12043

PSY 127 Neuroscience of Everyday Life

Frank Scalzo

Lab:

. T. . .

. . . Th .

10:10 - 1:10 pm

HDRANX 106

RKC 112

SCI

This course will examine the role of neuroscience in everyday life activities. We will examine how the nervous system functions in activities such as sleeping, waking, attention, sensory processes, eating, drinking, and cognitive processes. Basic neuronal function and synaptic regulation will be discussed, as well as how neural systems are organized and regulated to give rise to everyday behaviors. The laboratory will use scientific approaches to answer questions about the relationship between brain and behavior. Prerequisite: passing score on part 1 of the Mathematics Diagnostic.

Class size: 18

11969

PSY 141 Introduction to Psychological Science

David Shaenfield

M . W . .

11:50 - 1:10 pm

RKC 103

SSCI

How does the mind create the reality we perceive? How do experiences shape the brain, and how do processes in the brain influence thought, emotion and behavior? This course investigates these and similar questions by studying the science of the human mind and behavior. The course covers topics such as memory, perception, development, psychopathology, personality, and social behavior. A focus is on the biological, cognitive, and social/cultural roots that give rise to human experience. Additionally, the course will consider how behavior differs among people, and across situations. Class size: 40

11535	*PSY* *204* Research Methods in Psychology	Sarah Dunphy-Lelii		M . W . .		10:10 - 11:30 am	HEG 204	SCI
12053		Lab A:	. . W . .		1:30 -3:30 pm		HDR 101A
12054		Lab B:	. . . Th .		10:30 -12:30 pm		HDR 101A

This course is a continuation of Psychology 203. Its objectives are to extend the skills and abilities students acquired in the fall semester, and to provide an introduction to the research methods and data analyses used in the study of psychology. Students will gain an understanding of research methods and design through a combination of readings, lectures, class discussions, and hands-on laboratory experience. Students will work both individually and in groups to design and conduct observational studies, surveys, and experiments. There will be a strong emphasis on learning to present research results in different ways. Ethical issues will be discussed at each stage of the research process, and students will develop their ability to assess research critically. This course has a choice of labs, see above. Students should register separately for the lab. Class size: 34

11850

PSY 220 Social Psychology

Kristin Lane

. . W . F

3:10 -4:30 pm

RKC 102

SSCI

Cross-listed: Gender & Sexuality Studies, Sociology Social Psychology is the scientific study of human thought, behavior, and feelings in their social contexts. This class will survey many of the processes that influence and are influenced by our interactions with others, such as attitude formation and change, conformity and persuasion. We will also use principles of social psychology to understand the ordinary origins of benevolent (e.g., altruism, helping behavior) and malevolent (e.g., aggression, prejudice) aspects of human behavior. Throughout the course, we will emphasize the influence of culture, race, and gender on the topics addressed. Students should have completed Introduction to Psychology or its equivalent. Class size: 22

11851

PSY 243 Human Memory

Barbara Luka

. T . Th .

10:10 - 11:30 am

OLIN 201

SSCI

Cross-listed: Mind, Brain, & Behavior Memory is fundamental to all aspects of learning and behavior in all animal species. However, the study of human memory presents a special case because humans use language. Language provides a unique mechanism for encoding and retrieving memories, but language also biases memory. This course is an overview of classic theories and current research in human learning and memory. We will evaluate models of memory, including debates on the cognitive representations of knowledge. We will also examine the role of awareness in memory, false memory, the biological bases of memory, diseases and disorders of memory, and methods for brain imaging. Prerequisite: 100 level course in Psychology or Biology or permission of the instructor. Class size: 22

11852

PSY 249 History & Systems of Psychology

Stuart Levine

M . W . .

11:50 -1:10 pm

RKC 101

SSCI

Over the course of the semester we study theoretical insights and conceptual attempts to understand human behavior. These are traced from the speculations within the Ancient World to current scientific thinking and methods guiding the study of psychology and other social science disciplines. Importantly, because a discipline is also about people who advance it, students are introduced to the lives and times and ideas of individuals who have made significant contributions to the field. Particular attention is given to such figures as James, Pavlov, Freud, Skinner and Asch, to mention just a few. Illumination will also come from a consideration of correspondence between and among pivotal individuals in the field. Critical analyses and integrations are juxtaposed with historical renderings. Upper college students likely will benefit from this course because they already possess the foundational knowledge necessary to draw comparisons and critically evaluate varying points of view. Lower college students likely will use the course to greet the intellectual domains they enter. All of the "pioneers" of psychology have authored major works that in their collective trace the path of the discipline. In addition they have written smaller pieces that express their particular point of view within the advancing domain of psychology. Our plan is to assign a chapter of a textbook each week and in many weeks of the semester an original reading offered by one of the "pioneers" we study. Class size: 22

12045

PSY 254 Motivation

David Shaenfield

M . W . .

3:10 -4:30 pm

HEG 106

SSCI

Motivation concerns the processes that give behavior its energy and direction. The study of motivation endeavors to explain “why we want what we want” and “why we do what we do.” This course introduces students to theory, concepts and methods in the field of motivation. A variety of topics will be covered including the biological bases of motivation, behavioral approaches, including drive and learning theories, cognitive approaches with its emphasis on competence and attribution theories, and the influence of emotion on motivation. Students will encounter empirical research in classroom discussions, textbook readings, and primary research reports. Hands-on experience will be gained by designing a motivational intervention. Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychological Science or permission of instructor. Class size: 24

11853

PSY 324 Psychophysiology

Barbara Luka

M . . . .

1:30 -3:50 pm

RKC 102

SSCI

Psychophysiology is the field of study correlating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral phenomena to physiological responses. A variety of response systems will be covered in this course, including heart rate, skin conductance, muscle activity (electromyography), changes in pupil diameter, and eye gaze. Special attention will be devoted to measures of brain activity, including electroencephalography, event-related potentials, functional magnetic resonance imaging, optical imaging, and magnetoencephalography. These types of psychophysical measures are widely used in studies of psychopathology, cognition, emotion, health, and social psychology. In addition, psychophysiological measures have been used for biofeedback, neurofeedback, and gaming applications. The course will involve a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstrations, and non-invasive laboratory experiences with biological recording technology. Tours of additional psychophysiology labs will occur outside of class meeting times. The course will emphasize theory, research methodology (strengths and limitations of each measure), and practical applications. Participants will complete a substantial literature review. Prerequisite: Moderation into psychology or consent of instructor. Class size: 12

11854

PSY 337 The Psychology of Prejudice

and Stereotyping

Kristin Lane

. . W . .

10:10 – 12:30 pm

HEG 201

SSCI/DIFF

Cross-listed: Human Rights This course focuses on the empirical study of intergroup relations. It is designed to provide an overview of the social psychological study of issues in prejudice and stereotyping. The bulk of the course will examine the cognitive, affective, and motivational origins of stereotyping and prejudice, but we will also explore the experience of being a target of prejudice – how are members of disadvantaged groups affected by cultural stereotypes and prejudice? A broad range of social groups will be considered, including gender and ethnicity. Finally, we will discuss scientifically-based means of prejudice reduction.

Class size: 12

11855

PSY 347 Brain Mechanisms of Addictive Behavior

Frank Scalzo

. . W . .

9:30 -11:50 am

HDR 101A

Rapid strides have been made recently in our understanding of the neurological underpinnings of addiction. This research conference will begin with a brief history of our understanding of the mechanisms of brain reward systems and how the findings in this area have led to modern concepts of addictive behavior. An in-depth analysis will be made of contemporary theoretical and neurobiological approaches to conceptualizing and treating addictive behaviors, particularly drug abuse. Some consideration will be given to the extension of the addiction concept to such behaviors as gambling, eating, sexual activity and others. Primary source journal articles will be used in addition to excerpts from texts, and thus familiarity with research methods and statistics is required. Students will be expected to make frequent presentations in class. Class size: 12

11856

PSY COG Cognitive Psychology:

Advanced Methodologies

Barbara Luka

. . . Th .

2:30 -4:30 pm

PRE

(2 credits) This course provides opportunities for research experience in studies of language comprehension. The majority of time in this course will consist of independent laboratory research (working with participants, analyzing collected data, reviewing recently published empirical papers, improving academic writing skills). Students will complete a short literature review and develop a research proposal. Independent research projects often span two consecutive semesters. Open to first, second and third year students with consent of the instructor. Class size: 6

11857

PSY DEV Developmental Psychology:

Advanced Methodologies

Sarah Dunphy-Lelii

. . . Th .

2:30 -4:30 pm

PRE

Cross-listed: Mind, Brain & Behavior (2 credits) In this course, students will participate in laboratory research in child developmental psychology. Special emphasis will be placed on 3- to 5-year olds' social cognition, perspective-taking, and memory in the context of games. The majority of time in this course will consist of independent laboratory work and research, and students will work with young children, parents, and members of the community to initiate research protocols in our Preston-based laboratory . There will be a weekly laboratory meeting, readings, assignments, two short papers (a literature review and a summary of your empirical project) and student presentations. Open to first-year, second-year and junior students with consent of the instructor. (This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.) Class size: 6

11858

PSY NEU Neuroscience:

Advanced Methodologies

Frank Scalzo

. . W . .

1:30 – 3:30 pm

HDR 106

(2 credits) In this course, students will participate in laboratory research in developmental psychopharmacology, behavioral neuroscience, neuroanatomy and/or neurobehavioral teratology using the zebrafish as an animal model. Within these general fields, specific roles of neurotransmitter systems in normal behavioral development and the neurobehavioral effects of chemical insults during early development will be investigated. The majority of time in this course will consist of independent laboratory work and research. There will be a weekly laboratory meeting, readings, assignments, two short papers (a literature review and a summary of your empirical project) and student presentations. Open to first-year, second-year and junior students with consent of the instructor (this course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits). Class size: 8

11859

PSY SOC Social Psychology:

Advanced Methodologies

Kristin Lane

. . . Th .

2:30 -4:30 pm

PRE

(2 credits)This course provides hands-on experience in the practice of Social Psychology. Students will work individually and in teams on ongoing research projects in the Social Psychology Laboratory. The realm of topics to be studied includes the roots of unconscious bias, the gender disparity in the sciences, and behavior change. Students will participate in all phases of the research process, including developing stimuli, programming studies, conducting experimental sessions, and coding and analyzing research data. Requirements include attendance at weekly lab meetings, two papers, a lab presentation, and other assignments throughout the semester. Enrollment is open to first-, second-, and third-year students with the permission of the instructor. Students are expected to enroll for two consecutive semesters. (This course may be taken for a maximum of eight credits.) Class size: 6