2007-08 - Pitzer College

222 PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY
112. Research Methods. This course acquaints students with the principles and methods
of scientific research in the field of psychology. Theoretical concerns underlying all
research, specific designs used in laboratory and field settings, and data analysis
techniques will be discussed. This course is intended for seniors who are interested in
furthering their knowledge concerning research methodologies; it is required of seniors
working on an honors thesis. Enrollment by instructor’s permission. Prerequisites:
Psychology 10, Psychology 91, and one prior laboratory course. Enrollment is limited.
Fall, L. Light.
114. Human Neuropsychology. This course offers an introduction to the relationships
between brain and behavior in human beings, emphasizing the neurological bases of
cognition and emotion. Clinical disorders such as aphasia, amnesia, epilepsy, depression,
and dementia will be discussed. Prerequisite: Psychology 10. Enrollment is limited.
[not offered 2007-08]
116. Children at Risk. This course will examine topics such as the risks posed to
development by poverty, homelessness, parental mental health issues, domestic violence
and abuse. We will also study ways to support resiliency in children in the face of thee
concerns. Students will be carrying out internships with related community agencies in
Ontario that focus on children and families. Prerequisite: Psych 10. [not offered 2007-08]
117. Children and Families in South Asia. The main focus of this course is on the nature
of child development and familial relations in the South Asian context. Topics will
include family structure, childrearing patterns and philosophies, sibling relationships,
and the development of gender roles. The impact of social, political, and economic forces
on children and families will also be discussed. The course is especially recommended for
students going to or returning from study abroad in South Asia. Enrollment is limited.
M. Banerjee. [not offered 2007-08]
125. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. This course will focus on illuminating
human development, using evidence obtained in studies of humans, animals, and
connectionist networks. In particular, we will focus on cognitive, perceptual, and
behavioral development from conception through the acquisition of language, and we
will use information obtained using psychobiological and computational techniques to
understand these changes. Prerequisite: Psychology 91, Psychology 101, Psychology 105.
Enrollment is limited. Spring, D. Moore.
130. Monkey Business: Controversies in Human Evolution. (Also Philosophy 130). Ever
since Darwin first posited a plausible mechanism for evolution, scientists and nonscientists
alike have used his ideas to support their own concepts about the nature of
human nature. In class, we will examine the history, concepts, and philosophy behind
Darwin’s ideas, exploring in the process the fields of sociobiology, cognitive psychology,
and primatology, among others. We will also consider the relationship between
development and evolution as we attempt to build an understanding of Darwin’s
mechanism that is free of the confused notions that have become attached to it over the
years. Prerequisites: A college-level course in at least one of the following three areas:
psychology, philosophy, or biology, or permission of the instructor. D. Moore/B. Keeley.
[not offered 2007-08]
132. Intercultural Communications. This course investigates aspects of communication
between individuals, groups, and organizations from different cultures, with a special
focus on problems encountered when sojourning and upon one’s return home.
Theoretical views of communicative behavior and its role in cultural identity will be
discussed, followed by an examination of topical issues within this growing field.
Enrollment is limited. J. Lewis. [not offered 2007-08]
Orst 135. Organizational Behavior. (See Organizational Studies 135.) Spring, J. Lewis.
Orst 145. Small Group Processes. (See Organizational Studies 145.) J. Lewis.
[not offered 2007-08]
148. Neuropharmacology and Behavior. This upper-division course will begin with a
review of basic pharmacological principles, including such topics as the determinants of
effective drug action at a receptor site; routes of administration, absorption, lipid
solubility, catabolism, and the Blood Brain Barrier. We will also discuss fast and slow
transduction mechanisms with emphasis on second messengers. Finally, this course will
review what is known about the neurochemical bases of disorders such as schizophrenia,
depression, mania, and autism. Prerequisite: Psychology 101or Neuro 95. Enrollment is limited.
Fall, T. Borowski.
153. The Socialization of Gender: A Developmental Perspective. This course will focus
on the way in which children come to be aware of, and socialized into, specific gender
roles. The course will address the way in which social institutions, the cultural context,
parents/family members, and peers act as socializing influences. Specific topics to be
covered include parent-infant, parent-child interactions, the development of gender
identity, cross-cultural differences in gender roles, and the perspectives of various
psychological theories. In addition, research on the differential socialization of males and
females in the following areas will be examined: emotional development, friendships,
need for achievement (particularly mathematics), moral understanding, reasoning, and
body image. Prerequisite: Psychology 10, Psyc 105. Enrollment is limited. M. Banerjee.
[not offered 2007-08]
154. Cognitive Development. Recent years have seen an explosion of theoretical and
empirical advances that have revolutionized ideas about children’s thinking. This course
will trace the evolution of these ideas, from Piaget through the information processing
approach to cognitive development. Prerequisites: Psychology 10 and Psychology 105.
Enrollment is limited. D. Moore. [not offered 2007-08]
157. Psychology of Women. We will be exploring topics relating to the psychology of
women in gender role socialization, psychological development, achievement behavior,
language, victimization of women, and psychological disorders and their treatment.
Prerequisites: Psychology 10 and Psychology 105 or 107. Enrollment is limited.
[not offered 2007-08]
Orst 163. Organizational Aspects of Education. (See Organizational Studies 163).
J. Lewis. [not offered 2007-08]
223