"? How does learning change when children are playing alone? With a peer? With a parent? How well do children learn from television and electronic toys? Students will learn to write for broad audiences through diverse assignments such as reading reflections, scholarly literature reviews, and toy reviews and proposals.

Full details for HD 1155 - FWS: Playing to Learn

Fall.

HD 1170 Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

Broad overview of theories, research, and issues in the study of human development during adolescence and emerging adulthood. Focuses on the major biological, cognitive, and social changes during adolescence; the psychosocial issues of adolescence, including identity, autonomy, intimacy, sexuality, achievement, and problems; and the contexts in which adolescent development occurs, particularly families, peer groups, schools, work, and popular culture. Discusses empirical research, theories, case studies of the lives of real adolescents, and, to a lesser degree, public policies.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 1170 - Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

Spring, Summer.

HD 2020 Experimental Psychology: Learning

HD 2050 Perception

HD 2090 Developmental Psychology

One of four introductory courses in cognition and perception. A comprehensive introduction to current thinking and research in developmental psychology that approaches topics from both psychobiological and cognitive perspectives. We will use a comparative approach to assess principles of development change. The course focuses on the development of perception, action, cognition, language, and social understanding in infancy and early childhood.

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, KCM-AS)

Full details for HD 2090 - Developmental Psychology

Spring.

HD 2225 Psychological Assessment

This course will explore the basic methods, concepts, and challenges in the development and use of psychological tests. We will cover the conceptual, scientific, and methodological principles that guide test development. We will explore assessment of intelligence, psychopathology, and personality. We will discuss multimodal psychological evaluations and how they can be used to inform decision making (for instance forensic, ADHD, learning disability, compensation and pension evaluations, and determining eligibility for services) in addition to ethics. Throughout the course, students should gain an understanding of the scientific manner in which psychological tests are constructed, the different types of psychological testing, and the utility of psychological testing.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 2225 - Psychological Assessment

Spring.

HD 2580 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 some of the authors will appear in person for Q&A and the others will Skype with the class.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 2580 - Six Pretty Good Books: Explorations in Social Science

Spring.

HD 2600 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".

Full details for HD 2600 - Introduction to Personality

Fall, Winter, Summer.

HD 2930 Introduction to Data Science for Social Scientists

Intro to Data Science for Social Scientists using R.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 2930 - Introduction to Data Science for Social Scientists

Spring.

HD 3110 Educational Psychology

Educational psychology is the application of psychological principles and concepts to cases of teaching and learning. We study behavioral, cognitive, embodied, and social-cultural perspectives on learning and thinking, and we use them in planning and reflecting on weekly fieldwork outside the classroom. In the process, we become more mindful and skilled learners ourselves and better facilitators of others' learning.

Catalog Distribution: (CA-HE, KCM-HE)

Full details for HD 3110 - Educational Psychology

Fall, Spring.

HD 3150 Language and Power

In this course, we will explore how language interacts with power: how does language reflect, shape, threaten and reinforce power relations in human society? From childhood through old age, language is an ever-present source of symbolic power. We use it to develop and express our identities, to position ourselves in hierarchies, and to establish group membership and exclusion throughout life. Language shapes ourselves, our families, our social lives, and our institutions. Understanding how people use language can provide a window into hidden aspects of both individuals and the social world. This course will be built around student presentations and both in-class and online discussion of the content of the readings and the questions and dilemmas they raise.

Catalog Distribution: (CA-HE, D-HE)

Full details for HD 3150 - Language and Power

Spring.

HD 3210 Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

As it is with much of scientific discovery, a poet, William Wordsworth, best explained development with a simple phrase: The Child is father of the Man (person). In this course, we explore how our adult selves come to be through the lens of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. You will learn about current perspectives and controversies, the latest understanding of the development of multiple physiological systems (e.g., vision, perception, language, etc.) as interactions between molecular mechanisms, experience, and neural plasticity. Weekly short reaction papers, class exercises, and midterm and final projects, will all be geared towards developing a personal appreciation for the subject as well as an understanding of the issues in developmental cognitive neuroscience as a field.

Catalog Distribution: (D-HE, KCM-HE, PBS-HE, SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 3210 - Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

Spring.

HD 3280 Field Practicum II

Continues the field practicum experience from PSYCH 3270.

Full details for HD 3280 - Field Practicum II

Spring.

HD 3320 Gender and Psychopathology

This course examines the ways in which sex and gender impact the expression of severe psychopathology. We will study biological, psychological, and cultural factors associated with sex and gender as they influence the epidemiology, phenomenology, etiology, diagnosis, and course of illness in major forms of psychopathology: specifically, schizophrenia, major affective illness, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. We will also examine the complicated roles of race, class, sexuality, and gender identity as they relate to these conditions. These topics will be examined through the frameworks of psychological science and feminism in an attempt to understand the effects that gender and science have on one another and the ways in which they influence the understanding of mental illness.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 3320 - Gender and Psychopathology

Spring.

HD 3325 Theory and Practice of Contemporary Clinical Psychology

This course will explore and examine different areas of clinical psychology comprising several areas. The first part of the course will focus on how psychopathology develops. The second part will focus on assessment and treatment of psychopathology. The third part will examine different aspects of today's practice of clinical psychology. The goal of the course is to introduce advanced students who have already taken several psychology courses to the field of clinical psychology.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 3325 - Theory and Practice of Contemporary Clinical Psychology

Spring.

HD 3455 On Being Social

Humans are said to be "social animals." This seminar provides an in-depth exploration of what it means to be social. Examples of topics to be covered include the fundamental need to belong and the affiliative system underlying cooperation; attachment and the proclivity to form strong affective ties throughout the life span; the biological bases of attraction and relationship formation; and the various consequences of thwarted relational needs, including the end of relationships through break-up, divorce, or death, and social alienation and chronic loneliness. We will focus on people's most intimate relationships – with partners, parents, and close friends – but will explore how our social nature is expressed in diverse ways – with unknown others, in social networks, and with political leaders, celebrities, and objects. These topics will be considered from diverse theoretical perspectives including work from social neuroscience, social, personality, developmental, cognitive, and evolutionary psychology, as well as drawing from work in communications, information science, sociology, and political science. Articles will be a combination of theoretical, review, or perspective pieces as well as empirical papers.

Catalog Distribution: (ETM-AS, SBA-AS)

Full details for HD 3455 - On Being Social

Spring.

HD 3490 The Science of Well-Being

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.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 3490 - The Science of Well-Being

Spring.

HD 3530 Risk and Opportunity Factors in Childhood and Adolescence

This advanced lecture class will focus on theories and empirical findings concerning risky decision making in childhood adolescence, and childhood. The material will be scholarly and intellectually challenging. We will draw on multiple disciplines, such as psychology, economics, and neuroscience.

Full details for HD 3530 - Risk and Opportunity Factors in Childhood and Adolescence

Spring.

HD 3620 Human Bonding

Covers the science of interpersonal relationships. Examines the basic nature of human affectional bonds, including their functions and dynamics. Covers such topics as interpersonal attraction and mate selection, intimacy and commitment, love and sex, jealousy and loneliness, the neurobiology of affiliation and attachment, and the role of relationships in physical and psychological health.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 3620 - Human Bonding

Spring, Summer.

HD 3700 Adult Psychopathology

A theoretical and empirical approach to the biological, psychological, and social (including cultural and historical) aspects of adult psychopathology. Readings range from Freud to topics in psychopharmacology. The major mental illnesses are covered, including schizophrenia as well as mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. Childhood disorders are not covered.

Full details for HD 3700 - Adult Psychopathology

Spring.

HD 4000 Directed Readings

For study that predominantly involves library research and independent study.

Full details for HD 4000 - Directed Readings

Fall, Spring.

HD 4020 Supervised Fieldwork

For study that involves both responsible participation in a community setting and reflection on that experience through discussion, reading, and writing. Academic credit is awarded for this integration of theory and practice.

Full details for HD 4020 - Supervised Fieldwork

Fall, Spring.

HD 4030 Teaching Assistantship

For study that includes assisting faculty with instruction.

Full details for HD 4030 - Teaching Assistantship

Fall, Spring.

HD 4240 Stress, Emotion, and Health

Reviews theory and research on stress, emotions, and health. This course offers opportunities for students to develop new ways to integrate theory and research on stress and health with the advances in the science of affect and emotion. In this course, undergraduate 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.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 4240 - Stress, Emotion, and Health

Spring.

HD 4580 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". 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.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 4580 - The Science of Social Behavior

Spring.

HD 4720 Current Research in Emotion, Cognition, and Brain

HD 4765 How to Think Like a Scientist

What does it mean to think like a scientist?  This course will explore the structure of scientific thinking, from its philosophical foundations through current efforts to make science fair and replicable. The thought processes that underlie the methods used in psychology and neuroscience are rarely made explicit in courses on statistics and research methods – understanding these thought processes can make us better scientists and sharper thinkers.

Catalog Distribution: (KCM-HE, SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 4765 - How to Think Like a Scientist

Spring.

HD 4790 Contemporary Perspectives on Human Bonding

Provides students who have taken and excelled in HD 3620, an opportunity to explore the topics/theories/issues in greater depth and share their insights and discoveries with students currently enrolled in HD 3620. Specifically, students enrolled in HD 4790 will conduct searches of the latest scientific literatures and popular press writings with the goal of developing a presentation and leading discussions.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 4790 - Contemporary Perspectives on Human Bonding

Spring.

HD 4850 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.

HD 4860 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.

Full details for HD 4860 - Nearest Neighbor

Fall, Spring.

HD 4940 Moral Psychology in Action

Moral Psychology in Action is an applied psychology course for students who want to make a difference in the world through ethical leadership and positive contributions in organizations, and who are drawn to scholarly work on psychology, ethics, and morality.

Full details for HD 4940 - Moral Psychology in Action

Spring.

HD 4990 Senior Honors Thesis

Fall, Spring.

HD 6200 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.

HD 6210 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.

HD 6610 Text and Networks in Social Science Research

This is a course on networks and text in quantitative social science. The course will cover published research using text and social network data, focusing on health, politics, and everyday life, and it will introduce methods and approaches for incorporating high-dimensional data into familiar research designs. Students will evaluate past studies and propose original research.

Catalog Distribution: (SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 6610 - Text and Networks in Social Science Research

Spring.

HD 6690 The Nature and Function of Affectional Bonds

This course will examine human bonding primarily from a psychological perspective, drawing on empirical and theoretical work from the fields of developmental, clinical, evolutionary, cognitive, personality, and social psychology, and secondarily from ethology, anthropology, sociology, and neurobiology. The central goal of the course is to define and explain basic structure, functions, dynamics, and formation of human affectional bonds, especially those of the attachment and mating variety.

Full details for HD 6690 - The Nature and Function of Affectional Bonds

Spring.

HD 6710 Graduate Seminar in Psychopathology

This course provides an overview to the etiology, manifestation, diagnosis, course, and treatment of the most commonly presented DSM-V psychological disorders.

Full details for HD 6710 - Graduate Seminar in Psychopathology

Spring.

HD 6720 Current Research in Emotion, Cognition and Brain

HD 6765 How to Think Like a Scientist

What does it mean to think like a scientist? This course will explore the structure of scientific thinking, from its philosophical foundations through current efforts to make science fair and replicable. The thought processes that underlie the methods used in psychology and neuroscience are rarely made explicit in courses on statistics and research methods – understanding these thought processes can make us better scientists and sharper thinkers.

Catalog Distribution: (KCM-HE, SBA-HE)

Full details for HD 6765 - How to Think Like a Scientist

Spring.

HD 7000 Directed Readings

For study that predominantly involves library research and independent study.

Full details for HD 7000 - Directed Readings

Fall, Spring.

HD 7010 Empirical Research

For study that predominantly involves collection and analysis of research data.

Full details for HD 7010 - Empirical Research

Fall, Spring.

HD 7030 Teaching Assistantship

For students assisting faculty with instruction. Does not apply to work for which students receive financial compensation.

Full details for HD 7030 - Teaching Assistantship

Fall, Spring.

HD 8990 Master's Thesis and Research

Fall, Spring.

HD 9990 Doctoral Thesis and Research

Fall, Spring.

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