Psychology
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology (4 Credits)
An introductory course surveying fundamental principles and findings in classical and contemporary psychology. Topics typically include: the brain, learning, memory, development, emotion, behavioral genetics, personality, social psychology, psychopathology, and therapies. In addition to these topics, students will learn how to read and summarize primary psychological research. Students attend a weekly lecture and must enroll in a discussion section that meets twice per week. Discussion sections are limited to 22. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 120/ PHI 120 Intro to Cognitive Science (4 Credits)
Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Mind, drawing from Cognitive psychology, Philosophy, A.I., Linguistics and Human Neuroscience. The class will cover five key problems: Vision and Imagery,Classes and Concepts, Language, Logic and Reasoning, and Beliefs, and look at both classic work and contemporary work highlighting the interesting questions. Students will be active participants in trying out classic experiments, exploring new ideas and arguing about the meaning and future of the work. {M}{N}
Fall, Spring, Annually
PSY 130/ NSC 130 Clinical Neuroscience (4 Credits)
Offered as NSC 130 and PSY 130. Introduction to brain-behavior relations in humans and other species. An overview of anatomical, neural, hormonal and neurochemical bases of behavior in both normal and clinical cases. Discussions include the biological basis of sexual behavior, sleep, emotions, depression, schizophrenia, autism, ADHD and neurological disorders. The course focuses on clinical cases in human neuroscience. Open to entering students. {N}{S}
Fall, Spring
PSY 140 Health Psychology (4 Credits)
This course provides a broad overview of the field of health psychology using foundational concepts, theories, methods and applications. With a critical lens, the course examines state-of-the-art research and current gaps in knowledge to explore issues including conceptualizations of health and illness, stress and coping, and health behaviors. The course focuses on how health is constituted by and interacts with its multiple contexts, particularly social and environmental ones. Enrollment limited to 60. {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Annually
PSY 150 Abnormal Psychology (4 Credits)
A study of psychopathology and related issues. Course covers a broad range of mental and personality disorders. Recent clinical and experimental findings stressed, particularly as they relate to major conceptions of mental illness. Prerequisite: PSY 100. Enrollment limited to 60. {N}
Fall, Spring
PSY 166 Introduction to the Psychology of Gender (4 Credits)
How can psychological science help us understand how gender operates in our society? How can our understanding of the psychological research help us address structural inequalities related to gender? This course represents an introduction to what we know about the role gender plays in the everyday lives of people. In this course we will review the psychological research on how structural inequities play out in gender roles and affect the lives of boys and girls and men and women. Throughout the course we will attend to the intersection of race, class, sexual orientation, and other group memberships with gender. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 170 Social Psychology (4 Credits)
The goal of social psychology is to understand and explain how our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined and implied presence of others. At the heart of social psychology is the recognition that our responses are dramatically influenced by social situations. The course will provide students with an overview of research and theory in social psychology, focusing on the ways in which the study of social behavior is scientific. We will cover topics such as attitudes, persuasion, conformity, obedience, social self-concept, perception of others, stereotyping and discrimination, romantic relationships, gender roles, aggression and helping behavior. Enrollment limited to 60. {S}
Fall
PSY 180 Psychology of Personality (4 Credits)
The study of the origin, development, structure and dynamics of personality from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Enrollment limited to 60. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 201 Statistical Methods for Undergraduate Research (5 Credits)
An overview of the statistical methods needed for undergraduate research emphasizing methods for data collection, data description and statistical inference including an introduction to study design, confidence intervals, testing hypotheses, analysis of variance and regression analysis. Techniques for analyzing both quantitative and categorical data are discussed. Applications are emphasized, and students use R and other statistical software for data analysis. Classes meet for lecture/discussion and a required laboratory that emphasizes the analysis of real data. This course satisfies the basis requirement for the psychology major. Students who have taken MTH 111 or the equivalent or who have taken AP STAT should take SDS 220, which also satisfies the major requirement. Enrollment is restricted to psychology majors or permission of instructor. Normally students receive credit for only one of the following introductory statistics courses: PSY 201, ECO 220, GOV 190, SDS 220, SDS 201, SOC 201, EDC 206. {M}
Fall, Spring
PSY 202 Introduction to Research Methods (4 Credits)
Introduces students to a variety of methods used in psychological research. All sections of this course cover the basic methodological techniques of contemporary psychology such as observational, experimental and survey methods. Sections differ in the particular content theme used to illustrate these methods. Prerequisite: PSY 100. PSY 201 recommended (may be concurrent.) Priority is given to Smith College psychology majors and minors. Enrollment limited to 18. {N}
Fall, Spring
PSY 209/ PHI 209 Colloquium: Philosophy and History of Psychology (4 Credits)
Offered as PSY 209 and PHI 209. The course introduces you to the philosophical debates behind the psychology of the mind, focusing mostly on work from the 20th century onwards. We focus on the philosophical implications of major historical figures in psychology and their approach to Mind (James, Freud, Skinner). We read contemporary work on the problems of reductionism (Can we just talk about brains?), consciousness (Why do we have it, is it necessary? Could we be zombies or automata?) and the nature of a coherent self (Is there one? Do we construct it? Does it end with our bodies?). Discussion and writing are weekly requirements. It is not intended as an introduction to psychology or philosophy, which is why there is a prerequisite. Prerequisite: At least one college-level course in philosophy or psychology. Preference given to psychology and philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 213/ PHI 213 Colloquium: Language Acquisition (4 Credits)
Offered as PSY 213 and PHI 213. A detailed examination of how children learn their language. Theories of acquisition of word meaning, syntax and pragmatics are examined, as well as methodology for assessment of children’s knowledge. Cross-linguistic and cross-cultural data and perspectives are considered, as well as applications in language therapy and education. Students undertake an original research project using transcript analysis, and read original research literature. Background in linguistics or child development is necessary. Prerequisites: PHI 236 or EDC 235. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}
Fall, Spring, Annually
PSY 215 Colloquium: Brain States (4 Credits)
An exploration of how states of consciousness arise from differential brain activity. Analysis of neurological case studies, ethical dilemmas, experiments addressing mind-body interactions. Active participation in discussions of readings is required. Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 201 and PSY 202, or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 25 students. {N}
Fall
PSY 216 Colloquium: Understanding Minds (4 Credits)
We consider people’s understanding of their own and others’ mental states from a variety of perspectives: comparative psychology, neuroscience, cognitive, cross-cultural and developmental. The class analyzes and discusses primary psychological research on how such a "theory of mind" develops and the role it plays in social behavior and communication, as well as what is known about the brain mechanisms that underlie it and individual variations in theory of mind development arising from cultural, sensory and neurological differences. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}
Fall
PSY 218 Colloquium: Cognitive Psychology (4 Credits)
Theory and research on human cognition, from the fields of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Topics include visual perception, attention, knowledge representation, memory, language, problem-solving and consciousness. Prerequisite: PSY 100. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 227 Colloquium: Brain, Behavior and Emotion (4 Credits)
What are feelings? How and when do you feelings occur? Why do feelings occur? In this course students learn what makes emotions what they are, and how they guide one through life. The syllabus covers decades of affective neuroscience, the study of how the brain perceives, processes and produces emotions, as well as evolutionary and cross-cultural aspects. The class explores how (and why) researchers study emotions in different species, and what the current state of knowledge is regarding the neuroscience of specific emotions like joy, fear and sadness. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 130, or NSC 210 and PSY 202, or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 230 Colloquium: Psychopharmacology (4 Credits)
This course examines the effects of drugs on the nervous system and associated changes in mood, cognition and behavior. Legal and illegal recreational drugs are considered, as well as therapeutic agents used to treat psychological illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Focus is on controversial issues such as binge drinking, addiction to prescription medications, the medical and recreational use of marijuana, the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs, medication of children, the power of the pharmaceutical industry and the use of cognitive/performance enhancers. Prerequisites: (NSC 210 or NSC 230) and (NSC/PSY 130 or PSY 202). Enrollment limited to 25. {N}{S}
Spring
PSY 235 Colloquium: Ethical Principles in Counseling (4 Credits)
This course explores professional and ethical issues that relate to mental health professions. Professional and ethical guidelines from multiple fields are considered. Students are tasked with applying these guidelines to counseling scenarios. Issues related to boundaries, confidentiality and client rights are explored. Students consider the roles that graduate students in the helping professions are expected to hold. Students leave this course having developed their own basis for ethical decision making in the mental health professions. Not open to first years. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 150. Enrollment limited to 25. (E) {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 240 Colloquium: Health Promotion (4 Credits)
Why are so many people--even those whose basic physical needs are met--still challenged to eat adequately, exercise and sleep enough? We consider how human willpower tendencies interact with social, cultural and physical contexts to support (or thwart) health promoting activities. Based on a close reading of current psychological science and related areas of inquiry, students will study interventions to improve individual-level health, and in groups, design and implement a project focused on campus-level health promotion. Emphasis is on critically evaluating and applying primary empirical articles. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 202. Recommended: PSY 140. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Annually
PSY 251 Colloquium: Alcohol and Other Licit Substances: Prevalence, Theory, and Research (4 Credits)
This course will provide you with a general understanding of young people’s risk for initiating/misusing thefollowing licit substances: caffeine, cigarette, marijuana, and alcohol. In this course, you will gain knowledgeabout the prevalence of these substances, who’s at risk and why, and what motivates people to use them. Youwill also be introduced to general treatment and motivational-based intervention approaches in combating theuse/misuse of these substances. This course will focus primarily on the general adolescent and young adultpopulation, mainstream cognitive psychology theories, and quantitative studies and meta-analytic work onsubstance use published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Prerequisites: PSY100, PSY 201, PSY 202._x000D_ Enrollment limited to 25. {S}
Spring
PSY 253 Colloquium: Developmental Psychopathology (4 Credits)
Survey of child psychopathology from a developmental perspective. Course covers theories of etiology as well as clinical treatment interventions for a range of childhood disorders and difficulties. Prerequisite: 202 and either 150 or EDC 235 (or their equivalent) or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}
Spring
PSY 260 Colloquium: Psychology of Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood (4 Credits)
Exploring adolescents’ developing identity, psychosocial and cultural adjustment and their needs for acceptance, autonomy and intimacy in light of the major biological, cognitive and social changes of this phase. Emphasis is given to cultural concepts in adolescent/emerging adulthood psychology and development. Prerequisite: PSY 100, PSY 201 and PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 263 Colloquium: Psychology of the Black Experience (4 Credits)
The purpose of this course is to educate, sensitize, and stimulate thinking about varied psychological issues affecting African Americans. A major emphasis will be to provide foundational frameworks, models, and concepts for understanding African American psychology in a context that includes an historical analysis of African American adaptation to American society. Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 201, or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 264 Colloquium: Lifespan Development (4 Credits)
A study of human development across the lifespan. In this course, students learn about milestones of human development from conception to death, discuss and critically evaluate current theories of developmental psychology, and investigate the interplay of biological, psychological and contextual factors that shape development over time. Not open to first years. Prerequisite: PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 25. {S}
Fall, Spring
PSY 265 Colloquium: Political Psychology (4 Credits)
This colloquium is concerned with the psychological processes underlying political phenomena. The course is divided into three sections: Leaders, Followers and Social Movements. In each of these sections, students examine how psychological factors influence political behavior and how political acts affect individual psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 100 & PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 25. {S}
Fall, Spring, Annually
PSY 266 Colloquium: Psychology of Women and Gender (4 Credits)
An in-depth examination of controversial issues of concern to the study of the psychology of women and gender. Students are introduced to current psychological theory and empirical research relating to the existence, origins and implications of behavioral similarities and differences associated with gender. We examine the development of gender roles and stereotypes, power within the family, workplace and politics, and women’s mental health and sexuality, paying attention to social context and intersectional identities. Prerequisites: PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 267 Colloquium: Moral Psychology (4 Credits)
An exploration of the nature of moral psychology. We discuss how reason, emotion, cultural norms and social pressures shape our moral judgments; how brain activity correlates with moral decision-making; and how we can use psychological research on moral intuition to evaluate cultural and political disagreements. Prerequisites: PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 25. (E) {S}
Spring
PSY 268 Colloquium: The Human Mind and Climate Change (4 Credits)
This course explores the human side of climate change. Drawing from the domains of social, cognitive, developmental and clinical psychology, as well as interdisciplinary theories related to human decision-making, behavior and motivation, the course explores questions raised by the American Psychological Association’s Task Force on global climate change. Prerequisites: PSY 100 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 25. (E) {S}
Spring
PSY 269 Colloquium: Categorization and Intergroup Behavior (4 Credits)
A broad consideration of the nature of prejudice, stereotypes and intergroup relations from the perspective of social cognition with emphasis on issues of race and ethnicity. We encounter theories and research concerning the processes of self-and-other categorization, social identity, stereotyping, prejudice and strategies from the reduction of intergroup hostility that these approaches inform. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}{S}
Spring
PSY 273 Colloquium: Psychology of Career Development (4 Credits)
This course explores various theories of career development and the application of those theories to career coaching and personal career development. Career assessment measures and the utility of those measures are examined. Statewide and national resources for job seeking are reviewed. A multicultural approach to career coaching is taken throughout the course, with an eye to diversity and its role in the changing world of work. Enrollment limited to 25. (E) {S}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 287 Colloquium: Abnormal Psychology: Evidence–Based Practice (4 Credits)
In-depth study of anxiety disorders. Course examines research on the phenomenology, etiology and treatment for selected anxiety disorders and clarifies the nature and quantity of evidence supporting the efficacy of current treatments. Attention is devoted to the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs for answering specific questions about psychopathology and psychotherapy. The course highlights landmark studies and documents which treatments have been shown to be most effective for which types of patients. Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 150, and PSY 202. {N}
Fall
PSY 301 Research Design and Analysis (4 Credits)
A tour via SPSS of the major statistical models encountered in psychology. Topics include most of the following each year: complex and mixed analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, multi-item scale analyses, factor and cluster analysis, multiple regression, path analysis and structural equation modeling. Adopting a pragmatic approach, we emphasize assumptions and requirements, rules of thumb, decision-making considerations, interpretation and writing statistical results according to the conventions of psychology. Prerequisites: One of the following: PSY 201, GOV 190, MTH 219, MTH/SDS 220, ECO 220, SOC 201, EDC 206 or a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Statistics examination or the equivalent. Enrollment limited to 20 and priority to psychology majors. {M}
Fall
PSY 304/ REL 304 Seminar:Happiness: Buddhist and Psychological Understandings of Personal Well-Being (4 Credits)
Same as PSY 304. What is happiness? What is personal well-being? How are they achieved? This course examines the core ideas of the Buddhist science of mind and how they are being studied and employed by psychologists, neuroscientists, cognitive scientists and psychotherapists. The focus of the course is the notion of "happiness," its cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary definition as well as the techniques advocated for its achievement by both the Buddhist and the psychologist. Prerequisite: PSY 100, REL 105, one course in Buddhist traditions or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 15. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 305 Seminar: Human Flourishing (4 Credits)
Flourishing has been described as living a good, fulfilling life with a sense of purpose. Sometimes called thriving, it is a state of emotional, psychological and social well-being. This seminar examines pathways to flourishing via close reading of empirical articles, class discussion and guided practices in and out of class. At the end of the semester, students give research-informed presentations about theories of flourishing, gaps in the literature and conditions that boost its prospects to a select group of staff members at the Smith College Museum of Art interested in the connections between museum practices and flourishing outcomes. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 202, or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. (E) {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Annually
PSY 312 Calderwood Seminar on Psychology in the Public Square (4 Credits)
One cannot turn on the radio or browse the internet today without encountering the latest fMRI findings or other technologically advanced results of contemporary psychological research. The primary goal of this course is to learn how to communicate such complex information to a non-specialist audience. Through a set of prescribed writing assignments, students will develop skills in translating psychological theories and empirical evidence to the public. Assignments may include evaluation of journal articles, blog entries and interviews of research psychologists. Classes will be conducted as a workshop devoted to peer review, analysis and critique of public-oriented writing in psychology. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Fall
PSY 314cf Seminar: Topics in Foundations of Behavior-Cognition in Film (4 Credits)
This seminar explores the cognitive processes underlying human perception and comprehension of film and the techniques filmmakers use to capitalize on these processes. Students read and discuss empirical articles and view relevant examples of film. Discussions range from change blindness and apparent motion to character identity and narrative. Prerequisite: PSY 100. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 314di Seminar: Topics in Foundations of Behavior- Psychology of Disinformation (4 Credits)
This course requires students to examine and challenge their own constructions of reality. Students learn to differentiate disinformation from misinformation before exploring how disinformation proliferates. A heavy emphasis is placed on psychological concepts that explain: how people become exposed to disinformation; why some people believe it; why some kinds of disinformation are more effective than others; and some motivations for spreading disinformation. Contemporary and historical examples of disinformation are compared, and the role of the internet and mobile devices is examined. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 315 Seminar: Autism Spectrum Disorders (4 Credits)
This seminar discusses research on the neurocognitive basis of autism spectrum disorders, considering genetic, neuroscientific, psychological and linguistic factors in their etiology and characterization. Topics include the history of the diagnosis, the incidence of the disorders, cross-cultural conceptions of autism, studies of the underlying neural mechanisms, and the cognition and language of children with ASD. Prerequisites: One of EDC 235, PSY 216, or PSY 253, or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited 10 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Spring
PSY 317 Seminar in Cross-Cultural Development (4 Credits)
Our understanding of how children grow, learn, and think is largely based on studying WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) populations. Findings from just 12% of the global population are being used to inform worldwide policies in education, parenting, and public-health. In this course, we will approach the study of child development from a cross-cultural lens. We will study how cultural norms, research, and power structures impact specific areas of development. Students will gain an understanding of the empirical psychological research on cross-cultural development, and apply insights from anthropology, sociology, and history to the study of psychology. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 320 Research Seminar in Biological Rhythms (4 Credits)
Design and execution of original research on topics related to the physiology of biological rhythms. Health consequences of disruption in biological rhythms are studied. Prerequisites: PSY 202 or NSC 230. Enrollment limited to 12. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 321 Research Seminar: Cognitive Development (4 Credits)
Cognitive development is the study of changes in the ability to think, perceive, understand and communicate. Changes in cognitive abilities, such as perception, attention, memory, emotion regulation and language, are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and cultural factors. In this research seminar, students gain hands-on experience conducting research to examine key questions about cognitive development. In addition to covering various aspects of the research process including experimental design, participant recruitment, data coding, statistical analysis and scientific writing, the class also delves into open developmental science practices. This includes exploring ways to improve transparency, rigor and reproducibility in research practices. Prerequisites: PSY 201, SDS 201 or SDS 220, or equivalent, and PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Annually
PSY 326pr Seminar: Topics in Biopsychology-Parenting (4 Credits)
In this seminar we will examine the neurobiological processes that underlie parental behavior. Students will come away from the course understanding (1) how the experience of pregnancy and/or parenthood manifests in relevant neural circuitry to yield complex caregiving behavior, (2) how neuropsychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and addiction interact with parental neurobiology and behavior, and (3) how neuroscience and psychology researchers approach answering the most pressing questions in the subfield of parental behavior. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 340 Seminar: Psychosocial Determinants of Health (4 Credits)
This course examines the scientific perspectives on how psychological and social factors influence the development and progression of physical health and illness. Major topics include psychosocial origins of health disparities, relationships and health, emotion and disease, placebo effects, and complementary and alternative medical approaches. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating current research and designing appropriate future studies. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 202. Preference to those who have completed a health psychology course. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 343 Calderwood Seminar: Psychosomatic Medicine (4 Credits)
How we think and feel can have a profound impact on our health. Through the interdisciplinary lens of psychosomatic medicine, we critically evaluate empirically-supported embodiment practices (e.g., breathwork, meditation, visualization) for preventing metabolic and cardiopulmonary diseases, major causes of death globally. We highlight recurring psychologically-mediated processes including placebo effects, emotion, and patient-practitioner relationships. More broadly, we consider how individual healing is embedded in social structural, cultural, and historical contexts, and begin envisioning what decolonized and liberatory healing means in the 21st century. The key emphasis of this course is ethically translating scientific research in this domain for public non-specialist audiences. Prerequisites: PSY 140 & PSY 202. Juniors and Seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 345 Research Seminar: Feminist Perspective on Psychological Science (4 Credits)
Research Seminar. In this advanced methods course, we study feminist empirical approaches to psychological research. The first part considers several key feminist empiricist philosophies of science, including positivist, experiential and discursive approaches. The second part focuses on conceptualizations of gender beyond difference-based approaches and their operationalization in recent empirical articles. The capstone will be an application of feminist perspectives on psychological science to two group projects-quantitative and qualitative, respectively-in the domain of health and well-being. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and (PSY 140 or 266). Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required.
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 347 Seminar: Psychological Perspectives on Healing Racism (4 Credits)
Prerequisites: PSY 140 and PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. (E) {N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 352hb Seminar: Topics in Advanced Clinical Psychology-High-Risk Behaviors in Psychopathology (4 Credits)
This seminar focuses on a comprehensive understanding of the science, study and treatment of high-risk behaviors in severe psychopathology. Discussions include: alcohol/substance use, disordered eating, impulsivity, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. Readings involve empirical studies and theoretical papers that have shaped the study of these behaviors and their relationship/presence in DSM-5. Students evaluate published research based on theory, methodological rigor, ethical considerations, diversity/inclusion and current gaps in the literature that contribute to difficulty in predicting and treating high-risk behaviors in clinical practice. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 150 or equivalent. PSY 202 or SDS 201 strongly recommended. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 352pt Seminar: Topics in Advanced Clinical Psychology-Psychological Trauma (4 Credits)
This seminar will address topics related to psychological trauma including: history of traumatology, trauma epidemiology, stress and trauma disorders, ethnocultural variation in trauma, psychophysiological assessment of trauma, evidence based treatment of trauma disorders and posttraumatic growth. Recommended prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 150, PSY 253 and/or NSC 130/ PSY 130. This seminar will regularly address emotionally distressing topics (e.g., physical and sexual abuse). Students should only choose this course if able to fully engage with such topics. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 353 Seminar in Advanced Developmental Psychopathology (4 Credits)
Examination of the empirical and theoretical research relevant to anxiety disorders and their associated features in youth. Using a developmental perspective, the course focuses on risk factors, theoretical models and methods of assessment and intervention. Prerequisites: (PSY 100 and PSY 150) or PSY 253 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Spring
PSY 355 Practicum Seminar in Clinical Psychology (4 Credits)
This course provides group instruction and supervision for a variety of mental health practicum placements. Undergraduate students are placed in community settings and have local mentoring by masters level social work students.The seminar includes a thorough examination of community entry and engagement, clinical ethics and relevant obligations. It also includes a reviewof evidence based interventions and the theories that accompany them. Special focus is given to issues of diversity and inclusion. Prerequisites PSY100, and one or more of the following: PSY130, 150, 230, 250, 287, 350, 353, or 354 or equivalent. Permission of instructor required for admission. {N}
Spring
PSY 358 Research Seminar: Clinical Psychology (4 Credits)
An introduction to research methods in clinical psychology and psychopathology. Includes discussion of current research as well as design and execution of original research in selected areas such as anxiety disorders, PTSD and depression. Prerequisite: PSY 100, PSY 201, PSY 202 and a relevant PSY intermediate colloquium course. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Fall, Spring
PSY 360 Seminar: Peer Relationships (4 Credits)
Covers theory and research on childhood and adolescent peer relationships. Topics include socialization processes, friendships and peer networks, and the interplay of biological, psychological and contextual factors that shape social interactions in the peer group. Some questions we address are: How do we form friendships? What qualities make us liked by our peers? Is there a difference between being ignored by other kids and being rejected by them? Have text messaging and social media sites changed the way we communicate with each other? Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 201 or equivalent. A previous course in developmental psychology is recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {S}
Spring
PSY 361 Research Seminar: Alcohol Use and Misuse Among High School and College Students (4 Credits)
An introduction to research techniques through the discussion of current research, design and execution of original research in selected areas such as drinking games, pregaming/prepartying (i.e., "drinking before drinking"), acculturation and alcohol use, motivations to drink, expectations about the effects of alcohol use, and athletic involvement and drinking behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor; PSY 201, PSY 202, with PSY 220 preferred. Enrollment preference is given to those who have discussed their research interests and goals with the instructor at least one semester prior to enrollment. {N}
Spring
PSY 364/ SDS 364 Research Seminar: Intergroup Relationships (4 Credits)
Offered as PSY 364 and SDS 364. Research on intergroup relationships and an exploration of theoretical and statistical models used to study mixed interpersonal interactions. Example research projects include examining the consequences of sexual objectification for both women and men, empathetic accuracy in interracial interactions and gender inequality in household labor. A variety of skills including, but not limited to, literature review, research design, data collection, measurement evaluation, advanced data analysis and scientific writing will be developed. Prerequisites: PSY 201, SDS 201, SDS 220 or equivalent and PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {M}{N}{S}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 369 Research Seminar in Categorization and Identity (4 Credits)
An exploration of methods of inquiry in social psychology with emphasis on experimental approaches to current questions in respect to processes of categorization and social identity and their implications for behavior among groups. Prerequisites: PSY 202 and either PSY 170, PSY 180, PSY 266 or PSY 269. Concurrent enrollment in PSY 270 is encouraged. {N}
Spring
PSY 371wb Seminar: Topics in Personality-Well Being (4 Credits)
A survey of current psychological research on the factors that contribute to a person's sense of well being. What are the components of happiness? What are the biological, personality and contextual factors that contribute to that happiness? How does a person's sense of well being influence health, relationships and other important life outcomes? Prerequisites: PSY 170 or PSY 180. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}{S}
Spring, Variable
PSY 373 Research Seminar in Personality (4 Credits)
An introduction to techniques of personality research and their application to the experimental study of personality. Based on discussions of current research, students design and conduct original research either individually or in teams. Prerequisites: PSY 112 and either PSY 270 or 271. Instructor permission required. {N}
Spring
PSY 373sc Research Seminar in Personality: Self-Control (4 Credits)
In this course, we will do all the major components of conducting a research exploration in the field of Personality Psychology. Our focus for this semester will be the study of self-control. More specifically, we will examine and design research addressing delay of gratification as one adaptive expression of self-control. To do this, we will work with an archival data set that is housed here at Smith, and contains observations of participants who were observed on a delay of gratification task as preschoolers. One of our objectives will be to design follow-up assessments for administrations to the participants in this work who are now in their mid-50’s. In addition, with some good fortune, we will collectively design and conduct an experiment to examine some aspect of delay of gratification in current preschool children. Prerequisites: PSY 270 or 271, and permission of instructor. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 374 Seminar: Psychology of Political Activism (4 Credits)
This seminar focuses on people’s motivations to participate in political activism, especially activism around social issues. Readings include theoretical and empirical work from political psychology paired with personal accounts of activists. Students consider accounts of some large-scale liberal and conservative social movements in the United States, and conduct an in-depth analysis of an activists oral history obtained from the Voices of Feminism archive of the Sophia Smith collection. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {S}
Fall, Spring, Alternate Years
PSY 375 Research Seminar: Political Psychology (4 Credits)
An introduction to research methods in political psychology. Includes discussion of current research as well as design and execution of original research in selected areas such as right wing authoritarianism, group consciousness, and political activism. Prerequisite: PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 376 Seminar: Psychology and Law (4 Credits)
Why would a person confess to a crime they didn’t commit? What makes eyewitnesses identify the wrong suspect? How does police body camera footage shape jurors’ decisions? And how does one design research to answer these questions and inform policy interventions? This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of psychology and the law, focusing on how psychological science impacts and can be used to explain events in the courtroom and other legal settings. Students critically analyze research at the intersection of psychology and law, and consider how it can and should be used to impact legal policy. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 202. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and Seniors only. Instructor permission required. {N}
Fall, Spring, Variable
PSY 400 Special Studies (1-4 Credits)
By permission of the instructor, for qualified juniors and seniors. A scholarly project conducted under the supervision of any member of the department.
Fall, Spring
PSY 431 Honors Project (8 Credits)
Fall, Spring, Annually
PSY 432D Honors Project (6 Credits)
This is a full-year course.
Fall, Spring, Annually