Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences

An introduction to the basic and fundamental concepts in the field of neuroscience. The course introduces and provides an overview of several core neuroscience areas, including the anatomy and physiology of neurons, synaptic transmission, cellular signaling, nervous system development, plasticity, and cellular and molecular mechanisms of several nervous system functions - MB. It also involves discussions on neuropathology and research models and methods. Lecture periods may occasionally be used to complete basic hands-on/lab-like experiences or to discuss literature to promote student exploration and appreciation of neuroscience. Topics are discussed primarily in the context of vertebrates with emphasis on the human nervous system.

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

The aim of this course is to study both theoretical and practical approaches to death and grieving. We will consider historical and contemporary perspectives and examine differences and similarities across cultures.

Jan Term Course Only (4hrs).

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

A study of the learning process, both through the examination of the experimental literature and through the completion of laboratory exercises. Lecture and laboratory. Offered Fall and Spring Terms.

A study of the major areas of forensic psychology, including (but not limited to) mental health law, forensic assessment, criminal behavior and theories thereof , criminal profiling, and law enforcement psychology.

This course will study stress management from the perspectives of western science and the eastern practice of yoga. A portion of the class will include study of scientific findings concerning stress and its management, some study of yoga philosophy, and a consideration of the existing scientific studies of yoga. Another portion of the class will involve practice of yoga postures and methods of breathing. 

This course is team taught by members in two departments and is open to Nisbet Honors Program participants and to others who meet Honors Program guidelines. All students registering for these courses must register not only through the Honors Program but also with their adviser and the Registrar’s Office.

A study of gender comparisons in behavior. Selected topics include theories of female development, femininity, masculinity, and androgyny, gender comparisons in personality, adjustment, abilities, achievement, motivation, language, biological influences, sexuality, violence against women, and cross- cultural perspectives. Offered alternate years. Spring Term.

This class is designed to investigate various physical and psychological issues in women’s lives, and sequences of yoga poses that are designed to help women cope with these issues. The course will include a review of scientific research on the effectiveness of yoga with various women’s issues, and also it will include the philosophy of yoga and how it underpins the yoga postures that we do to help women cope with these issues. 

A detailed review of the most commonly occurring anxiety, mood, and trauma and stress disorders. Topics include the assessment and diagnosis of each disorder, understanding functional outcomes for patients experiencing various symptoms, and the application of current empirically supported treatments.

Enrollment in this course is limited to Psychology majors and minors. This course sets the foundation for how statistics and experimental design are used in psychology. Statistical topics of central tendency, variability, distribution, hypothesis testing, and correlation will be covered. In addition, the methodological topics of the philosophy of science, the ethics of experimentation, and controlling variables will be addressed. Students will learn to analyze data using SPSS and to write research papers in APA format. A grade of C- or better is required in order to advance to PSY 311. Offered Fall and Spring Terms. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the characteristic symptoms of eating disorders and related issues (e.g., body image, Body Dysmorphic Disorder), including some key psychological theories, treatment options, and prevention strategies, and research findings. Students will also learn about obesity and factors associated with prevention and treatment of obesity, as well as issues faced by individuals in this population (including eating disordered behaviors, stigma, and medical comorbidities). Throughout the course, students will be expected to effectively communicate their ideas and thinking in written form, in formal presentations, and in informal discussions.

This course provides students with an advanced analysis of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and its variants. CBT is one of the most popular and empirically supported forms of therapy used today. Students will learn about specific intervention techniques within CBT and will gain skills in utilizing those techniques through role plays. Students will additionally learn about Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing- therapies which are based in part on CBT. Students will learn how CBT is utilized for specific populations and disorders. Throughout the course, students will be expected to effectively communicate their understanding of the material in written form, role plays, and class discussions. Offered every other year, usually in the fall semester.

Courses will be offered in a variety of topics within psychology depending on faculty and student interest. Previous offerings include issues in clinical practice and breath during turbulent times. May be taken more than once in different topics.

This course explores human sexuality emphasizing the psychological aspects of intimate relationships. We will cover attraction, sexual attitudes and behavior, gender, the development of sexual relationships, love and communication in intimate relationships, sexual orientation, and sexual difficulties and therapy. Attention will also be paid to the methods for gathering data in this field.

Abnormal psychology reviews the process of assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions using the current DSM criteria. In addition, it provides an overview of evidenced-based treatment practices.

Old course number: PSY 204

This course will survey major areas of psychopharmacology, focusing on its applications to the treatment of mental illness. The course will also review treatment of chronic pain, sleep disorders, and will cover drugs of abuse and addiction. This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the functions of the brain and how medications/drugs can influence these functions. Prerequisites: PSY 100 & PSY374, or permission of the instructor.

Jan Term Only - 4 hours

This course serves as an introduction to the study of psychotherapeutic interventions in clinical/counseling psychology. The majority of the course is focused on examining the defining characteristics, efficacy, and effectiveness of various psychotherapies. Although specific techniques are reviewed, this course will in no way prepare students to conduct psychotherapy. Rather, the course serves as a good foundation for future study in the field. In addition to learning about psychotherapy approaches, this course also focuses on understanding the ethical practice of psychotherapy, future trends and issues in the field of psychotherapy, options for careers in psychotherapy.

In exceptional cases, consent of the department staff will permit enrolling in the course in the absence of some of the course prerequisites. It is intended for senior psychology majors. The course will offer experience in an applied setting. Students will be placed with local social agencies or other dispensers of psychological services (out-of-town placement is also possible) who have agreed to accept and evaluate them on an internship basis. The course will also involve weekly seminars with the departmental staff and other interns for examination of problems that have arisen in the work situation. In the case of out-of- town placement, a paper will be required instead of the seminars. The course is intended for those psychology majors who wish to seek employment at the Bachelor of Arts level. It is not recommended for those who plan to pursue an advanced degree program. Pass/fail grading.