Cognitive development is the study of changes in the ability to think, perceive, understand and communicate. Changes in cognitive abilities, such as perception, attention, memory, emotion regulation and language, are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and cultural factors. In this research seminar, students gain hands-on experience conducting research to examine key questions about cognitive development.

In this course, students explore autism from different perspectives. This course focuses on the prevalence and etiology of autism, its neurobiological and cognitive characteristics, and some clinical topics, such as assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Throughout this course, students examine historical and modern day empirical research on autism. Empirical findings are evaluated within broader conversations about neurodiversity and disability, highlighting how research impacts, and is shaped by, autistic people and their families.

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. Enrollment limited to 25.

An exploration of the nature of moral psychology. The class discusses how reason, emotion, cultural norms and social pressures shape moral judgments; how brain activity correlates with moral decision-making; and how to 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. 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 study of infant and child development has a long and successful history. Psychologists know a lot about human growth in the early years, but less is known about later development. In recent decades, however, personality and developmental psychologists have converged on several themes that seem to define contemporary adulthood. The course studies these topics and the methodologies used to investigate them. Content areas examined include identity formation, work, relationships, aging consciousness and mortality.

This course explores the major biological, cognitive, and social changes of adolescence and their impacts on adolescents’ identity, autonomy, and intimacy. Emphasis is given to adolescence /early adulthood and their role in development. EDC 235 or PSY 264 recommended. Prerequisite: PSY 100 and PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 25.

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: PSY 202, and either PSY 150 or EDC 235, or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 25.

Cognitive psychologists investigate the functions of the human mind through behavioral techniques and behavioral neuroscientists explore the physiology of the human brain using non-human models. Both of these fields have existed for well over a century. Cognitive neuroscience lies at the intersection of cognitive psychology and behavioral neuroscience and investigates the brain mechanisms underlying human mental processing using primarily noninvasive techniques that have emerged in only the last few decades.

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 15.