Psychology

Prerequisites: BLOCKED CLASS. EVERYONE MUST JOIN WAITLIST TO BE ADMITTED Broad survey of psychological science including: sensation and perception; learning, memory, intelligence, language, and cognition; emotions and motivation; development, personality, health and illness, and social behavior. Discusses relations between the brain, behavior, and experience. Emphasizes science as a process of discovering both new ideas and new empirical results. PSYC UN1001 serves as a prerequisite for further psychology courses and should be completed by the sophomore year.

Prerequisites: BLOCKED CLASS. EVERYONE MUST JOIN WAITLIST TO BE ADMITTED Broad survey of psychological science including: sensation and perception; learning, memory, intelligence, language, and cognition; emotions and motivation; development, personality, health and illness, and social behavior. Discusses relations between the brain, behavior, and experience. Emphasizes science as a process of discovering both new ideas and new empirical results. PSYC UN1001 serves as a prerequisite for further psychology courses and should be completed by the sophomore year.

This course is a prerequisite for the Psychology Major, as well as for most other Barnard PSYC courses (be sure to check all course information before enrolling in a course).

The following Columbia University courses are considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: UN1001 The Science of Psychology; and UN1021 Science of Psychology: Explorations/Applications.

This course is a prerequisite for the Psychology Major, as well as for most other Barnard PSYC courses (be sure to check all course information before enrolling in a course).

The following Columbia University courses are considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: UN1001 The Science of Psychology; and UN1021 Science of Psychology: Explorations/Applications.

This course is a prerequisite for the Psychology Major, as well as for most other Barnard PSYC courses (be sure to check all course information before enrolling in a course).

The following Columbia University courses are considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: UN1001 The Science of Psychology; and UN1021 Science of Psychology: Explorations/Applications.

This course is a prerequisite for the Psychology Major, as well as for most other Barnard PSYC courses (be sure to check all course information before enrolling in a course).

The following Columbia University courses are considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: UN1001 The Science of Psychology; and UN1021 Science of Psychology: Explorations/Applications.

Corequisites: PSYC BC1001, or its equivalent. While this lab is not required for either Psychology Major or Non-Major, it is not open to students who have already completed or are concurrently enrolled in PSYC BC1020 Research Methods and Analysis. This lab course is intended for students who have not previously been enrolled in a psychology lab course; and a majority of seats are reserved for First Year and Sophomore students. A laboratory-based introduction to experimental methods used in psychological research. Upon successful completion of this course, students will know how to review the primary literature and formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyze data using statistical methods, communicate the results of a scientific study through oral presentation and written manuscript, and carry out research studies under ethical guidelines. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in all disciplines of Psychology and will be prepared to engage in advance research in fields including, but not limited to, Cognition, Learning, Perception, Behavioral Neuroscience, Development, Personality, and Social Psychology. 

Corequisites: PSYC BC1001, or its equivalent. While this lab is not required for either Psychology Major or Non-Major, it is not open to students who have already completed or are concurrently enrolled in PSYC BC1020 Research Methods and Analysis. This lab course is intended for students who have not previously been enrolled in a psychology lab course; and a majority of seats are reserved for First Year and Sophomore students. A laboratory-based introduction to experimental methods used in psychological research. Upon successful completion of this course, students will know how to review the primary literature and formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyze data using statistical methods, communicate the results of a scientific study through oral presentation and written manuscript, and carry out research studies under ethical guidelines. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in all disciplines of Psychology and will be prepared to engage in advance research in fields including, but not limited to, Cognition, Learning, Perception, Behavioral Neuroscience, Development, Personality, and Social Psychology. 

Corequisites: PSYC BC1001, or its equivalent. While this lab is not required for either Psychology Major or Non-Major, it is not open to students who have already completed or are concurrently enrolled in PSYC BC1020 Research Methods and Analysis. This lab course is intended for students who have not previously been enrolled in a psychology lab course; and a majority of seats are reserved for First Year and Sophomore students. A laboratory-based introduction to experimental methods used in psychological research. Upon successful completion of this course, students will know how to review the primary literature and formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyze data using statistical methods, communicate the results of a scientific study through oral presentation and written manuscript, and carry out research studies under ethical guidelines. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in all disciplines of Psychology and will be prepared to engage in advance research in fields including, but not limited to, Cognition, Learning, Perception, Behavioral Neuroscience, Development, Personality, and Social Psychology. 

Corequisites: PSYC BC1001, or its equivalent. While this lab is not required for either Psychology Major or Non-Major, it is not open to students who have already completed or are concurrently enrolled in PSYC BC1020 Research Methods and Analysis. This lab course is intended for students who have not previously been enrolled in a psychology lab course; and a majority of seats are reserved for First Year and Sophomore students. A laboratory-based introduction to experimental methods used in psychological research. Upon successful completion of this course, students will know how to review the primary literature and formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyze data using statistical methods, communicate the results of a scientific study through oral presentation and written manuscript, and carry out research studies under ethical guidelines. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in all disciplines of Psychology and will be prepared to engage in advance research in fields including, but not limited to, Cognition, Learning, Perception, Behavioral Neuroscience, Development, Personality, and Social Psychology. 

Corequisites: PSYC BC1001, or its equivalent. While this lab is not required for either Psychology Major or Non-Major, it is not open to students who have already completed or are concurrently enrolled in PSYC BC1020 Research Methods and Analysis. This lab course is intended for students who have not previously been enrolled in a psychology lab course; and a majority of seats are reserved for First Year and Sophomore students. A laboratory-based introduction to experimental methods used in psychological research. Upon successful completion of this course, students will know how to review the primary literature and formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyze data using statistical methods, communicate the results of a scientific study through oral presentation and written manuscript, and carry out research studies under ethical guidelines. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in all disciplines of Psychology and will be prepared to engage in advance research in fields including, but not limited to, Cognition, Learning, Perception, Behavioral Neuroscience, Development, Personality, and Social Psychology. 

Corequisites: PSYC BC1001, or its equivalent. While this lab is not required for either Psychology Major or Non-Major, it is not open to students who have already completed or are concurrently enrolled in PSYC BC1020 Research Methods and Analysis. This lab course is intended for students who have not previously been enrolled in a psychology lab course; and a majority of seats are reserved for First Year and Sophomore students. A laboratory-based introduction to experimental methods used in psychological research. Upon successful completion of this course, students will know how to review the primary literature and formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyze data using statistical methods, communicate the results of a scientific study through oral presentation and written manuscript, and carry out research studies under ethical guidelines. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in all disciplines of Psychology and will be prepared to engage in advance research in fields including, but not limited to, Cognition, Learning, Perception, Behavioral Neuroscience, Development, Personality, and Social Psychology. 

Corequisites: PSYC BC1001, or its equivalent. While this lab is not required for either Psychology Major or Non-Major, it is not open to students who have already completed or are concurrently enrolled in PSYC BC1020 Research Methods and Analysis. This lab course is intended for students who have not previously been enrolled in a psychology lab course; and a majority of seats are reserved for First Year and Sophomore students. A laboratory-based introduction to experimental methods used in psychological research. Upon successful completion of this course, students will know how to review the primary literature and formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyze data using statistical methods, communicate the results of a scientific study through oral presentation and written manuscript, and carry out research studies under ethical guidelines. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in all disciplines of Psychology and will be prepared to engage in advance research in fields including, but not limited to, Cognition, Learning, Perception, Behavioral Neuroscience, Development, Personality, and Social Psychology. 

This course is one of three prerequisites for all 2000-level PSYC lab courses, and is a requirement for the Psychology Major. PSYC BC1001, or its equivalent, must be completed prior to or concurrently with this course. Also note that once this course has been completed a student cannot then enroll in PSYC BC1010 Intro Lab. (If a student chooses to take BC1010 Intro Lab, it must be completed before BC1020 Research Methods.) This class will introduce students to the fundamental scientific principles, experimental methods, and analytical approaches involved in the study of human behavior. The initial major topics to be covered include how basic scientific approach can be gainfully and ethically used to study human behavior. The following topics in the course will cover the most prevalent manners of collecting data in behavioral research and the most common types of statistical analyses and tests such data is subjected to. The latter topics in the course will introduce some of the more advanced experimental designs and statistical approaches that are more specific to the social sciences.

This course is one of three prerequisites for all 2000-level PSYC lab courses, and is a requirement for the Psychology Major. PSYC BC1001, or its equivalent, must be completed prior to or concurrently with this course. Also note that once this course has been completed a student cannot then enroll in PSYC BC1010 Intro Lab. (If a student chooses to take BC1010 Intro Lab, it must be completed before BC1020 Research Methods.) This class will introduce students to the fundamental scientific principles, experimental methods, and analytical approaches involved in the study of human behavior. The initial major topics to be covered include how basic scientific approach can be gainfully and ethically used to study human behavior. The following topics in the course will cover the most prevalent manners of collecting data in behavioral research and the most common types of statistical analyses and tests such data is subjected to. The latter topics in the course will introduce some of the more advanced experimental designs and statistical approaches that are more specific to the social sciences.

Weekly meetings with researchers from Barnard, Columbia, and other guests to discuss the nature of scientific inquiry in psychology; and intellectual, professional, and personal issues in the work of scientists.

Prerequisite (or co-requisite): PSYC BC1001. Lecture course and associated recitation section introducing students to statistics and its applications to psychological research. The course covers basic theory, conceptual underpinnings, and common statistics. The following Columbia University courses are considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: STAT UN1001 Introduction to Statistical Reasoning; STAT UN1101 Introduction to Statistics; STAT UN1201 Introduction to Statistics.

Prerequisite (or co-requisite): PSYC BC1001. Lecture course and associated recitation section introducing students to statistics and its applications to psychological research. The course covers basic theory, conceptual underpinnings, and common statistics. The following Columbia University courses are considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: STAT UN1001 Introduction to Statistical Reasoning; STAT UN1101 Introduction to Statistics; STAT UN1201 Introduction to Statistics.

Prerequisite (or co-requisite): PSYC BC1001. Lecture course and associated recitation section introducing students to statistics and its applications to psychological research. The course covers basic theory, conceptual underpinnings, and common statistics. The following Columbia University courses are considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: STAT UN1001 Introduction to Statistical Reasoning; STAT UN1101 Introduction to Statistics; STAT UN1201 Introduction to Statistics.

Prerequisite (or co-requisite): PSYC BC1001. Lecture course and associated recitation section introducing students to statistics and its applications to psychological research. The course covers basic theory, conceptual underpinnings, and common statistics. The following Columbia University courses are considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: STAT UN1001 Introduction to Statistical Reasoning; STAT UN1101 Introduction to Statistics; STAT UN1201 Introduction to Statistics.

Prerequisites: PSYC UN1001 and a statistics course (PSYC UN1610 or the equivalent), or the instructor's permission. Corequisites: PSYC UN1421 Introduction to the techniques of research employed in the study of human behavior. Students gain experience in the conduct of research, including design of simple experiments, observation and measurement techniques, and the analysis of behavioral data.

Corequisites: PSYC UN1420

Corequisites: PSYC UN1420

An introduction to research methods employed in the study of human social cognition and emotion. Students gain experience in the design and conduct of research, including ethical issues, observation and measurement techniques, interpretation of data, and preparation of written and oral reports. 

An introduction to research methods employed in the study of human social cognition and emotion. Students gain experience in the design and conduct of research, including ethical issues, observation and measurement techniques, interpretation of data, and preparation of written and oral reports. 

An introduction to research methods employed in the study of human social cognition and emotion. Students gain experience in the design and conduct of research, including ethical issues, observation and measurement techniques, interpretation of data, and preparation of written and oral reports. 

An introduction to research methods employed in the study of human social cognition and emotion. Students gain experience in the design and conduct of research, including ethical issues, observation and measurement techniques, interpretation of data, and preparation of written and oral reports. 

The course will provide the rigorous data science training and core content knowledge students need to use data science to effect policy changes that promote a more just society. The course will leverage the academic expertise of psychologists, lawyers and data scientists, the perspectives and experiences of community members and students affiliated with the Center for Justice, and policymakers from government agencies and community organizations. The focus will be on collaborating with community and government organizations to propose data-informed solutions that center on those most impacted by failures of the justice system. Students will learn how to promote a more just society through combining data, disciplinary knowledge, and fine-grained, and on-the-ground experience. They will learn how to approach policy relevant data with an explicit justice mindset such that they consider the implications of specific policies for achieving a more just, racially equitable outcome.

The course will provide the rigorous data science training and core content knowledge students need to use data science to effect policy changes that promote a more just society. The course will leverage the academic expertise of psychologists, lawyers and data scientists, the perspectives and experiences of community members and students affiliated with the Center for Justice, and policymakers from government agencies and community organizations. The focus will be on collaborating with community and government organizations to propose data-informed solutions that center on those most impacted by failures of the justice system. Students will learn how to promote a more just society through combining data, disciplinary knowledge, and fine-grained, and on-the-ground experience. They will learn how to approach policy relevant data with an explicit justice mindset such that they consider the implications of specific policies for achieving a more just, racially equitable outcome.

Research Methods in Neuroscience: Circuits and Cells offers students a unique opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills development. This course pairs a weekly lecture with hands-on laboratory experiences, giving students a chance to see what day to day neuroscience research entails. The first three weeks of the semester will cover introductory topics in neuroscience, the scientific method, and experimental design. Then students will participate in three 3-week long modules covering human cognition, animal behavior, and neurological disease. The last two weeks of the course will be spent preparing students for a successful undergraduate research experience. Throughout the semester students will read scientific review articles to deepen their understanding of the lecture material and to contextualize that week’s lab experience.

This is the lab component for PSYC UN1950 Neuroscience Methods: Cells and Circuits.

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the wide-ranging, cutting-edge research in cognitive science and neuroscience happening at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute (ZI). Students will learn how research labs investigate fundamental questions of the mind, brain, and behavior, and will learn about the model systems, tools, and methodological approaches used across these fields.

Lectures will focus on how different animal and other model systems are used in neuroscience and cognitive science research. Through this course, students will gain an appreciation for the advantages and limitations of different model systems and why particular models are chosen to investigate specific aspects of mind, brain, and behavior.  

Throughout the course, students will strengthen their ability to think like scientists, learning how research questions are formulated, how experiments are designed, and how scientific inquiry can be approached at multiple levels of analysis – from molecules to behavior – within the context of diverse model systems.

This course may also serve as a bridge to help students connect with faculty and the research labs at ZI, supporting future research involvement and mentorship opportunities.

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001, BC1020, BC1101. Corequisite: PSYC BC2107 Psychology of Learning Lecture. Students conduct experiments analyzing learning and memory in rats and humans. The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN1440 Experimental Psychology: Learning and Motivation (which includes PSYC UN1441 Learning and Motivation Lab).

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001, BC1020, BC1101. Corequisite: PSYC BC2107 Psychology of Learning Lecture. Students conduct experiments analyzing learning and memory in rats and humans. The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN1440 Experimental Psychology: Learning and Motivation (which includes PSYC UN1441 Learning and Motivation Lab).

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001 Introduction to Psychology or COGS UN1001 Introduction to Cognitive Science or permission of the instructor. Lecture course covering the basic methods, results, and theory in the study of how experience affects behavior. The roles of early exposure, habitation, sensitization, conditioning, imitation, and memory in the acquisition and performance of behavior are studied.

The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN1440 Experimental: Learning and Motivation.

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001, BC1020, BC1101. Corequisites: BC2110 Perception Lecture. Laboratory course to accompany BC2110. Students conduct experiments of seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling, and learn to report their findings. The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN1480 Perception and Attention (which includes PSYC UN1481 Perception and Attention Lab); and UN2230  Perception and Sensory Processes.

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001 Introduction to Psychology or COGS UN1001 Introduction to Cognitive Science or permission of the instructor. Lecture course covering an introduction to problems, methods, and research in perception. Discussion of psychological studies of seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling. Note that this lecture can be taken without its affiliated lab, PSYC BC2109, however, if a student completes this lecture, she cannot enroll in the lab in a later semester. The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN1480 Perception and Attention; and PSYC UN2230 Perception and Sensory Processes.

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001, BC1020, BC1101. Corequisites: PSYC BC2125 Psychology of Personality Lecture. Laboratory consists of experiments related to the principal approaches to personality and their implications for personality development, psychological adjustment, and everyday behavior. Students will participate in all stages of personality research: conceptualizing a personality construct, designing and administering tests, identifying individual differences, and carrying out a study.

Prerequisites: BC1001 or permission of the instructor. Lecture course covering the principal approaches to personality and their implications for personality development, psychological adjustment, and everyday behavior. Note that this lecture can be taken without its affiliated lab, PSYC BC2124, however, if a student completes this lecture, she cannot enroll in the lab in a later semester. The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN2610 Introduction to Personality; and PSYC UN2680 Social and Personality Development.

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001, BC1020, BC1101. Corequisites: PSYC BC2129 Developmental Psychology Lecture. Laboratory course involving experiments related to cognitive, linguistic, perceptual, motor, social, affective, and personality development from infancy to adolescence. The course offers an opportunity for direct observation of children; major areas of research at each level of development are covered.

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001, BC1020, BC1101. Corequisites: PSYC BC2129 Developmental Psychology Lecture. Laboratory course involving experiments related to cognitive, linguistic, perceptual, motor, social, affective, and personality development from infancy to adolescence. The course offers an opportunity for direct observation of children; major areas of research at each level of development are covered.

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001 Introduction to Psychology or COGS UN1001 Introduction to Cognitive Science or permission of the instructor. Lecture course covering cognitive, linguistic, perceptual, motor, social, affective, and personality development from infancy to adolescence. Note that this lecture can be taken without its affiliated lab, PSYC BC2128, however, if a student completes this lecture, she cannot enroll in the lab in a later semester. The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN2280 Introduction to Developmental Psychology. 

Prerequisites: BC1001, BC1020, BC1101. Corequisites: BC2138 Social Psychology Lecture. Laboratory course covering contemporary theory and research on social thought and behavior. Issues such as person perception, attitudes, attraction, aggression, stereotyping, group dynamics, and social exchange will be explored. The application of theory and research to addressing social problems will be discussed.

Prerequisites: BC1001 or permission of the instructor. Lecture course covering contemporary theory and research on social thought and behavior. Issues such as person perception, attitudes, attraction, aggression, stereotyping, group dynamics, and social exchange will be explored. The application of theory and research to addressing social problems will be discussed. Note that this lecture can be taken without its affiliated lab, PSYC BC2137, however, if a student completes this lecture, she cannot enroll in the lab in a later semester. The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN2630 Social Psychology.

Prerequisites: PSYCBC1001 Introduction to Psychology or its accepted equivalent. . An introduction to the study of abnormal behavior and various psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. The course broadly reviews scientific and cultural perspectives on abnormal behavior with an emphasis on clinical descriptions and diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and research methods. The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN2620 Abnormal Behavior.

Every day there are thousands of individuals interacting with the legal system. Are
they mentally competent to stand trial? How can a judge decide if it is in the best
interests of a child to live with one, or both (or neither) parent(s)? What is the risk of
a violent offender repeating the offense? What kinds of information influence juries?
Does mediation work to solve disputes? Forensic psychologists apply their
knowledge of psychology specifically in legal matters. This semester will focus on
the broad area of forensic psychology, exploring important legal cases relevant to
forensic psychology, police psychology, what constitutes expert testimony, how
assessments are conducted, and working as a psychologist in the correctional system.

Prerequisites: PSYC UN1001 or PSYC UN1010 or the instructors permission. Memory, attention, and stress in human cognition.

This course will survey historical and modern developments in machine intelligence from fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and computer science, and from approaches such as cybernetics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, connectionism, neural networks, and deep learning. Emphasis will be placed on the conceptual understanding of topics. The course does not include, nor require a background in, computer programming and statistics. The overall goal is for students to become informed consumers of artificial intelligence applications. 

This course focuses on perception and cognition in social life. We start by addressing the core social motivations we experience in everyday life (e.g., our desire to feel like we belong to a group). Next, we examine how these motivations shape our basic sensory experiences—for example why we can’t help but anthropomorphize inanimate objects or enjoy holding hands with our partner. We then examine the mental strategies we use to meet our social needs, such as how we figure out other people’s thoughts and feelings, as well as our own. Finally, we wrap up by examining how these motivations, perceptions, and cognitions play out not just within one mind – but also between minds in everyday social interaction.  This course will not only teach you the fundamental science behind the social mind. It will also let you see your own social life through a whole new lens.

Prerequisites: An introductory psychology course. 

This course offers an introduction to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of psychopathology. We will provide an overview of psychopathology as defined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Significant updates in the DSM-5-TR (Text Revision) will be noted. The course is comprehensive in scope and will incorporate theoretical perspectives, scientific research, and socio-cultural issues, which inform the conceptualization and treatment of psychological problems and psychiatric disorders.

Every new educational innovation comes with proponents who tout dramatic improvements in efficiency alongside naysayers who claim the end of human thought has arrived. The advent of AI in education is the latest chapter in this old argument, raising the questions: What is the actual impact of AI tools on education? On students and faculty?  On modes of thought? Drawing on philosophy, ethics, and educational psychology, students construct a personal framework for evaluating educational strategies and tools. They apply that framework to five essential aspects of the educational experience — self-testing, note-taking, tutoring, study planning, and writing — using hands-on experimentation with analog, digital, and AI-enhanced approaches. The course concludes by examining AI's impact on mental health and psychological well-being. Students leave with a system for evaluating educational tools as they continue to evolve.

Prerequisites: BC1001; and either BC1124/1125, BC1125, BC2141, or permission of the instructor. Prioority given to senior psychology majors. Critically investigates the universalizing perspectives of psychology. Drawing on recent theory and research in cultural psychology, examines cultural approaches to psychological topics such as the self, human development, mental health, and racial identity. Also explores potential interdisciplinary collaborations. The following Columbia University course is considered overlapping and a student cannot receive credit for both the BC course and the equivalent CU course: PSYC UN2650 Intro to Cultural Psychology.

This seminar is designed to introduce you to the psychological foundations of morality, examining how moral judgment and behavior develop across cultures and throughout human history. Drawing from ancient wisdom traditions, contemporary psychology, philosophy, and emerging fields like AI ethics, you will gain a nuanced understanding of moral psychology and its applications.

Many of us know a second language. How we use it varies – some use it occasionally, others routinely. Recent research in cognitive neuroscience has shed light on the mechanisms associated with the various types of bilingualism, and has shown that using two languages affects a variety of cognitive abilities, starting in infancy and continuing until an old age. The primary findings of recent research in cognitive neuroscience are reviewed and discussed in this course. Bilingualism also has a political facet – governments decide what languages are used in public institutions and taught in schools. This course also evaluates scientific findings on bilingualism for their potential implications on informing parents, educators, and policy makers.  

Prerequisites: BC1001 and BC1129 Developmental Psychology or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20 senior majors. Barnard students receive priority. Examines adolescent development in theory and reality. Focuses on individual physiological, sexual, cognitive, and affective development and adolescent experiences in their social context of family, peers, school, and community. Critical perspectives of gender, race and ethnicity, sexuality, and teen culture explored.

Prerequisites: PSYC BC1001 and one other Psychology course. Enrollment limited to 15 students. Permission of the instructor is required. An examination of the scientific study of the domestic dog. Emphasis will be on the evolutionary history of the species; the dogs social cognitive skills; canid perceptual and sensory capacities; dog-primate comparative studies; and dog-human interaction.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the history of disability as a construct, as well as major models of disability. Both medical and social models (as well as others) will be examined across each of the major neurodevelopmental disabilities explored, including: ADHD, autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and communication/language/speech and motor disabilities. We will examine the ways in which disability is rooted in disparities associated with power and resources, political rights, and social status. We will also utilize an intersectional lens in approaching disability to examine intersections with class, ethnicity, gender, race, sexuality, and more. For each disability, we will examine cultural, historical, and socio-political context; diagnostic criteria; epidemiology; etiology; assessment; and interventions/common accommodations. For each disability, we will also engage with several first-person, lived experience accounts and attempt to identify links to the different models and theories of disability, as well as theories of intersectionality.

This course offers an in-depth examination of depressive disorders, including major depressive disorder, persistant depressive disorder, post-partum depression, premenstrual dysmorphic disorder, and pediatric depression.   Topics include historical perspectives, current understanding of diagnoses and symptoms, neural changes associated with the disorders, and research on effective treatments.  Emphasis will be placed on the impact of depressive disorders on families and communities, as well as gender and cultural differences in diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.

Prerequisites: PSYC UN1001, and the instructors permission.

A systematic review of the evolution language covering the theory of evolution, conditioning theory, animal communication, ape language experiments, infant cognition, preverbal antecedents of language and contemporary theories of language.  

PSYC BC1129/2129 (with or without lab) as well as permission of the instructor.

The Barnard Toddler Center provides the focus for this seminar and research in applied developmental psychology, an amalgam of developmental, educational, and clinical psychology. The seminar integrates theory and research and for AY 20-21 will use daily recordings of the toddler sessions as the centerpiece for understanding early development. The unique context of Covid19 will be used to understand risks in development, especially for vulnerable children and families. Second term students will also conduct research on parenting during the pandemic.

The aim of this course is to examine the biological bases of individual differences in behavior. We will start by examining how individual differences in behavior and health are shaped by gene-environment interactions. We will complement these studies with the endophenotype approach and discuss its role in our contemporary views of complex disorders. We will then introduce behavioral epigenetics studies that are suggested to mediate the effects of gene-environment interactions at different levels of analysis. We will continue by discussing how these topics shape and are shaped by developmental programming. We will end the semester by discussing the major debates around these topics as well as their implications in real life and public policies. By covering these topics, students are expected to gain a better understanding of how our behavior is i) formed and shaped by gene-environment interactions over time, ii) influenced by the underlying physiological and epigenetic mechanisms, and iii) changed by developmental processes. With this information, the students are expected to view individual differences in behavior in a perspective that is highly interdisciplinary and dynamic.

This course can be worth 1 to 4 credits (each credit is equivalent to approximately three hours of work per week), and requires a Barnard faculty as a mentor. The course will be taken for a letter grade, regardless of whether the student chooses 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. The expectations for each of these options are as follows: 1 credit, 3h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 2 credits, 6h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 3 credits, 9h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 4 credits, 12h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term. "Research Report" is a document submitted to the person grading the student, the instructor of record for the section in which the student has enrolled. If a student is working off-site, then input from the off-site research mentor will inform the grading. The "Research Report" can take a variety of forms: progress reports on data collected, training received, papers read, skills learned, etc.; or organized notes for lab notebooks, lab meetings, etc.; or manuscript-like papers with Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion; or some combination thereof, depending on the maturity of the project.  Ultimately, this will take different forms for different students/labs.  

This course can be worth 1 to 4 credits (each credit is equivalent to approximately three hours of work per week), and requires a Barnard faculty as a mentor. The course will be taken for a letter grade, regardless of whether the student chooses 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. The expectations for each of these options are as follows: 1 credit, 3h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 2 credits, 6h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 3 credits, 9h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 4 credits, 12h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term. "Research Report" is a document submitted to the person grading the student, the instructor of record for the section in which the student has enrolled. If a student is working off-site, then input from the off-site research mentor will inform the grading. The "Research Report" can take a variety of forms: progress reports on data collected, training received, papers read, skills learned, etc.; or organized notes for lab notebooks, lab meetings, etc.; or manuscript-like papers with Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion; or some combination thereof, depending on the maturity of the project.  Ultimately, this will take different forms for different students/labs.  

This course can be worth 1 to 4 credits (each credit is equivalent to approximately three hours of work per week), and requires a Barnard faculty as a mentor. The course will be taken for a letter grade, regardless of whether the student chooses 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. The expectations for each of these options are as follows: 1 credit, 3h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 2 credits, 6h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 3 credits, 9h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 4 credits, 12h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term. "Research Report" is a document submitted to the person grading the student, the instructor of record for the section in which the student has enrolled. If a student is working off-site, then input from the off-site research mentor will inform the grading. The "Research Report" can take a variety of forms: progress reports on data collected, training received, papers read, skills learned, etc.; or organized notes for lab notebooks, lab meetings, etc.; or manuscript-like papers with Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion; or some combination thereof, depending on the maturity of the project.  Ultimately, this will take different forms for different students/labs.  

This course can be worth 1 to 4 credits (each credit is equivalent to approximately three hours of work per week), and requires a Barnard faculty as a mentor. The course will be taken for a letter grade, regardless of whether the student chooses 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. The expectations for each of these options are as follows: 1 credit, 3h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 2 credits, 6h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 3 credits, 9h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 4 credits, 12h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term. "Research Report" is a document submitted to the person grading the student, the instructor of record for the section in which the student has enrolled. If a student is working off-site, then input from the off-site research mentor will inform the grading. The "Research Report" can take a variety of forms: progress reports on data collected, training received, papers read, skills learned, etc.; or organized notes for lab notebooks, lab meetings, etc.; or manuscript-like papers with Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion; or some combination thereof, depending on the maturity of the project.  Ultimately, this will take different forms for different students/labs.  

This course can be worth 1 to 4 credits (each credit is equivalent to approximately three hours of work per week), and requires a Barnard faculty as a mentor. The course will be taken for a letter grade, regardless of whether the student chooses 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. The expectations for each of these options are as follows: 1 credit, 3h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 2 credits, 6h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 3 credits, 9h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 4 credits, 12h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term. "Research Report" is a document submitted to the person grading the student, the instructor of record for the section in which the student has enrolled. If a student is working off-site, then input from the off-site research mentor will inform the grading. The "Research Report" can take a variety of forms: progress reports on data collected, training received, papers read, skills learned, etc.; or organized notes for lab notebooks, lab meetings, etc.; or manuscript-like papers with Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion; or some combination thereof, depending on the maturity of the project.  Ultimately, this will take different forms for different students/labs.  

This course can be worth 1 to 4 credits (each credit is equivalent to approximately three hours of work per week), and requires a Barnard faculty as a mentor. The course will be taken for a letter grade, regardless of whether the student chooses 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. The expectations for each of these options are as follows: 1 credit, 3h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 2 credits, 6h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 3 credits, 9h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 4 credits, 12h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term. "Research Report" is a document submitted to the person grading the student, the instructor of record for the section in which the student has enrolled. If a student is working off-site, then input from the off-site research mentor will inform the grading. The "Research Report" can take a variety of forms: progress reports on data collected, training received, papers read, skills learned, etc.; or organized notes for lab notebooks, lab meetings, etc.; or manuscript-like papers with Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion; or some combination thereof, depending on the maturity of the project.  Ultimately, this will take different forms for different students/labs.  

This course can be worth 1 to 4 credits (each credit is equivalent to approximately three hours of work per week), and requires a Barnard faculty as a mentor. The course will be taken for a letter grade, regardless of whether the student chooses 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. The expectations for each of these options are as follows: 1 credit, 3h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 2 credits, 6h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 3 credits, 9h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 4 credits, 12h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term. "Research Report" is a document submitted to the person grading the student, the instructor of record for the section in which the student has enrolled. If a student is working off-site, then input from the off-site research mentor will inform the grading. The "Research Report" can take a variety of forms: progress reports on data collected, training received, papers read, skills learned, etc.; or organized notes for lab notebooks, lab meetings, etc.; or manuscript-like papers with Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion; or some combination thereof, depending on the maturity of the project.  Ultimately, this will take different forms for different students/labs.  

This course can be worth 1 to 4 credits (each credit is equivalent to approximately three hours of work per week), and requires a Barnard faculty as a mentor. The course will be taken for a letter grade, regardless of whether the student chooses 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. The expectations for each of these options are as follows: 1 credit, 3h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 2 credits, 6h/week commitment, 5-10 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 3 credits, 9h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term; 4 credits, 12h/week commitment, 15-20 page "Research Report" at the end of the term. "Research Report" is a document submitted to the person grading the student, the instructor of record for the section in which the student has enrolled. If a student is working off-site, then input from the off-site research mentor will inform the grading. The "Research Report" can take a variety of forms: progress reports on data collected, training received, papers read, skills learned, etc.; or organized notes for lab notebooks, lab meetings, etc.; or manuscript-like papers with Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion; or some combination thereof, depending on the maturity of the project.  Ultimately, this will take different forms for different students/labs.  

Discussions of the student's Independent Research project during the fall and spring terms that culminate in a written and oral senior thesis. Each project must be supervised by a scientist working at Barnard or at another local institution. 

Prerequisites: (PSYC UN1001) Instructor permission required. A seminar for advanced undergraduate students exploring different areas of clinical psychology. This course will provide you with a broad overview of the endeavors of clinical psychology, as well as discussion of its current social context, goals, and limitations.

Prerequisites: (PSYC UN1001) Instructor permission required. A seminar for advanced undergraduate students exploring different areas of clinical psychology. This course will provide you with a broad overview of the endeavors of clinical psychology, as well as discussion of its current social context, goals, and limitations.

Presently, suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are on the rise, particularly among racially and
ethnically minoritized youth. The seminar is designed to enhance understanding of: (a)
prevalence, (b) etiology, (c) risk factors (d) mechanisms (e.g., phenotypes and biological
markers), (e) prevention and treatment approaches, and (f) ethical considerations

This seminar explores how psychological theory and research—particularly from social, cognitive, and developmental psychology—can illuminate, inform, and challenge legal institutions, practices, norms, and debates. The course examines how people think about, interact with, and are affected by the legal system in roles such as defendants, jurors, judges, lawyers, and citizens. Topics include legal decision-making, responsibility and intent, bias and discrimination, forensic assessment, mental illness and legal capacity, eyewitness testimony, interrogations and false confessions, punishment, and stigma.

We will consider how psychological insights help explain how the law operates in practice and critically assess how legal policies align with—or diverge from—psychological evidence. While grounded in psychological science, the course also draws on interdisciplinary work from law and legal scholarship, sociology, public health, and neuroscience. We will read empirical studies and legal analyses that address psychological issues relevant to the law. The principal goal is to understand the legal system not only as a body of rules, but as a human institution shaped by cognitive, emotional, and social dynamics.

Over the course of the semester we will (1) analyze how core concepts in psychology apply to legal contexts; (2) assess psychological studies by examining the strength of their research design and considering their implications for legal concepts and practices; (3) examine how developmental, cognitive, and affective processes affect legal decision-making; (4) identify and critique the use of psychological evidence in courts and policy debates; and (5) explore how neuroscience is reshaping legal understandings of responsibility, culpability, and sentencing, while critically examining its ethical and evidentiary limitations.

The seminar component of the Psych/Neuro Senior Thesis Advanced Research program. Students admitted to the research program should plan to take this seminar in the spring of their junior year and in the fall and spring semesters of their senior year. Students are expected to be working in a lab as part of their participation in this program. In addition to supporting students throughout their independent research project, this seminar will introduce students to some of the big questions in the field through its connection with the Psychology Department Colloquium and will train students in reading and evaluating scientific research and communicating their own research findings. 

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

1-4 points. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Except by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies, no more than 4 points of individual research may be taken in any one term. This includes both PSYC UN3950 and PSYC UN3920. No more than 8 points ofPSYC UN3950 may be applied toward the psychology major, and no more than 4 points toward the concentration. Readings, special laboratory projects, reports, and special seminars on contemporary issues in psychological research and theory.

Why do we put off things until later—even things we know are important; even in cases where we know the cost of delaying; even when doing the work more gradually over time would be less unpleasant; even sometimes on tasks we anticipate enjoying? Everyone procrastinates sometimes, but why do some people seem to procrastinate a lot while others don’t have much of an issue with task delaying? This course reviews current research on selected cognitive and motivational theories of procrastination, as well as interaction of task delay with mental health and neurodiversity. We will close with an examination of some potential interventions that may help people reduce or avoid procrastination, both at the individual level and in academic settings such as course design.

This seminar provides an overview of the mechanisms and behaviors associated with neural plasticity. Students will obtain a basic working knowledge of the different types of neural plasticity, and how these affect cognition and behaviors.

This course will provide an overview of the field of parental and social biology, with an emphasis on changes in the adult rodent brain surrounding childbirth and caretaking behavior. We will explore how the experience of parenthood prepares the brain for survival of offspring. We will also discuss the dynamic between caregivers and parents in order to provide the structure necessary to rear young. This course will illustrate the fortitude of molecular, behavioral and circuit level investigations in concert to unveil mechanisms of social learning.

Frontiers of Justice is designed to encourage students and equip them with the skills to become active and effective  “Change Agents” within their academic institutions and larger communities.. Oriented by the question, What does justice look like?, this course aims to raise political and social awareness and engagement with the challenges facing New York City and strengthen ties between Columbia University, disadvantaged communities, and city government agencies and community organizations. Through sharing ideas about how to make structural and systemic change in ways that integrate science, law, politics, history,  narrative and community engagement, the course is intended to support students in working to break down racial and ethnic barriers and toward a more fair and just society.

Prerequisites: Two courses in psychology, including at least one course with a focus on research methods
and/or statistics, and permission of the instructor.
Review of theories and empirical research related to religious cognition and behavior. Topics include the
foundations of religious belief and practice, people's concepts of religious ideas, and the lack of religious
belief/identity (e.g., atheism), among others.

This course examines the psychological mechanisms that support naturalistic person perception—how people extract meaning from faces, voices, bodies, speech, and behavior to infer any number of characteristics about others, including their personality traits, emotions, mental states, or social group memberships. We will examine not only how these processes are driven by complex social cues but also how these processes are shaped by higher-order cognition—such as stereotypes, motivations, cultural learning, and social context. Moving beyond traditional laboratory tasks, the course will routinely engage with emerging approaches that study person perception in more naturalistic and high-dimensional ways. We will consider how perceptions and inferences about other people unfold over time during ongoing encounters and conversations, how perceivers integrate diverse cues into multidimensional representations of other people, and how these representations are studied using modern tools such as computational modeling, natural language processing, and deep learning models. Across the semester, we will span multiple levels of analysis—from perceptual and neural mechanisms to interpersonal outcomes—considering how person perception shapes phenomena such as interpersonal relationships, social decision-making, stereotyping and bias, and the formation of lasting impressions.

The development of computational tools, such as artificial intelligence, has transformed daily life and many areas of research. For instance, the development of large language models such as ChatGPT, have changed the way people write and think. These computational tools also hold great potential for advancing psychological research. However, they are still unfamiliar to many students and psychologists.

In this class, you will learn about how to apply computational tools to facilitate practical problem solving in the real world and research at different stages, including before, during, and after data collection. Specifically, through a combination of lectures (which focus on the mathematical basics and developments of these computational methods), in-class engagements (which focus on translational application of the computational methods to solving new practical problems), and coding workshops (which focus on practical coding skills that implement the computational methods), I will introduce you to methods for handling complex stimuli, validating data quality, and modeling big data. Workshops will be administered via Colab using Python, so please be sure to bring a laptop to every class.

Monday seminars are open to the public and take place in Schermerhorn Hall on alternate Mondays in room 200B Schermerhorn from 12:10-1:30pm. The seminar series semester schedule can be found here. 

Members of the staff, graduate students, and outside speakers present current research.