A course on the principles of learning and behavior. The psychology of learning, or behavioral psychology, introduces students to the psychology of learning and behavior analysis by examining the classical and operant (instrumental) conditioning paradigms, from an experimental perspective.
An introduction to the neural basis of the mind and behavior. The course surveys the structure and organization of the human brain and examines how complex behavior and mental processes arise from it.
A course on how humans sense and perceive the environment. Topics covered include the anatomy and physiology of the sensory systems, types of stimuli affecting sensory systems, higher perceptual processing, and current knowledge and theories of our perceptual abilities. The course also emphasizes the relationships between perceptual processes and other higher cognitive functions.
PSYC 226 Cognitive Psychology
An introduction to human cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory, language, imagery, categorization, problem solving, reasoning and decision-making. These cognitive processes are examined with regard to human brain functioning.
PSYC 229 Cognitive Neuroscience
An advanced course on the underlying neural mechanisms of higher mental function. Topics include brain systems implementing memory, language, decision-making, control of action, social cognition, emotions, creativity, cultural evolution, consciousness, cognitive control and brain-computer interface.
PSYC 230 Clinical Psychology
An introduction to the history and development of the science and practice of clinical psychology with a critical examination of training models, approaches to clinical problems, methods of assessment, choice of empirically validated interventions, prevention strategies and career opportunities. The course surveys clinical and research activities (assessment, therapy, and consultation), settings (clinical, hospital, school, court, and private practice), and professional issues (roles, ethics, and laws)
PSYC 234 Positive Psychology
An introduction to the history and development of the scientific study of positive experiences, positive traits, and positive institutions with a critical examination of the field’s theoretical and philosophical assumptions, methods of assessment, and applications to promote personal growth and fulfilment. The course surveys such topics as personal strengths, optimism, resilience, gratitude, forgiveness, humor, love, sexual intimacy, emotional intelligence, happiness, life satisfaction, and the ability to create positive environments.
PSYC 235 Political Psychology
This course draws on the social psychological literature of intergroup relations, introducing the students to individual and group-based approaches to the study of intergroup relations, as well as political psychological research in the Arab world.
PSYC 237 Introduction to Cognitive Science
An introduction to the interdisciplinary study of cognitive science which involves research about the workings of the mind from the fields of psychology, linguistics, philosophy, education, computer science, neuroscience, anthropology, engineering, and others. The course aims to provide students with an appreciation for the range of disciplinary perspectives and methods, and the applications of cognitive science to everyday life.
PSYC 239 Psychology of Trauma
This course is aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of the impact of various types of trauma including developmental trauma, torture and imprisonment, domestic violence, war trauma, and single incident traumas such as natural disasters, accidents or sudden losses. We will discuss several theories of trauma that explain the experience cognitively, neurologically, emotionally and physiologically. The course will also cover the socio-political considerations of trauma as well as resilience, recovery and post-traumatic growth.
PSYC 240 Special Topics in Psychology
This course provides an in-depth understanding of a topic within a subdomain of psychology (e.g., Applied Behavioral Analysis, Industrial Psychology, Psychology of Religion, Sensory Plasticity and Perceptual Learning). Topics depend on instructor speciality, and course offerings vary across terms.
PSYC 280 History and Systems of Psychology
A course that examines the philosophical foundations of psychology. There is special emphasis on the historical development of scientific conceptions of human behavior and mental processes in the context of contemporary psychological systems.
PSYC 282 Research Design in Psychology
This course is the first part of the core research requirements for undergraduates in psychology. It introduces you to the basic concepts in research methods and statistical analyses for psychological research. This course provides you with a solid foundation in the basic research methods and statistical analyses that will be needed for PSYC 284 and PSYC 290. Moreover, this course teaches you how to develop and write a proposal to conduct psychological research, consistent with the Style Manual of the American Psychological Association.
PSYC 284 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
This course is the second part of the required research sequence for students majoring in psychology. It introduces the student to univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses in psychological research and combines lectures and computer-based lab sessions.
This course develops the ability to understand and evaluate empirical research in psychology through critical readings of research articles within one or more subdomains of psychology. The aim is to develop an understanding of research questions and methods, including study design, statistical methods and interpretation of data. Students learn to think critically about empirical work and to generate their own ideas within a testable framework. The course will develops academic writing and presentation skills, including the ability to summarize research, formulate logical arguments and critique empirical literature.
This course trains students to plan, conduct, and write up a full empirical study. The course is equivalent to an internship and is meant to build upon and further develop the research and data analysis skills acquired in the research methodology sequence
(PSYC 282, 284, 288). It is closely supervised by one faculty member.