PSY

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

Are you fascinated by the ways in which artists and scientists reach creative breakthroughs? Ever wonder why you have aha! eureka moments in the shower? Do you wonder how you can improve your own creativity? This course is intended for anyone interested in understanding the science behind creativity. Creativity is considered one of the most sophisticated forms of human cognition and is used by both artists and scientists to push the frontier of knowledge and expression. This course will introduce students to the predominant theories and research findings from cognitive science on creativity, including theories of divergent and convergent thinking, flow experiences, and eureka moments of insight. This course mixes lectures with in-class activities to teach students the latest findings from creativity research and elaborate on these concepts through creative experiences inside and outside the classroom. Students who complete this course will gain a solid understanding of the theoretical frameworks of creativity and activities that promote creativity, apply class concepts to improve their creative problem-solving and leverage creative processes to their advantage to work on reaching their full creative potential. This course will be taught in 2025-26, and in alternating years thereafter.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course provides an opportunity for students with little to no background in psychological science to learn about a special topic within Psychological Science. This course may be repeated for different topics.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Repeatable

may be repeated for different topics.

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course is intended for all students from all backgrounds and all experience levels. Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think, feel, and act toward other people in real or imagined social contexts. This course will examine human behavior in a variety of domains of social life. Topics will include, but not be limited to, person perception, attitude formation and change, conformity and obedience, helping others, interpersonal attraction, stereotyping and prejudice, and group behavior. Throughout the course, students develop a broad knowledge of the field, including core theoretical perspective, empirical research, and emerging trends. No previous experience with psychological science is necessary to take this course. Students may not receive credit for both PSY 1402 and PSY 2402.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

Why do people stand so close to you in other countries? Why should you avoid eating with your left hand in some places? Why do people drive on the left side of the road in some countries? How does your nationality influence the way you think about food? How is the U.S. viewed by other countries? In this course, we will explore these questions and many more as we learn about cross-cultural psychology. Cross-cultural psychology is the study of cultural effects on human behavior and diversity. We will examine theoretical perspectives and empirical findings in cross-cultural psychology. This course will cover topics such as: development, understanding the self, cognition, communication (verbal and nonverbal), emotion, relationships, prejudice, gender, mental and physical health, and what it means to live and work in a diverse and multicultural society. We will examine these issues both within the cultural groups in the United States as well as cultures around the globe. This course is designed to increase awareness and sensitivity to issues pertaining to diversity and differences among people and to allow for discussions on these sensitive topics.This course will be offered in academic years ending in odd numbers.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course is intended for students interested in exploring the links between the mind, brain, and social behaviors. In this class, we will focus on recent theorizing and methodologies from neuroscience that have identified psychological processes at play as we go about our dynamic and complex social lives. Specifically, we will examine the brain bases of social judgments, the experience and regulation of emotions, empathy, attachment, theory of mind, sexual attraction, romantic love, and neuroeconomics, among other topics. Along the way we will learn about a variety of methodological approaches used by social neuroscientists, including social psychology paradigms, lesion studies, patient research, and functional neuroimaging. Coursework will include group projects and presentations that summarize various social phenomena that may be of interest (e.g., social rejection) and their neural underpinnings, as well as opportunities to work with real brain data collected at WPI and other neuroimaging sites. Students may not receive credit for both this course and PSY 2800: Social Neuroscience.This course will be offered in academic years ending in odd numbers.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

328 WPI 2025-26 Catalog

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course is intended for anyone interested in the dynamic interplay between human psychology and the rapidly changing landscape of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. We will examine how core psychological processes such as perception, cognition, emotion, motivation, and identity influence, interact with, and are influenced by AI-driven systems and innovations. Topics will include human-AI interaction, algorithmic influences on decision-making, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping self-concept, social behaviors, and mental health. Special attention will be given to ethical and societal considerations, including bias in AI systems, digital agency, surveillance, and the psychological impacts of accelerated technological change. Students will also critically evaluate policy and design recommendations aimed at promoting responsible development and use of these technologies, with a focus on equity, transparency, and psychological well-being.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course provides an opportunity for students with some background and interest in psychological science to learn about a special topic within Psychological Science. This course may be repeated for different topics.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Repeatable

may be repeated for different topics.

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course provides an opportunity for students learn how to conduct psychological research in a research laboratory in psychological sciences. This course may be repeated for credit.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Repeatable

may be repeated for credit.

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

Positive psychology is the scientific study of positive experiences, character strengths and the practices that enable individuals and communities alike to thrive. This course invites students to understand factors that allow an individual to thrive and lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. Students will review the literature from psychological science, neuroscience, and applied practice research that empirically supports the psychological understanding of how to foster happiness, well-being, flourishing, and purpose in one’s life. Course topics covered from both a scientific/theoretical basis, and experiential manner, may include: gratitude, strengths, mindfulness, meditation, values, forgiveness, resilience, vulnerability, etc. Special attention will be given to experiential learning, including mindfulness practice and other evidence-based strategies that elicit positive emotion and increase stress coping, optimism, and resilience. This course is particularly suited for students with an interest in fostering mental health and well-being.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course is intended for students interested in learning about gender and psychology. The course will provide an overview of research and theory in the field. We will examine the myths and stereotypes associated with gender in our society, the social and psychological gender similarities and differences that have been identified in research, and consider gender with an intersectional lens (e.g., considering different identities). We will also examine longstanding and contemporary issues pertaining to the psychology of gender. Students may not receive credit for both PSY 2407 and PSY 3407. This course will be offered in academic years ending in even numbers.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

How do religion, laws, and public policies influence perceptions of sex? What effects does pornography have on sexual attitudes and behaviors? How widespread is sexual and domestic violence? In this class, we will explore questions relating to sexuality. Human sexuality is the study of the biological, evolutionary, social, cultural, and political perspectives relating to sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We will discuss topics such as: gender identity, sexual orientation, anatomy and physiology of the act of sex, relationships, sexual aggression, pornography, contraception, pregnancy, abortion, sexuality over the lifespan, and the role of religion, law, policies, and culture on sexuality. We will think about how sexuality influences how we think and act in the world around us. We will examine sexuality within the United States and throughout the world. This course is designed to increase awareness and sensitivity to sexuality and issues relating to it. Discussions in class will be candid and on sensitive and controversial topics. No prior experience with psychology is needed to take this course, just an open mind. Students may not receive credit for both PSY 2504 and PSY 3504.This course will be offered in academic years ending in odd numbers.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course provides an opportunity for students with a solid background and interest in psychological science to learn about a special topic within Psychological Science. This course may be repeated for different topics.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Repeatable

may be repeated for different topics.

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course provides an opportunity for students to conduct psychological research in a research laboratory in psychological sciences. This course may be repeated for credit.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Repeatable

may be repeated for credit.

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

NOTES: 1. Only one course in this subset can be at the 1000-level 1/3 unit can come from a related course in another discipline that is related to the students area of interest or it may be an additional Diversity Science Psych Science course. Related courses need approval by the Diversity Science Advisor and may include courses such as: Item # Title Units

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course is intended for students interested in the integration between psychology and physiology and will be especially useful for students pursuing degrees and careers in psychology, biology, healthcare, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience. The field of Psychophysiology seeks to answer two key questions: (1) How do psychological factors get “under the skin” to affect our physiology? (2) How can we infer someone’s psychological state based on a physiological measurement? This course covers topics relevant to fundamental stress physiology (e.g., the nervous system, neuroendocrinology, the immunity system etc.), advanced methodologies for assessing psychophysiological constructs (e.g., neuroimaging, electromyography, biospecimens), and both foundational and emerging findings from the field. Students will develop an integrated knowledge of the core anatomy and activities of physiological systems relevant to psychology, the primary methodologies used in psychophysiological research, and key relationships between psychological factors and physiological outcomes. They will also learn to apply this knowledge to critically examine scientific research and literature and contextualize psychophysiology research into real-world trends in health and illness.This course will be offered in academic years ending in odd numbers.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

Alternatively, the capstone research experience may be satisfied by conducting independent research in a psychology laboratory under the direction of a Psychological Science faculty member. Independent research projects are registered under one of the following designations: Item # Title Units

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course provides an opportunity for students with a strong background and interest in psychological science to learn about a special topic within Psychological Science. This course may be repeated for different topics.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Repeatable

may be repeated for different topics.

Edition

2025-2026-undergraduate

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net

This course provides an opportunity for students to conduct advanced psychological research in a research laboratory in psychological sciences. This course may be repeated for credit.

Subject

PSY

Type

course

Repeatable

may be repeated for credit.

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

Catalog 2026-2027

Source

wpi.cleancatalog.net