One cannot turn on the radio or browse the internet today without encountering the latest fMRI findings or other technologically advanced results of contemporary psychological research. The primary goal of this course is to learn how to communicate such complex information to a non-specialist audience. Through a set of prescribed writing assignments, students develop skills in translating psychological theories and empirical evidence to the public. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.

This colloquium offers a broad overview and in-depth study of the etiology, assessment, and treatment of the 10 personality disorders recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Some estimates suggest that roughly 15% of people in the general population meet criteria for a personality disorder. These disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated, and can lead to immense suffering and costs to the individual and society.

This course explores the human side of climate change. Drawing from the domains of social, cognitive, developmental and clinical psychology, as well as interdisciplinary theories related to human decision-making, behavior and motivation, the course explores questions raised by the American Psychological Association’s Task Force on global climate change. Prerequisites: PSY 100 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 25. (E)

A study of human development across the lifespan. In this course, students learn about milestones of human development from conception to death, discuss and critically evaluate current theories of developmental psychology, and investigate the interplay of biological, psychological and contextual factors that shape development over time. For students pursuing health professions, this course fulfills a lifespan development prerequisite course requirement. Not open to first years. Prerequisite: PSY 100, PSY 202 or SOC 101. Restrictions: Not open to first-years. Enrollment limited to 25.

How might psychology enhance the appreciation of literature and the understanding of self? This class reads multiple theories of personality development, including Erikson’s classic proposition that humans grow in stages according to shifting biological, psychological and social capacities. In contrast, contemporary theorists like McAdams view personality as a continuously developing narrative with story-like components.

Exploring adolescents’ developing identity, psychosocial and cultural adjustment and their needs for acceptance, autonomy and intimacy in light of the major biological, cognitive and social changes of this phase. Emphasis is given to cultural concepts in adolescent/emerging adulthood psychology and development. Prerequisite: PSY 100, PSY 201 and PSY 202. EDC 235 or PSY 264 recommended. Enrollment limited to 25.

Theory and research on human cognition, from the fields of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Topics include visual perception, attention, knowledge representation, memory, language, problem-solving and consciousness. Prerequisite: PSY 100. Enrollment limited to 25.

Introduces students to a variety of methods used in psychological research. All sections of this course cover the basic methodological techniques of contemporary psychology such as observational, experimental and survey methods. Sections differ in the particular content theme used to illustrate these methods. Priority is given to Smith College psychology majors and minors. Prerequisite: PSY 100. PSY 201 recommended (may be concurrent.) Enrollment limited to 18.

Introduces students to a variety of methods used in psychological research. All sections of this course cover the basic methodological techniques of contemporary psychology such as observational, experimental and survey methods. Sections differ in the particular content theme used to illustrate these methods. Priority is given to Smith College psychology majors and minors. Prerequisite: PSY 100. PSY 201 recommended (may be concurrent.) Enrollment limited to 18.