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. Not open to first years. Prerequisite: PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 25.

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. Enrollment limited to 25.

This course explores professional and ethical issues that relate to mental health professions. Professional and ethical guidelines from multiple fields are considered. Students are tasked with applying these guidelines to counseling scenarios. Issues related to boundaries, confidentiality and client rights are explored. Students consider the roles that graduate students in the helping professions are expected to hold. Students leave this course having developed their own basis for ethical decision making in the mental health professions. Not open to first years.

This course examines the effects of drugs on the nervous system and associated changes in mood, cognition and behavior. Legal and illegal recreational drugs are considered, as well as therapeutic agents used to treat psychological illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Focus is on controversial issues such as binge drinking, addiction to prescription medications, the medical and recreational use of marijuana, the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs, medication of children, the power of the pharmaceutical industry and the use of cognitive/performance enhancers.

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. Prerequisite: PSY 100. PSY 201 recommended (may be concurrent.) Priority is given to Smith College psychology majors and minors. 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. Prerequisite: PSY 100. PSY 201 recommended (may be concurrent.) Priority is given to Smith College psychology majors and minors. 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. Prerequisite: PSY 100. PSY 201 recommended (may be concurrent.) Priority is given to Smith College psychology majors and minors. 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. Prerequisite: PSY 100. PSY 201 recommended (may be concurrent.) Priority is given to Smith College psychology majors and minors. Enrollment limited to 18.

The study of the origin, development, structure and dynamics of personality from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Enrollment limited to 60.