Psychology
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, Hamby, Mayes, Yu (Chair)
Associate Professors: Bardi, Bateman, Cammack
Assistant Professors: Buckingham, Falikman, Morgan, Reppert, Silver, Terigele
Instructors: Andrews, Mendez
Requirements for the Major in Psychology
The major requires successful completion of the following:
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements 1,2,3 | ||
| PSYC 101 | Principles of Psychology | 4 |
| or PSYC 100 | Introduction to Psychology (Lab) | |
| PSYC 251 | Research Methods and Data Analysis (Lab) | 4 |
| Select three of the following core courses (attribute PYCR): 1 | 12 | |
| Introduction to Neuroscience | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Psychology of Personality | ||
| Clinical Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Industrial-Organizational Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Adolescence | ||
| Adult Development and Aging | ||
| Positive Psychology | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Cross Cultural Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Human Diversity | ||
| Research in Social Psychology (Lab) | ||
| Child Development (Lab) | ||
| Cognitive Psychology (Lab) | ||
| Select one of the following advanced laboratory courses (attribute PYAL): 1 | 4 | |
| Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience (Lab) | ||
| Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience (Lab) | ||
| Drugs and Behavior (Lab) | ||
| Identities, Media, Cultures (Lab) | ||
| Positive Psychology (Lab) | ||
| Research in Social Psychology (Lab) | ||
| Child Development (Lab) | ||
| Cognitive Psychology (Lab) | ||
| Psychology of Gender (Lab) | ||
| Action Research in Psychology (Lab) | ||
| Community-Based Evaluation Research (Lab) | ||
| Select two of the following seminar courses (attribute PYSM): 1 | 8 | |
| Neuroscience of Preference and Choice | ||
| Community Psychology | ||
| Seminar in Clinical Psychology | ||
| Judgment and Decision-Making | ||
| Psychology of Gender | ||
| Seminar in Developmental Psychology: Human Development in Context | ||
| Addiction | ||
| Consciousness and Unconsciousness: Explorations in Neurophilosophy | ||
| Controversies in Human Sexuality Research | ||
| The Psychology of Social Change | ||
| Special Topics Seminar | ||
| Select two additional courses in psychology (PSYC) 1 | 8 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 40 | |
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Requirements | ||
| A comprehensive examination 4 | ||
- 1
Students who have taken PSYC 203 may not receive credit for PSYC 356.
- 2
The comprehensive examination consists of a paper that integrates material from three areas in psychology, typically completed during the final semester. Ordinarily several possible questions are distributed early in the semester, with students submitting a mandatory outline followed by a final paper on the question of their choice.
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:
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements | ||
| PSYC 100 | Introduction to Psychology (Lab) | 4 |
| or PSYC 101 | Principles of Psychology | |
| Select one additional course in Psychology (PSYC) numbered 300 or above, or NEUR 416 1 | 4 | |
| Select four additional courses in Psychology (PSYC) 1 | 16 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 24 | |
- 1
PSYC 444 may count as one of the four courses, but it does not satisfy the requirement of one course numbered 300 or above.
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 their 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:
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology Majors | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
or PSYC 357 | Child Development (Lab) | |
| Research Methods and Data Analysis (Lab) | ||
| 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 (Lab) | ||
| 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. Non-laboratory course. Open only to first-year students and sophomores.
PSYC 190 Topics in Psychology (2 or 4)
An introductory course focusing on a topic or issue in psychology, designed for students who do not plan to pursue psychology as a major/minor. Prerequisite: Not open for credit to students who have received credit for PSYC 100, PSYC 101, or for a 100-level psychology course taken at another university. This course may not be used to satisfy requirements for the major or minor in Psychology.
PSYC 195 Introduction to Research (2 or 4)
An introduction to hypothesis-driven research in the context of a faculty member’s research program. Activities may include literature reviews, training in laboratory techniques, and/or analyzing data. This course may be repeated for credit at the discretion of the instructor. Prerequisite: Instructor prerequisite override required.
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 Clinical Psychology (4)
A study of 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 mental illness 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. 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 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 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 229 Cross Cultural Psychology (4)
This course examines cultural influences on human behaviors and psychological processes and explores micro, meso, and macro elements affecting individuals’ interactions in cross-cultural contexts. The content focuses on the way cultures shape and are shaped by psychological factors and explores psychological principles as universal or culture-specific. Students will learn about cross-cultural theories, discuss cultural similarities and differences across the globe, and develop cross-cultural awareness and competence. 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 (Lab) (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. Open only to first-year students and sophomores.
PSYC 290 Studies in Psychology (2 or 4)
An intermediate-level course focusing on a topic or sub-discipline within psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.
PSYC 295 Mentored Research (2 or 4)
Intermediate-level research in the context of a faculty member’s research program. Activities may include designing and/or conducting experiments, analyzing data, and written/oral presentation of findings. This course may be repeated for credit at the discretion of the instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 195 and instructor prerequisite override required..
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. This course cannot be taken for credit if the student has already received credit for PSYC 350. 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 PSYC 349. Open only to juniors or seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.
PSYC 352 Identities, Media, Cultures (Lab) (4)
This course examines local and global media representations of social identities including gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, class, and profession and the impacts of these representations. The focus is on psychological theories of media effects and intergroup interactions and their applications to various media types and contents. Students will design, conduct, and present research projects at the intersections of media, culture, and social Identities. 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 364 Action Research in Psychology (Lab) (4)
Action research seeks to produce knowledge that communities can use to address the problems they face. In this course, students will explore how psychologists and community stakeholders engage in research collaboratively in the pursuit of social change. The course introduces qualitative, quantitative, and participatory approaches to research and provides opportunities to acquire skills in study design, data collection, data analysis, and the interpretation and presentation of results. Open only to juniors or seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.
PSYC 365 Qualitative Research Methods (4)
An introduction to theoretical and methodological approaches to structuring, collecting, analyzing, and reporting qualitative data. The course begins with various theoretical perspectives on critical thinking and analysis relevant to designing and implementing research, including post-positivist, social constructivist, phenomenology, and critical theory. Research approaches studied in this course include ethnography, phenomenology, case studies, grounded theory, naturalistic inquiry, thematic synthesis, and mixed-method techniques. Various data types used in qualitative analysis are considered, including textual, visual, and observational data. The course also explores the appropriateness of analysis in addressing research questions and solving practical, real-world issues. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.
PSYC 367 Community-Based Evaluation Research (Lab) (4)
Evaluation research aims to determine whether programs achieve their intended goals. Through the course, students will work in small groups to design and conduct evaluation research in partnership with community-based organizations. This course explores multiple approaches to evaluating organizations and their programs, analyzes how the field support organizational development, and considers how organizations are embedded in social and political contexts. Ethical and scientifically sound evaluation practices, rooted in asset-based perspectives, are emphasized. Graduates of this course will possess the skills to analyze program impact and contribute to organizational capacity building. Prerequisite: PSYC 251.
PSYC 370 Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (4)
This course explores the psychological study of religion and spirituality as a science and examines the multifaceted ways religions impact meaning-making and identity in everyday life. Various psychological schools of thought related to the experience and practice of religion and spirituality are considered, and psychological theories involving religious beliefs, practices, and experiences are explored from an empirical and data-informed perspective. This course also engages the dialogue between psychology and religion regarding the human condition and culture. Open only to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.
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. Open only to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101.
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 385 Cognitive Science (4)
An overview of cognitive science, an interdisciplinary field exploring cognition in living and artificial systems and including psychology, neuroscience, computer science, philosophy, cultural anthropology, and linguistics. This course provides a comparative analysis of key models and approaches to cognition, relying upon experimental, neurophysiological, and clinical data and computational models, and builds a systematic understanding of the interdisciplinary problems, principles, and methods of cognitive science. Current trends, including the most recent approaches (e.g. embodied, embedded, emotional, and extended cognition) and emerging research areas (e.g., social and cultural neuroscience, neuroarchaeology, and neuroaesthetics) are considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 208 or NEUR 225.
PSYC 390 Exploring Psychology: Various Topics (2 or 4)
An intermediate-level course focusing on a topic or sub-discipline within psychology. Topics may be thematic in nature and thus promote integration across different domains of psychological science. Prerequisite: Two course in psychology at the 200-level or above.
PSYC 391 Advanced Research Topics (Lab) (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 395 Advanced Mentored Research (2 or 4)
Advanced research for students who have a strong background in psychology research. Students will work with a faculty research mentor to design and conduct experiments aimed to address a novel scientific question. This course may be repeated for credit at the discretion of the instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 195 and instructor prerequisite override required..
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 408 Seminar in Clinical Psychology (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 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 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: Explorations in Neurophilosophy (4)
An examination of current scientific study of consciousness and the cognitive unconscious, including neural correlates of conscious actions, the emergence of consciousness in evolution, and related topics. The course emphasizes how scientific results inform understanding of the mind-body problem, the tenability of competing philosophical and neurobiological approaches to consciousness, the extent to which methods of psychology and neuroscience can provide new insights into the nature of consciousness, and how these issues take on a new form in the philosophy of artificial intelligence. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: Four courses in psychology and/or neuroscience..
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 425 The Psychology of Social Change (4)
This seminar considers how psychologists put their skills and training to work in support of transformative futures for individuals, communities, and society. To understand how social change happens, this course draw on theories from community psychology, organizational psychology, and liberation/critical psychology to explore the types of leadership practices and organizational structures needed to create and sustain social change efforts. 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 490 Special Topics Seminar (4)
Selected topics in psychology, typically incorporating relevant primary literature. Prerequisites vary by topic. Open only to seniors pursuing programs in neuroscience or psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 251 and three additional courses in psychology.
PSYC 495 Topics in Psychology (2 or 4)
Selected topics in psychology. Content will vary from semester to semester. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs. This course is only available through the Sewanee-at-Yale Directed Research Program. Prerequisite: Only open to students admitted to the Sewanee-at-Yale program.
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..