 | PSYCHOLOGY: COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Not all courses will be offered each year. All courses are three hours a week unless otherwise indicated.
All courses are three hours a week unless otherwise indicated.
Priority for registration in 300- and 400-level courses may be given to students with General Psychology Majors, Psychology Honours or Combined Honours.
46-115. Introduction to Psychology as a Behavioural Science
Introduction to selected areas in psychology including learning, perception, physiological psychology, emotion, and motivation.
46-116. Introduction to Psychology as a Social Science
Introduction to selected areas in psychology including developmental, social, personality, and clinical.
46-115 and 46-116 are prerequisites for all other courses in Psychology. Some courses may require additional prerequisites.
46-220. Introduction to Adjustment and Personality
A survey of major approaches to the study of personality with a particular focus on the processes involved in adjustment.
46-223. Developmental Psychology: The Child
The study of normal child development from conception to puberty, including physical, cognitive, and social development within the child's family, school, and cultural contexts. Specific topics include temperament, language development, intelligence testing, personality development, and parenting styles.
46-224. Developmental Psychology: Adolescence
The study of normal adolescent development from puberty to early adulthood. Topics include physical changes at puberty, cognitive and social development, and the impact of adolescent development within various contexts, including families, peer groups, and schools.
46-225. Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging
The study of adult development including stages in adulthood, problems of aging, and issues related to death and dying.
46-229. Experimental Psychology
Introduction to basic experimental methods and design for establishing causal relationships in psychology, illustrated with laboratory exercises in human perception and cognition. Also covered are comparisons with non- and quasi- experimental research methods for testing theoretically derived hypotheses and consideration of research ethics and appropriate style for reporting findings. (Credit will be granted for only one of 46-229 and 46-230) (2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours a week: limited enrollment.) (Antirequisite: 46-230.)
46-230. Social Science Research Methods
Introduction to experimental and non-experimental research methods and designs commonly used in psychology and other social sciences (e.g., experiments, quasi-experiments, survey research, observational studies, content analysis). Includes conducting research exercises/projects dealing with social, personality, developmental, and/or educational issues, writing research reports, and consideration of research ethics. (Credit will be granted for only one of 46-229 and 46-230.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.) (Antirequisite: 46-229.)
46-235. Identity Processes
An exploration of the pivotal role identity plays in the organization and actions of social life. (Also offered as Sociology 48-235.) (Prerequisites: both 46-115 and 46-116, or 48-101 and either of 48-102 or 49-112.)
46-236. Introduction to Social Psychology
An introduction to the theories, methods, findings, and problems associated with the study of the individual in the social context. Topics include social cognition; interpersonal behaviour (attraction, aggression, altruism); social attitudes, prejudice, and discrimination; social influence and group processes (conformity, leadership, intergroup relations). (Also offered as Sociology 48-236.) (Prerequisites: 46-115 and 46-116, or 48-101 and 48-102.)
46-237. Introduction to Clinical Psychology
A survey of clinical and abnormal psychology, including historical development, theoretical perspectives on causes and intervention, classification of disorders, diagnosis, and assessment. The course also covers legal and ethical issues arising in the context of major psychological abnormalities, with some focus on developmental, psychophysiological, and neurological disorders. (Prerequisites: 46-115 and 46-116.)
46-240. Psychology of Sex and Gender
Review of philosophical, historical, theoretical, and research literature in the psychology of sex and gender. Topics include male/female stereotypes; similarities/differences based on research data; and current social issues.
46-256. Introduction to the Brain and Human Behaviour
Reviews basic research relating brain and behaviour with a focus on human functioning. Includes the study of neuronal and synaptic activity and results from current research and case histories which link human behaviour to basic neuroanatomical and biochemical brain systems. (May not be taken concurrently with 46-336 or 46-337.)
46-310. Tutorial
Individual projects in specific areas of psychology. (May be repeated for credit.) (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, and four additional courses in Psychology.)
46-313. Advanced Statistics
One-way, two-way, and higher order ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, multiple comparisons, correlation and univariate regression, introduction to multivariate regression and the general linear model, with an emphasis on computer data analysis. (Prerequisite: 02-250.)
46-315. Recent Research in Basic Psychology
Current issues in psychology will be selected from the areas of physiological, learning, motivation, cognition, and perception. (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, and four additional courses in Psychology.)
46-316. Recent Research in Human Psychology
Current issues in psychology will be selected from the areas of developmental, social, personality, and clinical psychology. (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, and four additional courses in Psychology.)
46-320. Tests and Measurement
An introduction to basic concepts of psychological testing, with a focus on test development, measurement, and test evaluation. Standard tests used to assess personality, achievement, and aptitudes will be surveyed. (Prerequisite: 02-250.)
46-322. Child Psychopathology
An overview of theory and research related to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood and adolescent disorders. Risk factors, vulnerability to stress, and protective factors will be addressed in relation to adjustment disorders, conduct disorder, depression, and anxiety in children and adolescents. (Prerequisite: 46-223 or 46-224.)
46-323. Developmental Disabilities
An overview of theory and research related to the biological foundation of childhood and adolescent developmental disabilities. Mental retardation, sensory and motor impairments, learning disabilities, and disorders with physical manifestations are included in the topics covered. (Prerequisite: 46-223 or 46-224.)
46-324. Educational Psychology
Psychology of the learning process and the variables that affect learning such as intelligence, motivation, attitudes, interpersonal relations, and cultural background. (Prerequisite: 46-223.)
46-325. Mental Health and Aging
Topics include: Psychological disorders and dementing diseases of adulthood, identification of elderly "at risk", substance abuse, dependency, emotional support, caregiver, stress and elder abuse. Course work may also include exercises on assessment, communications, and counselling with field experience in the community. (Prerequisite: 46-225.)
46-327. Psychological Perspectives on Parenting
Contemporary theories and practices of parenting throughout the life cycle, with an emphasis on the psychological aspects of the family system. (Prerequisite: 46-223.)
46-330. Personality Theory and Research
Survey of personality theories and relevant research. Theories may include psychoanalytic, trait, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, and biological. Research may include person-situation debate, nature-nurture, personality change, and inventories.
46-334. Applied Social Psychology
The application of social psychology to solving social issues. Topics include improving job satisfaction and organizational life, promoting community health, meeting social welfare needs, dealing with environmental problems, improving educational systems, and addressing the issues of social justice and equality. The course may involve a fieldwork component. (Prerequisite: 46-236.)
46-335. Human Sensation and Perception
The study of underlying mechanisms and processes of human sensation and perception, methods of measuring human sensory abilities, and the perceptual processes for integrating and interpreting such information. (Prerequisite: 46-229 or 46-230.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
46-336. Behavioural Neuroscience
Issues relevant to behavioural neuroscience. Functional neuroanatomy and models of brain systems related to perception, emotion, motivation, learning, and memory. Introduction to neurotransmitter systems and their relationship to behaviour. (May not be taken concurrently with 46-256.) (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, either 46-256 or 55-204 and three additional courses in Psychology.)
46-337. Human Cognitive Neuroscience
Issues relevant to the brain and human behaviour. Recent research selected from areas of developmental, cognitive, and clinical neuropsychology. Introduction to cognitive neuroscience modelling. (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, either 46-256 or 55-204 and three additional courses in Psychology.)
46-342. Culture and Psychology
This course examines psychological theory and research on the commonalities and variations in human behaviour within and across cultures. Topics may include individualism and collectivism, perspectives on the self, communication and interpersonal relations, intergroup relations, organizational behaviour, and the consequences of cross-cultural contact. (Prerequisite: 46-236.)
46-344. Psycholinguistics
A survey of theories and research on the cognitive processes involved in language production, comprehension, and acquisition. (Prerequisites: 46-115 and 46-116, or two 100-level English courses, or consent of instructor.)
46-348. Abnormal Psychology
A consideration of the specific disorders included in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, including theoretical perspectives about abnormal behaviour and psychopathology. The course also includes consideration of relevant research concerning causes, treatment, diagnosis, and assessment of the disorders covered. (Prerequisite: 46-237.)
46-353. Learning and Behaviour
Basic principles and theories of classical and operant conditioning and their application to human behaviour. (Prerequisite: 46-229 or 46-230.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
46-355. Comparative Psychology
Introduction to animal behaviour from the viewpoint of its role in the natural life of the individual and the species. A synthesis of contributions by comparative psychologists, ethologists, ecologists, and zoologists. (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, and four additional courses in Psychology.)
46-358. Cognitive Processes
A review of current contributions to the understanding of attentional, memory, problem solving, and reasoning processes. (Prerequisite: 46-229 or 46-230.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
46-370. Organizational Psychology
The study of human behaviour in organizational settings and the organization itself. Topics include organizational design, organizational change and development, organizational culture, norms and roles, work motivation, job satisfaction, communication, work teams decision making, power and politics, and leadership. (Prerequisites: 46-115 and 46-116; or Labour Studies students must have at least Semester 5 standing; or consent of instructor.)
46-371. Personnel Psychology
The study of human resource issues in work and other organizational settings. Topics include job analysis, job design, job evaluation, selection and promotion techniques, employment equity issues, performance management, training and development, compensation and reward systems, and the changing nature of jobs. (Prerequisites: 46-115 and 46-116, or consent of instructor.)
46-400. Selected Topics in Psychology
Seminar on a selected topic in psychology. Content will vary with instructor. (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, four additional courses in Psychology, including courses as specified by the instructor. May be repeated for credit.)
46-415. History and Systems of Psychology
The emergence and development of psychology as a science. A review and evaluation of major systems of psychology, such as structuralism, functionalism, behaviourism, Gestalt psychology, and psychoanalysis. Emphasis will be placed on the contributions of the systems to contemporary theoretical conceptions and trends. (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, and four additional courses in Psychology.)
46-420. Psychology of Music
A study of the principles underlying the practice of music therapy and musical behaviour. The study of psychological aspects of musical behaviour; psycho-acoustics, music perception, affective and physiological responses to music, music learning, and measurement. (Also offered as Music 32-420.) (Prerequisite: 32-120 or 46-115 and 46-116.)
46-422. Advanced Developmental Psychology: Emotional Development
This seminar examines issues related to emotional development from infancy through adult years. The experience, expression, and regulation of emotion will be discussed from various historical and academic perspectives. (Prerequisite: 46-223 or 46-224.)
46-423. Advanced Developmental Psychology: Cognitive Development
An examination of current theories, research methods, and findings in the area of cognitive development. (Prerequisite: 46-223 or 46-224.)
46-424. Advanced Developmental Psychology: Social Development
This seminar examines established and newly-emerging theories of development and their impact on social development research. Emphasis is placed on describing social developmental outcomes (e.g., gender, emotion, morality), and the influence of biological factors (e.g., temperament) and socialization agents (e.g., parents, media) on such outcomes. (Prerequisite: 46-223 or 46-224.)
46-425. Seminar in Developmental Psychology
Focus on a particular topic within the area of developmental psychology. Topics will vary from term to term. (May be repeated for credit.) (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, 46-223 and three additional courses in Psychology.)
46-427. Methods of Behavioural Change
Survey of theories and methods of behavioural change, including behavioural assessment and analysis, relaxation training, graduated exposure, contingency management, and cognitive restructuring. (Prerequisite: 46-353.)
46-430. Clinical and Counselling Psychology
The principles and techniques underlying clinical interviewing and modern psychotherapeutic methods. Emphasis will be placed upon the application of clinical interviewing and modern psychotherapeutic methods, as well as the application of clinical methods in clinics, hospitals, schools, mental health settings, and community agencies. (Prerequisite: 46-237.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
46-432. Community Psychology
An examination of societal and environmental influences on the community and individual community members, the development of the community mental health movement, and current issues in theory, research, and practices in community psychology. Emphasis will be placed on prevention, crisis intervention, and effecting social change. An overview of community-based professional and volunteer services will be presented. Community responses to issues such as homelessness, suicide, and violence against women will be considered. (Prerequisite: 46-236.)
46-433. Seminar in Law and Psychology
Issues in the interaction between law and psychology; discussion of the use/misuse/nonuse of behavioural sciences in the law; emphasis on how psychology can best be applied to family, criminal, and civil law. (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, and four additional courses in Psychology.)
46-435. Health Psychology
Application of psychology to the areas of health promotion, prevention and treatment, and improvement of health-care delivery. Theory, research, and practice in health psychology and behavioural medicine will be examined. Specific areas of emphasis may include stress, illness, and coping; patient-practitioner interaction; adjustment to chronic illness; reproductive health issues; and cross-cultural conceptions of illness and healing. (Prerequisite: 46-236.)
46-436. Seminar in Psychopathology
Focus on a particular topic within the area of abnormal behaviours. Topics will vary from term to term. (Prerequisites: 46-237.)
46-440. Seminar in the Psychology of Women
An examination of the feminist critique of mainstream psychology research of the last century, of feminist approaches to research and theorizing, and applications of feminist psychology to the study of a number of topics in the psychology of women (e.g., mental health, violence against women, sexuality). (Prerequisite: 46-240 or consent of instructor.)
46-445. Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Psychological theory and research on stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination; their formation and function; the role of individual and sociocultural factors in their development and maintenance; individual responses and psychological interventions. (Prerequisite: 46-236.)
46-457. Comparative Cognition
Evidence of general and specialized cognitive processes in human and nonhuman organisms will be investigated. Topics to be covered include memory systems, concept formation, and nature of stimulus representation. Current research on these and other topics will be reviewed and analyzed. (Prerequisite: 46-353 or 46-358.)
46-458. Artificial Intelligence and Human Thinking
Current issues related to artificial and human intelligence, reasoning, decision making, and knowledge representation. Integrates relevant concepts from psychology, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, and cognitive neuroscience. An individual project is required. (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, and four additional courses in Psychology.)
46-463. The History of Sexuality in North America
The cultural ideology, social regulation, and experience of reproduction and sexual relations with an emphasis on women. Topics include childbirth, slavery and sex, abortion and birth control, and the role of psychology and popular culture in the development of modern heterosexual and homosexual identities. (Also offered as History 43-463.) (Prerequisite: one of 43-249, 43-250, 46-240, or 46-440.)
46-475. Popular Literature in Psychology
A forum for critical examination and analysis of popular literature written by psychologists or others functioning in the role of counsellor or lay expert. The main goal is to identify both traditional and novel criteria for assessing the validity of popular literature and its contribution to knowledge. (Prerequisites: 46-115, 46-116, and four additional courses in Psychology.)
46-496. Thesis: Seminar
Experience in conducting psychological research is viewed as necessary for graduate work in psychology. This course is designed to provide such experience through planning, developing, and writing a research proposal under individual faculty supervision. Group sessions on research ethics, procedures, writing, and data analysis. (Prerequisites: either 46-229 or 46-230, 46-313, and either 46-353 or 46-358; and cumulative and major averages of at least 8.0.)
46-497. Thesis: Research
Students will conduct and write an undergraduate thesis under individual faculty supervision. The thesis is developed and begun while taking 46-496.) (Prerequisite: 46-496.) |