This course offers a hands-on introduction to methods of psychological research that focus on the qualitative description and analysis of human experience. Students learn a variety of techniques of data collection (interviewing, intensive observation, archival research) and methods of analyzing textual sources -- from historical accounts to blogs, memoirs, observational narratives, and interview transcripts.

This course examines various strategies of literary representation through a variety of genres, including such traditional literary forms as the novel, lyric poetry, drama, and autobiography, as well as other cultural forms, such as film. Particular attention is given to student writing; students are expected to write a variety of short essays on selected topics. Though the themes of specific sections may vary, all sections seek to introduce students to the terminology of literary and cultural discourse. Please note that this course is a requirement for all English majors.

In this course we to seek to achieve clarity and precision of expression within a discussion of a complex topic. Course readings and writing assignments guide students through an examination of topics related to society and culture. Past semesters' topics include: the role of education in society; the relationship between religion, culture, and nature; and the use of maps in ordering the world. In addition to the academic content, the course focuses on the writing and revising process, academic research and argumentation, and the nature and purpose of academic discourse.

This course is conducted as a hands-on research workshop. Students will work collaboratively on one major social psychological research project during the semester. The projects typically focus on work/family issues, but other topics are possible. The methodology used depends on the project and could employ quantitative and/or qualitative methods. The course work follows the typical sequence required for research: reviewing the relevant literature, designing the method, analyzing data, and writing and presenting a final research report.

Examines the development, causal mechanisms, evolutionary history, and function of the behavior of animals. Topics include sensory capacities, predator evasion, reproduction, parental care, social behavior, and learning.

Cognition encompasses a range of phenomena that define our mental lives. This course considers empirical investigations and theoretical accounts of cognitive issues, including learning and memory, creativity and problem solving, decision making, attention, consciousness, and language.

What do we learn? How do we learn? Why do we learn? In this course, we will study issues of learning, teaching, and motivation that are central to educational psychology. We will explore the shifting paradigms within educational psychology, multiple subject matter areas, (dis)continuities between classroom and home cultures, students' prior experiences, teachers as learners, ethnic and gender identity in the classroom, and learning in out-of-school settings. Requires a prepracticum in a community-based setting.

Examines changes in cognitive, social, and emotional functioning, including theory and research that illuminate some central issues in characterizing these changes: the relative contributions of nature and nurture, the influence of the context on development, continuity versus discontinuity in development, and the concept of stage. Includes observations at the Gorse Children's Center at Stonybrook.

How do individuals differ and how are they the same? What factors shape the development of our personalities? This course will introduce students to some of the major psychological theories of and approaches to understanding personality. We will critically examine theory and research on traits, genetics, neuroscience, self and identity, intrapsychic perspectives, regulation and motivation, and cognition, integrating these views into a more complete understanding of personality.

This course surveys a range of topics within social psychology. How do other people influence us? How do people perceive one another? How do attitudes develop and change? Under what conditions do people conform to, or deviate from, social norms? We will survey concepts across several areas of social psychology with an emphasis on empirical research evidence.