Do we all see colors the same way? How did so many ‘good’ people support the Nazi party? Do crossword puzzles really stave off Alzheimer’s Disease? This course tries to answer these questions and many others, providing a comprehensive overview of the scientific study of the mind. We’ll explore topics such as perception, language, memory, decision-making, creativity, love, sex, art, politics, religion, dreams, drugs, brain damage and mental illness, grappling with deep and long-standing controversies along the way: differences between the sexes, the relationship between mind and brain, causes and consequences of racism, human uniqueness (or not) within the animal kingdom, nature vs. nurture, good and evil, consciousness. Appropriate for anyone wanting to know who and what we are as human beings (or who noticed that psychology is now on the MCAT).

Credits: 3

This course examines the psychological disorders that are usually first diagnosed prior to adulthood.  Some of the specific disorders that will be discussed are Attention-Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Learning Disorders and Intellectual Disability.
Students will become familiar with various diagnoses, etiologies, and methods of treatment.  Note: This course does not count toward the Psychology Major.

Credits: 3

Students will develop a working knowledge of the characteristics that have been identified through research as being important in effective college transitions. Using practical and theoretical objectives, the course will explore the relevance of developmental and positive psychological processes as they apply in academic and social settings and provide theory-based research approaches for thriving in college and beyond. The developmental period of emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) will be discussed with a primary focus on cognitive, moral, and identity development theories. Students also will gain an understanding of what contributes to thriving and how to build the enabling conditions of a life worth living. The developmental theories and central concepts in positive psychology will provide students with a foundation to navigate college academic expectations and equip them with the attitudes, skills, and resources needed to function optimally and excel in college.

Credits: 3

Why is there evil in the world? Are some born evil, or do social, environmental and cultural forces create evil? What makes otherwise good people do evil things? The scientific study of evil epitomizes the fundamental challenge that psychology faces in dissecting the role of biology (nature) and the social context (nurture). Credit earned through this course counts toward the 120-credit degree requirement but does not count towards the Psychology major/minor. Students must be aged 18 or older to enroll, due to the sensitive nature of the material in this course (e.g., research on violence).

Credits: 3

Why do we ‘not see’ things right in front of us? What makes some memories crystal clear and others ‘hazy?’ Why does hurting a fake hand cause you physical pain? How can we recognize thousands of human faces? In this course we will learn about the cognitive processes—such as attention, memory and perception—that help us answer these kinds of questions. Through a combination of psychology and biology research, students will explore how the mind and brain give rise to how we interact with and experience the world. This course is designed for students who are interested in an introduction to psychology, biology, and neuroscience. Open to undergraduates and pre-college students.

Credits: 3

Dive into the world of behavioral neuroscience and discover how the brain gives rise to thought, emotion, and perception. This introductory course explores how the brain’s structure, electrical activity, and chemical signals shape everything from memory, motivation and decision-making. We’ll break down complex topics like neurotransmitters and neural circuits, showing how they connect to everyday experiences like learning, emotions and sleep. As you move through the course, you’ll learn how we study the biology underlying behavior using techniques like neuroimaging. You’ll also see how these methods are applied in the real world — powering innovations in mental health, neurotechnology, marketing, and design. Along the way, you’ll complete weekly quizzes to reinforce your understanding, and apply your knowledge through short assignments. The course is open to undergraduates and high school students.

Credits: 3

The course will review the growing field of positive psychology and will review the research on positive human attributes such as optimism, happiness, hope, resiliency, self-esteem, altruism, empathy, and forgiveness. This course will explore the research on how such positive attributes are developed and how they relate to psychological and physical well-being.

Credits: 3

This course explores modern-day social media use (e.g., Facebook, Match.com) through multiple theoretical lenses within psychology. Through weekly student-led discussions and readings, it will accomplish 3 aims:  1) applying psychology of identity, motivation, and communication to social media (e.g., self-presentation, intergroup dynamics), 2) investigating clinical/health implications of social media use (e.g., addiction, loneliness), and 3) exploring social media as data-gathering environments (e.g., user experience research from already committed guest-speakers who work in social media industries).  Recommended Course Background: at least 1 course in introductory psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology and/or clinical psychology.

Credits: 3

This course examines both the evolution and mechanisms of hormonal effects on behavior across animals, including humans. Topics will include the effects of hormones on sexual differentiation, reproductive behavior, parental behavior, stress and social behavior. Additionally, this course emphasizes developing skills in hypothesis testing and critically assessing the scientific literature. Cross-listed with Behvioral Biology and Neuroscience.

Credits: 3