2007-08 - Pitzer College

220 PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY
Course Descriptions
10. Introduction to Psychology. The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to
psychology as it developed from a nonscientific interest to a scientific approach to human
behavior. Special attention will be given to some of the major systems, issues, and
methods involved in contemporary psychology. Students will be expected to serve as
participants in experiments. Enrollment is limited. Not open to cross-registration. Fall, M.
Banerjee, D. Leland, D. Moore; Spring, T. Borowski, D. Moore.
12BK. Introduction to African American Psychology. (Also Black Studies 12BK) This
course provides an introduction to African American Psychology. It includes
perspectives, education, community, life span development, gender and related issues.
The course emphasizes the critical examination of current research and theory. Students
are expected to contribute orally and in writing. Spring, H. Fairchild.
Anth 70. Culture and the Self. (See Anthropology 70) C. Strauss. [not offered 2007-08]
Anth 75. Cognitive Anthropology. (See Anthropology 75) C. Strauss. [not offered 2007-08]
91. Psychological Statistics. A pragmatic introduction to experimental design, collection,
and analysis of data in contemporary psychological research. Descriptive and inferential
statistics will be covered. Use of computer programs for data analysis will be
emphasized. Intended for Psychology concentrators. Cross-registration by permission of
instructor only. Prerequisite: Psych 10 or permission of instructor. Enrollment is limited.
Fall/Spring, L. Light.
92. Introduction to Research Methods. This course provides an overview of issues
related to the conduct of psychological inquiry. Topics to be covered include
measurement, research design (observational, experimental, and survey approaches), and
research ethics. Psychology 92 is designed to be taken after Psychology 91 and is wellsuited
for sophomores. This course does not replace Psychology 112, which must be taken
by seniors carrying out thesis projects. Prerequisites: Psychology 10 and Psychology 91.
[not offered 2007-08]
Bio 95. Foundations of Neuroscience. (See Science: Biology 95.) Spring, N. Copp, Staff.
101. Brain and Behavior. This course provides a basic introduction to the biological bases
of human and animal behavior. Topics include: how environmental information is
detected, transduced, and processed by the central nervous system; the physiological
bases of learning and memory, emotions, drugs, and consciousness. Prerequisite:
Psychology 10 or permission of instructor. Enrollment is limited. Fall/Spring, D. Leland.
102. Memory. This laboratory course provides an introduction to the study of human
memory, with emphasis on the nature of mental structures and processes underlying
memory in everyday life. Topics to be covered include autobiographical memory,
eyewitness testimony, amnesia, and memory changes in childhood and old age.
Prerequisites: Psychology 10, Psychology 91. Enrollment is limited. Spring, L. Light.
103. Social Psychology. We will examine major areas in social psychology such as
attitudes, aggression, conflict, person perception, small group processes, and
interpersonal attraction. Spring, J. Lewis.
104. Experimental Social Psychology. An examination of experimentally-based
approaches to social psychology and the conclusions derived from research related to a
variety of major questions in this field. This class will present a critical review and
evaluation of contemporary work and discuss the connection between experimental
findings and other work within and outside the discipline. Prerequisites: Psych 10, Psych
103 or 104, and Psychology 91. Enrollment is limited. Fall, H. Fairchild.
105. Child Development. Evidence pertaining to the development of the child is
examined and discussed in relation to selected theoretical formulations. Facets of the
child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and personality development are included.
Prerequisite: Psychology 10. Enrollment is limited. Fall, M. Banerjee.
107. Personality. This course will provide an introduction to the major theories of
personality. We will trace the development of personality theories beginning with Freud’s
theory of psychoanalysis and concluding with recent developments in the field of
personality psychology. Prerequisite: Psychology 10. Fall, F. Vajk.
108. Drugs: Brain, Mind & Culture. This course explores how psychoactive drugs
interact with the brain/mind and culture. Topics include drug use history and policy,
pharmacology, neurotransmitter systems, placebo effects, addiction, and a
biopsychosocial survey of commonly used and abused substances. Prerequisite: Psych 10
required; Psych 101 recommended but not required. Spring, D. Leland.
109. Laboratory in Social Development. The goal of this course is to expose students to
recent works in social and emotional development, and to teach students about the
unique methodological and ethical issues involved in conducting research in this area.
Students will be designing and carrying out independent research projects as part of the
course requirements. Prerequisites: Psychology 10 and 105. Enrollment is limited.
M. Banerjee. [not offered 2007-08]
110. Experimental Child Psychology. This is a laboratory course in child development.
The topics to be studied range from cognitive development to socioemotional
development. The goal of the course is to expose students to seminal works in child
development, and to teach students about the unique research designs, methodologies,
and ethical concerns related to child development research. Students will have hands-on
experience using different research techniques, and in designing and conducting
independent research projects. Prerequisites: Psyc 10; Psyc 91. [not offered 2007-08]
111. Physiological Psychology. This course is designed to provide students with a
sophisticated understanding of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology and their
relationship with behavioral function. We will also be addressing such issues as the
organization and activation of mammalian sexual behavior, sleep regulation, nutrition,
and auditory processing. Prerequisite: Psych 101 or Neur 95. Enrollment is limited. Fall,
T. Borowski.
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