Spring 2008 Courses
* Please note that the printed Emory College Fall 2007 Atlas is INCORRECT. Correct course information is available below.
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 110: Introduction to Psychology I: Psychobiology and Cognition
Cale, Tues Thurs 10:00-11:15, MAX: 120
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. Participation in research projects or equivalent is required.
PSYC 190: Freshman Seminar: Science and Pseudoscience in Psychology
Lilienfeld, Tues 1:00-4:00, MAX: 15
Content: This freshman seminar will focus on the objective investigation of extraordinary claims in the popular media and everyday life. Topics will include, although will not be limited to, extrasensory perception, astrology, out-of-body experiences, flying saucer reports, subliminal persuasion, hypnosis, polygraph (“lie detector”) testing, recovered memories of early trauma, multiple personality disorder, the Rorschach Inkblot Test, graphology (handwriting analysis), and fringe psychotherapies. Particular emphasis will be placed on (a) both the strengths and limitations of human reasoning processes and (b) acquiring thinking tools to avoid being fooled by misleading claims in daily life. Students will be expected to contribute to, and participate actively, in class discussions and presentations.
Texts: Shermer, M. (2002). Why people believe weird things: Pseudoscience, superstition, and other confusions of our time (2 nd edition). New York: Owl. Hines, T. (2003). Pseudoscience and the Paranormal (2nd edition). Amherst, New York: Prometheus. Wynn, C.M., & Wiggins, A.W. (2001). Quantum leaps in the wrong direction: Where real science ends and pseudoscience begins. Washington, D.C.: John Henry Press. Kida, T. (2006). Don't believe everything you think. Amherst, New York: Prometheus.
Particulars: Several writing assignments, one co-led class presentation, active participation in class discussions. Freshmen only.
PSYC 190: Freshman Seminar: Science and Myth of Baseball
Rodman, Monday 6:00-9:00, MAX: 12
Content: Professional baseball holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many in our culture. This course will use examples from baseball - from the point of view of the fan, the player, the team, the organization, and society at large - to illustrate the scope of insights that psychology offers into human behavior. In so doing, we'll take ideas from the neural and behavioral sciences to focus discussion on such wide-ranging topics as: fan reactions to on-the-field events, the physical and physiological basis of seeing, throwing, and reacting to a pitch, the ability of an umpire to accurately judge a play, the perception of racial bias in sports, the role of intangibles such as "momentum" and "chemistry" in team performance, the behavior of fans in groups, the logic and illogic behind game strategies and superstitions, the concept of "being in the zone", the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing substances, the changing nature of sports statistics and fandom in the Internet age, the question of athletes as role models in modern society, the phenomenon of salary escalation, and what baseball represents to us and why.
Texts: Readings from various sources, some use of the Web.
Particulars: Requirements include participation, in-class presentations, brief written assignments, and some short projects to assimilate or present data and opinions. In particular, we’ll make a trip to see the Braves play to gather data for field observations on fan behavior to be analyzed and discussed in class. Note: although some historical material will be considered as relevant, this is not primarily a course on the history of the sport. Freshmen only.
PSYC 200WR: Experimental Methods (Lecture)
Bliwise, Tues Thurs 1:00-2:15, MAX: 90
Labs:
- Raper, M 12:45-2:00, MAX: 12, Psych Building Room 127
- Ortigo, D. , M 2:30-3:45, MAX: 12, Psych Building Room 127
- Brand, M 5:30-6:45, MAX: 12, Psych Building Room 127
- Sanford, W 12:00-1:15, MAX: 12, Psych Building Room 127
- Stephens, W 1:30-2:45, MAX: 12, Psych Building Room 127
- Ammirati, W, 3:00-4:15, MAX: 12, Psych Building Room 127
- Robbins, W, 4:30-5:45, MAX: 12, Psych Building Room 127
- Beckwith, W, 6:00-7:15, MAX: 12, Psych Building Room 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 PRS [should read “GTCO”]. Students who do not already own a clicker will need to purchase one. The radio frequency clickers used in Physics, Biology, and Chemistry classes are PRS system 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
Emory, Tues Thurs 10:00-11:30, MAX: 60
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 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)
Wolff, MWF 3:00-3:50, MAX: 100
Labs:
- TA1, Th 1:00-1:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA2, Th 2:00-2:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA3, Th 3:00-3:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA4, Th 4:00-4:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA5, F 10:00-10:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA6, F 11:00-11:50, MAX: 14, Dental 123
- TA7, F 12:00-12:50, 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: Hurlburt, R.A. (2006). Comprehending Behavioral Statistics (Fourth Edition). Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth. Kirkpatrick, L.A., & Feeney, B.C. (2006). A Simple Guide to SPSS for Windows (for Version 12.0 & 13.0). Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth. We will also be using the radio frequency personal response system (clickers) manufactured by PRS [should read “GTCO”]. Students who do not already own a clicker will need to purchase one. The radio frequency clickers used in Physics, Biology, and Chemistry classes are PRS system clickers. 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 302: Learning and Memory (Same as NBB 470)
Hamann, Tues Thurs 1:00-2:15, MAX: 30: PSYC=20; NBB=10: TOTAL=30
Content: Current views on how we remember and why we forget. Examples from both psychological laboratory and naturalistic settings will be used. Note: This course is not about the biological bases of memory.
Particulars: There will be two exams and 4 short papers.
PSYC 309: Brain and Language (Same as Linguistics 309)
Alexander, MWF 11:45-12:35, MAX: 40: PSYC=30; LING=10: TOTAL=30
Content: The purpose of this course is to examine language in a biological context and to investigate the relationship between brain mechanisms and language behavior. Topics covered will include aphasia and other language disorders; hemispheric specialization; aphasia in the deaf; critical periods and aphasia in children; and gender differences in brain organization and cognitive abilities. The format of the course will be primarily lecture with some discussion. Students will read primary source material as well as relevant background reading from a selection of books and journals. Both theoretical and methodological issues will be covered.
PSYC 313: Neuropsychology and Developmental Disabilities
Emory, Tues Thurs 8:30-9:45, MAX: 60
Content: Neuropsychology is the study of the relation between the brain and behavior. This course will provide an overview of basic issues in child neuropsychology, and describe the fundamentals of neurological and neuropsychological assessment. Major emphasis will be given to understanding the fundamentals of central nervous system structure and function. The course will focus on the role of the brain in neurological disorders and neuropsychiatric diseases. Topics to be included are the pathogenesis of complex disabilities like mental retardation, learning disability, childhood psychosis and depression, as well as an introduction to basic theory and concepts in the evaluation of these disorders.
Particulars: It is recommended that this course be taken after completion of PSYC 110, PSYC 111 and PSYC 210, or at least three other courses in Psychology.
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 350: Behavior Modification
McDowell, MWF 10:40-11:30, MAX: 30
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=40; NBB=140: 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 385: Positive Psychology
Bliwise, MWF 9:35-10:25, MAX: 40
Content: Positive psychology, as defined by its proponents, is the scientific study of how humans prosper in the face of adversity. Its goal is to identify and enhance human strengths and virtues. This course is designed to explore the concepts, and research on positive psychology as well as techniques and exercises that enhance well-being. The course integrates related findings from the fields of personality psychology, life-span development, behavioral economics, neuroscience, and social psychology. There is particular emphasis on the models and practices of well-being as a function of socio-cultural context (e.g., nation, region, gender, age, and social class). The format of the course is didactic, experiential, and interactive.
Text: This course uses a reader of original sources available on General Reserves in lieu of a textbook.
Particulars: Classes consist of short lectures/presentations followed by discussion of lectures, readings and films as well as evaluation of various well-being enhancement techniques. Course requirements include a research paper on a topic of your choice, weekly response papers, and active participation in class exercises.
Pre-requisites: Prior completion of Psyc 110, 111, or permission of the Instructor is required.
Psyc 385SWR: Special Topics:Translating Life, Bridging the Languages of Science and Human Spirit (same as Chem 468SWR: Perspectives in Chemistry)
Fugate, Lynn, Eisen, Wilhem, Rosa-Rodgiguez: TT 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Content: Capstone Seminar unifying perspectives from the Natural and Social sciences with the Humanities. Scientific findings have dramatic impact on every aspect of our life, sometimes conflicting with cultural and religious believes. This course will teach students how researchers of various fields ask questions and seek answers about the world around them. Scholars from Emory and Georgia Tech will use their own research discoveries and findings as examples on how to do successful research in any field. Students enrolled in this class will observe primate behaviors in a semi-naturalistic environment, decode ancient Jewish and Muslim legends, learn what fetal kicking tells us about personality, manipulate single DNA molecules using state-of-the-art instrumentations and learn about mending broken hearts using stem cells. These research topics will be the starting point for open discussion about science and human spirit. Students moreover will participate in various out-of-the-classroom activities, including movie screenings, trips to various laboratories around campus and to the Yerkes National Primate Center. This course is designed to translate the unknown into an understandable language, where Science and the Human Spirit work as a whole.
Particulars: Students will be mentored in writing their own proposal applicable their major or professional goals. Cross-listed as Chem 468SWR, Phys 380RS, NBB 470S, and Span 470S.
PSYC 414SWR: Brain & Cognitive Development (Same as NBB 414SWR)
Mills, W 3:30-6:30, MAX: 15: PSYC=10; NBB=5: TOTAL=15
Content: The course examines developmental changes in brain organization linked to different aspects of cognitive development, especially during the first three years of life. The topics cover changes in cerebral specializations linked to sensory processing, attention, memory, face recognition, language and social/ emotional development. Issues pertaining to brain plasticity and the relative contributions of genetic and experiential factors on brain development will also be addressed. Throughout the course we will discuss how research in developmental cognitive neuroscience can influence and constrain general theories of child development.
Particulars: This course fulfills the post-freshman writing requirement.
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 474S: Infant & Child Development in the South Pacific
Rochat, Thurs 6:00-9:00, MAX: 15
Content: In addition to writing, existing research on child rearing practices and child development in various South Pacific islands will be analyzed, discussed, and compared, tapping into existing cultural, anthropological, ethnological, and psychological literature. Developmental research topics will be identified. Feasible studies will be tentatively designed to guide students' field work during their future six (6) week village and home stay as well as visit of Western Samoa (Polynesia), Fiji, and Vanuatu (Melanesia).
Particulars: This seminar is designed for students who will participate to the new psychology summer study abroad program in the South Pacific during the summer of 2008. It is a pre-requisite to the latter. Interested students need to e-mail Dr. Rochat at Psypr@emory.edu. PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT.
PSYC 475S: Personality and Creativity
Duke, Tues Thurs 10:00-11:15, MAX: 18
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 and one 15 page papers and a major project. There will be a large amount of reading and library research. Students who create works of art, perform musically, dance or write poetry or other literary forms will be encouraged to present and discuss their work. Students interested in this course need to e-mail Professor Duke. PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT.
PSYC 475S: Spatial Development
Lourenco, Tues Thurs 2:30-3:45, MAX: 15
Content: This course concerns the development of spatial perception and cognition. Topics include the representation of distance and direction cues, navigational computation, symbolic representations of space such as maps, sex differences in spatial reasoning, the relation between space and number, and spatial language. Although there is an emphasis on origins and early changes associated with these abilities, some discussion will also be devoted to the spatial skills of adults and nonhuman animals. The research presented will span a range of theoretical perspectives, and will represent different methodological approaches, including behavioral and neuropsychological techniques.
Particulars: Evaluation will be based on written assignments and a final paper. Readings will be placed on reserve.
PSYC 475S: Relationships Through a Lifetime
Nowicki, Thurs 1:00-4:00, MAX: 15
Content: This is a senior seminar that depends on permission of the instructor for admittance. The general theme has to do with interpersonal approaches to understanding human behavior. This usually takes the form of emphasis on understanding interpersonal interactions ranging from the two-person to the multiple-person community systems. To understand the nature of interpersonal interactions, students are asked to (1) report on their own ongoing interactions (2) Read relevant material including recent journal articles (3) present material from a particular research area such as interpersonal styles, nonverbal communication and the like (4) propose a research project in a relevant area of interpersonal work.
Particulars: Students interested in this course need to e-mail Professor Nowicki and/or put your name in his mailbox before Thursday of the week seniors’ registration. All names will be entered into a random drawing. Only second semester, graduating seniors are eligible to participate in the drawing. On Thursday morning, Professor Nowicki will post the 15 names that were drawn and 3 alternates outside his office. PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT.
PSYC 475S: Seminar in Applied Social Psychology
Strock, TBA
Content: The concepts of social psychology may be considreed to be relevant to performance and success in a number of applied settings. Thhis course will examine the influence of such factors as social influence, group membership, social indentity, attitude formation and conflict resolution as they may pertain to individuals participating in athletic endeavors.
Particulars: PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT.
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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