(Offered as RELI 152 and ASLC 152 [SA].) This course is an introduction to the diverse ideals, practices, and traditions of Buddhism from its origins in South Asia to its geographical and historical diffusion throughout Asia and, more recently, into the west. We will explore the Three Jewels--the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha--and how they each provide refuge for those suffering in samsara (the endless cycle of rebirth).

This course introduces students to the comparative study of religion by focusing on a major theme within two or more religious traditions.  Traditions and topics will vary from year to year.  In 2015-16 the major traditions will be Christianity and Judaism and the theme will be "the end of the world."  We will trace and compare Jewish and Christian ideas of an end-time often accompanied by expectations of cataclysm, judgment, and new creation and by varying definitions of the blessed saved and the irrevocably condemned.  Our study will include a trajectory from

This course is open to qualified students who desire to engage in independent reading on selected topics or conduct research projects. Preference will be given to those students who have done good work in one or more departmental courses beyond the introductory level. A full course.

Open to juniors and seniors with consent of the instructor. Fall and spring semesters.

Psychology strives to understand (and predict) human behavior. The law aims to control behavior and punish those who violate laws. At the intersection of these two disciplines are questions such as: Why do people obey the law? What are the most effective means for punishing transgressions so as to encourage compliance with the law? The idea that our legal system is the product of societal values forms the heart of this course.

This seminar covers theory and research on lifespan social development, with a particular emphasis on childhood and adolescence. Topics include socialization processes, attachment, the development of friendship and peer networks over time, and the interplay of biological, psychological, and contextual factors which shape social interactions. A particular emphasis will be placed on the context of childhood and adolescent peer relationships.

In this course we will examine how to apply psychological theories and methods to understand the lives of political leaders. We begin this course with a consideration the role of personality in political leadership.

This advanced seminar provides students with an overview of the social psychological study of stereotyping and prejudice. Through weekly discussions of empirical and theoretical articles, students will gain understanding of the cognitive, affective, and motivational underpinnings of stereotyping and prejudice, as well as learn how these psychological biases relate to treatment of stigmatized group members. Topics will include the automatic and controlled components of stereotypes, interracial interactions, and discrimination in academic and workplace domains.

This course introduces students to the scientific literature on gender as approached from the perspective of social psychology. We will compare gender stereotypes with empirical evidence of gender differences and critically examine explanations for both gender stereotypes and the gender differences that we observe. The implications of gendered expectations for the behavior of both women and men will be studied in a variety of social contexts involving achievement, close relationships, sexuality, mental and physical health, and the workplace.

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the study of memory. We will begin by examining empirical research on memory for different kinds of content: factual information vs. personal events vs. cognitive skills. This research will be used to evaluate several contemporary models of memory. From there, we will examine how memory theories have been applied to understanding “real world” issues such as eyewitness testimony, and the false/recovered memory debate. We will also discuss developmental changes in memory-from infancy to old age.

A study of human development across the life span with emphasis upon the general characteristics of various stages of development from birth to adolescence and upon determinants of the developmental process.

Requisite: PSYC 100 or 212 or consent of the instructor. Limited to 40 students.  Fall semester:  Professor Palmquist. Spring semester: Visiting Professor Clemans.