Psychology Course Descriptions
'08-'09

W1001x or y. The Science of Psychology

Spr 2008. Sec. 1: 3 pts. P. Lindemann MW 1:10-2:25 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall
Spr 2008. Sec. 2: 3 pts. K. Taylor TR 6:10-7:25 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall

Fall 2008. Sec. 1: 3 pts. P. Lindemann TR 1:10-2:25 PM. Room 501Schermerhorn Hall
Fall 2008. Sec. 2: 3 pts. B. Rakitin. MW 6:10-7:25 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall
Spr 2009. Sec. 1: 3 pts. P. Lindemann TR 10:35-11:50 AM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall
Spr 2009. Sec. 2: 3 pts. K. Taylor MW 9:10-10:25 AM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall

Enrollment may be limited. Attendance at the first two class periods is mandatory. Broad survey of psychological science including: sensation and perception; learning, memory, intelligence, language, and cognition; emotions and motivation; development, personality, health and illness, and social behavior. Discusses relations between the brain, behavior, and experience. Emphasizes science as a process of discovering both new ideas and new empirical results.[Download Lindemann's syllabus] [Download Rakitin's syllabus]

S1001Q. The Science of Psychology
4 pts. R. Canbeyli MTWR 10:45-12:50 PM. Room 614 Sch. Summer Term II: July 7- August 15, 2008

Introduction to the science of human behavior. Topics include history of psychology, brain function and development, sleep and dreams, sensation and perception, learning and memory, theories of development, language and cognition, research methods, emotion, mental illness, and therapy. [Click here for syllabus]

W1010x or y. Mind, Brain, & Behavior
Spr 2008. Sec. 1: 3 pts. D. Shohamy TR 2:40-3:55 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall

Fall 2008. Sec. 1: 3 pts. K.Taylor TR 6:10-7:25 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall
Spr 2009. Sec. 1: 3 pts. C. Wiedenmayer TR 6:10-7:25 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall

An introduction to the biological approach to the experimental study of behavior. Includes consideration of the types of biological data relevant to psychology, as well as the assumptions and logic permitting the interpretation of biological data in psychological terms. [View Wiedenmayer's syllabus] [View Shohamy's syllabus]

S1010D. Mind, Brain, & Behavior
3 pts. K. Taylor MW 5:30-8:40 PM. Room 608 Sch. Summer Term I: May 27-July 3, 2008

An introduction to the biological approach to the experimental study of behavior. Includes consideration of the types of biological data relevant to psychology, as well as the assumptions and logic permitting the interpretation of biological data in psychological terms. [Click here for syllabus]

W1420x. Experimental Psychology: Human Behavior
Fall 2008: 4 pts. P. Lindemann M 4:10-6 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the instructor's permission. A prior or concurrent statistics course (PSYC W1610 or the equivalent) is highly recommended. Corequisite: PSYC 1421. Attendance at the first class is essential.
An introduction to the techniques of research employed in the study of human behavior. Students gain experience in the conduct of research, including design of simple experiments, observation and measurement techniques, and the analysis of behavioral data. Fee: $70. [Click here for Preliminary Course Information]

W1421x. Experimental Psychology: Human Behavior Lab
Fall 2008: 0 pts. Room 200B or 200C Schermerhorn Hall

Required lab section for W1420y. Limited enrollment in each section; Priorty given to majors. Register for one of the following:
Sec.1 M 6:10-8 PM 200C; Sec. 2 W 6:10-8 PM 200C; Sec. 3 M 8:00-10:00 PM 200B; Sec. 4 tba

W1440. Experimental Psychology: Learning & Motivation
2008-09: Not offered. 4 pts.

Prerequisite: an introductory psychology course. Corequisite: PSYC W1441. Limited enrollment in each section. Priorty given to majors. Attendance at the first class meeting is essential. Laboratory course examining fundamental mechanisms of learning. Students train rats to perform, and observe their behavior, under various environmental situations. Fee: $70. [Click here for syllabus]

W1441. Experimental Psychology: Learning & Motivation Lab
2008-09: Not offered. 0 pts.

Required lab section for PSYC W1440. Limited enrollment in each section.

W1450y. Experimental Psychology: Social Cognition and Emotion
Spr 2008: 4 pts. K. Ochsner M 4:10 - 6 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Spr 2009: 4 pts. K. Ochsner M 4:10 - 6 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the instructor's permission. A prior or concurrent statistics course (PSYC W1610 or the equivalent) is highly recommended. Corequisite: PSYC 1451. Attendance at the first class is essential. Majors have priority. Fee $70.
An introduction to research methods employed in the study of human social cognition and emotion. Students gain experience in the design and conduct of research, including ethical issues, observation and measurement techniques, interpretation of data, and preparation of written and oral reports. [Download syllabus]

W1451y. Experimental Psychology: Social Cognition and Emotion (Lab) :

Spr 2008: 0 pts. Room 200B Schermerhorn Hall
Required Lab for W1450. Limited enrollment in each section. Register for one of the following:
Sec. 1 M 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 2 T 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 3 T 4:10-6 PM; Sec. 4 tba

Spr 2009: 0 pts. Room 200B Schermerhorn Hall
Required Lab for W1450. Limited enrollment in each section. Register for one of the following:
Sec. 1 M 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 2 T 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 3 T 4:10-6 PM; Sec. 4 T 2:10-4 PM

W1455x or y. Experimental Psychology: Social and Personality
Spr 2008: 4 pts. N. Bolger MW 10:35-11:50 AM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Fall 2008: 4 pts. N. Bolger W 2:10-4 PM. Room 200B Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: Any introductory psychology course. Pre- or Corequisite: PSYC W1610 or the equivalent. Corequisite: PSYC W1456. Fee: $70.
Methodology and procedures of personality and social psychological research and exercises in data analysis and research design. Statistical concepts such as reliability and validity, methods of constructing personality measures, merits and limitations of correlational and experimental research designs, and empirical evaluation of theories. Student teams conduct research projects. [Download preliminary course information]

W1456x or y. Experimental Psychology: Social and Personality (Lab)

Spr 2008: 0 pts. Room 200B Schermerhorn Hall
Required Lab for W1455. Limited enrollment in each section. Register for one of the following:
Sec. 1 W 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 2 R 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 3 F 10:10-12 AM

Fall 2008: 0 pts. Room 200B Schermerhorn Hall
Required Lab for W1455. Limited enrollment in each section. Register for one of the following:
Sec. 1 W 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 2 R 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 3 F 10:10-12 AM

W1480. Experimental Psychology: Perception & Attention
2008-09: Not offered. 4 pts.

Corequisite: PSYC W1481. Introduction to significant phenomena and theoretical approaches to problems in perception and attention. Attendance at the first class meeting is essential. [Click here for syllabus]

W1481. Experimental Psychology: Perception & Attention Lab
2008-09: Not offered. 0 pts.

Required lab section for PSYC W1480. Limited enrollment in each section. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations of practical and theoretical importance in visual perception.

S1480D. Experimental Psychology: Perception & Attention (lecture and lab)
4 pts. B. Rakitin MTWR 9:00-12:10 PM. Room 200B Sch. Summer Term I: May 27-July 3, 2008

Prerequisite: Psychology W1001 or W1010, or the instructor's permission.
Introduction to significant phenomena and theoretical approaches to problems in perception and attention. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations of practical and theoretical importance in visual perception. Fee: $70. [Download syllabus]

W1490. Experimental Psychology: Thinking & Decision Making
2008-09: Not offered. 4 pts.

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the instructor's permission. Fee: $70 Corequisite: PSYC W1491. Attendance at the first class is essential. Complement to, rather than substitute for, PSYC 2235. Introduces research methods employed in the study of the cognitive and social determinants of thinking and decision making. Students gain experience in the conduct of research, including design of simple experiments, individual and group preference elicitation techniques, and the analysis of behavioral data. Lab Required [Download recent syllabus]

W1491. Experimental Psychology: Thinking & Decision Making Lab
2008-09: Not offered. 4 pts.

Required lab section for W1490x. Register for one of the following:
Sec.1 M 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 2 W 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 3 tba; Sec. 4 tba
Limited enrollment in each section. Majors have priority.

W1610y. Introductory Statistics for Behavioral Scientists
Spr 2009: 4 pts. (itba) MW 2:40 -3:55 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall

Corequisite: PSYC 1611x. Prerequisite or corequisite: PSYC 1001 or 1010. Recommended preparation: one course in behavioral science and knowledge of high school algebra. (Majors have priority).
An introduction to statistics that concentrates on problems from the behavioral sciences. Fee $70. [Click here for previous syllabus] [Click here to download Fall 2007 syllabus]

W1611y. Introductory Statistics for Behavioral Scientists (Lab)
Spr 2009: 0 pts. Room 200B Schermerhorn Hall

Required lab section for W1610. Register for one of the following:
Sec.1 R 4:10-6 PM; Sec. 2 R 6:10-8 PM; Sec. 3 F 10:10-12 AM [if needed]; Sec. 4 F 12:10-2 PM [if needed]

S1610D. Introductory Statistics for Behavioral Scientists
4 pts. M.Crisafi MTWR 10:45-12:50 PM. Room 614 Sch. Summer Term I: May 27-July 3, 2008

Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or 1010 or the equivalent. Fee $70. Recommended preparation: one course in behavioral science and knowledge of high school algebra.
An introduction to statistics that concentrates on problems from the behavioral sciences. Lab Required. [Click here for syllabus]

back to top

W2210y. Cognition: Basic Processes
Spr 2008: 3 pts. B. Finn MW 2:40-3:55 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the instructor's permission.
An introduction to basic concepts in cognitive psychology. Topics include theories and phenomena in areas such as attention, memory, concepts and categories, language, reasoning, decision making, and consciousness. [Download related syllabus]

S2210Q. Cognition: Basic Processes
Summer 2008: not offered . 3 pts. B. Finn

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010, or the instructor's permission.
An introduction to basic concepts in cognitive psychology. Topics include theories and phenomena in areas such as perception, attention, memory, concepts and categories, language, problem solving, reasoning, decision making, metacognition and consciousness. [Download syllabus]

W2215y. Cognition and the Brain
Spr 2009 : 3 pts. E.Smith MW 10:35-11:50 AM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or 1010 (recommended) or the instructor's permission.
How mental activities--particularly human cognitive processes--are implemented in the brain, with some emphasis on methods and findings of neuroscience. Topics include long term and working memory, attention and executive processes, concepts and categorization, decision making, and language. [Download Syllabus]

W2220x. Cognition: Memory & Stress
Fall 2008: 3 pts. J. Metcalfe MW 2:40-3:55 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the instructor's permission. Attendance at the first class period is mandatory. Memory, attention, and stress in human cognition. [Download syllabus ]

W2225y. Attention and Perception
Spr 2008 : 3 pts. H. Lau MW 6:10-7:25 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Spr 2009 : 3 pts. H. Lau MW 6:10-7:25 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the instructor's permission.
Introduction to the theories and mechanisms of attentional selection in perceptual processes. Topics include classical theories of selective attention, modern neurocognitive models, clinical impairments of attention, and the relationship between attention and time. [View syllabus ]

W2230. Perception & Sensory Processes
2008-09 Not offered: 3 pts. L. Matin

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010, or the instructor's permission.
Fundamental phenomena and mechanisms of visual and auditory perception are described and related to underlying neural processes, to developmental processes, and to sensorimotor function.
[ Download syllabus ]

S2230D. Perception & Sensory Processes
3 pts. B. Rakitin MW 9:00-12:10 PM. Room 614 Sch. Summer Term I: May 27-July 3, 2008

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010, or the instructor's permission.
Fundamental phenomena and mechanisms of visual and auditory perception are described and related to underlying neural processes, to developmental processes, and to sensorimotor function. [Note: This is the lecture-only portion of PSYC S1480D]

W2235x. Thinking & Decision Making
Fall 2008: 3 pts. E.Weber TR 10:35-11:50 AM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: an introductory course in psychology.
Models of judgment and decision making in both certain and uncertain or risky situations, illustrating the interplay of top-down (theory-driven) and bottom-up (data-driven) processes in creating knowledge. Focus is on how individuals do and should makedecisions, with some extensions to group decision making and social dilemmas. [Download Weber syllabus] [View previous Krantz syllabus]

W2240. Human Communication
2008-09 Not offered: 3 pts. R. Krauss

Prerequisite: one course in psychology or linguistics, or the instructor's permission.
Human communication (verbal and nonverbal) from a social-psychological perspective. Topics include models of communication; speech production and perception; the encoding and comprehension of communicative intentions; perspective taking and the social situation of meaning; the communication of affect; and language and cognitive processes.[View syllabus ]

W2250y. Evolution of Cognition
Spr 2008: 3 pts. H. Terrace TR 10:35-11:50 AM. Room 200C Schermerhorn Hall

Spr 2009: 3 pts. H. Terrace TR 10:35-11:50 AM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the instructor's permission. A systematic review of different forms of cognition as viewed in the context of the theory of evolution. Specific topics include the application of the theory of evolution to behavior, associative learning, biological constraints on learning, methods for studying the cognitive abilities of animals, levels of representation, ecological influences on cognition, and evidence of consciousness in animals. [Download preliminary course information]

W2280y. Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Spr 2009: 3 pts. L. Putnam TR 1:10-2:25 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the equivalent. Enrollment may be limited. Attendance at the first two class periods is mandatory.
Introduction to the scientific study of human development, with an emphasis on psychobiological processes underlying perceptual, cognitive, and emotional development. [View syllabus]

S2280D. Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Summer 2008: Not offered. 3 pts. M. Crisafi

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the equivalent.
Introduction to the scientific study of human development, with an emphasis on psychobiological processes underlying perceptual, cognitive, and emotional development. [ View syllabus ]

S2410. Learning and Motivation
Summer 2008: not offered. 3 pts.

Prerequisite: Psychology W1001 or W1010 or the instructor's permission.
Current theoretical and experimental investigations of basic learning processes and mechanisms of motivation in humans and in nonhuman animals. Topics include habituation, sensitization, classical and instrumental conditioning, discrimination learning, reward, choice, and categorization. [Note: This is the lecture portion of PSYC S1440Q]

W2420y. Animal Behavior
Spr 2008: 3 pts. S. Woolley TR 1:10-2:25 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Spr 2009: 3 pts. S. Woolley TR 1:10-2:25 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or a college-level biology course or instructor permission.
Introduction to behavioral systems, evolution of behavioral traits, and analysis of behavior. Topics include reproductive and social behavior, mating systems, competition, cooperation, communication, learning, development and the interplay of genes and environment. [View syllabus]

W2440. Language and Brain
2008-09: Not offered. 3 pts.

Prerequisite: an introductory psychology course or the instructor's permission.
Examination of the psychological processes that underlie the use of language and the organization of language mechanisms in the brain. Topics include sentence comprehension and production, reading and writing, and review of experimental investigations, neuroimaging data and studies of language impairments following brain-damage. [ Download syllabus ]

W2450. Behavioral Neuroscience
2008-09: Not offered. 3 pts.

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010. Examines the principles governing neuronal activity, the role of neurotransmitter systems in memory and motivational processes, the presumed brain dysfunctions that give rise to schizophrenia and depression, and philosophical issues regarding the relationship between brain activity and subjective experience.

S2450Q. Behavioral Neuroscience
3pts. E. McCaskill TR 5:30-8:40 PM. Room 614 Sch. Summer Term II: July 7- August 15, 2008

Recommended preparation: a course in psychology and high school physics, chemistry, and biology.
An introduction to the analysis of psychological issues by anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological methods. Topics include neurons, neurotransmitters, neural circuits, human neuroanatomy, vision, motor control, learning, feeding, drinking, sex, and development. [View syllabus ]

W2460x. Drugs and Behavior
Fall 2008: 3 pts. C. Hart MW 9:10 - 10:25 AM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the equivalent. The effects of psychoactive drugs on the brain and behavior. [View syllabus]

S2460D. Drugs and Behavior
3 pts. E. McCaskill MW 1:00-4:10 PM. Room 614 Sch. Summer Term I: May 27-July 3, 2008

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001 or W1010 or the equivalent. The effects of psychoactive drugs on the brain and behavior. [View syllabus]

W2480x. The Developing Brain
Fall 2008: 3 pts. F. Champagne TR 9:10 - 10:25 AM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: Psychology W1001 or W1010 or the instructor's permission.
Brain development across the life span, with emphasis on fetal and postnatal periods. How the environment shapes brain development and hence adult patterns of behavior. [Download syllabus].

W2610. Introduction to Personality
2008-09: Not offered 3 pts. W. Mischel

Prerequisite: an introductory psychology course.
A survey of the important methods, findings, and theories in the field of personality research. [Download syllabus]

W2620y. Abnormal Behavior
Spr 2008: 3 pts. K. Berenson TR 9:10-10:25 AM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Spr 2009: 3 pts. C. Monk TR 9:10-10:25 AM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: an introductory psychology course.
An examination of definitions, theories, and treatments of abnormal behavior. [ Download syllabus]

W2630y. Social Psychology
Spr 2009: 3 pts. T. Higgins TR 2:40-3:55 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall

Surveys important methods, findings, and theories in the study of social influences on behavior. Emphasizes different perspectives on the relation between individuals and society. [Download syllabus]

S2635. Social and Organizational Psychology
Summer 2008: not offered. 3 pts.

Prerequisite: PSYC W1001, W1010, or W2630, or instructor's permission.
An introduction to theories and research underlying the field of Social and Organizational Psychology. Behavioral science methods and concepts applied to the study of human behavior in organizational settings. [View previous syllabus]

W2640x or y. Introduction to Social Cognition
Spr 2008 : 3 pts. B. Sparrow TR 4:10-5:25 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall.

Fall 2008 : 3 pts. B. Sparrow TR 4:10-5:25 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall.

Prerequisite: an introductory psychology course or instructor's permission.
An introduction to basic concepts in social cognition. Topics include attribution theory (how we explain our own and other's behavior), social categories and schema (social perception and stereotyping), the social self (the development and maintenance of a self-concept), attention and
consciousness, person memory, affect and cognition, and social inference, among others. [Download syllabus]

W2680x. Social & Personality Development
Fall 2008: 3 pts. S. E. Lutz MW 6:10-7:25 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall

Prerequisite: an introductory psychology course.
Exploration of social, emotional, and moral development in children and adolescents, and consideration of the interactive influence of biology, culture, and social context on development. Particular attention to cultural context and current research, as well as interdisciplinary insights. [Download previous syllabus ] [Download current syllabus]

back to top