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. The course examines the development of gender roles and stereotypes, power within the family, workplace and politics, and women’s mental health and sexuality, paying attention to social context and intersectional identities. Prerequisites: PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 25.

The purpose of this course is to educate, sensitize and stimulate thinking about varied psychological issues affecting African Americans. Foundational frameworks, models and concepts for understanding African American psychology in a context that includes an historical analysis of African American adaptation to American society is emphasized. Prerequisites: PSY 100 or PSY 201, or equivalent 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.

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.

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.

The goal of social psychology is to understand and explain how thoughts, feelings and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined and implied presence of others. At the heart of social psychology is the recognition that responses are dramatically influenced by social situations. The course provides students with an overview of research and theory in social psychology, focusing on the ways in which the study of social behavior is scientific.