The psychology department offers two elective courses that examine fundamental concepts in the field. Particular emphasis is placed on helping the student explore the interface between psychological knowledge and personal growth. This is accomplished by utilizing teaching strategies that integrate formal academic work with frequent opportunities for student participation and self-exploration.

PSYC-420 Introductory Psychology
(F-W-S)
Four class periods, for Uppers and Seniors. A survey course designed to introduce the student to the complexity and diversity of psychological inquiry. Emphasis is placed on the application of basic psychological principles to individual experience in order to expand awareness of both self and others. In addition, the broader implications of psychological findings for an integrated understanding of human development and behavior are considered. Topics to be covered may include psychoanalytic, behavioral, and humanistic theories of the person; psychosocial, cognitive, moral, and early childhood development; human motivation and personality; social behavior; abnormal behavior; and research techniques in psychology. A combination of objective examinations, individualized writing assignments, and an end-ofterm research project is utilized to evaluate the student’s learning. The spring term section of this course offers an optional community service component.

PSYC-430 Developmental Psychology
(S)
Four class periods, for Uppers and Seniors. An examination of human growth and development from infancy through adolescence. The role of early experiences and biological factors in later formation of personality and intellectual and motivational behaviors will be considered. Different theoretical perspectives (psychodynamic, social learning, and biological) of psychological development will be examined as they relate to developmental milestones. Among the theorists to be studied are Piaget, Erikson, Freud, Gilligan, and Bandura. The format of the course includes readings, films, quizzes, written assignments, and both group and individual projects. (Dr. Alovisetti)

PSYC-440/SCIE-490 The Brain and You—A User’s Guide
(W)
Five class periods per week. Open to Uppers and Seniors. The human brain is the most sophisticated biological organ ever evolved on Earth and is the source of all human cognitive functions. Have you ever wondered how yours works? How do you use it to enjoy music, for social relationships or experience strong emotions? Have you ever asked yourself whether there are differences between the male and female brains or if the capabilities of the human brain are really unique in the animal kingdom? Join us in this interdisciplinary course as we search for answers to these questions (and more) by examining the evolution and function of the brain and how this applies to understanding the role of the brain in complex human psychology, including the perception, creation and performance of music, personality, memory and other higher intellectual activities. A student in this course is elegible for credit in either science or psychology. A student who wishes to receive science credit should sign up for SCIE-490; a student who wishes to receive psychology credit should sign up for PSYC-440.