The descriptions of Senior Seminars appear below. In order to enroll in a Seminar, you MUST do Two things:
Controversial issues in Psychology
Instructor: Jeff Holmes
Meeting Days/Time: MW 12:00 pm - 1:40 pm
This is a capstone course for psychology majors, in which we will discuss a variety of debated and misunderstood topics in psychology. Early in the semester we will discuss cognitive biases that interfere with the ability to critically evaluate information. Next, we will address several specific controversial issues. The final portion of the course will consist of student presentations on specific topics. The priority of the class is for students to integrate acquired expertise in areas such as cognitive, social, abnormal, behavioral, and biological psychology, as well as research methods and statistics. Students will be expected to challenge themselves by critically examining topics about which they may already have established opinions. The overall objectives of the course are increased knowledge of a variety of psychological issues, and refinement of critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skill.
Psychopathology & Mental Health
Instructor: Amber Gilewski
Meeting Days/Time: MW 4:00 pm - 5:40 pm
This seminar is for advanced psychology students and those who are considering graduate school in areas such as clinical, counseling, school, social work, art therapy, or any applied related practice in which they will be directly helping and supporting clients where psychological sophistication enhances is relevant to the role. The course examines the practice of psychology closely from many different professional, philosophical and personal perspectives. Students should be able to shift paradigms and question fundamental assumptions regarding the practice of psychology and related disciplines. During the semester students will hear from professionals in a variety of fields about their work and discipline. Students will also hear from patients and clients who will report on their experiences and evaluate the treatments they received. Students will also hear criticisms of current mental health practice. Students will discuss a range of topics and also will explore in depth two specific topics of their choice via a major presentation and paper.
Queer-ying Psychology: The Use and Abuse of Sex Research in Psychology and Beyond
Instructor: Natasha Bharj
In this class we will learn about the history of sex research in Psychology. We’ll examine the historical and social trends driving research, past and present. We will track how sex research travels outside of the lab and into social life, and what happens to it along the way. Each week we will read & discuss a piece of sex research, examining the methodology and underlying assumptions in their historical context. We will also compare famous historical studies to contemporary psychological research. By examining sex research across multiple domains and time periods, we will think critically about the ethics of research and the role of psychologists in challenging (or promoting) inequality. In addition to weekly readings and short writing assignments, you will do a term paper and a class presentation on a topic of your choice.
Advanced topics in neurodegenerative disease
Instructor: Benjamin Zemel
In this course we will review the different types of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. These diseases can be studied at multiple levels, from the molecules that cause neuronal malfunction to system level changes in brain circuit function. We will track progress in both the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases from both historical and contemporary perspectives. This will include an exploration of current animal models used to research disease mechanisms and novel therapeutics. Finally, this course will examine the societal impact these diseases have at the level of financial cost to taxpayers and families, allocation of medical resources, and burden on caretakers. Students will complete writing assignments based on course content, participate in class discussions based on assigned readings, and craft oral presentations.