In-depth study of anxiety disorders. Course examines research on the phenomenology, etiology and treatment for selected anxiety disorders and clarifies the nature and quantity of evidence supporting the efficacy of current treatments. Attention is devoted to the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs for answering specific questions about psychopathology and psychotherapy. The course highlights landmark studies and documents which treatments have been shown to be most effective for which types of patients. Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 150, and PSY 202.

An exploration of the nature of moral psychology. We discuss how reason, emotion, cultural norms and social pressures shape our moral judgments; how brain activity correlates with moral decision-making; and how we can use psychological research on moral intuition to evaluate cultural and political disagreements. Prerequisites: PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 25. (E)

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 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.

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.

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 equivalent. Enrollment limited to 25 students.

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.

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.