Course Catalog

PSYC 101

General Psychology

An introduction to the basic concepts in psychology with primary emphasis on the study of human behavior. Topics will include motivation, learning, emotion, perception, intelligence, mental illness, and social interaction. Students will be introduced to issues in research techniques by either being involved in on-going faculty research or writing a short paper based on research articles.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 220

Intro Cognitive Science

A survey of the new sciences of the mind. We will discuss the nature of representation, perception, and cognition, and the prospects for an empirical science of the human mind. Disciplines illuminating these issues include philosophy, cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, and neuroscience. (Students enrolling in Philosophy 220 must also enroll in Philosophy 371-01 with permission of the instructor.)

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 221

Research Design and Analysis

An intensive study of the methods employed in understanding human and animal behavior as well as an introduction to the problems of psychological data evaluation. Some of the topics included will be the roles of observation, description, bias, hypotheses, theory, and non-reactive research. Consideration will also be given to descriptive techniques, including measures of central tendency, variability, and correlation. Problems will deal with hypothesis testing, group comparisons, frequency comparisons, and analysis of variance. Enrollment in lecture and each laboratory limited.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101.

1.25 units, Lecture

PSYC 223

Psychosocial Perspectives of Asian Americans

This course focuses on issues (e.g., social psychological, identity, well-being) pertaining to Asian Americans. We will consider topics like acculturation, biculturalism, minority group status, cultural values and norms, relationships and roles and how they affect identity development and psychological functioning (e.g., stressors, support systems, academic achievement, mental health). We will discuss psychosocial research relevant to Asian Americans. We will develop and apply critical thinking skills in addressing Asian American issues.

1.00 units, Lecture

EDUC 225

Achvng Qlty&Integ Educ

What exactly do we mean by quality education? How do we successfully change schools that lack quality education? This course addresses such questions, with a focus on the problem of racial segregation in schooling, visions of quality and integrated education, and plans for achieving school desegregation. Emphasis will be placed on urban education and relation of educational systems in cities to those in surrounding suburbs. Academic learning will be integrated with service at school sites. Enrollment limited.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 225

Achieving Quality and Integrated Education

What exactly do we mean by quality education? How do we successfully change schools that lack quality education? This course addresses such questions, with a focus on the problem of racial segregation in schooling, visions of quality and integrated education, and plans for achieving school desegregation. Emphasis will be placed on urban education and the relation of educational systems in cities to those in surrounding suburbs. Academic learning will be integrated with service at school sites. Students should anticipate that special scheduling arrangements will be required for activities outside of regular class sessions.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 226

Social Psychology Laboratory

Studies human behavior and cognition in social situations, interactions of individuals in groups, and such topics as affiliation, aggression, and conformity. The course also covers applications of social psychology to such areas as medicine, the workplace, and the law.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101.

0.25 units, Laboratory

PSYC 236

Adolescent Psychology

This course will focus on the important theoretical and conceptual issues in adolescent psychology and their experimental support. A developmental perspective will be adopted in order to emphasize that adolescence is not an isolated period but rather part of the process of development that occurs throughout life.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 237

Health Psychology

This course examines the psychological aspects of stress, pain, and treatment as related to human wellness. The physiological underpinnings of stress and stress-related disorders are explored as well as the perspectives from personality and social psychology. The problem of pain leads to an exploration of the nature of symptoms in general, which involves an understanding of the attribution process and labeling. Finally, the psychological aspects of “becoming a patient” are considered.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 246

Community Psychology

In this course we will explore the major theories and principles of community psychology, a branch of psychology that explores how societal, cultural, and environmental factors impact people's psychological well-being. Topics will include community-based prevention of psychological disorders, health promotion, citizen participation and empowerment, the value of diversity, and the role of social support in buffering stress. We will also examine the goals and methods of community research, with an emphasis on the development, implementation, and evaluation of community-based programs. Given our proximity to numerous vibrant organizations in Hartford, this course requires that students participate in a community learning activity so that they may gain first-hand experience with community collaboration and put their classroom learning into practice. Enrollment limited.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 255

Cognitive Psychology

The study of knowledge and how people use it, for example, in recall and recognition, question answering, reading, writing, and problem solving. It examines individual differences, e.g, between good and poor readers, and application of theories in cognition to “real world” tasks such as computer programming. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the continuing influence of philosophy, linguistics, and computer science on the study of cognition. Laboratory exercises are designed to illustrate some of the topics considered in class. (1.25 course credits with optional laboratory)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 255

Cognitive Psychology Laboratory

0.25 units, Laboratory

PSYC 256

Learning and Memory Laboratory

A survey of traditional learning theory and current approaches to human and animal learning and memory. The course considers the acquisition and retention of skills such as reading, arithmetic, and scientific reasoning. The laboratory exercises illustrate some of the topics presented in the class lectures.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 256-01 or concurrent enrollment in Psychology 256-01

0.25 units, Laboratory

PSYC 256

Learning and Memory

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 261

Brain and Behavior

A basic study of the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system with a comprehensive analysis of the biological bases of major classes of behavior. Specific topics include: neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, sensory and motor system functioning, motivated behaviors, learning and memory, emotions, sex, and language. Enrollment in laboratory limited. (1.25 course credits with optional laboratory) The course is designed for declared or intended psychology and neuroscience majors.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101 or Biology 140 or Biology 181 or Biology 182.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 265

Drugs and Behavior

A broad overview of the use and abuse of psychopharmaceuticals. We will study the classification of psychoactive drugs, their history, and the methodological research techniques used on humans and animals. The course emphasizes physiological mechanisms of drug actions, drug effects on psychological functioning including therapeutic and toxic effects.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 270

Clinical Psychology

A survey of the concepts, methods, and theoretical issues of clinical psychology, with a focus on current and classical research and theory. Students will explore such areas as personality development from a clinical perspective, assessment, pathology, diagnosis, clinical research, and some preventative and therapeutic modes of intervention. Emphasis will also be placed upon evolving models of clinical psychology and their relationship to other areas of psychology and the life sciences.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 273

Abnormal Psychology

Some of the most influential pronouncements in psychology have been at least partly based on the study of people deemed to be abnormal or extreme in some way (e.g., “split-brain” patients). This course will provide a critical introduction to different models—medical, psychoanalytical, and others—of psychopathology (psychoses, personality disorders, etc.) We will review personal accounts of experiences deemed to be psychopathological and look at a variety of unusual experiences (e.g., déjà vu, depersonalization) frequently reported by “ordinary” people.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 275

Introduction to the Psychology of Human Sexuality

This course will explore the relevant theories and research related to the study of human sexuality, primarily from a psychological perspective. Specific topics to be covered include the conceptualization of gender and sexuality, development of sexuality through the life span, how we define and understand sexually "deviant" behaviors, the conceptualization of sexuality through various cultural lenses, and the expression of sexuality in relationships.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 293

Perception

An introduction to current understanding of how organisms maintain contact with their environments through perception. Emphasis is on vision, but other modalities are also treated. (1.25 credits with optional laboratory)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 293

Perception Laboratory

An introduction to current understanding of how organisms maintain contact with their environments through perception. Emphasis is on vision, but other modalities are also treated.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 293-01 or concurrent enrollment in Psychology 293-01

0.25 units, Laboratory

EDUC 295

Child Development

A survey of the biological, cognitive and social factors that influence the process of development. The course will focus on both theoretical and empirical issues in child development and will include topics such as attachment, language, condition, and socialization. The course will highlight how cultural factors, especially for children growing up in urban environments, influence both the manner and the end result of the developmental process. The optional laboratory introduces students to the major scientific methods of observation, interviews, and experimentation that are used to study important developmental questions in the areas of language, memory and concept development, sex-role stereotyping, prosocial development and play. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited. (11?4 course credits with optional laboratory)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101.

1.00 units min / 1.25 units max, Lecture

PSYC 295

Child Development

A survey of the biological, cognitive, and social factors that influence the process of development. The course will focus on both theoretical and empirical issues in child development and will include topics such as attachment, language, condition, and socialization. The course will highlight how cultural factors, especially for children growing up in urban environments, influence both the manner and the end result of the developmental process. The optional laboratory introduces students to the major scientific methods of observation, interviews, and experimentation that are used to study important developmental questions in the areas of language, memory and concept development, sex-role stereotyping, prosocial development and play. (1.25 course credits with optional laboratory)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 295

Child Development Laboratory

A survey of the biological, cognitive, and social factors that influence the process of development. The course will focus on both theoretical and empirical issues in child development and will include topics such as attachment, language, condition, and socialization. The course will highlight how cultural factors, especially for children growing up in urban environments, influence both the manner and the end result of the developmental process. The optional laboratory introduces students to the major scientific methods of observation, interviews, and experimentation that are used to study important developmental questions in the areas of language, memory and concept development, sex-role stereotyping, prosocial development and play. This course includes a community learning component.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 101.

0.25 units, Laboratory

PSYC 302

Behavioral Neuroscience

A selective exploration of dynamic biological and psychological interactive mechanisms of various behaviors. Specifically, the course will focus on the functional outcome of the asymmetrical brain; a multilevel analysis, from molecules to minds, of learning and memory; the study of emotions; and the interaction between stress and health as studied in psychoneuroimmunology.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 201.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 310

The Psychology of Gender Differences

This course will examine various theoretical models of male and female development from a psychological perspective. By carefully evaluating the empirical research we will explore the myths of gender to understand how women and men are the same and how they are different. Studies of gender, however, must be understood in relationship to the implicit assumptions that researchers make about human nature. Therefore, we will systematically evaluate the role of conceptual and methodological bias in scientific investigations. The course will include an analysis of some non-traditional methods that have served to challenge our thinking about gender differences and sex roles. In order to gain a broader perspective on issues of gender, we will also examine work traditionally found in other disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and biology.
Not open to first-year students.

1.00 units, Seminar

WMST 310

Psych Gender Differences

This course will examine various theoretical models of male and female development from a psychological perspective. By carefully evaluating the empirical research we will explore the myths of gender to understand how women and men are the same and how they are different. Studies of gender, however, must be understood in relationship to the implicit assumptions that researchers make about human nature. Therefore, we will systematically evaluate the role of conceptual and methodological bias in scientific investigations. The course will include an analysis of some non-traditional methods that have served to challenge our thinking about gender differences and sex-roles. In order to gain a broader perspective on issues of gender, we will also examine work traditionally found in other disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and biology. Enrollment limited.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 324

Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

This course will focus on classic and contemporary psychological theories and research related to stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. We will analyze these phenomena at the level of individuals, small groups, and institutions, with applications to forms of prejudice and discrimination based on several status characteristics, including race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and health. Approaches to reducing prejudice and discrimination will be examined and evaluated.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 226.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 330

Neurobiology of Learning & Memory

This course explores the neural mechanism underlying a wide variety of learning and memory phenomena. Special emphasis will be placed on the function of several brain regions, including the hippocampus and neocortex. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of these systems, and look for general principles related to neural and behavioral plasticity. The course will conducted in a seminar format; students are expected to read current and classic research articles, give class presentations, and lead discussions.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 101 or 201.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 332

Psychological Assessment

The course examines the methods used to assess differences among individuals in personality characteristics, intellectual qualities, and overt behavior. Topics to be discussed include interviewing, intelligence and achievement testing, projective techniques, objective test construction, and behavioral observation.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 221L and four other courses in Psychology.

1.25 units, Lecture

PSYC 340

Social Cognition

This advanced course will examine how we make sense of ourselves, of other people, and of our social world, in general. This course will apply the theories used in a variety of areas of cognitive psychology (e.g. attention, memory and decision making) to questions and issues typically examined in social psychology. These questions include: How do we form impressions of others? Why are we attracted to certain people but not others? What kinds of information about people are important to us, and why? How do we explain our behavior; and how do we explain others’ behavior? How do we organize all of this information about individuals and groups into something understandable? How do we form attitudes and stereotypes? Do our moods affect how we behave? Class meetings will include lecture, discussion, debate, and exercises.
Prerequisite: Psychology 226, Psychology 255 or Psychology 256.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 352

Artificial Intelligence

A study of basic principles and research methods in artificial intelligence. The course exposes students to selected topics in the field including pattern recognition, problem solving, theorem proving, knowledge representation, and natural language understanding by computers. The course will draw on recent advances made by cognitive scientists in each of these applications. Students are expected to study the theoretical background of an application. They will also complete several programming and simulation assignments during the semester. Prerequisite: Computer Science 215L with a grade of C- or better.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 356

Cognitive Science

An interdisciplinary study of a variety of subjects, including learning, memory, perception, and cognitive psychology. Some specific topics are language learning, expert systems, inferences, and planning. These topics will be approached using methods from psychology, artificial intelligence, and linguistics.
Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better in Psychology 255, Psychology 256, Psychology 261 or Psychology 293.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 360

Cortical Plasticity

Can you change your brain? This course will review the more recent findings and debates in cortical plasticity. It will give an overview of the different mechanisms subsumed under the term plasticity, especially as it refers to brain changes in human adults. A brief introduction to adult neurogenesis, Hebbian learning, and cortical reorganization, will be provided. Specific topics considered will include the effects of enriched environments on behavior, the reorganization of sensory and motor systems in humans, the effects of different kinds of neurotoxins on the brain, practice related changes in the brain, the brain changes associated with expertise in the arts or athletics, and brain reorganization therapies for disorders such as dyslexia.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 101 or 201.

1.00 units, Seminar

NESC 365

Cognitive Neuroscience

No Course Description Available.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 365

Cognitive Neuroscience

This course examines the way in which brain function influences mental processes and overt action. We will consider a range of cognitive functions primarily from the perspective of neuroscience and draw on such related disciplines as cognitive psychology and computational analysis as needed. The functions to be reviewed include perception, attention, memory, language, and thinking. This course includes a community learning component, and students should anticipate that special scheduling arrangements will be required for activities outside of regular class sessions.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 255 or Psychology 256 or Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 201.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 371

Minds&Brains/Cog Sci Lab

No Course Description Available.

0.25 units, Laboratory

PSYC 375

The Psychology of Human Sexuality

This course will examine the relevant theories and research related to the study of human sexuality, primarily from a psychological perspective. Specific topics to be covered include the development of sexuality through the life span, the construction of gender, sexually deviant behaviors, sexual orientation, cultural diversity, adult sexual bonding, the portrayal of sexuality in the media, sexual abuse and assault, and the expression of sexuality in relationships.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 270 or Psychology 273.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 391

Psychology of Language

The course will deal with the relationship of psychology, philosophy, and linguistics in the study of language. The focus will be on theoretical and methodological issues as well as actual psycholinguistic research in language production, comprehension, and development.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 255, Psychology 256, or Psychology 293.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 392

Human Neuropsychology

The course will begin with a cursory review of basic neuroanatomy, brain organization and topography, and neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter conductive systems. Next, an in-depth examination of physiological and neurological manifestations of cognitive and psychopathological disorders as well as behavioral correlates of neuropathological and pathophysiological disturbances will follow. Finally, a survey of current diagnostic procedures and treatment approaches will be presented. All course material augmented with, and accentuated by, illustrative clinical case material. Students should anticipate that special scheduling arrangements will be required for activities outside of regular class sessions.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 255 or Psychology 256 or Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 201.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 395

Cognitive and Social Development

This course will explore cognitive and social development within a general developmental framework. It will elaborate and critically evaluate Piaget’s theory of cognition development and examine how research in areas such as memory, perception, intelligence testing, education, language, morality, social cognition, and sex-role development can be related to Piaget’s work.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 295.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 397

Psychology of Art

Constructive, Gestalt, and ecological approaches to perception will provide a framework for examining the following topics: How pictures serve representational functions, the relation between perception and production of art works, the evolution of artistic styles or movements, and nonrepresentational and nonpictorial art. Enrollment limited.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 401

Senior Seminar: Remembering

This seminar poses questions about our memory, from both practical and theoretical perspectives. Here are some of these questions: Why do we tend to forget important appointments and assignments, but remember tunes and feelings from long ago? How much do students retain from a course? Does memory decline with age? What is the relation between brain and memory? How do models of memory help us understand memory? To explore these and other questions, we shall consult the research literature from different psychological subspecialties, including biopsychology, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and clinical psychology.
This course open only to senior psychology majors.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 402

Senior Seminar: Finding the Self

In this seminar, we will examine the self in different areas of psychology, including (but not limited to) cultural psychology, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology. We will debate the nature of the self and address several questions: How do we define and view the self? How do perspectives about the self influence behavior? We will discuss these questions and others as we "find the self" through different psychological perspectives. This seminar is discussion-intensive with student-led discussions on a regular basis.
This course open only to senior psychology majors.

1.00 units, Seminar

WMST 402

Hist of Womn Latin Amer

No Course Description Available.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 411

Electrophys Nerv Systems

This introductory course in cellular neurophysiology presents a modern and important body of knowledge in a highly integrated fashion drawing from the contributions of anatomists, physiologists, and electrical engineers. The basic biochemical properties of the membrane and sensory transduction, neural transmission, and synaptic interaction are considered in sequential order. Then the collective action of neurons in the form of compound electrical responses, and the electroencephalogram are discussed as means of understanding the neural circuitry involved in various behavioral modalities such as sleep-walking oscillation, pain modulation, etc. Particular emphasis is placed on experimental design. Ongoing research studies illustrating the concepts and techniques presented in the course will be discussed. Open to all junior and senior life science and physical science majors.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 414

History of Psychology

Why do psychologists do what they do today? The historical approach to this question will be divided into two parts: the theoretical ideas about how the human mind works, and the methods used to study the mind. What has changed since the early Greeks? What has stayed the same? Why? In what sense can we say there has been progress? How are theories, facts, and methods related? How is psychology like any other science? To fully confront the question of why psychologists do what they do, the history of psychology as a professional organization will also be examined. For instance, who controls grants and how do granting agencies control what psychologists do?
Prerequisite: C- or better in five psychology courses

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 415

Development and Culture

This seminar will look at current issues in developmental psychology including cognition, personality, language, and socialization from the perspective of cross-cultural psychology. We will focus on the role culture plays in the outcome of development as well as influencing our definitions of the process of development.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 295.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 425

PSYCHOLOGY

No Course Description Available.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 426

Advanced Topics in Social Psychology: Cultural Psychology

Cultural psychology focuses on how sociocultural contexts and cultural practices affect and reflect the human psyche. Our understanding of cultural influences on social psychological processes related to topics like the self, emotion, relationships, motiviation, socialization, and psychological well-being will be informed by theoretical and empirical research. We will explore various cultural contexts, including Latino, Asian, African, European, and North American cultures. We will address major issues in cultural psychology and discuss implications of a culturally informed psychology.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 226.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 427

Social Cognition

No Course Description Available.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 442

Evaluation and Treatment of Addictive Behavior

This course will provide an overview of theory and research on alcohol, drug, and tobacco use and dependence, in addition to other compulsive behaviors such as gambling. Specifically, we will compare theoretical models of the development of these behaviors; models of how people with an addiction change; methods to assess these behaviors; and different modalities of treatment. As part of this course, students will complete a "self-change" project, whereby they apply relevant assessment and intervention techniques to a behavior they wish to change.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 270 or Psychology 273.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 452

Cognitive Disorders

This seminar will explore the identification, evaluation, and biological bases of several cognitive disorders, and how they inform our understanding of cognitive processes. The topics will include but are not limited to: Dyslexia, Attention Defecit Disorder, Down's syndrome, William's syndrome, and Fragile X. We will discuss how alterations in underlying biological structures result in the cognitive deficits that characterize these disorders. In addition, some time will be spent discussing treatment and educational remediation.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 255, Psychology 256, or Psychology 261.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 454

Applications of Human Cognition Research

This course will cover fundamental concepts in human cognition, emphasizing recent debates, as well as advances in methodology that have informed these debates. Importantly, these topics will be considered in terms of their application to other fields, including law, education, and medicine. In considering topics such as eyewitness memory, mood and anxiety disorders, aging, testing effects, psychopharmacology, and everyday instances of forgetting, students will develop a broader perspective of how research on human cognition may inform policy within medical, educational, and legal settings. Students will be expected to read research articles, give class presentations, and lead discussions. A final applied project will allow students to use what they have learned in the classroom to make specific policy recommendations.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 255, Psychology 256, or Psychology 293.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 464

Neuropsychopharmacology

This seminar will examine how drugs act upon, amplify, and modify neural functions, ultimately affecting mood and behavior. It will provide an introduction to the principles of pharmacology and neurochemistry. An in-depth study of the brain and behavioral mechanisms of drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, heroin, LSD, and alcohol, and the neurobiology of addiction. Additionally, we will examine the effects of prenatal exposure to these drugs.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 201.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 466

Teaching Assistantship

Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

PSYC 471

Psychotherapy

This course is taught as a seminar with limited enrollment and assumes some background. Through study of original theoretical source material, students investigate the nature of psychotherapy, with attention given to its evolution, the therapeutic relationship and communication, and the integrative aspects of diverse methods and theories, such as client-centered, rational-emotive, behavioral, psychoanalytic, Jungian, Gestalt, and group psychotherapy. Films will illustrate various styles of psychotherapy.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 270 or 273. Open only to psychology majors or literature and psychology minors.

1.00 units, Seminar

PSYC 490

Research Assistantship

Students may assist professors in conducting research studies. Hours and duties will be determined on the basis of project needs and student interests. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

PSYC 493

The Ecological Approach to Psychology

A study of the consequences for psychology of analyzing the environment at an appropriate scale, and including that analysis in the theory of the control of acting in and knowing (especially perceiving) the world. The core of the approach derives from a combination of the experimental psychology of perceiving and biomechanics, but the applications extend throughout psychology, especially social psychology. Illustrative cases of perceiving and acting to be considered include problems involved in standing upright, flying aircraft, designing stairs and chairs, catching and hitting baseballs, planning orthodontic treatment, broad jumping, and becoming a successful mime.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 255 or Psychology 293.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 498

Senior Thesis, Part 1

The thesis is a year-long research project sponsored by a member of the Psychology Department. (Two course credits are considered pending in the first semester; two course credits will be awarded for completion in the second semester.) Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment.

2.00 units, Independent Study

PSYC 499

Senior Thesis Part 2

2.00 units, Independent Study