Psychology

This course will explore the interface of psychology and the law, with an emphasis on forensic psychology. Forensic psychologists help courts make informed decisions about cases when some aspect of psychology is involved. Landmark legal cases that pertain to psychology will be discussed. Students will explore the various options for careers in the field of forensic psychology. Specific topics covered include eyewitness and expert testimony, psychopathy, repressed memories, profiling, victimization and trauma, competence, the insanity defense, lie detection, juvenile justice, civil commitment, and custody evaluations.

Selected topics reflecting specialized areas in psychology. Will look at current topics dominating the field, at current theories, and advanced methodologies of treatment. Content varies. May be repeated when topic is different.

The thesis presents an opportunity for the student to define an empirical question regarding the relationship between variables relevant to the field of Psychology. It is an empirical question regarding the relationship between variables that, based on a review of existing related research and/or theory, remains untested; and, when the relationship is tested empirically, stands an opportunity to contribute to an already existing body of findings. For example, the Student may choose to test the generality of an already existing theory or a larger body of extant research. In doing so, the Student may attempt to either broaden the scope of a particular construct or strengthen the empirical validity of an already existing body of knowledge, e.g., demonstrating the salience of a particular personality trait in an unmeasured venue of the social environment.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to legal, ethical and professional issues pertaining to the practice of psychology.  In this regard, there will be a review of the current literature of the discipline and engagement in recent and current research.

Advanced study of the contemporary field of cognitive psychology; survey of topics may include memory, attention, perception, decision-making and judgment, language, and mental representations. Course will focus on established empirical and theoretical findings that exemplify general principles of mental functioning with an emphasis on information processing.  This will include a review of the current literature of the discipline and engagement in recent and current research.

The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie drug addiction. We will be looking at how the brain changes as a function of drug taking and how learning and genetics contribute to the development of addiction (both substance and behavioral addictions). We will look at both behavioral and substance addictions to understand how processes in the brain change after long term exposure to these types of external influences.