Students can choose coursework in topical areas that reflect the breadth of faculty expertise and interests, including clinical, cognitive, community, cross-cultural, developmental, educational, engineering, health, industrial/organizational, social, physiological, and sports psychology. All courses emphasize a solid foundation in empirical methods and data analysis. A number of courses in the curriculum reflect the Department's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice by intentionally featuring and centering issues of social importance, including systemic racism, gender inequities, ageism, mental health stigma, and disability.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Visit the Course Catalog for the official course description and listing

COURSE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CHANGES

PSYC 490: CAPSTONE OFFERINGS 2023-24

Fall 2023

PSYC 490.01: Neurodiversity

 This interdisciplinary seminar will investigate the emerging concepts of neurodiversity and neurodivergence as both a sociocultural phenomenon and a perspective aimed at understanding individual differences in human behavior. Course materials will incorporate perspectives from disability studies, psychology, cultural studies, and feminist theory. The course is split into three modules focused first on defining neurodiversity, identifying who is represented by neurodivergence and why, and what that means for human behavior and mental health. Next, we will ask how neurodivergence interacts with various aspects of society and culture while critically examining the systemic and structural barriers to neurodiversity. Finally, we will conclude by considering issues surrounding intersectionality associated with neurodiversity and how it shapes policy and practice for neurodiverse children and their families.

Instructor
Greenlee

PSYC 490.02: Disabilities and Assistive Technology

PSYC 490 (Capstone): Disabilities and Assistive Technology is a seminar that examines the historical, theoretical, applied, and ethical aspects of uses of technology to assist people with disabilities. Students evaluate historical perspectives on disability as well as contemporary models of disability and disability rights. The psychological and social experiences of people with disabilities are explored, including first-hand perspectives of disabled people and people with disabilities. The nature of technology is considered, especially as it applies to augmenting the capabilities of people with disabilities. A variety of perspectives on inclusive design are reviewed, and assistive technologies for several domains of functional impairment are covered in detail.

Instructor
Nees

 

Spring 2023 (tentative)

PSYC 490_XX: Psychology and the Law

In this capstone course, we will examine the intersection of psychology and the law from a wide range of perspectives. We will build on what you have learned in your psychology courses by integrating a variety of approaches in our analyses of theoretical and applied issues that arise in the study of psychology and the law. During the semester, we will examine five topics: (1) stages of a jury trial (2) eyewitness evidence (3) false confessions (4) serial killers & mass murderers, and (5) genetics and criminal responsibility. In addition, we may discuss other current topics in psychology and the law as they arise during the semester. A major focus of this course will be on the continued development of your oral and written communication skills in ways that will translate to life beyond Lafayette.

Instructor
Shaw

PSYC 490.XX: Disabilities and Assistive Technology

PSYC 490 (Capstone): Disabilities and Assistive Technology is a seminar that examines the historical, theoretical, applied, and ethical aspects of uses of technology to assist people with disabilities. Students evaluate historical perspectives on disability as well as contemporary models of disability and disability rights. The psychological and social experiences of people with disabilities are explored, including first-hand perspectives of disabled people and people with disabilities. The nature of technology is considered, especially as it applies to augmenting the capabilities of people with disabilities. A variety of perspectives on inclusive design are reviewed, and assistive technologies for several domains of functional impairment are covered in detail.

Instructor
Nees