THE SCIENCE OF 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.
- TR 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
- MW 11:40 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Patricia G Lindemann
CULPA: 64 Info -
Instructor:
Saski Giebl
Info - 3 points
RESEARCH METHODS - HUMAN BEHAVIOR
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.
- M 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
Patricia G Lindemann
CULPA: 64 Info - 4 points
RESEARCH METHODS-HUM BEHAV LAB
Corequisites:
PSYC UN1420
- M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
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Instructor:
Patricia G Lindemann
CULPA: 64 Info - 0 points
RESEARCH METHODS-HUM BEHAV LAB
Corequisites:
PSYC UN1420
- M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
- M 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
- T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
- T 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Patricia G Lindemann
CULPA: 64 Info - 0 points
STATISTCS-BEHAVIORL SCIENTISTS
Prerequisites: PSYC UN1001 or PSYC UN1010 Recommended preparation: one course in behavioral science and knowledge of high school algebra. Corequisites: PSYC UN1611 Introduction to statistics that concentrates on problems from the behavioral sciences.
- TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
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Instructor:
Christopher Baldassano
h-index: 13 Info - 4 points
STATISTCS-BEHAV SCIENTISTS-LAB
Corequisites: PSYC UN1610 Required lab section for PSYC UN1610.
- R 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
- R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
Christopher Baldassano
h-index: 13 Info - 0 points
STATISTCS-BEHAV SCIENTISTS-LAB
Corequisites: PSYC UN1610 Required lab section for PSYC UN1610.
- R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
Christopher Baldassano
h-index: 13 Info - 0 points
COGNITION: BASIC PROCESSES
An introduction to basic concepts in cognitive psychology. Topics include theories and
phenomena in areas such as attention, memory, concepts and categories, language, reasoning,
decision making, and consciousness.
- MW 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
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Instructor:
Nora Isacoff
CULPA: 1 Info - 3 points
THINKING AND DECISION MAKING
Prerequisites: an introductory course in psychology. Models of judgment and decision making in both certain and uncertain or risky situations, illustrating the interplay of top-down (theory-driven) and bottom-up (data-driven) processes in creating knowledge. Focuses on how individuals do and should make decisions, with some extensions to group decision making and social dilemmas.
- TR 11:40 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Katherine T Fox-Glassman
CULPA: 6
h-index: 4
Info
- 3 points
Perception and Cognition in Social Life
Percept/Cognit in Social
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.
- MW 2:40 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Meghan Meyer
Info - 3 points
Social Neuroscience
This course will provide a broad overview of the field of social neuroscience. We will consider how social processes are implemented at the neural level, but also how neural mechanisms help give rise to social phenomena and cultural experiences. Many believe that the large expansion of the human brain evolved due to the complex demands of dealing with social others—competing or cooperating with them, deceiving or empathizing with them, understanding or misjudging them. What kind of “social brain” has this evolutionary past left us with? In this course, we will review core principles, theories, and methods guiding social neuroscience, as well as research examining the brain basis of processes such as theory of mind, emotion, stereotyping, social group identity, empathy, judging faces and bodies, morality, decision-making, the impact of culture and development, among others. Overall, this course will introduce students to the field of social neuroscience and its multi-level approach to understanding the brain in its social context.
- MW 2:40 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Jon B Freeman
Wikipedia Info - 3 points
BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
Prerequisites: PSYC UN1001 or PSYC UN1010 or the instructors permission. Examines the principles governing neuronal activity, the role of neurotransmitter systems in memory and motivational processes, the presumed brain dysfunctions that give rise to schizophrenia and depression, and philosophical issues regarding the relationship between brain activity and subjective experience.
- MW 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
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Instructor:
Sarah Demoya
Info - 3 points
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
The course will be an introduction to the science of structural and functional brain development beginning in the prenatal period. We will cover major domains in both cognitive and social development. This is a flipped course, where students will watch lectures online (three 55 minute lectures each week) and participate in classroom discussions and exercises (1 hour 50 minutes twice a week) with the Professor and each other when in person.
- TR 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
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Instructor:
Dima Amso
CULPA: 1 h-index: 31 Info - 3 points
ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
Prerequisites: An introductory psychology course. Examines definitions, theories, and treatments of abnormal behavior.
- F 1:10 p.m.-3:40 p.m.
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Instructor:
Jeffrey M Cohen
h-index: 5 Info - 3 points
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Study of behavior in organizational and business-related settings. Examination of such topics as employee motivation and satisfaction, communication patterns, effective leadership strategies, and organization development.
- TR 6:10 p.m.-7:25 p.m.
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Instructor:
Joshua M Feinberg
Info - 3 points
Moral Psychology
Prerequisite: An introductory psychology course.
An introduction to basic concepts in moral psychology. Topics include controversies around the definition of morality, foundations of moral thought and behavior, and connections between morality and other areas of life, among other subjects.
- MW 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
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Instructor:
Larisa H Solomon
Info - 3 points
Psychology of Rewards
How can we harness the power of rewards to improve our mental health and wellbeing? Is there a fine line between rewards that are beneficial and those that are harmful to our lives? This course will examine the complex world of rewards. We will explore different categories of rewards (e.g., social, monetary, natural/primary) and uncover how they can be effectively implemented to enhance wellbeing and mental health. We will also discuss the consequences of unbalanced responses to rewards, such as addiction, binge eating, and substance use disorders. Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics, this course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role rewards play in shaping our lives and our mental health. Throughout the course, we will grapple with the delicate balance between constructive and destructive responses to rewards, and how this balance affects our pursuit of a fulfilling life.
- R 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Mayron Piccolo
Info - 4 points
Bilingualism
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.
- T 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
Michele Miozzo
Info - 4 points
THE BRAIN AND MEMORY
Prerequisites: (PSYC UN1010) or Equivalent introductory course in neuroscience or cognitive psychology and the instructors permission This seminar will give a comprehensive overview of episodic memory research: what neuroimaging studies, patient studies, and animal models have taught us about how the brain creates, stores, and retrieves memories.
- M 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Mariam Aly
CULPA: 5 h-index: 15 Info - 4 points
Evolution of Intelligence, Animal Commun
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.
- R 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Herbert S Terrace
CULPA: 29 Wikipedia Info - 3 points
Gene-Environment Interactions & Epigenet
Gene-Env Interaction & Ep
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.
- MW 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
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Instructor:
Elif A Duman
Info - 4 points
SEM-DEVELOPMNTL PSYCHOPATHOLGY
Prerequisites: at least two of the following courses: (UN1001, UN1010, UN2280, UN2620, UN2680, UN3280) and the instructor's permission. Developmental psychopathology posits that it is development itself that has gone awry when there is psychopathology. As such, it seeks to understand the early and multiple factors contributing to psychopathology emerging in childhood and later in life. We will use several models (e.g. ones dominated by biological, genetic, and psychological foci) to understand the roots of mental illness.
- W 10:10 a.m.-noon
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Instructor:
Hannah E Hoch
CULPA: 27 Info - 4 points
TOPICS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
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.
- R 10:10 a.m.-noon
- W 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
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Instructor:
Usha Barahmand
Info -
Instructor:
Irit Felsen
Info - 4 points
CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
Prerequisites: an introductory course in neuroscience, like PSYC UN1010 or PSYC UN2450, and the instructor's permission. Analysis of the assessment of physical and psychiatric diseases impacting the central nervous system, with emphasis on the relationship between neuropathology and cognitive and behavioral deficits.
- T 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
E'Mett McCaskill
CULPA: 38
Info
- 3 points
Psychology/Neuroscience Senior Thesis Ad
Advanced Research Seminar
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.
- W 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
Nim L Tottenham
Info -
Instructor:
Lila Davachi
CULPA: 1 h-index: 59 Info - 1-3 points
CONSCIOUSNESS & ATTENTION
Modern theories attempt to characterize the human mind in terms of information processing. But machines that process information do not seem to feel anything; a computer may for instance receive inputs from a video camera, yet it would be hard to imagine that it sees or experiences the vividness of colors like we do. Nobody has yet provided a convincing theory as to how to explain the subjective nature of our mental lives in objective physical terms. This is called the problem of consciousness, and is generally considered to be one of the last unsolved puzzles in science. Philosophers even debate whether there could be a solution to this problem at all. Students in this course may be recruited for participation in a voluntary research study. Students who choose not to participate in the study will complete the same course requirements as those who do, and an individual's choice will not affect their grade or status as a student in the course.
- T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
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Instructor:
Alfredo Spagna
CULPA: 3
h-index: 15
Info
- 4 points
Machine Intelligence
This course will survey historical and modern developments in machine intelligence from fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and computer science, and from intellectual movements such as cybernetics, artificial intelligence, neural networks, connectionism, machine learning, and deep learning. The emphasis is on the conceptual understanding of topics. The course does not include, nor require background in, computer programming and statistics. A crucial aspect of the seminar is for students to become informed consumers of applications of artificial intelligence.
- T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
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Instructor:
Trenton Jerde
h-index: 11 Info - 4 points
Evolution of Language (seminar)
EVOLUTION OF LANGUAGE
This seminar will consider the evolution of language at the levels of the word and grammar, in each instance, phylogenetically and ontogenetically. Since humans are the only species that use language, attention will be paid to how language differs from animal communication.
- T 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Herbert S Terrace
CULPA: 29 Wikipedia Info - 3 points
COGNITIVE PROCESSES
Prerequisites: For undergraduates: one course in cognitive psychology or cognitive neuroscience, or the equivalent, and the instructors permission. Metacognition and control processes in human cognition. Basic issues include the cognitive mechanisms that enable people to monitor what they know and predict what they will know, the errors and biases involved in self-monitoring, and the implications of metacognitive ability for peoples self-determined learning, behavior, and their understanding of self.
- T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
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Instructor:
Janet Metcalfe
CULPA: 31 h-index: 70 Info - 3 points
DECISION ARCHITECTURE
Prerequisites: (PSYC UN2235) or an equivalent course on judgment and decision making ,AND the instructors permission This course reviews current research in the domain of decision architecture: the application of research in cognitive and social psychology to real-world situations with the aim of influencing behavior. This seminar will discuss recent and classic studies, both of decision theory and of applied decision research, to explore the effectiveness—as well as the limitations—of a selection of these behavioral “nudges.”
- W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Katherine T Fox-Glassman
CULPA: 6
h-index: 4
Info
- 4 points
NON-MNEMONIC FUNC OF MEMORY SYSTEMS
NON-MNEMONIC FUNC MEMORY
Prerequisites: (PSYC UN1010) or equivalent introductory course in neuroscience or cognitive psychology The past decade has produced an extraordinary amount of evidence that challenges the classic view of a “medial temporal lobe memory system”, namely, the idea that the medial temporal lobe plays a necessary role in long-term memory but not other cognitive functions. This course will introduce these challenges to the traditional perspective by exploring functions of the so-called memory system in domains outside of long-term memory.
- F 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Mariam Aly
CULPA: 5 h-index: 15 Info - 4 points
TOPICS-NEUROBIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Examines current topics in neurobiology and behavior.
- M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
- T 10:10 a.m.-noon
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Instructor:
Carl Hart
CULPA: 43 Wikipedia h-index: 54 Info -
Instructor:
Rae Silver
Wikipedia h-index: 69 Info - 3 points
Fundamentals of Human Brain Imaging: fro
Fund of Human Brain Imagi
Fundamentals of human brain imaging is an advanced course open to undergraduates students from the Psychology, Neuroscience, Engineering, and Statistics Departments, that traces the key steps of the recent “neuroimaging revolution”, and introduces the various methodologies and associated analytic approaches that are now available in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Specifically, the course develops around three main questions, currently under-represented in our undergraduate curriculum:
1) What is the advantage to study human cognition using correlational methodologies (e.g., EEG, MEG, fMRI)? 2) Which is the particular contribution of each method in the understanding of brain/behavior relationship? 3) Which are the most common ways to approach the analyze the neuroimaging data?
By promoting an inclusive environment and implementing active learning strategies, this course stimulates critical thinking and fosters collaboration among students from different departments.
- M 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
Alfredo Spagna
CULPA: 3
h-index: 15
Info
- 4 points
PSYCHOBIOLOGY OF INFANT DEVPT
Prerequisites: (PSYC UN1001 or PSYC UN1010) and a course in developmental psychology, and the instructors permission. The focus of the seminar is on human development during the fetal period and early infancy. We will examine the effects of environmental factors on perinatal perceptual, cognitive, sensory-motor, and neurobehavioral capacities, with emphasis on critical conditions involved in both normal and abnormal brain development. Other topics include acute and long term effects of toxic exposures (stress, smoking, and alcohol) during pregnancy, and interaction of genes and the environment in shaping the developing brain of high-risk infants, including premature infants and those at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
- T 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
- 4 points
Neural Plasticity
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.
Stress and the Brain
This course will use clinical studies and experimental research on animals to understand the impact of stress during various periods of development on brain function and behavior. We will address the long- and short-term consequences of stress on cognition, emotion, and ultimately psychopathology through investigating how various stressors can induce neurobiological and behavioral outcomes through genetic, epigenetic, and molecular mechanisms in the brain.
- F 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Jennifer Blaze
Info - 4 points
Frontiers of Justice
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.
- W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
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Instructor:
Peter Dixon
Info - 4 points
PSYCH OF CULTURE & DIVERSITY
Prerequisites: the instructors permission; some basic knowledge of social psychology is desirable. A comprehensive examination of how culture and diversity shape psychological processes. The class will explore psychological and political underpinnings of culture and diversity, emphasizing social psychological approaches. Topics include culture and self, cuture and social cognition, group and identity formation, science of diversity, stereotyping, prejudice, and gender. Applications to real-world phenomena discussed.
- R 10:10 a.m.-noon
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Instructor:
Valerie J Purdie-Greenaway
Wikipedia h-index: 29 Info - 4 points
ADV SEM CURRENT PERS THRY
- M 10:10 a.m.-noon
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Instructor:
Svetlana Komissarouk
CULPA: 3
h-index: 3
Info
- 3 points
THRY-SOCIAL/PERSONALITY PSYCH
Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Comparison of major theoretical perspectives on social behavior. The nature of theory construction and theory testing in psychology generally. Exercises comparing the predictions of different theories for the same study are designed to acquire an appreciation of how to operationalize theories and an understanding of the various features of a good theory.
- W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Tory Higgins
CULPA: 23
Wikipedia
h-index: 134
Info
- 3 points
Political Psychology
This seminar will explore what psychology (mostly social and cognitive) can tell us about
politics. The class aims to provide a broad introduction to ideas and methods in the field of
political psychology, as well as a deep understanding of a few specific topics.
- M 10:10 a.m.-noon
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Instructor:
Robert Brotherton
CULPA: 1 Info - 4 points
Philanthropy & Just Societies
:
Philanthropy & Just Societies
will enable Columbia undergraduate students to learn about the history of philanthropy, to understand best practices and ethical underpinnings, to debate its potential in making more just societies, and to consider what it means to give and receive aid at different scales. Students will have the opportunity to participate directly in philanthropic work.
- T 10:10 a.m.-noon
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Instructor:
Geraldine Downey
CULPA: 9
Wikipedia
Info
- 3 points
Laboratory in Justice Data Science
Lab in Justice Data Scien
The course will provide the rigorous data science training and core content knowledge students need to use data science to effect meaningful policy change in the direction of 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 research-and-data-informed solutions that center problem-solving on those most impacted by the problem.
- MW 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
- 4 points
ANALYSIS OF CHANGE
Prerequisites: graduate course in ANOVA, General Linear Model or the instructors permission. A survey course in statistical methods for the analysis of repeated measures data, including data from experimental and nonexperimental studies. Surveys classical (e.g. MANOVA) and modern methods (e.g. Multilevel Models) for both continuous and categorical outcomes.
- MW 10:10 a.m.-noon
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Instructor:
Niall Bolger
CULPA: 4 h-index: 55 Info - 4 points
Research Seminar in Psychology
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
.
- M 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
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Instructor:
Niall Bolger
CULPA: 4 h-index: 55 Info - 0 points
DEPARTMENTAL COLLOQUIUM
Members of the staff, graduate students, and outside speakers present current research.
- W 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
Niall Bolger
CULPA: 4 h-index: 55 Info - 0 points