HSSA: Psychology (S) (PSYC)

A broad survey of the scientific study of mind and behavior. Topics include learning, perception, emotion, motivation, memory, childhood development, personality, social behavior, and psychological disorders.

Applications of psychology to practical problems. Topics may include: happiness and well-being, sleep, reducing prejudice, and parenting.

Explores how the mind works using experimental findings and psychological models.

Explores how people's behavior, feelings, and thoughts are influenced by their social environments.Topics include attitude formation, prejudice, relationships, group behavior, conformity, altruism, and aggression.

Explores the psychology of moral judgment. Topics include the origins of morality, the extent to which people follow consistent moral principles, and the relative roles that emotion and reason play in guiding people's moral judgments.

Explores psychological barriers like short-sightedness, impulsiveness, and inconsistency that can limit the impact people have when helping others in need and improving the world. Considers methods to overcome these barriers and apply psychological science for effective prosocial change.

Introduces the process of designing and carrying out psychology research studies.

Examines a selected topic in one of the HSSA disciplines in depth. A particular offering may require a prerequisite.

Explores computational principles that can be used to explain human learning and develop intelligent machines. Includes programming assignments.

Allows for individual study of an HSSA topic selected by the instructor and the student(s). A plan of study, regular meetings with the instructor, and a major term project are required.