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PSY 101 - Foundations in Psychological Science

This course provides an overview of current topics in the field of psychology. Topics include human development, language, learning, memory, motivation, neuroscience, perception, psychopathology, and social behavior. Concept labs and applied labs will address the descriptive and experimental aspects of the topics covered in the lectures.

PSY 200 - Methods in Health Psychology

This course explores the biological, psychological, and social factors involved in the process of health behavior change using the major theories and models of health behavior. Students will engage in a self-directed behavior modification project on a health behavior of their choosing (e.g., improving sleep hygiene, moderating alcohol intake, reducing screen time, increasing physical activity).

PSY 201 - Methods in Psychology: Brain & Behavior

This course will investigate the basic principles of neuropharmacology and neural science with an emphasis on brain systems and synaptic mechanisms implicated in behavior. Laboratories will include experimentation using animal models.

PSY 202 - Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience

An investigation into the neural basis of perception, attention, and consciousness. The current research literature will be explored in depth and students will be introduced to experimental techniques including behavioral psychophysics and EEG/ERPs.

PSY 203 - Methods in Learning and Comparative Psychology

An exploration of basic principles of learning and behavior across species. Students will be exposed to the latest concepts and methods in the field via discussion and hands-on experimentation, and will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret animal and human behavior in a comparative context.

PSY 204 - Methods in Educational Psychology

A focus on the application of psychological science to issues of motivation in educational contexts. Students will be introduced to the primary literature and learn to use a variety of methodologies (e.g., quantitative, qualitative) for understanding how motivational processes operate across development.

PSY 206 - Methods in Psychopathology

This course will explore the use of experimental and quasi-experimental techniques to examine issues related to the etiology, expression, and treatment of psychiatric conditions. Students will apply methodologies from psychological science to better understand psychopathology.

PSY 207 - Methods in Social Psychology

This course examines the ways individuals think, feel, and act in social situations. Students will read the primary literature, learn about current empirical methods to approach social psychological questions, and conduct original empirical research.

PSY 208 - Methods in Cognitive Psychology

An introduction to the scientific study of human cognition through hands-on research. Students will read the primary literatureÌýandÌýlearn how to design and conduct experiments that use behavioral measures to test theory-driven hypotheses aboutÌýcognitive processes such as categorization, language, and reasoning.

PSY 209 - Methods in Decision Science

An introduction to the scientific study of judgment and decision-making (JDM) to explore how people make decisions and the limits of human rationality. Students will read interdisciplinary primary literature on JDM and learn how to design experiments and collect/analyze data to test hypotheses about human decision-making.

PSY 216 - History of Neuroscience

This course offers an overview of the development of neuroscience, focusing on the significant theories, experiments, and technological innovations that define the field as well as the context in which these key discoveries were made. It will cover the evolution of theories regarding brain function, and the methodological advancements that have enabled these discoveries. Topics range from the initial speculation about neural functions in ancient times and contributions to the field during the Renaissance and Enlightenment to the research of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with a focus on the latter.

PSY 217 - Neuroscience of Consciousness

This course offers an introduction to the scientific study of consciousness by examining the neural basis of perception, action, and various states of consciousness. Topics will include the impressive capabilities of unconscious perception and action, the relationship between attention and awareness, neural correlates and causes of conscious perception, disorders of consciousness, dreams and altered states of consciousness, neural representations of the self who is conscious, consciousness in nonhuman animals and artificial systems, and the evolution of consciousness.

PSY 218 - Neuroscience and Ethics: Navigating Objectivity in a Subjective World

We will explore the relationship between modern neuroscience and ethics, delving into the complexities of the human brain and the ethical considerations that should always accompany its study. This course examines the historical, cultural, social, and technological aspects that intersect and affect neuroscience research, looking to not only diagnose but to find potential solutions. This course encourages critical thinking and thoughtful conversation, challenging students to consider the ethical dimensions of neuroscience and encouraging a nuanced understanding of the field. Join us as we navigate the intersection of neuroscience and ethics, recognizing that while neuroscience may strive for objectivity, the individuals behind the research will always be biased by their circumstances.

PSY 219 - Mental and Brain Health

This course examines how definitions of mental health and disorder shape research, diagnosis, and care. Students will compare diagnostic, symptom-focused approaches that emphasize impairment with dimensional and transdiagnostic models that better capture heterogeneity and changing trajectories over time. The course integrates multiple levels of analysis, considering how explanations and interventions shift when attention moves from brain and behavior to social environment, culture, and systems of care. Students will develop skills in evaluating claims about "brain-based" mechanisms by weighing the strengths and limitations of neuroscience evidence, identifying hidden assumptions, and recognizing how oversimplified narratives can distort scientific findings and clinical decision-making. By the end of the course, students will be able to articulate and apply major frameworks to real-world cases and research questions.

PSY 220 - Disinformation and Propaganda

The course will explore the psychological science behind cognitive biases and heuristics that make us vulnerable to misinformation and disinformation. We will examine select historic propaganda campaigns but will focus primarily on the recent and ongoing Russian propaganda. We will also work to address and compensate for the constraints of human cognition that have been exploited by disinformation campaigns. In addition to covering the psychology of propaganda and cognitive biases, the course will also incorporate game theory research from the judgment and decision-making field, including tragedy of the commons, public goods, and social cooperation. The goal of the course is for students to recognize their biases, practice techniques for identifying misinformation and disinformation, and develop a model of ethical decision-making for sharing information.

PSY 225 - Psychology of Stress and Resilience

The goal of this course is to read and discuss theoretical and empirical work related to stress, coping, and resilience. Topics will include the neurobiology of stress (e.g., the HPA axis, the immune system), chronic disease (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer), mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety), stress management and coping strategies, ecological stressors (e.g., social and community factors, catastrophes), common life stressors (e.g., work, interpersonal conflict), and diversity-related stressors (e.g., minority stress). This course is designed to facilitate active, group-based discussion of empirical research, coupled with engagement in experiential learning activities and applications to real-world research and practice.

PSY 227 - Science Communication

This course covers science communication within the scientific community, including peer review and ethical considerations, and extends to public engagement through news articles, social media, and health advisories. It emphasizes concise, impactful communication, akin to social media efficiency. The curriculum splits between internal scientific communication-covering peer review and research ethics-and external communication, examining the portrayal of science in news and social media, with a keen focus on accuracy and public misinformation. Engaging with these dual aspects prepares students to adeptly navigate and bridge the complex world of scientific discourse and public dialogue.

PSY 230 - Comparative Cognition

An overview of current research and theory in comparative cognition-the scientific study of cognitive functioning from an evolutionary perspective. The course will emphasize continuities and discontinuities between humans and other animals in basic psychological processes, including decision-making, problem-solving, remembering, symbolic and relational learning, awareness, and communication. We will read and discuss the primary literature, with special emphasis on experimental issues and comparative methods.

PSY 232 - Socialization of the Child

This course will focus on the socialization process-the ways in which children's behaviors and personalities are shaped by their relationships to parents, peers, and the larger cultural context. Specific topics will include theory and research on emotional attachment to parents, the origins of friendship and prosocial behavior, aggression and bullying, the development of morality, the socialization of self-control, and the role of teachers and schools.

PSY 234 - Diversity and Human Development

What is diversity, and how does it affect human development? In this course, students will explore these questions through interdisciplinary perspectives and empirical research. We will examine the intersections between diversity and various aspects of human development, including its influence on individual growth, societal dynamics, and overall human development.ÌýThe course begins by defining diversity in its broadest sense, encompassing dimensions such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, culture, religion, ability, and more. We will discuss each dimension by reviewing empirical research findings as well as methods used to address issues related to diversity, inclusion, and equity in research. Then, students will explore the complex interactions between these diverse identities and their impact on human development across the lifespan.

PSY 242 - Human Sexuality

Human sexual behavior serves various purposes beyond procreation, including pleasure, intimacy, affiliation, and profit. In this course, we will consider how sexual identities develop over time, through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. We also will examine the boundaries society puts on sexuality and sexual expression through norms, laws, and social conventions. Our exploration will delve into the multifaceted aspects of human sexuality and its connection to our psychology.

PSY 300 - Memory

How good is your memory, and what is memory anyway? This course will explore human memory through a cognitive psychology lens, covering many decades of memory research. Topics include memory systems (e.g., short-term and long-term memory), encoding and retrieval, false memory, forgetting and memory disorders. In the lab component, students will participate in a collection of classical memory experiments before designing their own experiment to answer a novel research question.Ìý

PSY 319 - Psychology of Addictions

This course examines the psychology of addictive behaviors. We will study the use of alcohol and other drugs of abuse as well as other behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling disorder). We will explore historical and cultural attitudes toward addictions, prominent theories of the etiology and maintenance of these behaviors, basic epidemiology, and prevention and treatment models, all embedded within recent empirical findings.

PSY 322 - Social Psychology

An examination of psychological theory and research concerning the ways in which people think, feel, and act in social situations. Conferences will focus on areas of basic social psychological research and theory, including social cognition, attribution, impression formation, social interaction, intergroup and interpersonal relationships, and social influence. Special issues addressed in the course are stereotyping and prejudice, the self within the social context, and applications of social psychology to social problems. Opportunities for students to plan and conduct empirical research are available.

PSY 323 - Motivation in Educational Contexts

An overview of theory and research on motivation as it applies to educational contexts, focusing primarily on school-aged children. Why do some students focus on learning while others only care about getting the grade? How do rewards affect motivation? Why does failure sometimes debilitate and other times invigorate? How do we perceive our own academic abilities and how does this affect our self-worth? Where do these motivational processes come from and how do they develop? This course will draw on social, developmental, educational, and cognitive psychology as we address questions about achievement motivation.

PSY 324 - Health Psychology

This course explores the dynamic interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in health and disease. Major topics include psychosocial and contextual influences on health and behavior; the design and evaluation of individual treatments and population interventions; stress and coping; psychosocial effects of disease; physician-provider communication; health services utilization and adherence. Emphasis on theory, research design, and causal inference.

PSY 325 - Stereotyping and Prejudice

This course explores the nature, development, perpetuation, and reduction of stereotypes and prejudice. We will examine the psychological processes that allow prejudice to continue, the development and causes of intergroup perceptions and antagonism, ways in which feelings and beliefs about groups influence social perceptions and interactions, and empirically tested methods to reduce prejudice.

PSY 326 - Altruism and Self-Interest

ThisÌýcourse will explore the literature on altruism, social cooperation, and other prosocial behavior to contrast with the literature on self-interested, competitive, or antisocial behavior. Incredible technological and social achievements have been attained through human cooperation, and the need for further cooperation remains dire as we face climate change, food insecurity, and potential future pandemics. By looking at social cooperation as cognitive scientists, we will work to understand what conditions promote cooperation and prosocial behavior in our institutions and society at large. The course incorporates empirical and theoretical papers from cognitive psychology (e.g., judgment & decision-making), social psychology (e.g., in-group bias, conformity and obedience) and behavioral economics (e.g., game theory).ÌýThe weekly lab component provides an opportunity to get hands-on research experience exploring classic or novel questions.

PSY 331 - Clinical Neuropsychology

This course introduces neuropsychological assessment as a framework for understanding how acquired brain injury and other neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, neurodegenerative disease) affect cognition, communication, and everyday functioning. Students will learn to structure a neuropsychological evaluation by moving from referral questions to hypothesis-driven selection of assessment domains, and they will practice interpreting clinical case materials and neuropsychological reports. Common profiles will be examined (e.g., amnesia, aphasia, agnosia, executive dysfunction), with emphasis on translating findings into clear conclusions about strengths, limitations, and functional needs. The course concludes with an overview of how assessment results inform neurorehabilitation goals and treatment planning.

PSY 332 - Neuromodulation

An examination of tools and methods for neuromodulation. There are multiple nonpharmacological ways to alter brain function, from transcranial electric (tES) and magnetic stimulation (TMS) to deep brain stimulation (DBS). This course aims to equip students with a deep understanding of neuromodulation methods, their applications in treating neurological disorders, their profiles of advantages and disadvantages (i.e., convenience, effectiveness, invasiveness), and insight into future advancements in the field.

PSY 333 - Behavioral Neuroscience

An examination of the neural basis of behavior with a focus on brain anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and neural modeling. Specific topics include the organization and function of the nervous system, neuronal signaling, sensorimotor physiology, appetitive motivation, drug reward, neuroplasticity, epigenetics, and neuropathology. Laboratory includes mammalian brain dissection and experimentation using animal models.

PSY 334 - Cognitive Neuroscience

The neural basis of cognition will be examined by focusing on evidence from EEG, MEG, and fMRI in healthy human participants as well as lesions and intracranial EEG in patients. Topics will include perception, attention, memory, cognitive control, brain-computer interfaces, and consciousness. The laboratory will include structured training in the collection and analysis of human EEG data.

PSY 342 - Language and Thought

An examination of theory and research on the relation between language and cognitive processes. Languages differ dramatically in how their lexicons and grammars structure the world. Do these differences cause speakers of different languages to think differently? Or do they illuminate underlying commonalities in human cognition? Within a single language, how does describing or "framing" an issue using different words or grammatical forms influence judgment and decision-making? We will critically evaluate classic and contemporary research on these questions, focusing on the cognitive mechanisms by which language reflects and shapes the way we think.

PSY 348 - Statistical Analysis for Psychology

This course is designed to introduce the basic concepts, logic, and methods of research design and data analysis used in psychological research. Central questions include how to select, perform, and interpret statistical techniques while emphasizing the application of these techniques to students' own research projects. Topics include descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, t-tests, one-way and two-way analysis of variance, and correlational techniques.

PSY 351 - Psychopathology

This course focuses on description, conceptualization, etiology, development, and prognosis of maladaptive functioning. We examine theories and research about the origin and development of specific mental health disorders, including experimental, correlational, and cross-cultural research.

PSY 354 - Affective Science

Affective science is the study of mood and emotions. In this course, students will engage in scientific reading, critical discussion, and hands-on learning to explore questions like: Why do I have emotions? How do they impact my thoughts, behaviors, and relationships? And what can (or should) I do about it? Specific topics covered in this course include: the purpose and function of emotions, neurobiological underpinnings, methods for studying affect in the lab (e.g., psychophysiology, affect manipulation), emotion in the context of clinical mental health concerns (e.g., generalized anxiety, major depression), emotion regulation strategies, and how affective processes intersect with areas such as cognition, culture, and development.

PSY 361 - Developmental Psychology

An examination of theory and research on psychological development through the lifespan focusing primarily on cognitive and social growth in the childhood years. This course begins with an overview of theoretical frameworks and research methods specific to the study of development. We then explore chronologically the development of the individual through five major periods of life: infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

PSY 362 - Identity Development: Understanding the Self in Context

Developing a clear sense of who you are is a key developmental task. This course explores the complexities of identity development, drawing insights from a variety of disciplines and theoretical perspectives. Throughout this course, we will attempt to answer the questions: What is an identity? How does an individual's identity develop and change over time?ÌýWe begin with an examination of major theoretical frameworks on identity and identity development from the three main perspectives: developmental, social, and narrative psychology. Then, we will shift our focus to various components of personal and social identity, including ethnic-racial, career, and religious identity, as well asÌýidentities established within relational contexts, such as romantic relationships, friendships, or parenthood. Through discussions of empirical research, we will explore the dynamic interplay between personal characteristics and social influences in shaping one's identity. The format will be primarily conference, with some lecture in order to provide you with important background information and a framework for discussing the readings.

PSY 363 - Human Development in Adolescence

Adolescence is the only stage in the lifespan defined as a period ofÌýbecomingÌýrather thanÌýbeing. Over the past 25 years, the dramatic increase in social scientific research on adolescence has led to more complex and sophisticated theories and methodologies. Yet, many longstanding debates about the nature of adolescence-or even its very existence-continue. In this course, we will examine the fundamental physical, psychological, cognitive, and social changes that define this stage of life, as well as the developmental contexts in which these changes occur. The course will primarily follow a conference-style format, with short lectures at the beginning of each session to provide historical and theoretical context. We will also meet once a week in smaller groups for the laboratory component, where you will conduct a study exploring key questions in adolescent development.

PSY 366 - Cognitive Processes

An overview of the scientific study of human cognition-how people perceive, remember, categorize, communicate, represent, and reason about the world. We will examine classic and current empirical research in light of contrasting theories that characterize the mind as an information-processing device or as an embodied system. Conferences will focus on discussion of the primary literature, with special emphasis on the logic of experimental design, critical analysis of opposing findings, and real-world applications. Throughout the semester, students will work in small groups to design and carry out an empirical research project.

PSY 373 - Learning

We will undertake a systematic examination of the factors governing learned behavior, with emphasis on the relationship of animal to human behavior. Topics include learning through associations, selection by consequences, and modeling; drug addiction; discrimination and concept formation; choice and self-control; voluntary action and free will; and verbal behavior. Experimental methods and analyses are emphasized.

PSY 381 - Sensation and Perception

In this course students will investigate how the nervous system detects, analyzes, and creates meaning from environmental stimuli. The course explores the anatomy, physiology, and function of the sensory cells and the brain nuclei involved in various sensory modalities including vision, audition, olfaction, and touch. It investigates how these cells work in concert to produce a seamless perception of colors, textures, flavors, sounds, and smells.

PSY 411 - Advanced Topics in Psychological Science

A detailed examination of a current research area and/or methodological approach in psychological science, with an emphasis on primary literature. Not all topics are offered every year.

Neural Basis of Decision-Making
Decision-making is a fundamental cognitive process that shapes behavior, from everyday choices to complex problem-solving. This course examines the neural mechanisms underlying decision-making, integrating insights from cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, psychology, and adjacent fields. We will explore how brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and amygdala contribute to evaluating options, weighing risks and rewards, and adapting to uncertainty. Furthermore, we will discuss how animal models can help us understand why we (sometimes) make bad decisions. Topics include the role of dopamine in reinforcement learning, the impact of emotion, motivation and bias on choices, animal models such as gambling, alcohol consumption, among others.

Neurodegenerative Diseases
This course examines neurodegenerative disease through a translational dialogue between patients and the laboratory. Rather than memorizing a catalog of disorders, students will use selected conditions as anchors (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, FTD, ALS) to understand clinical presentations, disease courses, and heterogeneity, and to identify what clinical observation alone cannot explain. The course then traces how mechanistic hypotheses are tested using human and nonhuman studies, biomarkers, and model systems across behavioral, cellular, molecular, and genetic levels. Emphasis is placed on prodromal and preclinical stages, the distinction between symptomatic and disease-modifying therapies, and why translation often fails. Students will also consider ethical and practical challenges in emerging interventions, including invasive neuromodulation and gene-based approaches. Throughout, students will practice formulating tractable research questions grounded in real clinical and basic science problems. As a culminating project, students will simulate selected dimensions of a neurodegenerative disease and analyze behavioral and molecular data to evaluate how experimental evidence can inform translational questions.

PSY 417 - Attention and Consciousness Research

This course offers an in-depth look at the scientific study of consciousness by exploring research into the neurophysiology of attention and perception, and by addressing relevant theoretical considerations from neurophilosophy. Central questions will include: How can the electrical firing of neurons produce subjective experience? What types of brain processes establish the contents of consciousness, the continuity of consciousness, and the self who is conscious? How does neural activity differ for conscious versus unconscious processing? Students will critically examine the research literature and work in small groups throughout the semester on independent research projects

PSY 442 - Clinical Psychology

We will discuss design and methodological issues related to studying the effectiveness and efficacy of psychological interventions. We examine theory and research for various schools of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, behavioral, and cognitive-behavioral interventions, with brief coverage of multicultural, family, child, and group approaches. Students participate in fieldwork in off-campus facilities related to mental health.

PSY 470 - Thesis

Theses in psychology will include empirical research-experimental, observational, or data analytical. Under unusual circumstances the requirement for empirical research may be waived by the department.

PSY 481 - Individual Work in Special Fields