39 courses with the subject PSYC, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PSYC 105Introduction to Psychological Science1
This course is designed to introduce the student to fundamental psychological processes, their nature and development, and contemporary methods for their study through a survey of the major research areas in the field. Areas covered include the biological and evolutionary bases of thought and behavior, motivation and emotion, learning, memory, thinking, personality, developmental, and social psychology. Some sections of this course are taught as a traditional introductory survey. Other sections may take a more topical focus to their survey. In all sections, students are expected to participate in three hours of psychological research during the semester. The Department. Open to all classes. Enrollment limited. Two 75-minute periods. Course Format: CLS
PSYC 108Reading and Writing in Psychological Science1
This first-year writing seminar is designed to develop critical reading skills across a range of work in Psychological Science and to practice different kinds of writing. The specific topics of these first-year writing seminars in Psychological Science vary, and despite its variety of topics, this course may not be repeated for credit.
An overview of principles of statistical analysis and research design applicable to psychology and related fields. Topics include descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, concepts of reliability and validity, and basic concepts of sampling and probability theory. Students learn when and how to apply such statistical procedures as chi-square, z-tests, t-tests, Pearson product-moment correlations, regression analysis, and analysis of variance. The goal of the course is to develop a basic understanding of research design, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and the appropriate use of statistical software for performing complex analyses. The Department.
PSYC 105 or its equivalent, COGS 100 or NEUR 105 . Two 75-minute periods. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall and Spring
PSYC 201Principles of Social Psychology1
The study of the individual under social influences, including such topics as attitude formation and change, prosocial behavior, aggression, social influence processes, group dynamics, attribution theory, and interpersonal communication processes. Dara Greenwood.
(Same as MEDS 204 ) This course is designed to introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of “media psychology,” which applies social scientific theory and methodology to the study media use, content, and impact. We first review theoretical contributions from both Communication Studies and Social Psychology before moving into a range of “hot topics” in the field (e.g., violent media, persuasion and advertising, news, politics, representations of social groups, social media). Along the way, we consider: psychological processes relevant to media use and impact, individual differences that motivate selective exposure and reception, the positive and negative effect that media may have on our attitudes and behaviors, and the complexities of developing and executing media effects research. Dara Greenwood.
PSYC 105 is required. MEDS 160 is recommended but not required. Two 75-minute periods. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Spring
PSYC 209Research Methods in Social Psychology1
A survey of research methods in social psychology. Every stage of the research process is considered including hypothesis generation, operationalization of variables, data collection and analysis, and communication of results. Observational, questionnaire, and experimental approaches are considered. The focus is on the development of skills necessary for evaluating, designing, and conducting research. Payton Small.
PSYC 200 and PSYC 201 or PSYC 253 . Regular laboratory work. Enrollment limited. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall
PSYC 221Learning and Behavior1
A survey of major principles that determine the acquisition and modification of behavior. Topics include the relation of learning and evolution, habituation and sensitization, classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment, stimulus control, choice behavior, animal cognition, concept formation, perceptual learning, language, reasoning, and self-control.
PSYC 222Psychological Perspectives on the Holocaust1
(Same as JWST 222 ) The Holocaust has spawned several now classic programs of psychological research. This course considers topics such as: anti-Semitism and stereotypes of Jews; the authoritarian and altruistic personalities; conformity, obedience, and dissent; humanistic and existential psychology; and individual differences in stress, coping and resiliency. The broader implications of Holocaust-inspired research is explored in terms of traditional debates within psychology such as those on the role of the individual versus the situation in producing behavior and the essence of human nature. The ethical and logical constraints involved in translating human experiences and historical events into measurable/quantifiable scientific terms are also considered. Debra Zeifman.
PSYC 229Research Methods in Learning and Behavior1
(Same as NEUR 229 ) An introduction to experimental and observational methods in animal learning and behavior. Laboratory experiences have included audio recording and quantitative analysis of animal sounds (bat echolocation and birdsong), operant conditioning, census taking, determining dominance hierarchies, and human visual and auditory psychophysics. Kevin Holloway.
PSYC 200 and PSYC 221 or PSYC 223 . Regular laboratory work. Enrollment limited. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Spring
PSYC 231Principles of Development1
The study of principles and processes in developmental psychology, surveying changes in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development during the life span. Major theoretical orientations to the growing person are illustrated by empirical material and supplemented by periodic observations of children in natural settings. Nicholas de Leeuw, Carolyn Palmer. Carolyn Palmer, Debra Zeifman.
Health Psychology is the scientific study that applies psychological theory and empirical research to examine the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of illness. Students taking this course will gain a firm foundation in health psychology, and learn about the various scientific approaches to understanding the mind/body connection. This course takes a biopsychosocial approach and considers research and theory related to health promotion, illness prevention, and behavior change. Students learn about psychophysiological processes relevant to health psychology (e.g., immunology) and examine health processes in diverse populations with regard to age, ethnicity, socioeconomic backgrounds and health status. Topics may include health enhancing and health damaging behaviors, pain management, stress and coping. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating primary sources, drawing from empirical studies in psychology, public health, and behavioral medicine. Michele Tugade.
PSYC 105 . Two 75-minute periods. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall
PSYC 239Research Methods in Developmental Psychology1
Problems and procedures in developmental research are examined. The course considers issues in the design of developmental research, basic observational and experimental techniques, and reliability and validity of developmental data. Students may work with children of different ages in both laboratory and naturalistic settings. Debra Zeifman.
(Same as NEUR 241 ) The role of physiological systems, especially the brain, in the regulation of behavior. In addition to basic topics in neuroscience (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry and pharmacology), topics may include: sensory mechanisms, motivational systems (e.g., sleep, eating, reproductive behaviors), emotion, learning and memory, language, stress and psychopathology. Hadley Bergstrom, Bojana Zupan.
PSYC 105 or its equivalent, or NEUR 105 . Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall and Spring
PSYC 249Research Methods in Physiological Psychology1
(Same as NEUR 249 ) The study of experimental methods in physiological psychology. In addition to exploring issues related to the ethics, design, measurement, analysis and reporting of research, laboratory topics may include: neuroanatomy, behavioral responses to pharmacological and/or surgical interventions, electrophysiology, neuropsychology, neurochemistry and histology. Lori Newman, Bojana Zupan.
PSYC 200 , and PSYC 241 or PSYC 243 . Regular laboratory work. Enrollment limited. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall and Spring
PSYC 253Individual Differences and Personality1
An introduction to contemporary approaches to understanding personality. The focus of the course is on evaluating recent theories and research that attempt to uncover the underlying dimensions that distinguish one person from another. Emphasis is placed on understanding behavior in interactions with others; the development of personality over time; and people’s intuitive theories about personality, including their own.
PSYC 105 . Not offered in 2026/27. Course Format: CLS
PSYC 259Research Methods in Personality and Individual Differences1
The study of research methods in personality and individual differences. Every stage of research is considered: the generation of hypotheses; the operationalization of variables; the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data; and the communication of results. The focus is on the development of skills necessary for evaluating, designing, and conducting research.
PSYC 200 and PSYC 253 . Regular laboratory work. Enrollment limited. Not offered in 2026/27. Course Format: CLS
PSYC 262Principles of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology1
A survey of research and theory concerning the nature, origins, and treatment of major psychological disorders. The course considers behavioral, biological, cognitive and psychodynamic approaches to understanding psychopathology. Topics may include schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, childhood disorders, and personality disorders. Abigail Baird, Sue Trumbetta. Thomas Kim.
PSYC 269Research Methods in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology1
The study of research methods in psychopathology and clinical psychology. Every stage of research is considered: the generation of hypotheses, operationalization of variables, data collection, analysis and evaluation, and presentation of results. The focus is on the development of skills particular to research with clinical populations including ethical considerations, structured clinical interviews, behavioral observations, reliable and valid assessment, and measurement of change over time. Jannay Morrow.
PSYC 200 and PSYC 262 . Two 2-hour periods. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Spring
PSYC 274Topical Applications in Psychological Science
0.5 to 1 unit(s) Individual or group studies with prior approval of the adviser and of the instructor who supervises the work. This course focuses on advanced topical applications of psychological science.
Permission of the instructor. One 75-minute period. Not offered in 2026/27. Course Format: INT
PSYC 283Born This Way: Essentialism across disciplines1
(Same as PHIL 283 ) Essentialism – the idea that categories like oak tree, woman, or American are natural rather than constructed, that identity is fixed rather than flexible, that characteristics are inborn rather than acquired, and that behavior reflects nature rather than nurture – has been a powerful idea ever since it first became en vogue in the 1800s. This course traces this idea from its theoretical and historical foundations (Philosophy) to its biological reality (Biology) and its cognitive and social implications (Psychology), as students journey from theory to practice within the span of 12 weeks. Across the course, we focus especially on essentialism as it relates to social categories such as race, gender, LGBTQ identities, mental illness, and disability. Kate Pendoley, Rebecca Peretz-Lange.
One 100-level course in Philosophy, Psychology, or Cognitive Science, or permission of the instructor. Two 75-minute periods. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Spring
PSYC 290Community-Engaged Learning
0.5 to 2 unit(s) Individuals or group field projects or internships, with prior approval of the adviser and the instructor who supervises the work. May be elected during the college year or during the summer. The Department. Course Format: INT
0.5 to 1 unit(s) Ungraded independent research. A student wishing to take this course must first gain the support of a member of the Psychological Science faculty, who agrees to sponsor the student engaging in independent work focused on specific psychological phenomena. Students are expected to meet regularly with the faculty sponsor and complete a final exercise. The Department.
PSYC 201 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Spring
PSYC 321Seminar in Animal Learning and Behavior1
An in-depth analysis of selected mechanisms of learning and behavior. Topics can vary from year to year, but may include animal cognition, language and communication, behavioral ecology, and recent advances in the theory and neurophysiology of learning and behavior.
PSYC 221 or PSYC 223 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor. One 2-hour period. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Spring
PSYC 323Seminar in Evolutionary Psychology1
Applications of comparative psychology to a specific topic. Topics can vary from year to year, and have in the past included altruism, sex differences, aggression, language, etc. The focus is how theory and data from other species inform questions about human functioning.
PSYC 221 or PSYC 223 or BIOL 340 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor. One 2-hour period. Not offered in 2026/27. Course Format: CLS
PSYC 331Seminar in Developmental Psychology1
Seminar in current issues, research, and theory in developmental psychology. Topics vary and may include laboratory work. Debra Zeifman.
PSYC 231 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Spring
PSYC 334Seminar: Tools for Transformation1
What’s the science behind self-help? What processes keep us mired in habit, and what processes help us transform? And why do we need so many guides? In this seminar we explore methods of awareness and self-transformation, particularly examining theory and research evidence of effectiveness. Additionally, we sample a variety of evidence-based practices, in class and course projects. Students engage in a project of personal value, and interview others about methods that work for them. We consider principles of motivation, development, neuropsychology, creativity, cognition, relationship, individual differences, and topics of specific interest to enrolled students. Carolyn Palmer.
At least two 200-level Psychological Science courses, and a research methods course (may be concurrent). One 2-hour period. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall
PSYC 341Seminar in Physiological Psychology1
Analysis of selected topics in physiological psychology. Topics vary from year to year but may include learning, memory, human neuropsychology, neuropharmacology, psychopharmacology, sensory processes, emotion, and motivation. Hadley Bergstrom.
PSYC 241 or PSYC 243 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor. One 2-hour period. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall
PSYC 353Seminar in Individual Differences and Personality1
Intensive study of selected topics in personality and individual differences. Theory and empirical research form the core of required readings. Topics studied reflect the interests of both the instructor and the students. Michele Tugade.
PSYC 253 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor. One 2-hour period. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall
PSYC 362Seminar in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology1
An intensive study of research and theory concerning the nature, origins, and treatment of major psychological disorders. Topics vary but may include schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, childhood disorders, and personality disorders. Abigail Baird, Sue Trumbetta.
PSYC 262 , a research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall and Spring
PSYC 364Seminar in Behavior Genetics1
This course explores genetic contributions to complex behavioral phenotypes. Its primary focus is on genetic contributions to human behavior with some attention to comparative and evolutionary genetics. Quantitative methods are emphasized.
A research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor. One 2-hour period. Not offered in 2026/27. Course Format: CLS
PSYC 375Advanced Topical Applications in Psychological Science
0.5 to 1 unit(s) Individual or group studies with prior approval of the adviser and of the instructor who supervises the work. This course focuses on advanced topical applications of psychological science. Carolyn Palmer.
At least two 200-level courses (besides 200/stats or research methods); and permission of the instructor. One 2-hour period. Course Format: INT
Offered
Spring
PSYC 379Advanced Research Methods in Psychological Science1
Individual or group studies with prior approval of the adviser and of the instructor who supervises the work. This course focuses on advanced research, statistical techniques, and/or visualization in psychological science. The Department.
A research methods course in Psychological Science, and permission of the instructor. Individual conferences with the instructor. Course Format: INT
Offered
Fall and Spring
PSYC 384Seminar: Grand Challenges of Global Mental Health1
(Same as STS 384 ) This seminar examines empirical literature related to each of the nine grand challenges of global mental health identified by Bajbouj et al. (2022), which include health in conflict and crisis settings, access to treatment and medical services, public trust and health literacy, health disparities, mental health care in pandemics, health and climate crisis, new technologies, education of health workers, and child and adolescent health. We also consider empirical research on the role of local and regional culture in the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of mental health concerns, and its specific relevance to these nine challenges. Sue Trumbetta.
Permission of the instructor. One 3-hour period. Course Format: CLS
Offered
Fall
PSYC 390Senior Research1
Graded independent research. A student wishing to take this course must first gain the support of a member of the Psychological Science faculty, who agrees to sponsor a student as they design and carry out an investigation focused on a specific psychological phenomenon. In addition to a final paper and regular meetings with the faculty sponsor, the faculty sponsor may require additional readings, writing, lectures, laboratories, group meetings, or other scholarly activities related to the focus of the student’s research. The Department.
Permission of the instructor. Individual conferences with the instructor. Course Format: INT
Offered
Fall and Spring
PSYC 397Senior Empirical Thesis1
This is a year-long thesis project conducted collaboratively with a participating faculty member on an empirical research project. In Psychology 397, students work to identify a conceptual question of interest, read and integrate background literature on that topic, and formulate a novel research plan. In PSYC 398 , students carry out their proposed studies by collecting data, statistically analyzing the results of the study, and interpreting how the results relate to the study’s original hypothesis and existing findings in the field. Both semesters involve intensive writing, with detailed feedback from the primary faculty adviser and a second faculty reader, as well as a formal presentation of the research findings to other students and faculty. Completion of PSYC 398 is required to receive credit for Psychology 397. The Department.
Psychology research methods course and permission of the instructor. One 4-hour period. Not offered in 2026/27. Course Format: INT
PSYC 398Senior Empirical Thesis1
This is a year-long thesis project conducted collaboratively with a participating faculty member on an empirical research project. In PSYC 397 , students work to identify a conceptual question of interest, read and integrate background literature on that topic, and formulate a novel research plan. In Psychology 398, students carry out their proposed studies by collecting data, statistically analyzing the results of the study, and interpreting how the results relate to the study’s original hypothesis and existing findings in the field. Both semesters involve intensive writing, with detailed feedback from the primary faculty adviser and a second faculty reader, as well as a formal presentation of the research findings to other students and faculty. Completion of Psychology 398 is required to receive credit for PSYC 397 . The Department.
