How to Get Started in Psychology
2009 - 2010
Recommended first courses with no prerequisites
PSYC W1001x or y. The Science of Psychology.
Fall 2009. Sec. 1: 3 pts. P. Lindemann TR 1:10-2:25 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall
Fall 2009. Sec. 2: 3 pts. K. Taylor TR 9:10-10:25 AM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall
Spr 2010. Sec. 1: 3 pts. P. Lindemann TR 10:35-11:50 AM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall
Spr 2010. Sec. 2: 3 pts. B. Rakitin MW 6:10-7:25 PM. 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 syllabus] [Download Rakitin syllabus] [Download Taylor syllabus]
W1010x or y. Mind, Brain, & Behavior
Fall 2009. 3 pts. D. Shohamy MW 2:40-3:55 PM. Room 501 Schermerhorn Hall
Spr 2010. 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 Shohamy syllabus] [View Wiedenmayer syllabus]
W2630x. Social Psychology
Fall 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]
W2650x. Introduction to Cultural Psychology
Fall 2009: 3 pts. V. Purdie-Vaughns MW 1:10-2:25 PM. Room 614 Schermerhorn Hall.
Prerequisite: none, some basic knowledge of social psychology is desirable.
A comprehensive examination of how culture and diversity shape psychological processes. The class will explore psychological and political underpinnings of culture and diversity, emphasizing social psychological approaches. Topics include culture and social cognition, group and identity formation, psychology of multiculturalism, stereotyping, predjudice, and gender. Applications to real-world phenomena discussed. [Download syllabus]
For additional information on Psychology at Columbia see
www.columbia.edu/cu/psychology/dept/curriculum/bfirstcourses.html
