Psychology 14 (formerly Psychology 1301). Cognitive Neuroscience
Catalog Number: 5607
Alfonso Caramazza
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
How do our brains give rise to our minds? Specifically, how are mental processes related to neural activity? This course will explore these questions, as well as the methods by which cognitive neuroscience seeks to answer them. We will focus on processes within perception, attention, memory, language, action, emotion, and social cognition, and methods including neuroimaging, neuropsychology, and electrophysiology.
Note: This course meets foundational requirements and should be taken before courses at the 1000 level or higher.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors.
Psychology 15. Social Psychology
Catalog Number: 4760
Joshua D. Greene
Half course (spring term). M., W. 1-2:30, and a one-hour section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
An introduction to social psychological research and theory regarding everyday behavior. Topics include: social influence, attitude change, and obedience to authority; stereotyping and prejudice; social cognition; social interaction and group processes; interpersonal attraction; prosocial behavior; and everyday human judgment.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Science of Living Systems or the Core area requirement for Science B. This course meets foundational requirements and should be taken before courses at the 1000 level or higher.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors.
[*Psychology 16. Developmental Psychology: Psychology of Early Childhood]
Catalog Number: 1483
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
An introduction to theories and findings in the psychology of early childhood, roughly the period from 18 months to 6 years. The course will cover attachment; pretense and imagination; theory of mind/autism; moral development; memory development; emotion and understanding emotion; vocabulary growth; cross-cultural variation; brain development; learning through dialogue; and children’s religious concepts.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14. This course has been replaced by SLS-15 Origins of Knowledge, which will meet the foundational requirement.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors.
Psychology 18. Abnormal Psychology
Catalog Number: 8560
Joshua William Buckholtz
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30-1, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Introduction to the study of psychopathology. Focuses on theoretical models of abnormal behavior as they relate to the definition, etiology, and treatment of mental disorders. Diagnostic classification, behavioral, and biological features of the major syndromes of psychopathology emphasized.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science B. This course meets foundational requirements and should be taken before courses at the 1000 level or higher.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors.
*Psychology 950. Psychology Live
Catalog Number: 5195 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Jamil O. Zaki and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). W., 1:30–4.
Faculty will each lecture about their main area of research: its history, methods, and discoveries, focusing on contemporary research topics including perception, memory, cognitive development, animal cognition, social cognition, moral decision-making, consciousness, language, and psychopathology. Includes a view of methods to study the mind, brain and behavior involving neuroscientific techniques, evolutionary psychology, web-based experimentation, traditional laboratory experiments, and field studies. Emphasis is primarily human, as well as nonhuman primates.
Prerequisite: Science of Living System 20, Psychology 1, or Science B-62.
*Psychology 971. Contemporary Issues in Psychology: Intensive Cross-level Analyses
Catalog Number: 3498
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines selected issues and phenomena in contemporary psychological research. Special attention to examining topics from a variety of perspectives, to reading primary sources in the field, and to developing thinking, writing, research, and discussion skills. This tutorial, or Psychology 975, is required of concentrators upon entering the concentration, normally in the sophomore year. Letter graded.
Note: This course is taught entirely in sections, so a required first meeting of this course will be held the first day of classes; see Registrar’s first meeting list for time and location. Students may take this course before formally declaring Psychology as their concentration.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 (or equivalent) or concurrent enrollment.
*Psychology 975. Contemporary Issues in Psychology: Intensive Cross-level Analyses for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience
Catalog Number: 9063
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines selected issues of relevance to social and cognitive neuroscience addressed in contemporary psychological research, and is normally required for students in the Social and Cognitive Neuroscience track of Psychology. Special attention to examining topics from a variety of perspectives, to reading primary sources in the field, and to developing thinking, writing, research, and discussion skills. This tutorial, or Psychology 971, is required of concentrators upon entering the concentration, normally in the sophomore year. Letter-graded.
Note: This course is taught entirely in sections, so a required first meeting of this course will be held the first day of classes; see Registrar’s first meeting list for time and location. Students may take this course before formally declaring Psychology as their concentration.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 (or equivalent) or concurrent enrollment.
*Psychology 980f. Animal Cognition - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 89069 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). Tu., 3–5.
This course is an introduction to the study of animal cognition and thought processes. Topics include categorization, memory, number concepts, insight, and language-like behavior. The course requires reading and critiquing original journal articles.
Note: Not open to students who have taken PSY 1351.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors, and one foundational course.
*Psychology 980g. Developmental Neuroscience
Catalog Number: 50838 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department.
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30.
Theories and findings in the psychology and neuropsychology of infancy, childhood and adolescence, with reference to lifespan development. Topics addressed include language, executive function, moral reasoning and memory. Studies of abnormal development, including dyslexia and ADHD, will illuminate the nature of brain development across dispersed neural networks. Implications of modern understanding of neurocognitive development on policy and education will be considered.
Note: Typically meant for Junior and Senior Psychology concentrators.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors, and one foundational course.
[*Psychology 980i. Psychology of Education and Pedagogy]
Catalog Number: 35731 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3.
In this seminar we will discuss modern psychological research into learning and teaching and how such evidence can inform pedagogy, educational policy, and our understanding of the mind.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Typically meant for Junior and Senior Psychology concentrators.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors, and one foundational course.
*Psychology 980j. Psychology of Religion
Catalog Number: 48338 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). Tu., 4–6.
This seminar will explore scientific theory and research on the psychology of religious beliefs and practices, integrating cognitive, developmental, evolutionary, neuroscientific and social levels of analysis. Topics addressed include dualism, afterlives, agency perception & anthropomorphism, creationism & teleofunctional reasoning, magic & taboos, ritualistic behavior & prayer, cooperation, and debates concerning religion as adaptation vs. by-product.
Note: Typically meant for Junior and Senior Psychology concentrators. First meeting will be on September 8, 2010.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors, and one foundational course.
*Psychology 980k. Growing Up and Growing Old: Cognitive Changes in Childhood and Aging
Catalog Number: 76843 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). M., 4–6.
This seminar will focus on the profound cognitive changes of early childhood and old age. We will be especially interested in what such changes tell us about how the adult mind -- perched between childhood and old age -- is organized. Topics include: theories of development and theories of aging, changes in the neural substrate; the rise and fall of executive functions; conceptual gain and conceptual loss; expertise and wisdom; healthy aging and dementias.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors, and one foundational course.
*Psychology 980l. Language and Thought - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 37547 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Th., 3–5.
Can we think without language? Do the particular language(s) we know shape our thoughts? This course will explore language and thought through case studies in various populations and domains (e.g., color, space, number) and consider whether language is a merely a communicative tool, or whether it influences how we think.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and one foundational course.
*Psychology 980n. Nonverbal Communication - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 25145 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4.
What can we learn about another person by observing her nonverbal behavior? What do our physical actions convey about us? Can we control the messages our bodies send? In this course, we will learn about various aspects of nonverbal communication and situations in which nonverbal behavior is influential. As we examine evidence, we will be able to look back and explore more nuanced complexities as to how nonverbal behavior acts as a communication channel.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors, and one foundational course
*Psychology 980o. Perception and Imagination - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 97975 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Daniel Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). M., 4–6.
Perception is required to have a mind like yours. How does perceiving work? How are streams of sensory input processed into rich and useful models of the world around you? This course will converge on the 5 senses from many informative angles, explaining how perception tracks and shapes reality, then gives rise to imagination.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and one foundational course.
*Psychology 985. Junior Tutorial: Honors Thesis Preparation
Catalog Number: 2343
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Fall: Hours to be arranged; Spring: W., at 5.
Supervised reading and research with a faculty supervisor normally resulting in a thesis prospectus. Required, supplemental group meetings to discuss topic and supervisor selection, study methodology, prospectus writing, and the prospectus meeting. Graded SAT/UNS. Full prospectus or term paper required.
Note: Normally limited to junior psychology concentrators. Admission to course by way of application.
Prerequisite: Psychology 1901 or concurrent enrollment.
*Psychology 992. Senior Tutorial: Honors Thesis (Mind/Brain/Behavior)
Catalog Number: 4990
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Full course. Fall: Th., at 4.
Individual supervised thesis research supplemented with occasional group meetings to discuss major aspects of the thesis process (e.g., organizing, conducting, and presenting research). Graded Sat/Unsat. Prospectus meeting required for fall term credit, as well as a paper for students who divide course at mid-year. Submission of thesis required for full year credit.
Note: Required of and limited to senior psychology concentrators in the Social and Cognitive Neuroscience thesis track, who will take this course in lieu of Psychology 990.
Prerequisite: Approved thesis application and Psychology 1901.
*Psychology 993. Senior Tutorial: Honors Thesis (Social and Cognitive Neuroscience)
Catalog Number: 5567
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department.
Full course. Fall: Th., at 4.
Individual supervised research supplemented with occasional group meetings to discuss major aspects of the thesis process (e.g., organizing, conducting, and presenting research). Graded Sat/Unsat. Prospectus meeting required for fall term credit, as well as a paper for students who divide course at mid-year. Submission of thesis required for full year credit.
Note: Required of and limited to senior honors psychology concentrators in the Social and Cognitive Neuroscience track, who will take this course in lieu of Psychology 990.
Prerequisite: Approved thesis application and Psychology 1901.
[Psychology 1006. Psychology of Morality]
Catalog Number: 98864
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This class will survey the recent history and evolution of research in moral psychology, emphasizing the function of moral thought in the regulation of intra-psychic processes and the shaping of social judgment and interaction. Students will be expected to engage in interactive discussion as well as participate in experimental research.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and Psychology 13 or Psychology 15.
*Psychology 1051. MATLAB: Introduction to Programming for Behavioral Research
Catalog Number: 25165 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
George Angelo Alvarez
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16, 17
This course will introduce students to the basics of the MATLAB user interface and programming language, for the purpose of using MATLAB to conduct behavioral research. In the first half of the course, you will learn about MATLAB syntax, general programming concepts such as functions, loops, and conditional statements, and how to analyze and visualize data in MATLAB. In the second half of the course, you will learn to program psychology experiments with the Psychophysics toolbox (a set of MATLAB functions), including displaying stimuli (visual and auditory), and collecting responses from participants.
Note: All students are required to bring a laptop computer to class. Open to graduate and undergraduate students with permission of instructor.
*Psychology 1052. The application of fMRI in cognitive neuroscience research
Catalog Number: 91794 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Yaoda Xu
Half course (fall term). M., 10–12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is one of the most widely used methods in cognitive neuroscience research. In this course, students will learn the basics of fMRI research and gain hands-on experience in conducting fMRI experiments. In the first part of the course, students will have an overview of the fMRI methods, including how fMRI works, basic designs of fMRI experiments, fMRI data collection, analysis and interpretation, and current applications of fMRI in cognitive neuroscience research. In the second part of the course, students will design and conduct fMRI experiments and analyze fMRI data.
Note: Open to graduate students and advanced undergraduates with permission of instructor.
Psychology 1201. Your Brain on Drugs: Psychopharmacology
Catalog Number: 6717
Scott E. Lukas (Medical School)
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1-2:30, and a one-hour section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
An introduction to how drugs affect mood, sensation, consciousness, and other psychological and behavioral functions in both healthy and disease states. Introduces concepts in neuroscience and pharmacology to understand how drugs are used to treat drug abuse, psychiatric disorders and why individuals use recreational drugs. Covers all CNS drugs, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, alcohol, and both licit and illicit drugs of abuse. Debates controversial topics such as research with psychiatric populations, diagnosing ADHD, teenage suicide, marijuana legalization, and needle exchange programs.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science B.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and either Psychology 13, Psychology 18, or MCB 80.
[*Psychology 1304. Cognitive Neuropsychology]
Catalog Number: 2419
Alfonso Caramazza
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines the patterns of perceptual, motor, cognitive, and linguistic impairments resulting from brain damage. The focus is on the implications of the various types of neuropsychological deficits (such as visual neglect, dyslexia, and aphasia) for theories of the mind and the functional organization of the brain.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and Psychology 13 or MCB 80.
[Psychology 1307. Brain Genomics]
Catalog Number: 63133
Randy L. Buckner
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Genetics provides a powerful approach for exploring human behavioral variation and learning how dysfunction in neural circuits influences cognition. This course will cover the basics of genetic inheritance and genomic sequencing to understand brain function. Topics include autistic disorders, schizophrenia, and normal cognitive variation. The goals of the class will be (1) to debate the potential of bridging genomics and human neuroscience, and (2) to survey recent successes in brain genomics.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
Prerequisite: Life Science 1A; MCB 80 or Science of Living Systems 20 desirable.
[*Psychology 1352. Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience Research]
Catalog Number: 9399 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Randy L. Buckner
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Intended for undergraduates or those with limited background in cognitive neuroscience. Students will attend and participate in laboratory research and in a seminar that includes discussion of active scientific projects, recent important journal articles, and didactic lecture on technical aspects of methods central to cognitive neuroscience research. Readings will be assigned that survey basic principles of system neuroscience, cognitive science, and methods including functional MRI, MEG, and single unit physiology.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Limited to students involved in research.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors or MCB 80, or permission of instructor. For graduate students, permission of instructor.
*Psychology 1357. Puzzles of the Mind: Humans, Animals, Robots: Seminar
Catalog Number: 87888 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Güven Güzeldere
Half course (spring term). Tu., 3–5.
An interdisciplinary comparative study of human, animal, and robot minds. Particular emphasis on philosophical questions that frame the problems, and recent work in psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience that attempt to tackle them empirically. Relation between consciousness and cognition, language and thought, conscious versus unconscious information processing, Manifestations of mental capacities in different underlying substrates: the human brain, nervous systems of non-human animals, and silicon-based computational systems. Additional readings from cognitive ethology and artificial intelligence.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and one from Psychology 13, 15, 16, or 18, or Molecular and Cellular Biology 80, or coursework in philosophy.
*Psychology 1358. The Representation of Object Knowledge - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 83581 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Alfonso Caramazza
Half course (fall term). Tu., 10–12.
Knowledge of objects encompasses their physical appearance and how they can be manipulated as well as information about their function, social value and other properties that are not reducible to simple sensory-motor experiences. In this seminar, we will explore the relationship between sensory-motor processes and the organization and representation of conceptual knowledge through a review of recent behavioral, neuroimaging and neuropsychological research.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors plus Psychology 13 or Psychology 14 or MCB 80, or permission of instructor.
Psychology 1430. Human Memory and Amnesia
Catalog Number: 8922
Daniel L. Schacter
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Surveys current data and theory concerning human memory and amnesia from cognitive, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological perspectives. Topics considered include short-term memory, encoding and retrieval processes, forgetting, memory distortion, implicit memory, drug effects on memory, amnesic syndromes, and aging memory.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors plus either Psychology 13, 15, 16, 18, Science B 29 or MCB 80.
[*Psychology 1452. The Human Face]
Catalog Number: 11513 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Ken Nakayama
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Face recognition and face processing have strong biological substrates and have wide application to many sub-fields of psychology. Among the topics to be examined are face recognition, facial emotion, and facial attractiveness.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors plus any foundational course.
[*Psychology 1501. Social Psychology of Organizations]
Catalog Number: 0823 Enrollment: Limited to 45.
J. Richard Hackman
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Surveys interpersonal and group processes in organizational settings. Includes how groups and organizations affect individual members and vice versa; interpersonal and group processes; work team behavior and performance; power dynamics in organizations; intergroup relations; the leadership of groups and organizations. Group project required.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 and at least one additional course with substantial psychological content, or special permission of the instructor.
*Psychology 1502. Cultural Psychology - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 46453 Enrollment: Limited to 40.
Daniel L. Schacter and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30.
How do beliefs associated with social class, race, and religion change psychological tendencies? This course will explore the sticky question of how all (hu)men are not created equal, and the specific ways one’s cultural background shapes your sense of self, emotions, motivation, judgments, and relationships. We will discuss how Madonna influences the way you like your coffee, whether it is wrong to eat your dog, and when thinking about God changes what you do with your money.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and one foundational course.
*Psychology 1503. Psychology of Close Relationships - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 32801 Enrollment: Limited to 75.
Holly A. Parker
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 7:30–9 p.m.
This course is an in-depth exploration of close relationships. Examples of topics to be covered include the biological bases of attraction; relationship formation; the end of relationships through break-up, divorce, or death; relationship satisfaction; deception; gender roles; same-sex relationships; loneliness; relationships and well-being; and public perceptions about relationships. You will have an opportunity to explore these topics primarily through critical examination of the empirical literature as well as through popular press.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors, and one foundational course.
*Psychology 1505. Social Cognition: The Psychology of Thinking about Other People
Catalog Number: 3334 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Jason P. Mitchell
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course will examine how one person infers the thoughts and feelings of others, predicts what they will do in certain situations, forms impressions of others’ personalities, and manages to engage in culturally-appropriate social behavior. In doing so, we will examine a range of topics, including research on stereotypes and prejudice, knowledge about the self, the development of social skills in children, social deficits in autism and related disorders, and the underlying neural basis of these abilities.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and either Psychology 13, Psychology 14, or Psychology 15.
Psychology 1507. Group Decision Making
Catalog Number: 83757
Nicholas Peter Aramovich
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 18
This course seeks to understand collective decision making and problem solving by small groups. This includes understanding the interpersonal processes and relationships that occur between group members as they work together (e.g., conformity, minority influence, information sharing, and leadership), the effect of group participation on their members (e.g., learning, satisfaction, commitment) and methods for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of group performance. Past and present empirical research and theory will be examined.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and any foundational course.
[*Psychology 1510. Social Function of Emotion]
Catalog Number: 62449
Piercarlo Valdesolo
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Rationalist models of decision making have typically relegated the experience of emotions to, at best, an obstacle to be overcome in social judgment, and at worst a necessarily biasing and corrupting force. By adopting a functionalist perspective, this course will seek to identify the conditions under which emotions can actually promote adaptive social functioning across varied domains such as close relationships, negotiation, intergroup relations and risk-taking.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and any foundational course.
*Psychology 1512. Changing Minds: Persuasion and Communication - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 76667 Enrollment: Limited to 50.
Nicole E. Noll
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2:30–4.
Have you ever tried to influence a friend’s stance on a political issue or finagled relatives into supporting a charity walk/run you were participating in? If so, you’ve engaged in persuasion. After a background review of attitudes, including their measurement and relation to behavior, we will explore psychological theories of persuasion. We will also examine applied examples of persuasive communication in such areas as advertising/consumer behavior, politics/voting, and social change (e.g., health behaviors and prejudice).
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors, and any foundational course.
*Psychology 1556r. Research Seminar in Implicit Social Cognition
Catalog Number: 78884
Mahzarin R. Banaji
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
An introduction to research on implicit social cognition, with special focus on attitudes, beliefs, and identity and in some cases its applications to law, business, medicine, and government. Students will be paired with individual researchers to work on ongoing projects that can turn into more independent projects. In addition to weekly work in the laboratory, students are expected to attend biweekly discussion groups focusing on current issues and directions in the laboratory as a whole.
Psychology 1601. Developmental Disabilities - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 10038
Joanna A. Christodoulou
Half course (spring term). M., W., 7:30–9 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 9
Introduction to developmental disorders through theory, research, and practice. In this course we will focus on the most frequently identified developmental difficulties in areas such as language, math, and executive functions. The approach will be integrative by considering each topic through the lens of cognitive neuroscience, clinical presentation, and theoretical frameworks.
Note: This course is jointly offered with the Graduate School of Education as H109.
Prerequisite: For undergraduates, Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and one foundational course.
Psychology 1604. Social Development
Catalog Number: 92302
Craig Elliot Smith
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1.
How do we develop as social beings from infancy to adulthood? What is social competence, and how can social development go awry? In exploring these and other questions, this course will take a developmental approach to topics that include: attachment; early-emerging social behavior; cooperation and competition; trust; theory of mind; social categorization; in/out-group dynamics; friendship; distinct forms of aggression and victimization; social and moral reasoning; and parental, peer, and cultural influences on social behavior.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors plus either PSY 15 or PSY 16.
*Psychology 1607a. Cognitive Development, Education, and the Brain: Theory and Practice
Catalog Number: 33358 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Kurt W. Fischer (Education School)
Half course (fall term). M., W., 10–12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Provides an integrative, interactive, and collaborative introduction to Mind, Brain, and Education. Students will draw upon knowledge from Cognitive Psychology, Biology, and Education to explore the theoretical foundations, methods, and applications of MBE. The course will connect diverse theoretical orientations including Piaget, Vygotsky, cognitive/affective science, neuroscience, dynamic skill theory, and universal design for learning. Guest lecturers will include leading scholars in the field. Students will complete a research or design project in the course.
Note: Offered jointly with the Graduate School of Education as HT 100A. Not open to students who have previously taken PSY 1607.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors plus any foundational course.
[*Psychology 1607b. Cognitive Development, Education, and the Brain: Mind, Brain, and Education]
Catalog Number: 99987
Kurt W. Fischer (Education School)
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Second part of a survey of the field of Mind, Brain and Education. Draws upon findings and theory from Cognitive Psychology, Biology, Neuroscience, and Education to explore: Language and Literacy, Numeracy, Conceptual Change, and Emotion and Motivation. Uses case materials, research findings, and practitioner expertise to construct questions, analyze policy, and build knowledge on issues in the field. Leading scholars in the field will participate. Students will complete a research or design project in the course.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Not open to students who have previously taken PSY 1607. Offered jointly with the School of Education as H100b.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors plus any foundational course. Enrollment in Psychology 1607a is recommended, but not required.
*Psychology 1651r (formerly *Psychology 1651). Language Development: Undergraduate Laboratory Course: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 6484
Jesse Snedeker 4118 (on leave spring term)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Students participate in research on language acquisition, language comprehension, and language production. Each student has responsibility for a project. Weekly meeting to discuss student projects and readings that are relevant to them. Ten hours a week commitment (includes lab meeting).
Note: For undergraduates seeking research experience, especially in preparation for undergraduate theses.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors plus either Psychology 13 or Psychology 16.
*Psychology 1652r. Laboratory in Early Cognitive Development
Catalog Number: 9913
Elizabeth S. Spelke
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Fall: F., at 11; Spring: Hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 4
This is a laboratory methods course that provides students with hands-on experience in a cognitive development lab. The aim of the course is for students to engage in all aspects of the scientific process - from experimental design to data collection and interpretation - by working in a lab, and by participating in weekly meetings where key questions and findings in the field are discussed.
Note: Interested students may contact Lab Coordinator Ellyn Schmidt, ellyn.schmidt@gmail.com.
[*Psychology 1654. Topics in Cognitive Development: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 44735 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Elizabeth S. Spelke
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This seminar considers the origins and nature of human knowledge, by focusing on the development of knowledge in four broad domains: knowledge of objects and their mechanical relationships, knowledge of number and mathematics, knowledge of geometry and spatial layout, and knowledge of other people and their social relationships. Students will write short papers in response to weekly readings, as well as a longer paper at the end of the term.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors or its equivalent plus a foundational course.
*Psychology 1655r. Conceptual Development: Undergraduate Laboratory Course
Catalog Number: 1865
Susan E. Carey
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Students participate in research on conceptual development and language acquisition. Each student has responsibility for a project. Weekly lab meeting to discuss student projects and readings relevant to them. Ten hours a week commitment (includes lab meeting).
Note: Open to undergraduates seeking research experience, especially in preparation for undergraduate theses.
[Psychology 1701. Personality Psychology]
Catalog Number: 4538
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Introduction to personality psychology. Reviews the major developments and debates in the area of personality. Covers a variety of approaches to understanding individual differences, including temperament, traits (factor analytic models), cognitive models, behavioral genetics, neurobiological processes, and person situation interaction.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its prerequisites, and any foundational course.
Psychology 1703. Human Sexuality
Catalog Number: 7683
Justin J. Lehmiller
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course examines the development and expression of sexual behavior as a complex psychological, socio-cultural, and biological phenomenon. Students explore topics including: historical perspectives on sexuality; sexology research methods; biological bases of sexual behavior; sexual arousal and response; gender identity and gender roles; sexual orientation; romantic attraction and love; sexual dysfunctions and sex therapy; safer sex and STD prevention; typical and atypical sexual behaviors; and pornography and prostitution.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors plus any foundational course.
[*Psychology 1750 (formerly *Psychology 2751). Free Will, Responsibility, and Law]
Catalog Number: 7235 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Joshua D. Greene
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines the issues of free will and responsibility from philosophical, psychological, and neuroscientific perspectives, with special attention paid to potential legal applications.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: For undergraduates: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors; plus Psychology 13, 15, 16, or 18.
[Psychology 1801. Anxiety Disorders]
Catalog Number: 4906
Richard J. McNally
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Concerns current theory and research on the etiology and treatment of anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder). Cognitive, behavioral, and biological approaches are emphasized.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and Psychology 18.
[Psychology 1802. Childhood Trauma]
Catalog Number: 89958
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This course will survey literature on the impact of traumatic stress on psychological development, with a special focus on cognitive aspects. Traumatic events, such natural and manmade disasters, maltreatment, community and school violence, war, terrorism, refugee trauma, traumatic loss, medical illness, and accidents, will be discussed. We will attend to questions about the nature of traumatic stress, posttraumatic stress symptoms, cultural aspects, potential risk and protective factors, psychological interventions, and posttraumatic growth following traumatic events.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and Psychology 16 or Psychology 18.
[*Psychology 1851. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice]
Catalog Number: 6392 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Jill M. Hooley
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Extends the material covered in Psychology 18 in a more clinical direction. Provides students with an opportunity to approach issues in clinical psychology from a scientist-practitioner perspective. Focuses on how research-based approaches to the study and treatment of psychopathology can translate into high quality ethical care for patients with major psychiatric problems.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors; Psychology 18; and at least one other course in psychopathology strictly required.
[*Psychology 1853. Self-Destructive Behaviors]
Catalog Number: 0615 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Matthew K. Nock
Half course (fall term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Why do some individuals intentionally engage in behaviors that cause themselves direct bodily harm, such as suicide and self-mutilation? We explore past and current models for understanding self-harm behaviors. We consider the classification, etiology, assessment, and treatment of self-harm behaviors from psychological, developmental, contextual, and biological perspectives.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and Psychology 18.
Psychology 1854. Schizophrenia: Seminar
Catalog Number: 2771 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Jill M. Hooley
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Examines schizophrenia and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders from biological, psychological, and psychosocial perspectives. Focuses on early (e.g., Kraepelin) and modern (e.g., DSM-IV) perspectives, clinical case descriptions of the disorder, and recent theoretical and empirical developments in understanding etiology, phenomenology, and treatment.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and Psychology 18.
*Psychology 1861. Developmental Psychopathology
Catalog Number: 1325 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
John R. Weisz
Half course (fall term). Th., 2:30–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17, 18
An overview of psychological problems and mental disorders in childhood and adolescence. Topics include internalizing conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression), externalizing conditions (e.g., conduct disorder and ADHD), eating disorders, autism, and child responses to maltreatment and other forms of trauma. Theoretical perspectives, diagnostic criteria, etiology, and treatment approaches are examined.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and Psychology 18.
Psychology 1900. Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Catalog Number: 4016
Matthew K. Nock
Half course (spring term). M, W, F 10-11, and an additional lab to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 3
Provides a conceptual and practical introduction to statistics used in psychology and other behavioral sciences. Covers basic topics in statistics including: measures of central tendency and variability; probability and distributions, correlations and regression, hypothesis testing, t-tests, analysis of variance, and chi-square tests. Includes a lab section with instruction in statistical analysis using a computer program.
Note: Open to freshmen with permission of instructor. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning or the Core area requirement for Quantitative Reasoning.
*Psychology 1901a. Methods of Behavioral Research
Catalog Number: 99655 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Justin J. Lehmiller
Half course (fall term). M., 1-2, and a weekly lab at T. 2:30-5 or T. 7-9:30. EXAM GROUP: 6
Theoretical and practical introduction to planning, conducting, reporting, and evaluating psychological research. Topics include experimental design, hypothesis generation and testing, experimental artifacts, and analysis of published research.
Prerequisite: One of: Psychology 1900, Statistics 100, 101, 102, 104, or the equivalent.
*Psychology 1901b. Methods of Behavioral Research
Catalog Number: 48133 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Nicholas Peter Aramovich
Half course (fall term). M., 12, and a weekly lab W., 7-9:30 or Th., 1:30-4. EXAM GROUP: 5
Theoretical and practical introduction to planning, conducting, reporting, and evaluating psychological research. Topics include experimental design, hypothesis generation and testing, experimental artifacts, and analysis of published research.
Prerequisite: One of: Psychology 1900, Statistics 100, 101, 102, 104, or the equivalent.
*Psychology 1901c. Methods of Behavioral Research
Catalog Number: 11718 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Christine Ma-Kellams
Half course (spring term). M., at 11, and a weekly lab T., 7-9:30 or Th., 2:30-5. EXAM GROUP: 4
Theoretical and practical introduction to planning, conducting, reporting, and evaluating psychological research. Topics include experimental design, hypothesis generation and testing, experimental artifacts, and analysis of published research.
Prerequisite: One of: Psychology 1900, Statistics 100, 101, 102, 104, or the equivalent.
*Psychology 1901d. Methods of Behavioral Research
Catalog Number: 78347 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Felix Warneken
Half course (spring term). Tu., at 2, and a weekly lab W., 1:30-4 or W., 7-9:30 pm. EXAM GROUP: 16
Theoretical and practical introduction to planning, conducting, reporting, and evaluating psychological research. Topics include experimental design, hypothesis generation and testing, experimental artifacts, and analysis of published research.
Prerequisite: One of: Psychology 1900, Statistics 100, 101, 102, 104, or the equivalent.
*Psychology 1950. Intermediate Statistical Analysis in Psychology
Catalog Number: 4889
Delphine Sophie Courvoisier
Half course (fall term). Lecture M., W., 1–2:30; Lab W., 11–12:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course offers intense, foundational exposure to psychological statistics, focusing heavily on analysis of variance (one-way, factorial, repeated-measures, mixed-model). Other topics include:
exploratory data analysis, sampling distributions, null hypothesis significance testing, t-tests, fixed versus random effects, post hoc and planned comparisons, correlation, simple regression, the general linear model, chi-square tests, nonparametric statistics, confidence intervals, and meta-analysis.
Note: Required of doctoral students in Psychology.
Prerequisite: Psychology 1900 or the equivalent, and passing score on screening examination (email instructor for scheduling).
*Psychology 1952. Multivariate Analysis in Psychology
Catalog Number: 6191
James Sidanius
Half course (spring term). Lecture: M., W., 1-2:30; Lab: Th., 5-6:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course introduces the empirical measurement of abstract constructs and multivariate analysis. Topics include: reliability and validity, multiple regression, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, discriminant function analysis and structural equation modeling.
Prerequisite: Psychology 1900.
*Psychology 2020ab. Cognition, Brain, and Behavior: Proseminar
Catalog Number: 7860
Steven Pinker and members of the Department
Full course (spring term). Tu., Th., 9:30–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 11, 12, 13
Advanced survey of research topics in cognition, brain, and behavior.
Note: Limited to first-year doctoral students in Psychology.
*Psychology 2040. Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology
Catalog Number: 4628
Jill M. Hooley
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Advanced survey of current topics in experimental psychopathology.
Note: Required of first- or second-year graduate students in clinical. Doctoral students in clinical psychology only.
*Psychology 2050. History of Psychology: Seminar
Catalog Number: 3378
Richard J. McNally
Half course (spring term). M., 5–7 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 9
Covers major issues, theories, schools of thought, and controversies integral to the development of psychology from the late 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. Readings include classic articles exemplifying these themes.
Note: Open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: For undergraduates: SLS-20 or its predecessors plus any foundational course.
[*Psychology 2100. Research Methodology]
Catalog Number: 8552
J. Richard Hackman
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
How to conduct empirical research, primarily with human participants. Topics include formulating problems, design strategies, developing and validating concepts, designing and assessing measures and manipulations; issues in data collection, analysis, and interpretation; and publishing findings.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Limited to doctoral students. Offered alternate years.
*Psychology 2110. Emotion in Development and Learning: Usable Knowledge, Variability, Context
Catalog Number: 1403
Gabrielle Rappolt Schlichtmann (Education School)
Half course (spring term). Th., 9–12. EXAM GROUP: 11, 12, 13
Explores the connections between biology, emotions, relationships, and culture. Reviews classic work such as Darwin and psychodynamics as well as modern emotion research about attribution, development, culture, and neuroscience. Format combines discussion, debate, and lecture.
Note: Offered jointly with the Graduate School of Education as H137.
Prerequisite: Science of Living Systems 20 or its predecessors and any foundational course.
[*Psychology 2130. Core Knowledge and Cognitive Development]
Catalog Number: 60281 Enrollment: Intended for graduate students.
Elizabeth S. Spelke and Laura Schulz (MIT)
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This MIT-Harvard seminar focuses on the nature and development of human concepts by considering both infants’ representations (e.g. of objects, actions, social partners) and children’s inferential abilities. Discussion centers on research in human cognitive development, in relation to work in cognitive psychology, animal cognition, cognitive neuroscience, computational modeling, and philosophy. Questions include: Do humans possess innate abstract concepts of cause, agent, or belief? How do children learn new concepts, both independently and from others?
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. The course is held every other week at MIT.
*Psychology 2145. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 27567 Enrollment: Undergraduates admitted only by permission of instructor.
Susan E. Carey
Half course (spring term). M., 5–8:30 p.m.
This course uses neuroscience methods to study the cognitive development of human infants and children. Case studies draw from research on face recognition, language, executive function, representations of objects, number and theory of mind.
*Psychology 2150r (formerly *Psychology 2150). Social Cognitive Development: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 29628
Felix Warneken 6303 (on leave fall term)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Year long lab course on children’s social-cognitive development and the study of cooperation. Students develop and pilot experiments with children or participate in ongoing projects. In addition, students read and discuss papers on social cognition, understanding of norms, and cooperation from developmental and evolutionary psychology.
Note: Open to advanced undergraduates with permission of instructor. First meeting will be on September 8, 2010.
Prerequisite: For undergraduates: Psychology 1 or Science B 62 plus a foundational course.
*Psychology 2170. Developmental Proseminar
Catalog Number: 6883
Jesse Snedeker and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Proseminar in conceptual development and language acquisition.
Note: Open to all graduate students in the department and counts as one of the required two major survey courses. Open to others by permission of the instructor.
[*Psychology 2185. Unconscious Processing in Vision and Action]
Catalog Number: 32919
Alfonso Caramazza
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Events that don’t reach consciousness activate a smaller set of brain structures than events that do. We review psychophysical, neuropsychological and neuroimaging research that may reveal the major brain circuits and pathways involved in unconscious processing.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Expected to be given in 2011–12. Undergraduate enrollment encouraged with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: Psychology 1 or Science B-62 and a PSY 13 or MCB 80.
[*Psychology 2190. Topics in Language Acquisition]
Catalog Number: 2529
Jesse Snedeker
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Seminar examining alternate theories of language acquisition and assessing their empirical validity. Focuses on speech perception, word learning, semantic and early syntactic development, interactions between language acquisition and cognitive development, and children’s online language comprehension.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Expected to be given in 2011–12. Open to graduate students only.
*Psychology 2335r. Concepts, Actions, Objects (CAOs): Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 5121
Alfonso Caramazza
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Discussion of current research on the organization of conceptual and lexical knowledge. We will also discuss ongoing research by participants in the seminar.
Note: Open to graduate and undergraduate students involved in research in language. Open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.
*Psychology 2352r. Laboratory for Social Cognitive Neuroscience
Catalog Number: 6187
Jason P. Mitchell
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). F., 1:30–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
Provides instruction and experience in conducting research on social cognition via the methods of cognitive neuroscience. Special focus on issues of mental state inference, stereotyping, and the self.
Note: Open to graduate and undergraduate students working in the instructor’s laboratory.
*Psychology 2354r. Advanced Laboratory in Cognitive Neuroscience
Catalog Number: 0838
Randy L. Buckner
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Students work directly on a research project and get hands-on experience with neuroimaging and cognitive neuroscience techniques, including functional MRI. MRI laboratory training consists of safety, instruction on running the scanner, and paradigm design. In addition to laboratory work, students attend a weekly research seminar where ongoing and proposed research projects are discusses.
Note: Open to graduate and undergraduate students working in the instructor’s laboratory.
*Psychology 2356r. Visual Cognition: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 4407 Enrollment: Limited enrollment.
George Angelo Alvarez (spring term) and Yaoda Xu (fall term)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Discussion of current research on visual cognition (how we perceive, attend to, and remember visual information). We will also discuss ongoing research by participants in the seminar.
Note: Open to graduate and undergraduates.
*Psychology 2358r. Memory: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 0141
Daniel L. Schacter
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Topic to be announced.
Note: Limited to students involved in research.
[*Psychology 2400. Cognitive Psychology and Emotional Disorders]
Catalog Number: 6138
Richard J. McNally
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Research and theory on the application of cognitive psychology methods applied to the understanding of anxiety and mood disorders.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Limited to graduate students.
Psychology 2410r. Laboratory Research on Emotional Disorders - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 12616
Richard J. McNally
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Involves readings, seminar discussion, and research on emotional disorders conducted in the instructor’s laboratory (e.g., social anxiety disorder, complicated grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Note: Open to graduate and undergraduate students working in the instructor’s laboratory.
[*Psychology 2420. Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Psychological Disorders]
Catalog Number: 8446
Jill M. Hooley
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Covers current cognitive-behavioral approaches to the treatment of common psychological disorders in adults. Emphasis is on the practical aspects of treatment, and on treatment outcome research. Includes theoretical underpinnings of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14. Limited to Harvard graduate students in clinical psychology.
[*Psychology 2430. Cultural and Individual Diversity]
Catalog Number: 9756
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines cultural, racial, ethnic, and other individual differences in human behavior which affect the practice of psychology. Reviews current science examining the relations between these factors and human behavior, psychopathology, and provision of psychological services.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14. Limited to Harvard doctoral students in clinical psychology.
*Psychology 2436r. Social Neuroscience and Psychopathology Laboratory
Catalog Number: 9962
Christine Hooker
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). F., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Provides instruction and experience in conducting research on social cognitive processes as they relate to psychopathology. Cognitive neuroscience methods, such as fMRI, are emphasized.
Prerequisite: Psychology 18
*Psychology 2445. Psychological Treatment Research
Catalog Number: 1835
Matthew K. Nock
Half course (spring term). M., 2:30–4:30. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 9
Review theories of behavior change, methods of studying such change (single-case research designs, randomized clinical trials, etc.), and current evidence-based approaches to assessing and treating psychopathology. Examines historical, ethical, and cultural issues.
Note: Open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: SLS-20 or its predecessors and Psychology 18.
Psychology 2446r. Clinical Research Laboratory
Catalog Number: 5628
Jill M. Hooley
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Provides instruction and experience conducting clinical research in laboratory and clinical settings, with a special focus on severe psychopathology. Topics will include: Self-Injurious behaviors, depression, and adult attachment patterns in close relationships.
Note: Open to graduate and undergraduate students working in the instructor’s laboratory.
*Psychology 2450. Affective and Social Neuroscience
Catalog Number: 9796
Christine Hooker
Half course (fall term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Reviews two emerging fields in neuroscience, affective and social neuroscience. Through integration of human and animal data, the course focuses on mapping affect, motivation, and social cognition to brain function.
Note: Open to advanced undergraduates with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: SLS-20 or its predecessors plus any foundational course.
[*Psychology 2460. Diagnostic Interviewing]
Catalog Number: 4157 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Jill M. Hooley
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Students develop clinical interviewing and diagnostic skills using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R and other instruments. Examines issues in diagnosis and assessment; provides exposure to psychopathology syndromes via tapes and clinical interviews.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14. Graduate students only.
Prerequisite: Psychology 2040.
Psychology 2461r. Laboratory for Clinical and Developmental Research
Catalog Number: 8042
Matthew K. Nock
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). F., at 3. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 8
Provides instruction and experience in conducting clinical research in laboratory and clinical settings, with a special focus on developmental psychopathology.
Note: Open to graduate and undergraduate students working in the instructor’s laboratory.
*Psychology 2464r. Research Methods in Child & Adolescent Clinical Psychology
Catalog Number: 4638
John R. Weisz
Half course (spring term). Th., 1:30–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Advanced laboratory methods seminar on designing and conducting research on child and adolescent mental health problems and interventions, especially in school and mental health care settings. Problem areas include depression, anxiety, and disruptive conduct.
Note: The class will be conducted at the Judge Baker Children’s Center in Boston.
Prerequisite: For undergraduates: Science of Living Systems 20 (or equivalent) and PSY 18 plus a statistics course.
*Psychology 2475r. Laboratory for the Systems Neuroscience of Psychopathology - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 46912 Enrollment: Open to graduate and undergraduate students working in the instructor’s laboratory.
Joshua William Buckholtz 1653
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Research seminar examines the neurobiology of disinhibitory psychopathology (aggression, antisocial behavior, substance abuse). Students participate first-hand in personality/behavioral testing and brain imaging, and in weekly discussions of the genetics and cellular/systems/cognitive neuroscience of disinhibitory psychopathology.
[*Psychology 2480. Human Neuropsychology/Neuroanatomy: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 4335 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
William P. Milberg (Medical School)
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Introduction to the anatomical structure of the human brain. Emphasis on neuropsychological correlates and cortical representation of higher cognitive functions. Gross brain dissection laboratory and discussions of descriptive and theoretical aspects of clinical neuropsychological phenomena.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Preference given to graduate students who have completed Psychology 2010; if space is available, qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: For undergraduates: Science of Living Systems 20 or its equivalent and any foundational course. MCB 80 is recommended but not required.
*Psychology 2500. Advanced Social Psychology
Catalog Number: 5094
Daniel M. Wegner and Jason P. Mitchell
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1:30–3:45. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16, 17
Advanced survey of classic and current research and theory in social psychology, including self, social cognition, attitudes, social influence, altruism and aggression, prejudice and discrimination, close relationships, and group dynamics.
Note: For doctoral students only.
*Psychology 2530r. Mental Control: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 2364
Daniel M. Wegner
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). F., at 12, or another hour to be arranged, and additional research hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 5
This seminar provides research experience in mental control, including topics of mind perception and consciousness.
Note: Limited to graduate students and undergraduates involved in research in the instructor’s laboratory.
Prerequisite: For undergraduates: Science of Living Systems 20 (or equivalent) plus any one of Psychology 13, 15, 16, 18, or MCB 80.
*Psychology 2553r. Decision Making and Negotiation: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 4679
Francesca Gino (Business School)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This seminar provides lab experience in behavioral approaches to decision making and negotiation.
Note: Open to students working on research in the instructor’s laboratory. Offered jointly with the Business School as 4425.
*Psychology 2554r. Moral Cognition: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 9481
Joshua D. Greene
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Year long lab course for students engaged in research on moral cognition.
[*Psychology 2555r. Emotion and Decision Making: Research Seminar]
Catalog Number: 3371
Jennifer Lerner (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Includes 10-12 hours of lab work per week. Lab methods course to consider connections among theories of judgment and decision making and data. Students may design and conduct an experiment.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. A 10-page final research paper is required. Admitted students required to participate for two consecutive semesters, which may include a summer session if desired. Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as MLD-311 in fall term or MLD-312 in spring term.
*Psychology 2570r. Intergroup Relations: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 4440
James Sidanius
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Fall: Th., 1:30–3; Spring: Hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 15, 16
The seminar provides students with research experience concerning different forms of intergroup conflict, including the social psychology of interracial and interethnic conflict, and the social psychology of war and aggression.
*Psychology 2580r. Affective Forecasting: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 4262
Daniel T. Gilbert
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Topic to be announced.
Note: Open to students working on research in the instructor’s laboratory.
[*Psychology 2630. Social Behavior in Organizations: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 0991
J. Richard Hackman
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Topics include how groups and organizations affect individual members and vice versa; interpersonal and group processes; work team effectiveness; power, political, and intergroup dynamics; group and organizational leadership.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013–14. Limited to doctoral students. Students are expected to attend the lectures of Psychology 1501.
*Psychology 2640r. The Understand Seminar
Catalog Number: 7865
Mahzarin R. Banaji
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). W., 2:30–4:30. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 7, 8, 9
Topic to be announced.
Note: Open to graduate students involved in research in the instructor’s laboratory, and to select juniors and seniors.
*Psychology 2650. Behavioral Approaches to Decision Making and Negotiation
Catalog Number: 7147
Francesca Gino (Business School) and Amy J. C. Cuddy (Business School)
Half course (fall term). Tu., 9–12.
Research overview of behavioral decision making and decision analytic perspectives to negotiation. Explores bounded rationality, decision biases, human decision making. Develops a behavioral decision perspective to negotiation, and examines how the field is currently evolving.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4420. Open to juniors and seniors in psychology and economics who are writing, or plan to write, a senior thesis.
[*Psychology 2651. Social Cognition from a Developmental and Evolutionary Perspective]
Catalog Number: 31825 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Felix Warneken
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Includes the representation of agency, intentions, and others’ minds in children and nonhuman primates, the ontogenetic and phylogenetic origins of empathy, cooperative behaviors and norms. Emphasizes new research bridging psychology, anthropology, and behavioral economics.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Open to advanced undergraduates with permission of instructor.
*Psychology 2660r. Research Seminar in Mindfulness Theory
Catalog Number: 4909
Ellen J. Langer
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Spring: Tu., 2–4.
Mindlessness/mindfulness theory is compared/contrasted to relevant theories in social psychology, psychopathology, and cognitive psychology.
*Psychology 2670a. Decision Making and the Psychology of Possibility
Catalog Number: 1193 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Ellen J. Langer
Half course (fall term). W., 9:30–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 2, 3, 4
Topics in decision making such as rationality, risk-taking, helplessness, and health are examined through the lens of mindfulness theory. Special emphasis given to the psychology of possibility in applied settings.
Note: Open to qualified undergraduates.
Prerequisite: An introductory psychology course and a foundational course.
*Psychology 2670b. Decision Making and the Psychology of Possibility II
Catalog Number: 3434
Ellen J. Langer
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A deeper exploration into the theoretical and experimental issues pertaining to decision making and the psychology of possibility, raised in Psychology 2670a.
Note: Open to qualified undergraduates.
Prerequisite: Psychology 2670a.
*Psychology 3020. Direction of Doctoral Dissertations
Catalog Number: 4492
Members of the Department and others listed under Psychology 3010
*Psychology 3050. Clinical Practicum
Catalog Number: 6299
Richard J. McNally 2978 and members of the clinical faculty.
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Students work in clinical settings locally and, under supervision, are directly involved in the treatment and clinical care of patients.
Note: Limited to Harvard doctoral students in clinical psychology.
*Psychology 3070. Clinical Assessment and Treatment Practicum
Catalog Number: 4439
Richard J. McNally 2978 and members of the clinical faculty.
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Faculty interview psychiatric inpatients to demonstrate establishing treatment alliances, gathering histories, and initial assessment. Group discussion will consider how theoretical principles are applied to clinical work.
Note: Limited to graduate students in clinical psychology.
*Psychology 3200. Research Seminar in Clinical Science
Catalog Number: 6455
Christine Hooker 5768
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). W., 4–5:30.
Provides a forum for presenting and discussing current research in experimental psychopathology/clinical psychology. Presenters include graduate students, faculty, and outside speakers.
*Psychology 3220 (formerly *Psychology 2220a). Developmental Studies: Seminar
Catalog Number: 4672
Susan E. Carey 4113 (fall term only) and Elizabeth S. Spelke 3850 (spring term only)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). M., 2:30–4.
Research seminar open to graduate students conducting research in cognitive development.
*Psychology 3240. Research Seminar in Cognitive Development
Catalog Number: 5142
Elizabeth S. Spelke 3850
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Fall: Th., 2:30–4; Spring: Tu., 2:30–4.
*Psychology 3250. Psychological Testing
Catalog Number: 7164
Christine Hooker 5768
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This weekly seminar for graduate students in clinical psychology is designed to provide basic skills in administering and interpreting standardized tests in the areas of intellectual assessment and personality assessment.
Note: Open to Harvard doctoral students in clinical psychology.
*Psychology 3260 (formerly *Psychology 2360). Conceptual Development: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 6601
Susan E. Carey 4113
Covers research methods for the study of conceptual development throughout the life span. All students must be currently engaged in experimental research.
*Psychology 3270 (formerly *Psychology 2270). Language Acquisition: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 0770
Jesse Snedeker 4118 (on leave spring term)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Covers research methods for language acquisition and language comprehension throughout the life span. All students must be currently engaged in experimental research.
*Psychology 3340. Research Seminar in Cognition, Brain, and Behavior
Catalog Number: 1754
George Alvarez 6093 (spring term only), Yaoda Xu 6094, and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Th., 12–1:30.
Researchers in CBB, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty, present and discuss current research in cognitive science. Topics include memory, language, vision, mental imagery, concepts, animal and infant cognition, and related areas.
[*Psychology 3360. Current Topics in Vision and Sensory Processes]
Catalog Number: 0604
George Angelo Alvarez 6093 (on leave fall term) (spring term only), Yaoda Xu 6094, and Ken Nakayama 2558 (on leave 2011-12)
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
*Psychology 3420. Research Workshop in Social Psychology
Catalog Number: 7610
Jason P. Mitchell 5481
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Tu., 12–1:30.
Provides a forum for the presentation, discussion, and critique of current research in social psychology. Presenters include graduate students and faculty in social psychology plus visitors.
*Psychology 3490. Advanced Statistical Methods Workshop
Catalog Number: 8235
Delphine Sophie Courvoisier 3210
Half course (spring term). M., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 5
Discussion and presentation of design and statistical analysis problems by students. Based on the problems presented, advanced statistical techniques will be discussed, such as Hierarchical Linear Modeling, Structural Equation Modeling, time series, among others.
*Psychology 3500. Psychological Science: Talking Points
Catalog Number: 5341
Steven Pinker 4733
Half course (spring term). Th., 4–6.
A graduate companion course to "Psychological Science," which explores the theories and controversies in greater depth. Topics include genetics, evolution, cognitive neuroscience, perception, development, consciousness, social psychology, personality, psychopathology, violence, sex, and morality.
Note: Enrollment is limited to teaching fellows for “The Human Mind” and graduate students who have obtained the permission of the instructor.
*Psychology 3550. Teaching Psychology
Catalog Number: 0853
Daniel L. Schacter 2805
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). W., at 12.
Note: Limited to and required of Sophomore Tutors.
*Psychology 3555. Instructional Styles in Psychology
Catalog Number: 6831
Jesse Snedeker 4118 (fall term only), James Sidanius 5371 (spring term only) and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Fall: W., at 11; Spring: Tu., 4–6.
Note: Normally required of and limited to department graduate students who are first-time teaching fellows.
*Psychology 3600. The Origins of Knowledge: Talking Points
Catalog Number: 0489
Susan E. Carey 4113 and Elizabeth S. Spelke 3850
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Graduate companion course to Origins of Knowledge, which explores the theories and controversies in greater depth. Topics include the evolutionary, cultural, and ontogenetic origins of representational capacities, including space, number, objects, agents, language, and intuitive theories.
Note: Limited to students in the Psychology Department or to those who have obtained permission of the instructor.
*Psychology 3610. Leadership and Group Behavior: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 5748
J. Richard Hackman 1504 (on leave 2011-12)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). W., 12–2.
Workshop on theory and methods that are relevant to the conduct of empirical research on purposive groups. Participation is restricted to students who are conducting such research.
*Psychology 3800. Psychometric Theory
Catalog Number: 0607
Richard J. McNally 2978
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Covers basic psychometric theory and methods essential for reliable and valid measurement. Also covers conceptual issues in the assessment of individual differences (e.g., intelligence, personality).
Note: Limited to Harvard graduate students in clinical psychology.
[*Psychology 3900 (formerly *Psychology 2900). Professional Ethics]
Catalog Number: 6702
Jill M. Hooley 1191
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines ethical principles and legal issues involved in the practice of psychology, with an emphasis on clinical psychology. Covers ethical principles and code of conduct; uses case examples to highlight the application of these principles.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Limited to graduate students.