Psychology

This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://e-catalog.sewanee.edu.

Website: Psychology

Psychology is a diverse discipline that borders on the biological and social sciences. It is at once a science and a means of promoting human welfare. Reflecting its historical roots in philosophy, physiology, and clinical practice, it embraces a variety of theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and areas of study. The Department of Psychology at Sewanee provides majors and non-majors with the basic principles of psychology within the context of a liberal arts education through a curriculum that emphasizes scientific thinking and equips majors with multiple perspectives and research methods with which to understand behavior and mental processes. 

The major in psychology combines a broad grounding in psychology with opportunities for depth in selected areas. Majors in psychology begin with an introduction to empirical psychology, organized topically, and a course in research methodology that prepares students to design and carry out research. Students also choose survey, seminar, and upper-level laboratory courses in areas such as abnormal, behavior modification, cognitive, developmental, gender, industrial, personality, physiological, and social psychology. 

Advanced students may study independently or conduct research under faculty supervision, work as laboratory assistants, or aid faculty members with research. Summer internships are available through the Tonya Public Affairs Internship Program for those who are interested in gaining experience in business or public service. For those students planning to do graduate work in psychology, STAT 204 is highly recommended.

Professors: Fisher, Yu

Associate Professors: Bardi (Chair), Bateman, Hamby, Troisi, West

Assistant Professors: Cammack, J. Coffey, K. Coffey, Colom Cruz, Noffsinger-Frazier, Tiernan

Instructor: Craft

Requirements for the Major in Psychology

The major (both B.A. and B.S.) requires successful completion of the following:

Course Requirements 1,2,3
PSYC 101Principles of Psychology4
or PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (Lab)
PSYC 251Research Methods and Data Analysis4
Select three of the following core courses: 112
Introduction to Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience
Behavioral Neuroscience
Affective Neuroscience
Psychology of Personality
Abnormal Behavior
Social Psychology
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Adolescence
Adult Development and Aging
Positive Psychology
Health Psychology
Psychology of Human Diversity
Research in Social Psychology (Lab)
Child Development (Lab)
Cognitive Psychology (Lab)
Select one of the following advanced laboratory courses: 14
Affective Neuroscience (Lab)
Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience (Lab)
Drugs and Behavior (Lab)
Positive Psychology (Lab)
Research in Social Psychology (Lab)
Child Development (Lab)
Cognitive Psychology (Lab)
Psychology of Gender (Lab)
Select two of the following seminar courses: 18
Community Psychology
Psychobiography
Seminar in Abnormal Behavior
Judgment and Decision-Making
Psychology of Gender
The Self-Concept and Self-Esteem
Relationships and Health
Attachment Theory: Development, Well-being, and Risk for Psychopathology
Seminar in Developmental Psychology: Human Development in Context
Psychology of Happiness and Meaning in Life
Addiction
Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Sex, Brain, and Behavior
Controversies in Human Sexuality Research
Special Topics Seminar
Select two additional courses in psychology (PSYC) 18
Total Semester Hours40
Additional Requirements
A comprehensive examination 4

Honors

Departmental honors are awarded based on distinguished work in psychology during the undergraduate career. Individuals with a cumulative psychology GPA below 3.60 are considered only under extraordinary circumstances. Unlike the College-wide honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude), the decision involves consideration of other factors besides GPA, particularly the quality of any additional intellectual accomplishments in psychology such as independent research, conference presentations, and internships.

Requirements for the Minor in Psychology

The minor requires successful completion of the following:

Course Requirements
PSYC 100Introduction to Psychology (Lab)4
or PSYC 101 Principles of Psychology
Select one additional course in Psychology (PSYC) numbered 300 or above 14
Select four additional courses in Psychology (PSYC) 116
Total Semester Hours24

Sewanee-at-Yale Directed Research Program

For more than ten years, undergraduates from Sewanee have spent six to eight weeks working in a research laboratory during summer internships at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, Connecticut. Through this experience, students have been exposed to research in a clinical setting and to the day-to-day workings of a behavioral neuroscience research laboratory. They have worked with school-aged children participating in developmental studies, administered developmental and cognitive assessments, and learned about database management. Over the summer months, only a small number of students have had sufficient time to complete a small project from the steps of gathering data to completing the analysis and writing a research manuscript. The Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program is intended to provide directed research experience for Sewanee students who wish to be exposed to an active developmental and behavioral neuroscience research laboratory in a medical school setting and to have the experience of carrying through a directed research project in greater depth over a somewhat longer time frame. Although participation in the program is not restricted by year or major, we expect it will be particularly appealing to students majoring in biology or psychology and to pre-medical students with other majors; participation during the junior or senior year is generally recommended.

During their time at Yale, students will typically work on one or more research projects, participate in weekly research meetings, and participate in a research methods seminar and at least one upper-level seminar offered by the Child Study Center. Each student will be sponsored by a Sewanee faculty member, who will serve as advisor, set the requirements, and assist the student in developing a written plan of study. The student should work collaboratively with his or her Sewanee faculty advisor, the directors of the program at Sewanee and at the Yale Child Study Center, and any other designated Yale faculty mentors to insure that the written plan of study can feasibly be completed at the Child Study Center. Normally, the minimum final requirement for the program will be a written report of the completed research; individual faculty advisors may set alternative equivalent requirements.

For any given student, the typical program duration will be one semester plus a summer, in either order. During their time New Haven, students are expected to be involved in data gathering and data analysis. The written report of the work could be completed in New Haven, or after leaving New Haven while maintaining active contact with the program director and other faculty mentors at the Child Study Center. More information about the program is available at: sewanee.edu/academics/psychology/programs/sewanee-at-yale-directed-research-program.php.

To be accepted into the program, students typically complete the following:

Psychology Majors
Behavioral Neuroscience
Child Development (Lab)
Research Methods and Data Analysis
Biology Majors
Field Investigations in Biology
Introductory Molecular Biology and Genetics
Other Majors
Select two of the following:
Field Investigations in Biology
Introductory Molecular Biology and Genetics
Behavioral Neuroscience
Research Methods and Data Analysis
Child Development (Lab)

Psychology Courses

PSYC 100     Introduction to Psychology (Lab)  (4)

An introduction to empirical psychology, organized topically. Key areas, approaches, and theories in psychology are illustrated. Depending on their interests, instructors choose several topics such as the psychology of sex and gender, conformity and obedience, and aggression and violence. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience with a variety of research approaches and methodological issues. Not open for credit to students who have received credit for PSYC 101 or for a 100-level psychology course taken at another university.

PSYC 101     Principles of Psychology  (4)

An intensive examination of key areas, approaches, theories, and research methodology in empirical psychology. Designed, in conjunction with PSYC 251, to provide a strong introduction to the field for students intending to major in psychology. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 100 or for a 100-level psychology course taken at another university. Non-laboratory course.

PSYC 201     Psychology of Personality  (4)

A survey of classical and contemporary psychological approaches to the study of personality, including trait, psychodynamic, neuropsychological, behavior genetic, evolutionary, learning, phenomenological, cultural, and cognitive. Students apply theoretical concepts and examine research associated with these approaches, considering multiple sources of data (e.g., self-report, behavioral observation) and a variety of empirical methods (e.g., psychometric assessment, content analysis). Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 202     Abnormal Behavior  (4)

A study of abnormal and clinical psychology from a scientist-practitioner perspective, including DSM diagnostic criteria, assessment measures and strategies, treatment modalities, case studies, and ethical issues. Major theoretical paradigms and research on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of psychopathology are presented and discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 203     Social Psychology  (4)

An examination of the impact that social influences have on individual behavior. The course examines major theories and empirical evidence in a variety of areas, such as interpersonal attraction, attitude change, group behavior, conformity, prejudice, and altruism. Students examine empirical methods used in social psychology and gain experience by designing and conducting studies examining questions of their choosing and then presenting the results. Not open for credit to students who have received credit for PSYC 356. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 206     Industrial-Organizational Psychology  (4)

As an introduction to the field of industrial-organizational psychology, this course examines the application of psychological theories and research to workplace issues facing individuals, teams, and organizations. Both industrial and organizational psychology will be explored to reveal the value that psychological principles and methods bring to individuals, businesses, and society. Major topics include performance appraisal, employee selection, training, motivation, stress, and leadership. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 101 or junior standing.

PSYC 208     Cognitive Psychology  (4)

An introduction to the study of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, and reasoning. Students consider empirical findings from a variety of methodologies as well as the methodologies themselves. Broader issues such as unconscious processes and cultural differences in cognition are also examined in this context. Students are encouraged to discover applications of findings in cognitive psychology to other areas of psychology, other disciplines, and their everyday lives. Not open for credit to students who have completed PSYC 358. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 213     Comparative Sexual Behavior  (4)

A survey and critical evaluation of research investigating the psychological and social factors in sexual behavior with some attention to the underlying biology. A comparison and contrast across species, across individuals, and across cultures. Topics include partner preference, sexual dysfunction and treatment, changes across the life span, and commercial sex. Readings include selections from works that have changed the American understanding of sexual behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 101 or junior standing.

PSYC 214     The Psychology of Eating Disorders and Obesity  (4)

An examination of the etiology of eating disorders and obesity, derived from the empirical literature and with consideration of psychological, neurobiological, and sociocultural explanations for such disorders. The course critically evaluates primary research literature concerning risk factors for developing documented eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulima nervosa, binge eating disorder), as well as newly proposed diagnostic categories (e.g., orthorexia). A multicultural perspective is emphasized, and the relation of disordered eating to issues such as socio-economic status, race and ethnicity, and gender is addressed. Multiple theoretical explanations for disordered eating—including psychodynamic, family systems, cognitive, relational-cultural, and behavioral theories--are critically examined. Empirically validated treatments and standardized prevention programs are also introduced and critiqued. Students conduct research using archival data to investigate specific risk and protective factors in the development of disordered eating, as well as to assess the effectiveness of targeted prevention programs. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 218     Psychology of Violence  (4)

Explores the application of psychological theories and research to the major forms of violence. Such forms include youth violence, family violence, bullying, suicide, homicide, workplace violence, war, and ethnic conflict. The course reviews and critiques major etiological models including social cognitive, behavioral, and physiological. It also presents current major models of prevention and treatment, including psycho-educational, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems. Specific prevention and intervention topics such as conflict resolution are addressed. Readings emphasize the scientific study of violence through empirical research, including randomized controlled trials to evaluate programs. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 221     Adolescence  (4)

An examination of physiological, social, and emotional factors affecting all stages of individual development during adolescence. Major theories and research on the subject are introduced. Among the topics addressed are biological changes, identity, autonomy, peer influences, substance abuse, and intimate relationships. Students are expected to present results from research studies they conduct on issues of adolescence. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 222     Adult Development and Aging  (4)

An examination of physiological cognitive, social, and emotional factors affecting all stages of individual development during adulthood. Major theories of development and research on the subject are introduced. Among the topics addressed are physiological aging, cognitive functioning, work, intimate relationships, parenthood, retirement, loss, death, and bereavement. Students are expected to participate in field research projects and service-learning opportunities. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 223     Positive Psychology  (4)

Psychology has traditionally been concerned with people's responses and reactions to difficulties, deficits, and disorders. Taking the opposing viewpoint, positive psychology is a course that aims to understand and implement behaviors and mental processes that foster optimal functioning and the pursuit of the good life. Both individual level and interpersonal level functioning are examined. Students in this primarily discussion-based course must be prepared to speak in class multiple times per class period. The course also involves a significant major project. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 224     Developmental Psychopathology  (4)

This course examines how studies of normal development and abnormal development in children inform one another; how and why deviations from normal development occur; the bidirectional relationship between biological underpinnings and contexts (family, school) as they relate to development of psychopathology; and proximal and distal concerns for children that develop mental disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 202.

PSYC 226     Psychology of Creativity  (4)

An examination of creativity in both the arts and sciences from the perspective of psychology. Topics include what makes something creative, the type of person who is most creative, the process of creativity, and aspects of the environment that foster creativity. Insights drawn primarily from developmental, personality, cognitive, and social psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 227     Health Psychology  (4)

This course examines psychological issues surrounding physical health and medical care. Theories from personality and social psychology are applied to topics such as stress-related diseases, exercise adherence, coping with illness, interpersonal relationships and health, doctor-patient interactions, dying, and the hospital environment. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 230     Child, Family, and Community Development in Rural Appalachia  (4)

This interdisciplinary course addresses issues relevant to child, family, and community development in rural southern Appalachia, including (1) social and political history of the region; (2) social psychology and developmental neuroscience of stress and adaptation to stress (e.g., resilience); (3) structure and health of rural Appalachian communities; (4) community infrastructure (e.g., churches, businesses, and other local organizations); (5) design and implementation of intervention and prevention programs to foster neural, cognitive, and social development and mental health in children and families in rural communities. Sewanee faculty and visiting faculty from Yale University teach the course collaboratively. Not open for credit to students who have earned credit for PSYC 430. Not open to first-year students.

PSYC 251     Research Methods and Data Analysis  (4)

An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101 or NEUR 101.

PSYC 280     Psychology of Human Diversity  (4)

A psychological investigation of human diversity, focused primarily on minority groups in the U.S. Among the psychological topics examined in a cultural context are those pertaining to gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, social class, personality, intelligence, health, intergroup relations, and intercultural interaction. Methods of cross-cultural research are also considered. Students are encouraged to develop a psychological appreciation of how diversity figures in various contexts, including research, service provision, work relationships, and personal life.

PSYC 348     Motivation and Cognitive Control  (4)

This course examines the neural basis of motivation-cognition interactions and processes that regulate thought, action, and goal-directed behavior. Students explore a number of cognitive processes that are enhanced by the presence of motivational incentives (e.g., memory, attention, inhibition, rewards, emotion, decision making). Prerequisite: (PSYC 100 or PSYC 101) and (NEUR 225 or NEUR 254 or PSYC 225 or PSYC 254).

PSYC 349     Drugs and Behavior  (4)

An examination of the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior. Content focuses on the mechanism by which legal and illicit drugs affect the brain and on how drug-induced brain changes alter behavior. In addition, major biological and psychological theories of addiction are examined. This class also explores how drugs are used and abused in different societies and cultures, the effects of this use and abuse on psychology and behavior, and how addiction is treated. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.

PSYC 350     Drugs and Behavior (Lab)  (4)

An examination of the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior. Content focuses on the mechanism by which legal and illicit drugs affect the brain and on how drug-induced brain changes alter behavior. In addition, major biological and psychological theories of addiction are examined. This class also explores how drugs are used and abused in different societies and cultures, the effects of this use and abuse on psychology and behavior, and how addiction is treated. Laboratory course. This course cannot be taken for credit if the student has already received credit for PSYC349. Open only to juniors or seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.

PSYC 354     Positive Psychology (Lab)  (4)

An experimental examination of behaviors and mental processes that foster optimal functioning and the pursuit of the good life. This discussion based lab course will examine mechanisms or interventions for living the good life. Students must be prepared to speak in class multiple times per class period. Students will conduct research for a lab project. Open only to juniors or seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 223 and PSYC 251.

PSYC 356     Research in Social Psychology (Lab)  (4)

An in-depth examination of the social circumstances which structure individuals' mental processing and behavior. Students will read original peer-reviewed research on social dynamics (e.g., dyads, groups, cultural norms) and be required to implement existing theoretical models, empirical findings, and methodological approaches in their discussions, assignments, and research projects. In the laboratory, students will independently design, propose, and conduct a scientifically rigorous psychological study (including advanced statistical data analysis using computer software) to answer a novel empirical question in social psychology. Not open for credit to students who have received credit for PSYC 203. Open only to juniors or seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.

PSYC 357     Child Development (Lab)  (4)

An examination of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of infants and children, with a primary emphasis on theoretical issues and scientific methodology. Development is presented as a process of progressive interaction between the active, growing individual and his or her constantly changing and multifaceted environment. Organized chronologically with an approximately equal emphasis on the prenatal through middle childhood periods of development. Includes a laboratory that focuses on designing and conducting studies (including data analyses) to answer empirical questions on human development. Not open for credit to students who have received credit for PSYC 219. Open only to juniors or seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: (PSYC 100 or PSYC 101) and PSYC 251.

PSYC 358     Cognitive Psychology (Lab)  (4)

An in-depth examination of one to several selected topics within the realm of cognitive psychology. The particular topic(s) may vary across semesters, and may range from more traditionally studied aspects of cognition such as attention, perception, language, memory, problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making to more contemporary topics and applications that integrate across these areas such as the cognitive psychology of beliefs, moral reasoning, and/or social change. Consideration is given to theoretical and methodological issues, empirical approaches and evidence, and practical applications. Includes a laboratory that engages students in designing and conducting studies to answer empirical questions concerning the focal topic(s) of the course. Open only to juniors or seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.

PSYC 360     Psychology of Gender (Lab)  (4)

This course will be an examination of gender differences and similarities in behavior, major theories of gender, and the role that gender plays in interacting with others. Students will design, implement, analyze, and present original research in the area of gender. Open only to juniors or seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.

PSYC 363     Advanced Research Topics  (2 or 4)

This seminar is devoted to the advanced study of a selected topic within psychology, with primary emphasis on the scientific process. Content focus varies by semester, at discretion of the instructor. Students review primary literature, design an original study, collect and analyze data, and compose a final report for public presentation. This course may be repeated once for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.

PSYC 380     Latinx Psychology  (4)

An exploration of Latinx Psychology with a specific focus on the United States. Themes and issues relevant to and impacting upon Latinx Psychology including cultural strengths, identity, immigration, acculturation, colonialism, prejudice/stereotype, intersectionality, and mental health will be studied through first-person accounts, media, and scientific literature. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 101 and Junior Standing.

PSYC 381     Theoretical Foundations of Counseling and Coaching Psychology  (4)

An introduction to counseling and coaching psychology. The course will provide an overview of the theoretical orientations to psychotherapy and coaching psychology, and will focus on psychodynamic, humanistic, interpersonal, behavioral, and cognitive perspectives. Readiness to change, motivational interviewing, and appreciative inquiry approaches rooted in positive psychology and applicable to coaching psychology will also be explored. Theories will be considered in relation to specific presenting concerns and associated treatment effectiveness. Current issues in the practice of psychotherapy and coaching will be explored, such as evidenced-based treatments, evaluation and assessment of psychotherapy and coaching effectiveness, and ethical dilemmas. Prerequisite: PSYC 202 or PSYC 203 or PSYC 221 or PSYC 223.

PSYC 402     Community Psychology  (4)

A seminar focused on examining and applying the concepts, theory, principles, research methods, and goals of community psychology. This course aims to increase understanding of the interactions among individual, group, organizational, community, and societal factors as they affect psychological well-being, human development, and human relationships. It also examines research design, program implementation, and evaluation methods applicable to community psychology. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: Four courses in psychology.

PSYC 406     Psychobiography  (4)

A seminar on the psychological study of individual lives, with a focus on psychobiographical studies. Psychobiography draws on psychological theories and research to understand the work of an historically significant figure from the vantage point of the person's life history. The seminar introduces theories, methods, and standards used to conduct and evaluate psychobiographical research and interpretations. Readings include studies that trace meaningful connections between the lives and work of several well-known figures—artists, musicians, writers, scientists, and politicians—and students prepare a psychobiographical study on a person of their choice. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: Four courses in psychology.

PSYC 408     Seminar in Abnormal Behavior  (4)

A study of the major conceptual approaches that are adopted as clinicians assess, define, and conduct clinical interventions. Topics addressed include the nature of the client-therapist relationship, results from empirical investigation of therapeutic outcomes, ethical dilemmas faced in clinical practice and research, and problems peculiar to subspecialties such as forensic psychology and community psychology. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 202 and three other courses in psychology.

PSYC 411     Judgment and Decision-Making  (4)

This seminar examines selected topics and issues in human judgment and decision-making. Drawing largely from primary sources, the course considers various approaches to the study of decision-making, as well as descriptions and theories of human decision-making derived from those approaches. Students are led to reflect on the relevance and application of such issues to real-world choices in arenas such as economics, politics, business and marketing, health and medicine, and at individual, organizational, and broadly social levels. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: Four courses in psychology.

PSYC 412     Psychology of Gender  (4)

A comparison of different theoretical perspectives on sex and gender and a critical examination of research on gender differences and similarities in human behavior. Patterns of public attitudes regarding gender will also be discussed. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: Four courses in psychology and/or women's and gender studies.

PSYC 413     The Self-Concept and Self-Esteem  (4)

A seminar on the psychological examination and understanding of theories, principles, and applications of the self-concept and self-esteem. Students develop a rich and nuanced understanding of psychological concepts of selfhood (e.g., self-knowledge, the self in the relational context); they are also challenged to apply this understanding to their personal sense of self. Class material draw primarily from research in social psychology, but views from clinical, developmental, and cultural psychology are also included. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 203 or PSYC 356 and three additional courses in psychology.

PSYC 415     Relationships and Health  (4)

A seminar on the ways in which close relationships and health are interconnected. The course examines the state of relationships and health literature and considers avenues for future research. It explores a number of psychological factors (e.g., social support, emotions, coping, health behaviors) to explain this robust association in the context of specific relationships (e.g., parent-child, friendship, romantic). Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101, PSYC 251, and two PSYC courses.

PSYC 416     Attachment Theory: Development, Well-being, and Risk for Psychopathology  (4)

This course explores the rich theory and research within the field of attachment and explores how attachment has become increasingly relevant in understanding both well-being and risk for psychopathology at different ages. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101, PSYC 251, and two PSYC courses.

PSYC 417     Seminar in Developmental Psychology: Human Development in Context  (4)

This seminar provides readings and discussion of special topics in human development. The course draws on primary sources of classic and contemporary theory and research and focuses on examining human development in context. The role that family, workplace, schools, peers, community, and the larger culture have in human development is examined. Prerequisite: four courses in psychology. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology.

PSYC 418     Psychology of Happiness and Meaning in Life  (4)

Through extensive reading and discussion of the classic and current literature, students in this seminar become familiar with the current state of research in the areas of happiness and meaning in life and develop proposals for how the research might advance. Topics may include strategies to increase happiness and meaning, virtues, family, relationships, and health. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251 and two additional PSYC courses.

PSYC 419     Addiction  (4)

This seminar focuses on special topics related to addictive diseases. The course explores theoretical and empirical approaches to studying drug addiction, though behavioral addictions and compulsive disorders may also be considered. Readings include primary research related to the psychological, neurobiological, and sociocultural factors contributing to addiction. Current approaches to treatment are also discussed. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251 and two PSYC courses.

PSYC 420     Consciousness and Unconsciousness  (4)

An examination of current scientific study of consciousness and unconsciousness, including neural correlates of conscious and willful actions, manipulations of conscious will experience, the possible role of consciousness in evolution, and related topics. The course emphasizes how scientific results inform understanding of issues such as Chalmers hard problem of consciousness, the tenability of competing models of consciousness, the perceived unity of self, and perceptual experience of free will. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: Four courses in psychology.

PSYC 421     Sex, Brain, and Behavior  (4)

This seminar explores special topics related to reproductive behavior. Topics may include sexual differentiation, partner preference, mate selection, sexual behavior, and parental care in human and non-human animals. Readings include primary journal articles and text excerpts reflecting psychological, neurobiological, and sociocultural perspectives. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251 and two PSYC courses.

PSYC 422     Controversies in Human Sexuality Research  (4)

This seminar course will review questions and controversies in current theory and research on human sexual behavior. The focus of class discussion will be the scientific literature within the field. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: Four courses in psychology.

PSYC 444     Independent Study  (2 or 4)

The student will design and execute an experimental research project terminating in a written report or will complete readings in an area of psychology. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor prerequisite override required.

PSYC 450     Special Topics Seminar  (4)

Selected topics in modern psychology, from areas such as developmental, cognitive, social, abnormal, personality, and diversity. The course surveys relevant primary literature. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251, three additional courses in Psychology, and Junior standing.

PSYC 480     Language, Literacy, and Play  (4)

The complicated role of play in the development of language and literacy skills among preschool-aged children. Topics include social-emotional, cross-cultural, cognitive, and communicative aspects of play. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 481     Introduction to Cognitive Science  (4)

An introduction to the interdisciplinary study of how the mind works. Discussion of tools, theories, and assumptions from psychology, computer science, neuroscience, linguistics, and philosophy. No single individual may receive credit for both this course and either cognitive course at Sewanee (PSYC 208 and PSYC 358). Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 482     Emotional Intelligence  (4)

The ability to integrate emotional information with cognitive processes is essential for management of personal and social life. The emotion-related skills comprising emotional intelligence (the perception, use, understanding, and management of emotion) defined, measured, and developed. How these skills relate to effective social functioning, mental health, and quality of life at home, school, and work. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 483     Cognitive Neuroscience  (4)

An overview of cognitive neuroscience at an introductory graduate level. Covers principles, methods, and key research findings in multiple topic domains (e.g., language, memory, vision, attention, working memory/executive control, movement control, emotion and reward, social processes). The course emphasizes behavioral and neural processes, with some discussion of computational approaches. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: PSYC 208 or PSYC 254 or NEUR 254 or PSYC 358.

PSYC 484     Autism and Related Disorders  (4)

Topics in the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and natural history of childhood autism and other severe disorders of early onset. Retardation, behavioral disorders, and childhood psychosis. Supervised experience. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.

PSYC 485     Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurological Disease  (4)

The course focuses on those diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and other neurodegenerative diseases, triplet repeat induced diseases, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, etc.) in which modern neuroscience has advanced mechanistic explanations for clinical conditions. It highlights recent molecular, electrophysiological, and imaging experiments in parsing disease mechanisms. The application of pathophysiologic understanding to therapeutics is considered. This course is taught at Yale and is available only through the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: Only open to students admitted to the Sewanee-at-Yale program.

PSYC 490     Principles of Neuroscience  (4)

General neuroscience seminar: Lectures, readings and discussion of selected topics in neuroscience. Emphasis will be on how approaches at the molecular, cellular, physiological and organismal levels can lead to understanding of neuronal and brain function. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: PSYC 254 or NEUR 254.

PSYC 491     Neurobiology of Emotion  (4)

A study of the brain circuitries involved in emotion and emotional learning and memory. Consideration of emotion research in a historical context; discussion of progress that has been made in understanding the neurobiology of emotion in both laboratory animals and humans. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: PSYC 254 or NEUR 254.

PSYC 492     History of Modern Neuroscience  (4)

Survey of classical papers that have been the foundation for the rise of modern neuroscience since the 1950s. Areas covered range from genes and proteins through cells and systems to behavior. Classes combine overviews of different areas with discussions of selected classical papers. Emphasis is on how convergence of techniques, concepts, and personalities has been the basis for major advances. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: PSYC 254 or NEUR 254.

PSYC 493     Research Topics in Emotion and Cognitive Control  (4)

This course covers (1) research in emotion and cognitive control, and (2) science communication skills. For research, the emphasis is on the design, conduct, and analysis of behavioral and fMRI studies, emphasizing individual differences. Once a month, we have a session on science communication skills, with topics chosen by students to meet their interests and needs (spoken research presentations, persuasive communication, graph design, Web design, and so on). Students may enroll in the course and attend only the science communication skills component. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: PSYC 208 or PSYC 254 or NEUR 254 or PSYC 358.

PSYC 498     Research Methods Seminar  (4)

This seminar is organized around presentations of individual research projects, emphasizing detailed critique of project designs, findings, and conclusions. Students also review reports of empirical research written by other students in the seminar to develop their skills in both writing and critiquing research reports. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. With the approval of program director and the biology department, this course may be listed as BIOL 498. Prerequisite: An introductory psychology or introductory biology course and approval of the Sewanee-at-Yale program director..

PSYC 499     Directed Research  (4 or 8)

Students conduct research under the direction of a faculty member on a topic of mutual interest. Typically culminates in a written research report. Admission to the Sewanee-At-Yale Directed Research Program required. This course is only available through the Yale Directed Research Program. With the approval of program director and the biology department, this course may be listed as BIOL 499. Prerequisite: An introductory psychology or introductory biology course and approval of the Sewanee-at-Yale program director..