Detailed Course Information |
Spring 2018
Apr 24,2024 |
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 | Select the desired Level or Schedule Type to find available classes for the course. |
| PSYC 430 - ADVANCED TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY |
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The descriptions and topics of this course change from semester-to-semester, as well as from instructor-to-instructor. Prerequisite: All sections of PSYC 430 require PSYC 303/PSYC 304 as prerequisites; students must also have junior/senior academic standing. Fulfills Category 8 requirement.
PSYC 430 COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT. This course will examine how children's thinking develops from infancy through childhood. In the first years of life, children's cognition undergoes dramatic qualitative and quantitative change. We will discuss how children develop knowledge and reasoning skills across various domains (e.g., how children learn and think about objects, people, the natural world, memory, and society) and we will examine the major theories and explanations of cognitive growth. You will learn both classic and cutting edge paradigms for studying and understanding cognitive development. We will develop your critical analysis skills by considering the strengths and limitations of each theory and research strategy. You will also polish your oral and written communication skills. The course will involve lectures, active group discussions, and analysis of the course readings. Assignments will include writing response papers, presenting research articles, leading class discussions, and a significant research project.
PSYC 430 NEUROSIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY: Psychology, born from the disciplines of Philosophy and Physiology, has long sought to provide insight into the nature of the mind. Some of the classic questions include: What is the relationship between the mind and the body? Is the mind the same thing as the brain or is it something else? How can mere thoughts cause things to happen in a physical universe? Is it merely a delusion on our part to believe that our thoughts matter in the grand scheme of the universe? Recent progress in Neuroscience is profoundly altering our conception of how we think, feel, decide, love and even reproduce. Therefore, Neurophilosophy is a recent sub-discipline arising from the intersections of neuroscience, philosophy and psychology.
PSYC 430 EYEWITNESS MEMORY. Mistaken eyewitness identifications are a leading cause of false imprisonment. In this course we examine the history of research on memory with special reference to eyewitness testimony, acceptance of expert testimony by courts, and contemporary research on identification, child testimony, what jurors believe about memory, and interviewing.
PSYC 430 CULTURE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT. We are prepared both by our cultural and biological heritage. The course will provide an overview of current theory and research related to the multidimensional phenomena of human development across the life course. Emphasis will be placed on using a continuous dynamic model to study biological as well as psychosocial development as this allows for both risk and protective factors to be identified.
PSYC 430 PSYCHOLOGY OF YOGA. Yoga is the most ancient of psychological systems while also growing in its influence on contemporary culture. This course will offer students an academic and applied introduction to the philosophical psychology of Classical Indian Yoga. Based on the primary ancient text of Patanjali and nature, mind-body holism, knowledge, ethics, human development, psychopathology, and of course, the general practice of holistic health workshops on nutrition, breath exercises, classic postures, and meditation. As much as possible, material will be taught in a manner that integrates yoga with contemporary cognitive-behavioral, neuroscience, psychodynamic and existential-phenomenological approaches to psychology. Students will be required to maintain experiential journals, actively participate in workshps, and conduct a rigorous academic research project.
PSYC 430 ISSUES IN BLACK PSYCHOLOGY. This course will explore the genesis and philosophy of Afro-centrism, along with discussions on the controversial debate about intelligence testing. We will also explore the social psychology of prejudice, racism, mental health issues in the Black community, and the twin oppression of racism and sexism as they impact Black women's mental health.
PSYC 430 THE PHENOMENOLOGY OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT. This course will introduce students to the paradigm of Existential-Phenomenological Psychology. The thought of Heidegger, Sartre, and Merleau-Ponty will be applied to the issues of both psychopathological disintegration and wholesome self-actualization or integration. Special emphasis will be placed on the human capacity for moral choice in the face of biological and cultural restraints. Phenomenology's consonance with psychoanalysis, especially Erik Erikson's epigenetic theory of psycho-social development, will be stressed throughout the course.
PSYC 430 CONTEMPLATIVE PSYCHOLOGY: This capstone seminar will examine the psychology of mindfulness meditation practice from the perspectives of: (1) The traditional systems of contemplative practices (Samkaya-yoga, Theravada, Vajrayana, and Mahayana Buddhism. Lectio divina, kabbala); (2) Contemorary phenomenological psychology; (3) Social neuropsychology and social/developmental psychology (including cultural psychology); (4) Contemplative psychotherapy; and (5) Empathy training. In addition to readings and discussions, the seminar will require experiential training in relevant contemplative practices (e.g., breath-focused mindful attention, yoga practices, mindful listening, reflective group activities, and reflective journaling). Furthermore, students will conduct a descriptive phenomenological research project on some aspect of contemplative practice. The organizing questions of the seminar will be: How have the historical contemplative traditions replied to the perennial psychological concerns with (1) how to live a meaningful and wholesome life? (2) how to cope with suffering and trauma? and (3) how to enhance our powers of empathy and generosity with other people.
PSYC 430 PSYC MEMORY: Mistaken eyewitness identifications are a leading cause of false imprisonment. In this course we examine the history of research on memory with special reference to eyewitness testimony, acceptance of expert testimony by courts, and contemporary research on identification, child testimony, what jurors believe about memory, and interviewing.
PSYC 430 PHENOMENOLOGY: This particular Advanced Topics course will introduce students to the paradigm of Phenomenological Psychology. Students will be introduced to the epistemological approach, the specific methods, and the overall subject matter of the field of phenomenological psychology.
0.000 TO 4.000 Credit hours 0.000 TO 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Undergraduate Schedule Types: Hybrid, Lecture, Online Course Psychology Department Course Attributes: MJ-Africana Studies, MN-Africana Studies, WRITING INTENSIVE Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Undergraduate May not be enrolled as the following Classifications: Sophomore Freshman Prerequisites: FOR PSYC 430 General Requirements: ( Course or Test: PSYC 226 Minimum Grade of D May not be taken concurrently. and Course or Test: PSYC 303 Minimum Grade of D May not be taken concurrently. ) |
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