An exploration of methods of inquiry in social psychology with emphasis on experimental approaches to current questions in respect to processes of categorization and social identity and their implications for behavior among groups. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and either PSY 170, PSY 180, PSY 266 or PSY 269. Concurrent enrollment in PSY 270 is encouraged.

An introduction to research techniques through the discussion of current research, design and execution of original research in selected areas such as drinking games, pregaming/prepartying (i.e., “drinking before drinking”), acculturation and alcohol use, motivations to drink, expectations about the effects of alcohol use, and athletic involvement and drinking behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor; PSY 201, PSY 202, with PSY 220 preferred.

Design and execution of original research on topics related to the physiology of biological rhythms. Health consequences of disruption in biological rhythms are studied. Prerequisites: PSY 130 or NSC/PSY 125, a course in statistics, and PSY 202 or NSC 230, or equivalents, laboratory experience, and permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 12.

The study of social behavior considered from a psychological point of view. Topics include interpersonal behavior, intergroup behavior and social cognition. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or PSY 269. Concurrent enrollment in PSY 372 is encouraged. Enrollment limited to 25 students.

An introduction to research methods in clinical psychology and psychopathology. Includes discussion of current research as well as design and execution of original research in selected areas such as anxiety disorders, PTSD and depression. Prerequisite: PSY 100, PSY 201, PSY 202 and a relevant PSY intermediate colloquium course.

This course provides group instruction and supervision for a variety of mental health practicum placements. Undergraduate students are placed in community settings and have local mentoring by masters level social work students.The seminar includes a thorough examination of community entry and engagement, clinical ethics and relevant obligations. It also includes a reviewof evidence based interventions and the theories that accompany them. Special focus is given to issues of diversity and inclusion.

This seminar discusses research on the neurocognitive basis of autism spectrum disorders, considering genetic, neuroscientific, psychological and linguistic factors in their etiology and characterization. Topics include the history of the diagnosis, the incidence of the disorders, cross-cultural conceptions of autism, studies of the underlying neural mechanisms, and the cognition and language of children with ASD. Prerequisites: One of EDC 235, PSY 216, or PSY 253, or permission of the instructor.

Topics course: This seminar explores the cognitive processes underlying human perception and comprehension of film and the techniques filmmakers use to capitalize on these processes. We read and discuss empirical articles and view relevant examples of film. Topics range from change blindness and apparent motion to character identity and narrative. Prerequisite: PSY 100.

An exploration of the nature of moral psychology. We discuss how reason, emotion, cultural norms and social pressures shape our moral judgments; how brain activity correlates with moral decision-making; and how we can use psychological research on moral intuition to evaluate cultural and political disagreements. Prerequisites: PSY 202. Enrollment limit of 25.

This course examines the effects of drugs on the nervous system and associated changes in mood, cognition and behavior. Legal and illegal recreational drugs are considered, as well as therapeutic agents used to treat psychological illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Focus is on controversial issues such as binge drinking, addiction to prescription medications, the medical and recreational use of marijuana, the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs, medication of children, the power of the pharmaceutical industry and the use of cognitive/performance enhancers.