Course Catalog

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PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORIES OF PERSONALITY (PY2021)

Centers on the development of Freud's metapsychology. Critically examines the different formulations of the following concepts: the unconscious, the structural approach (i.e., Ego, Id, Super Ego), representation, anxiety, drive, cathexis, and the mother-infant relationship. Jung's revisions of basic analytic concepts will be examined.

PERSONALITY & INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES (PY2022)

Personality addresses central psychological questions on how persons think, feel and act. This course provides students with a solid foundation in the basics of theory and research in personality psychology. Students will be introduced to classic and contemporary perspectives in the field, continuing controversies and debates and the rationale and techniques for personality assessment. PY1000 is recommended as a prerequisite.

THE PSYCHONEUROSES (PY2042)

Uses Horney's differentiation of the situation and the character neuroses to introduce the theory of a basic neurotic character structure, consisting of insecurity, anxiety, hostility, craving for affection, and the defenses.

ABNORMAL & CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (PY2043)

Examines the classification systems for abnormal behavior, using the DSM IV Multiaxial diagnostic system as the base for studying currently recognized major diagnostic categories. Uses an integrative biopsychosocial model to study the etiology of various psychological disorders as well as empirically supported treatment methods.

CLINICAL THEORIES (PY2044)

This course will provide an introduction to theories of personality and counseling, including psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive, behavioral, and family systems approaches. Theories will be examined in relation to their key concepts, view of human nature, therapeutic processes, techniques and procedures. Theories will be critiqued and compared, with special emphasis on the application of cultural and ethical issues

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (PY2045)

Studies the nature and causes of individual behavior and thought in social situations. Presents the basic fields of study that compose the science of social psychology, and how its theories impact on most aspects of people's lives. Topics of study include: conformity, persuasion, mass communication, propaganda, aggression, attraction, prejudice, and altruism.

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (PY2045)

Studies the nature and causes of individual behavior and thought in social situations. Presents the basic fields of study that compose the science of social psychology, and how its theories impact on most aspects of people's lives. Topics of study include: conformity, persuasion, mass communication, propaganda, aggression, attraction, prejudice, and altruism.

CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY (PY2046)

Human beings are cultural beings. We cannot understand human nature without understanding its cultural fabric. We cannot understand ourselves and our being in the world without understanding this world as a cultural world, in fact, as consisting of multiple cultural worlds in which we live at the same time. In this course, we inquire why the cultural dimension is crucial for human psychology. To this purpose, we explore a number of cultural worlds, Western and non-Western. We also investigate various psychological functions such as thinking and consciousness, remembering and memory, and self-construction and identity. And we look at different cultural sign and symbol systems such as language, art, literature, and film. In this way, the course also offers the opportunity to think about our own cultural existence and the way we view ourselves and others.

SEXUALITY, AGGRESSION, & GUILT (PY2051)

Introduces the study of the moral conscience, repression, and the search for happiness. Examines Freud and Marcuse's theses concerning human sexuality and human rights in terms of antagonisms between, on the one hand, erotic preference, gender identity and aggression, and on the other, socialization, morality, and so-called civilized refinement.

BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR (PY2055)

This course provides students with knowledge of the central nervous system of humans and an understanding of its contributions to various psychological functions. An emphasis will be on applying this knowledge to various diseases, disorders, and injuries. A further focus will be on how individuals who are affected understand their neurological changes and how they cope with them. Additional topics may include the mechanics of basic biological functioning in behaviors such as emotions, sleep and sexual behavior.