Introduction to the science of behavior including study of motivation, learning and remembering, the brain, perception and thinking, social processes, and developmental behavior disorders. Includes instruction on basic research methods in psychology, and requires students to find, read, and analyze primary research articles. Fulfills social science requirement (1998). Social/behavioral science requirement (2019).

May also be offered at 250, 350 and 450 levels. Prerequisites vary.

Mexican Childhoods is a team-taught, interdisciplinary course that explores empirical research on childhood and artistic representations of childhoods in Mexico, in addition to oral and literary cultures of Mexican childhoods. The course brings into focus Mexico, a country whose culture and history have important implications for life in the U.S.. The course includes a weeklong immersion in Oaxaca, Mexico, allowing students to witness varied experiences and representations of Mexican childhoods while learning from local experts.Some of the topics covered in this course will include: concepts of death in Mexican childhoods, the oral culture of Mexican childhoods (including riddles and folktales), diversity of caregiving practices, intergenerational transmission of cultural practices (indigenous, elite, religious, etc.), children?s rights, and experiences of migrantes retornados (Mexican and Mexican-heritage children who have moved from the U.S. to Mexico).

Psychological aspects of human growth and development across the lifespan, with emphasis on emerging capacities, expanding behavior, and increasingly complex social interactions. Includes instruction on basic research methods in psychology, and requires students to find, read, and analyze primary research articles. Includes community engagement. Fulfills social science requirement (1998). Social/behavioral science requirement (2019).

This course will introduce students to basic therapy concepts, techniques, and models. We will use television shows, movies, and in-class demonstrations, and consider how the media portrayals compare to the real work of therapy.

The study of mass media, including the impact of mass media on the ways people conceptualize the world, and the impact of mass media on human behavior. The course will look at a variety of media, including books and magazines, television, radio, film and the internet.

The study of African Americans from a psychological point of view, with emphasis on theories, research and models as they pertain to African Americans. The course examines a variety of issues, such as: ethnic identity, personality traits, nonverbal communication, racism, mental health and the legal system. Fulfills diversity in the U.S.

Study of the impact of human knowledge, attitudes and behavior on environmental problems and their solution. Fulfills social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Evaluating systems and environments requirement (2019).

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in African American children is a much-needed area of study. ADHD is one of the most diagnosed childhood behavior disorders. Traditional research has often failed to focus on African American children and youth with this disorder. In this course, we will explore characteristics, diagnosis, research, theories, treatment, and intervention techniques as it relates to African American children with this disorder. It will also address academic and behavioral challenges faced by this population, as well as the role that family, social, economic, and racial factors play in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. Fulfills diversity in the U.S. (1998). Sociocultural engagement requirement (2019).

May also be offered at 360 and 460 levels. Intensive reading and/or independent research on a topic of interest to the student. By departmental approval.

A comparison of prison systems in the U.S. and Norway from the perspectives of restorative justice, criminal justice, and psychology. Students will compare the goals, structures, and policies of the two systems, and consider the differential impact on violence, mental health, rehabilitation, and recidivism. Includes visits to prisons in the U.S. and Norway.

Using an experiential learning laboratory approach, this course provides students with a solid theoretical foundation for understanding interpersonal communication, the internal dynamics that lead individuals to construct meaning and the skills needed to maintain effective relationships of all kinds.

Community engagement, individually arranged so that students can become directly involved in work within the community. Highly recommended for all majors. May also be offered at the 390 level.

Application of methods for collecting and analyzing behavioral science data and for drawing inferences from such data.

Why choose parenthood or childfreedom? What's a "good parent?" And how do individual differences and sociocultural contexts (including power and privilege) influence parenthood? This course will teach you to apply evidence from psychology and related fields to parenthood. During the semester, you will construct a coherent, values-driven personal narrative about your experiences with parenthood and/or desires and intentions for future parenthood, childfreedom, or other caregiving.

The study of personality from a variety of perspectives; Emphasis on different personality theories and techniques of assessment and research.

Application of psychology to problems of employee selection, motivation, training, work environment and human relations in business, industry and other organizations.

Childhood and adolescent problems encountered by clinical psychologists, special education teachers, social workers, counselors and school psychologists examined in the context of normal child development. Emphasis is on psychological factors in deviant and disturbed behavior and treatment procedures. Includes community engagement.

The course will focus on a major theoretical perspective in psychology, including behaviorism, cognitive psychology, humanistic psychology, or psychoanalytic psychology, one or more theorists within a perspective, or a comparison of theories or theorists. Rotating titles. Repeatable.

Study of behavior from a biological point of view. Focus on the structure and function of the nervous system and on the relationships between behavior and the nervous system. Co-requisite: laboratory work.

Studies psychotherapy?s theoretical foundations and the therapist?s practical skills. The course will explore four to six therapeutic approaches in depth. The therapies chosen will vary each semester, as will the focus on individual, group, family or child modalities.

This course examines psychological disturbances that may be diagnosed in adulthood, studied in the context of modern life, genetics, and the socio-cultural milieu.

Detailed study of each of the major sensory systems, including the anatomy and physiology of each system, an analysis of the stimulus and measurements of sensory abilities. Laboratory work.

Factors affecting the behavior of the individual in the social setting; laboratory and field research in social interaction.

Examines various areas in which multiculturalism has been applied, such as education, mental health and counseling, and inter-group relations. Students investigate cultural differences in development, examine cultural and personal identity and explore ways of improving relations among cultures.

Variable title. Repeatable.

Study of the psychological aspects of language use, including language acquisition, language production and comprehension, the dynamics of interpersonal communication, and the relationship between language and thought. Also explores issues of memory, mental representation, and neuroscience as they relate to the study of language.

Film can be both a reflection of society and an agent for change. In this course, we will consider how social psychological principles are illustrated in film and how their depictions can be used to bring about social change, sometimes, but not always, for the better.

A comparison of prison systems in the U.S. and Norway from the perspectives of restorative justice, criminal justice, and psychology. Students will compare the goals, structures, and policies of the two systems, and consider the differential impact on violence, mental health, rehabilitation, and recidivism. Includes visits to prisons in the U.S. and Norway.

Selected theoretical and methodological issues of contemporary psychology.

Major research project designed and conducted under the supervision of a faculty member.

Thesis designed and conducted under the supervision of a committee, including one Chair who is in the psychology department and two other committee members (one inside and one outside the department). Requires a thesis defense to the committee and entire department. Departmental honors are awarded only after approval of the committee and department.