Psychology Courses and Related Information

490.001 Katherine Adams

Psychology of Reading 

Reading is a human invention that allows us to share thoughts and ideas across time and space. What makes these squiggles on a page meaningful? Is it necessary for humans to read? In this seminar, we will explore the psychology of reading by examining the current research and controversies in the field of reading science. We will look the neurological, visual, cognitive, and linguistic systems necessary for fluent reading. We will read and talk about the books we enjoy (and those we don’t.) Topics include the neuroscience of reading, reading development, reading across languages, dyslexia, and what it means to be literate.

490.002 

The Magic of Attention 

 The human mind has an extraordinary ability to focus on specific objects, locations, thoughts, and sounds which makes it possible to navigate the whirlwind of information that we live in.  This course will explore the foundational roots of attention at a cognitive level and will also branch out to the many different ways that we use attention, and that our attention is manipulated by others.  For example we will explore topics such as meditation, stage-magic, film making, theater and user-interface design.  This course will involve paper research, writing, and in-class presentations and demos. 

490.003 Terri Vescio:

The Social Psychology of Power and Prejudice

The historical emergence of social psychology as a science that studies prejudice paralleled twentieth-century attempts to understand racial segregation and antisemitic genocide. Despite a 100 years of the social psychological study of prejudice, striking social inequities persist in the 21 st  century. This class will read, discussion, and critique classic and contemporary social psychological research on prejudice, bias, dehumanization, and inter-group violence. The primary goals of this course are to introduce students to the social psychology of prejudice, to help students develop critical thinking and communication skills, and to engage in psychological inquiry into issues of social meaning while working together as a collaborative, engaged, challenging, and support group of peers and scholars. To do so we will read original research, view media materials, engage in scientific critiques, develop novel hypotheses and develop research proposals to address questions of interest to the students.

490.004 Maria Vinca:

The art and science of psychotherapy

An introduction to the person of the therapist including the qualities and skills required for effective therapeutic change. This course will cover empirically validated common factors and skills that contribute to positive client outcomes. Beyond merely reading material, students will implement what they are learning through practicing elements of psychotherapy skills on one another through mini mock therapy sessions

490.005 Roger Beaty:

The Creative Brain

“This course explores the psychology and neuroscience of creativity. It covers topics such as measuring creative thinking, the difference between creativity and intelligence, genius and giftedness, and methods to enhance creative thinking. Using examples from the arts, sciences, and everyday life, the course seeks to demystify the concept of creativity through the lens of cognitive psychology and neuroscience.”

490.006 E. Christina Ford:

Think Before You Link: Navigating Online Psychology for a Healthier, Happier Life

The internet has become a major source of psychological information for the public—ranging from mental health advice on social media to articles about trauma, personality, and parenting. But how reliable is this information? How can we tell what’s credible, helpful or potentially harmful? This course will help us cut through the noise, identify scientifically grounded practices, and live happier, more meaningful lives. Specific topics covered, and psychological disciplines discussed, will be based on student interest, and some topics will be student-led. We will explore the gap between online reporting and scientific consensus, identify evidence-based strategies, and investigate the psychological mechanisms that underlie these recommendations.  By putting these insights into practice, we will learn to manage stress, improve relationships, and strengthen resilience in our daily lives.  This course prepares students to be informed consumers—and responsible sharers—of psychological content in the digital age.

490.007 Rick Gilmore:

The Psychology of Data Visualization

If a pictures worth a thousand words, what exactly does it say? This course will focus on the psychology of data visualization¿how to read, critique, and generate meaningful figures that inform but don¿t mislead. We¿ll take inspiration from recognized classic figures and unpack what makes them exemplary. We¿ll critique figures that deliberately or inadvertently mislead or confuse. And well learn how to build our own reproducible figures using Python, R, and JavaScript. No prior programming experience is required.

490.008 Suzy Sherf:

Debunking Myths of the Brain

The brain is a mysterious organ. Overwhelmingly people embrace beliefs about the brain and how it works that are complete myths! In this class, we will examine these myths, debunk them, and think about the socio-cultural factors that lead people to endorse the myths. To do so we will read popular press materials and watch movies that feature or defend these myths. We will use empirical evidence to debunk the myths. Your final project will be to create a public service announcement debunking a myth about the brain based on the science we discuss.