Classic and contemporary discussions of the existence of God, the problem of evil, faith and reason, life after death, mysticism and religious experience. Readings from Plato, Anselm, Aquinas, Hume, Kant, Kierkegaard, William James and others.

Explanation of current policy issues regarding race. Topics include voting rights, compensation, public and private education, bilingual education and affirmative action in employment. Recommended background: PPL 220 or a course in American government.

A practicum course involving actual classroom experience in implementing methods of teaching based on Physics Education Research (PER). Students have direct interaction with learners in the classroom during group activities, laboratory exercises and problem-solving. PHY300, the theory course based on PER, is a pre requisite/co-requisite. Permission of the instructor required. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: PHY 117 and/or PHY 118. (E)

A course emphasizing the pedagogy in physics based on Physics Education Research (PER). Readings and discussion emphasize the research literature and strategies for implementing successful and effective methods of teaching physics at the introductory level in the classroom. Permission of the instructor required.  May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: PHY 117 and/or PHY 118. (E)

What is thinking? What is the distinction between mind and body, and ought we to accept it? Can the mind survive the death of the body? Can you be thoughtful and passionate at the same time? What kind of access can we have to the worlds of human beings from other cultures and historical periods? Readings from ancient, modern and contemporary philosophers primarily in the Western tradition. Designed to introduce beginning students to problems and methods in philosophy and to the philosophy department at Smith. Maximum number of students per section 20.

Topics course. How does experience get "under the skin" to influence health, physiology and behavior? This seminar explores how environmental factors become biologically encoded across the life-course. Topics include prenatal origins of adult disorders, endocrine disruption and behavior, and aspects of the physical and social environments that impact outcomes from depression to longevity. We introduce epigenetics and critically examine how epigenetic mechanisms and others reflect and contribute to experience.

An in-depth examination of controversial issues of concern to the study of the psychology of women and gender. Students are introduced to current psychological theory and empirical research relating to the existence, origins and implications of behavioral similarities and differences associated with gender. We examine the development of gender roles and sterotypes, power within the family, workplace and politics, and women's mental health and sexuality, paying attention to social context, and intersectional identities. Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 202. Enrollment limit of 25 students.

Survey of child psychopathology from a developmental perspective. Course covers theories of etiology as well as clinical treatment interventions for a range of childhood disorders and difficulties. Prerequisite: 100 and 150 or 233 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limit of 25 students.

Why are so many people -- even those whose basic physical needs are met -- still challenged to eat adequately, exercise and sleep enough? We consider how human willpower tendencies interact with social, cultural and physical contexts to support (or thwart) health promoting activities. Based on a close reading of current psychological science and related areas of inquiry, students study interventions to improve their individual health, and in groups, design and implement a project focused on campus-level health promotion.

An exploration of how states of consciousness arise from differential brain activity. Analysis of neurological case studies, ethical dilemmas, experiments addressing mind-body interactions. Active participation in discussions of readings is required. Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 201 and PSY 202, or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limit of 25 students.