Spring 2009 Courses
Please Note: The information given in the Course Atlas is subject to change.
For final schedule information, please refer to OPUS or the professor of the course.
PSYC 103: Brain and Behavior
Edwards, MWF 10:40-11:30, MAX: 120
Content: This is a course about the biology of behavior. Special attention is given to sex, eating, drinking, sleeping and waking. Other topics include: the influence of drugs on behavior, recovery of function after brain damage, and the neural and chemical substrates of pain and pleasure.
Particulars: A good entry course for students interested in physiological psychology/behavioral neuroscience. Two midterm exams with an optional comprehensive exam.
PSYC 110: Introduction to Psychology I: Psychobiology and Cognition
Goursaud, Tues Thurs 4:00-5:15, MAX: 50
Content: This is the first half of a two-semester
introductory psychology sequence. This course will
introduce the field of contemporary psychology from
the perspective of research in biological psychology.
We will examine the mechanics and functions of the
nervous system and how the operations of this system
relate to everyday human functioning. Some specific
areas of focus will include sensation, perception,
learning, memory, and emotions. Students will also
learn how these concepts relate to real-world
phenomena, including some areas of controversy and
topics presented in the media.
Text: There will be one primary textbook an
supplemental readings.
Particulars: There will be in-class exams as well as
a cumulative final exam. Exams will include a mixture
of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.
All students enrolled in the course are required to
participate in human subject research studies within
the psychology department; students have the option of
writing summaries of research articles in lieu of this
research participation requirement.
.
PSYC 111: Introduction to Psychology II: Social, Developmental, Personality and Abnormal Psychology
Rochat, Tues Thurs 11:30-12:45, MAX: 120
Content: This second semester of introductory psychology will cover in broad brushstrokes the major areas of experimental design, social psychology, social and emotional development, personality measurement and theory, psychopathology, and therapeutic interventions. Emphasis will be on the empirical foundations of psychological knowledge, and on fostering students' critical thinking about behavior.
Texts: There will be one primary textbook and supplemental readings.
Particulars: Exams will include a mixture of multiple choice and short essay questions. Students will be required to keep a journal with bi-weekly entries pertaining to class notes, reading noes, and personal ideas regarding the material covered. Participation in research projects or equivalent is also required.
PSYC 190: Freshman Seminar: Personality & Creativity
Duke, Tues Thurs 10:00-11:15, MAX: 16
Content: An interdisciplinary expedition into human personality as represented and reflected in painting, sculpture, poetry, literature, music and dance. Special emphasis will be on the similarities between classifical theory of response and modern interactional theory in psychology. Particular attention will be focused on personalities and lives of artists, writers, dancers and musicians.
Particulars: Grades will be based on class participation, one 5 page paper, one 15 page paper and a major project.
PSYC 200WR: Experimental Methods (Lecture)
Bliwise, Tues Thurs 1:00-2:15, MAX: 90
Labs:
- TA1, M 1:00-2:15, MAX: 12, Psych 127
- TA2, M 2:30-3:45, MAX: 12, Psych 127
- TA3, M 5:30-6:45, MAX: 12, Psych 127
- TA4, W 12:00-1:15, MAX: 12, Psych 127
- TA5, W 1:30-2:45, MAX: 12, Psych 127
- TA6, W 3:00-4:15, MAX: 12, Psych 127
- TA7, W 4:30-5:45 , MAX: 12, Psych 127
- TA8, W 6:00-7:15, MAX: 12, Psych 127
Content: Introduction to research design and scientific thought in psychology, including observational, survey, and experimental approaches. Lectures and laboratory exercises provide students with a basis for (a) understanding and evaluating published research; (b) planning, executing, and reporting the results of research studies, and (c) communicating research findings clearly and concisely with APA style.
Texts: Two textbooks are required: McBurney & White (current edition) Szuchman (current edition). We will also be using the radio frequency personal response system (clickers) manufactured by GTCO. Students who do not already own a clicker will need to purchase one. Physics, Biology, and Chemistry all use the same clickers; if you have one, save it
Particulars: The class lectures meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students should sign up for a 75-minute lab on Monday or Wednesday. Course requirements include three small research projects, written evaluations of published research, and interactive classroom activities.
Prerequisite: Prior completion of PSYC 230.
PSYC 210: Abnormal Psychology
Walker, Tues Thurs 10:00-11:15, MAX: 100
Content: Coverage of all major adult psychological disorders in terms of their etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Particular emphasis will be placed on: (1) exposing students to the major theoretical and conceptual models of abnormal behavior, and (2) providing students with the skills to become more critical consumers of the burgeoning literature on psychopathology.
Prerequisite: Prior completion of PSYC 100, 110, or 111.
PSYC 212: Social Psychology
Strock, MWF 9:35-10:25, MAX: 40
Content: This course will provide an overview of social psychological theory and research. We will discuss how social and cognitive processes affect the way we perceive, influence and relate to others. In addition, we will explore the diverse research tools used by social psychologists, the ethical issues inherent to the study of social psychology and the ways social psychological principles affect our daily lives.
Particulars: Three exams, each covering approximately 1/3 of the course.
Prerequisite: Prior completion of PSYC 100, 110, or 111.
PSYC 215: Cognition
Barsalou, Tues Thurs 11:30-12:45, MAX: 100
Content: A general introduction to cognition from the perspectives of cognitive psychology, cognitive science, and cognitive neuroscience. Topics will include the neural and cognitive bases of perception, categorization, attention, memory, knowledge, language, thought, and social cognition. Develops the theme that cognition is grounded in the biology of perception, movement, emotion, and introspection, rather than being disembodied as in traditional theories.
PSYC 230: Applied Statistics for Psychology (Lecture)
Bliwise, MWF 3:00-3:50, MAX: 84
Labs:
- TA1, Th 2:00-2:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA2, Th 3:00-3:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA3, Th 4:00-4:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA4, Th 5:00-5:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA5, F 10:00-10:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
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TA6, F 11:00-11:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
Content: This course provides an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in psychological research. Descriptive statistics include measures of central tendency, variability, and correlation. The logic of statistical inference is addressed and students learn to calculate and interpret a range of univariate statistics. Examples are taken largely from psychological research. This course emphasizes the application of statistics to specific research problems. Students will learn to select appropriate statistics, perform calculations, and interpret the results of statistical tests.
Texts: Two texts are required: Hurlburt, R.A., Comprehending Behavioral Statistics (Current edition) and Kirkpatrick and Feeney, A Simple Guide to SPSS for Windows (Current edition). We will also be using the radio frequency personal response system (clickers) manufactured by GTCO. Students who do not already own a clicker will need to purchase one. Physics, Biology, and Chemistry all use the same clicker; if you have one, save it.
Particulars: The class lectures will meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Students should enroll in a one-hour lab that meets on Thursday or Friday.
PSYC 240: Psychology and Law
Shapiro, Tues Thurs 11:30-12:45, MAX: 30
Content: The course reviews the professional practice of psychology and the legal regulations governing the practice as well as topic related to legal capacity of criminal defendants and involuntary civil commitment. Topics include confidentiality, privilege, child abuse, fiduciary duty, insanity and competency to stand trial.
Texts: Statutes and court decisions are downloaded from internet.
Particulars: Two mid-term exams and final exam each count one-third of course grade. Exams are in short-answer question format.
PSYC 310: Cognitive Development
Lourenco, Tues Thurs 2:30-3:45, MAX: 50
Content: This course examines the development of abilities such as thinking and reasoning. There is also an emphasis on how children learn to use spatial skills, numerical representations, memory, and language. The focus is on how scientific theory and principles can inform our understanding of these abilities.
Particulars: Grading will be based on short critical thought papers and exams.
PSYC 316SWR: Language Acquisition (Same as LING 316SWR)
Alexander, Wed 1:00-4:00, MAX: 12: PSYC=6; LING=6: TOTAL=12
Content: How do children acquire language at such a young age and at such a rapid rate? We consider how children (1) identify speech sounds, (2) determine word meaning, and (3) learn rules of syntax
Particulars: Selected readings.
PSYC 321: Behavioral Neuroendocrinology of Sex (Same as NBB 321)
Wallen, Tues Thurs 2:30-3:45, MAX: 40: PSYC=20; NBB=20: TOTAL=40
Content: This course examines the role hormones, particularly steroid hormones, play in the development and activation of reproductive behaviors in animals and humans. In addition, the role of hormones in the development of sex differences in the brain and behavior will be explored. The first third of this course covers biological mechanisms of hormone production and the regulation and function of the neuroendocrine system. A background in biology is helpful, but neither required, nor necessary. The concepts necessary to understand the biology of the neuroendocrine system are developed in class. The last two-thirds of the course cover the behavioral effects of hormones and are divided into the immediate effects of hormones (activation) and long-term effects of hormones (organization). Research covers both animals and humans with everything from sex changing fish to sex change in human’s topics for consideration. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the manner in which hormones produce physical modifications and modulate sexual behavior in a variety of species.
Readings : Selected reserve readings.
PSYC 325: Primate Social Psychology (Same as BIO 325)
de Waal, T TH 11:30-12:45, MAX: 80: PSYC=50; BIO=30: TOTAL=80
Content: Following a general introduction to primatology, this course covers recent progress in the growing field of primate social behavior. Topics range from aggression and dominance (e.g., warfare and power politics among chimpanzees) to affiliation, sex and peaceful coexistence (e.g., parental behavior, behavioral sex differences, conflict resolution). The evolution of the large brain and remarkable intelligence of primates has been explained as related to the complexity of their societies: survival in such societies requires sophisticated social skills and a thorough understanding of the relationship network. Course segments focus on the motivational and cognitive processes underlying coalition formation, reciprocal exchange of benefits, reconciliation following conflict, and the origin of moral systems. Parallels with human behavior will be discussed.
Texts: Required readings include two books and articles assigned at the beginning of the course.
PSYC 330: Personality Theories
Westen, MWF 11:30-12:45, MAX: 100
Content: This course will focus on the major approaches to personality, including psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive-social, trait, and humanistic. It will also examine central domains of personality, such as emotion and self-regulation, as well as disorders of personality.
Particulars: Prior completion of Psyc 100, 110, or 111.
PSYC 340: Crime and Criminal Behavior
Brennan, MWF 10:40-11:30, MAX: 60
Content: In this course we will explore the basis of criminal behavior according to psychological, social, neurological, physiological and cognitive theories. We will critically examine criminal justice policies, and compare popular myths about crime with research evidence to date.
PSYC 350: Behavior Modification
McDowell, MWF 10:40-11:30, MAX: 40
Content: Use the principles of behavior to enhance human functioning. Application of basic research and theory from experimental psychology to personal, social, and educational problems.
PSYC 353: Behavioral Neuroscience (Same as NBB 302)
Neill, MWF 10:40-11:30, MAX: 180: PSYC=20; NBB=160: TOTAL=180
Content: The goal of this course is to present an integrated coverage of work at the intersection of animal behavior, evolution, and cellular/systems neuroscience. The course surveys the major area of behavioral neuroscience.
PSYC 440S: Animal Communication (Same as BIO 440S)
Gouzoules, Tues Thurs 1:00-2:15, MAX: 16: PSYC=8; BIO=8: TOTAL=16
Content: From the dance of the honey bee, the “honest advertising” of frogs, and the question of why birds sing, to the symbolic abilities of primates and dolphins, recent studies of animal communication have provided considerable insight into the evolutionary origins of human language. What do animals communicate about? How do signals and displays originate? Do animals deceive one another? How do social and physical environments influence communication? Does communication provide a window on the cognitive abilities of animals? These and other questions will be explored in this seminar.
Texts: Original source material, discussed in seminar format.
Particulars: Particulars: Grades will be based on class participation and one paper
(approximately 15 pages). There will be a large amount of reading for the
course. PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT and
priority is given to students who have taken Psychology / Biology 320.
PSYCH 471S: Words and the World: How Words Capture Human Experience (Same as LING 385S)
Wolff, Tues Thurs 2:30-3:45, MAX: 15: PSYC=10, LING=5; TOTAL=15
Content: Language has frequently been viewed as a window into the human mind. But now that we know more about the semantics of different languages, we are faced with an interesting problem. Different languages seem to be telling us different stories about the nature of the mind. Important distinctions made in one language are not necessarily made in another. The question, then, is what are we to make of these cross-linguistic differences? How do they arise? Are they created by purely linguistic processes operating over the course of language evolution? Do they represent differences in thought? In this sea of differences, are there any semantic universals? If so, are these universals based on innate categories, or are they acquired? What might the cross-linguistic similarities and differences contribute to our understanding of conceptual and linguistic development? Which categories might be given to us by our genetic inheritance, which by culture, and which by our language? These questions have long been of interest to psychologists, linguists, and anthropologists. But only recently has the integration of knowledge and methodologies necessary for real progress on these questions taken place. In particular, experimental approaches have only recently been applied to the cross-linguistic study of word meaning. The course will review the literature covering these exciting new findings.
Particulars: The course will be conducted as a seminar/workshop. Students will be expected to present papers, write weekly reaction papers, complete homework, and write an end-of-semester paper. Details are provided below.
PSYC 474S: Social, Emotional, and Personality Development: Critical Knowledge for Clinical Scientists
Goodman, Thurs 9:00-12:00, MAX: 7
Content:This course will be an advanced developmental psychology course with a specific focus on selected aspects of the field that are essential for an understanding of developmental psychopathology and clinical interventions not only for children and families, but also for adults (all of whom were children at one time). The course will provide (a) an upper level, advanced course in selected topics in developmental psychology, which will appeal to undergraduates planning to attend graduate school, and (b) a foundation course for graduate students in Clinical Psychology or Neuroscience and Animal Behavior, who are interested in models of psychopathology or treatment for disorders for which an understanding of developmental psychology is essential.
Particulars: This course is open to advanced undergraduate students with permission and to graduate students in the Psychology Department. To be considered for enrollment, send an e-mail to Dr. Goodman at psysg@emory.edu. In your e-mail, list the psychology courses you have taken, add a sentence or two on why you want to take the course, and attached a transcript. Selected students will be offered the opportunity to enroll. If you are selected, Lorenza Houser will enroll you. Permission of the Instructor is required prior to enrollment.
PSYC 474S: The Self in Development
Rochat, Thurs 6:00-9:00, MAX: 12
Content: This seminar is designed to explore the concept of self in the perspective of development, from infancy, to childhood and adolescence, but also through adulthood and personal recollecting. In addition to in-class presentations of readings and the discussion of relevant empirical research and theoretical articles, students will be asked to keep a journal and to immerse themselves in writing on a regular basis about themselves, recollecting events and chosen situations that presumably define who they are. The intent of the writing exercise is to provide hands-on material to the class to explore and discuss the socially constructed and narrative dimensions of what we conceive as “self, ultimately what might constitute the sense of our own identity. The question is: what do mean by personal identity and where does it come from?
PSYC 476S: Forensic Psychology
Shapiro, Tues Thurs 10:00-11:15, MAX: 12
Content: Grade based upon seminar participation and term paper. Potential topics are: 1) Risk assessment of future violence, 2) trustworthiness of eye-witness testimony, 3) jury selection, 4) profiling, 5) selection, training, and evaluation of police officers, 6) lie detection, 7) confessions.
PSYC 495BWR: Honors Program
Strock, TBA
Content: Departmental Honors Program.
Particulars: PERMISSION IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT.
PSYC 498R: Directed Reading
Faculty, TBA
Particulars: Psychology majors only. Credit is variable. Students must have consent of faculty member and agreement on a topic. Students are required to complete a contract with regular faculty member detailing their research. A list of regular faculty members of the Psychology Department who are eligible to supervise may be found on the back of the contract form. Only faculty members whose names are on this list may supervise 498 works. Contracts are available in the departmental office and must be completed and returned prior to enrollment. PERMISSION IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT.
PSYC 499R: Directed Research
Faculty, TBA
Particulars: Psychology majors only . Credit is variable. Students must have consent of faculty member and agreement on a topic. Students are required to complete a contract with regular faculty member detailing their research. Contracts are available in the departmental office. A list of regular faculty members of the Psychology Department who are eligible to supervise may be found on the back of the contract form. Only faculty members whose names are on this list may supervise 499 works. Contracts are available in the departmental office and must be completed and returned prior to enrollment. PERMISSION IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT.
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