1. Psychological Science Majors who are interested in psychological approaches to understanding learning sciences and education from multiple perspectives can choose to complete a concentration in Learning Sciences and Education. To complete the concentration, students must complete 2 units of coursework from the approved list of courses related to the learning sciences, technology, and education.
2. All students completing this concentration will need to complete an MQP that relates to learning sciences and education.
3. 4/3 units should come from the Psychological Science catalog and may include:
This course is intended for anyone who wants to understand how people learn in educational settings. This class covers select topics from educational psychology, including theories of learning from cognitive science and learning science, evidence of effective study strategies and educational practices, as well as how non-academic and social factors can influence student experiences and achievement in education. The course will also cover common misconceptions in education that are not supported by research. Students will read journal articles on central topics in educational psychology and complete assignments designed to apply concepts learned in class.
This course will be offered in academic years ending in odd numbers.
1/3This course is for anyone with any experience level who is interested in understanding human development from conception to death. The course will cover development from biological, cognitive, emotional, social, personality, linguistic, and moral perspectives over the lifespan. No previous experience with psychological science is needed to take this course. Students may not receive credit for both PSY 1404 and PSY 2404.
1/3PSY 2406Cross-Cultural PsychologyUnitsDepartmentWhy do people stand so close to you in other countries? Why should you avoid eating with your left hand in some places? Why do people drive on the left side of the road in some countries? How does your nationality influence the way you think about food? How is the U.S. viewed by other countries? In this course, we will explore these questions and many more as we learn about cross-cultural psychology. Cross-cultural psychology is the study of cultural effects on human behavior and diversity. We will examine theoretical perspectives and empirical findings in cross-cultural psychology. This course will cover topics such as: development, understanding the self, cognition, communication (verbal and nonverbal), emotion, relationships, prejudice, gender, mental and physical health, and what it means to live and work in a diverse and multicultural society. We will examine these issues both within the cultural groups in the United States as well as cultures around the globe. This course is designed to increase awareness and sensitivity to issues pertaining to diversity and differences among people and to allow for discussions on these sensitive topics.
This course will be offered in academic years ending in odd numbers.
1/3PSY 2412Mental HealthUnitsDepartmentThis course is intended for anyone from any background who is interested in learning about mental health. This course will introduce mental health more broadly, including topics such as well-being, stress, anxiety, etc. In addition, we will discuss what makes something a disorder and the wide variety of psychological disorders that exist in society (personality, anxiety, mood, psychotic, etc.). Possible causes, symptoms, preventions, and treatments will be examined. Empirical research on mental health will be emphasized. No previous experience with psychological science is needed to take this course. Students may not receive credit for both PSY 1412 and PSY 2412.
1/3PSY 4100School PsychologyUnitsDepartmentThis course is intended for psychology majors and minors, and those interested in upper-level discussions on education and schools. School psychology focuses on understanding children and adolescents’ mental health, behavioral health and learning needs to work with educators and parents to help students succeed academically and socially. School psychology draws from educational, developmental, and cognitive research. Students will critically examine the theoretical, methodological, and practical approaches to understanding how in and out of school interventions and contexts influence the academic, social, and emotional development of children. Topics may include: school readiness and transitions, behavioral and self-regulatory skills, socio-cultural diversity and skill gaps, assessment tools and classification, teacher- child interactions, and school- based interventions that promote positive development. This course differs from PSY 2401: Psychology of Education as it focuses on school systems rather than education more broadly. Students cannot earn credit for both PSY 2410 and PSY 4100.
This course will be offered in academic years ending in even numbers.
1/3PSY 4800Special Topics in Psychological ScienceUnitsDepartmentThis course provides an opportunity for students with a strong background and interest in psychological science to learn about a special topic within Psychological Science. This course may be repeated for different topics.
2/3 units should come from related courses from other disciplines and may include:
This course develops in the student an understanding of the nature and importance of problems concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of human interaction with computer-based systems. Topics include the design and evaluation of interactive computer systems, basic psychological considerations of interaction, interactive language design, interactive hardware design, and special input/output techniques. Students will be expected to complete several projects. A project might be a software evaluation, interface development, or an experiment.
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