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Courses

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Related Subject

This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.

Psychology

PSYC E-15 Introduction to Psychology
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800.

Fall term (10232) (Syllabus) (Printable version): L. Dodge Fernald, PhD, Lecturer on Psychology, Harvard University.
Tuesdays beginning Sept. 16, 5:30-7:30 pm, Sever Hall, Room 113.

Spring term (20205) (Syllabus) (Printable version): L. Dodge Fernald, PhD, Lecturer on Psychology, Harvard University.
Tuesdays beginning Jan. 27, 5:30-7:30 pm, Sever Hall, Room 113.

This course is an introduction to some of the major sub-disciplines of psychology, such as developmental, social, abnormal, clinical, biological, cultural, and personality psychology. Students explore various theoretical perspectives and research methods used by psychologists to study the origins and variations in human behavior. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1020 Cognition (22794) (Website) (Printable version)
Jesse Snedeker, PhD, John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences, Harvard University.
Course tuition: noncredit and undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Spring term
Online only, beginning Jan. 30. See Distance Education. Required sections to be arranged. Lecture 1 video.

This course is an introduction to the study of human cognition. Topics include perception, attention, memory, categorization, language, and consciousness. We consider how human thought processes are organized, how they affect our everyday behavior, and the biological mechanisms that underlie them. The recorded lectures are from the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences course Psychology 13. Prerequisite: introductory psychology. Students must view sample online lectures before they register. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1030/W Human Development (13046) (Website) (Printable version)
Dante Spetter, PhD, Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University.
Course tuition: noncredit and undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Fall term: Tuesdays beginning Sept. 16, 5:30-7:30 pm, Science Center, Hall A. Required sections for graduate-credit students Tuesdays 7:35-8:35 pm.
Online and on-campus options. See Distance Education. Lecture 1 video.

This course is an overview of the major theories and topics in developmental psychology, incorporating psychoanalytic, cognitive-developmental, and behavioral perspectives. Topics covered include temperament, attachment, learning, language development, social development, family and school influences, self-concept and self-esteem, adolescent cognitive development, separation and individuation, moral development, and development of identity. Prerequisite: introductory psychology recommended. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1040 Personality Theory (22789) (Website) (Printable version)
Stephanie Sogg, PhD, Instructor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Spring term: Thursdays beginning Jan. 29, 7:35-9:35 pm, Emerson Hall, Room 108. Optional sections to be arranged.

This course covers a brief history and methodology of the study of personality, then proceeds to a discussion of each of the following major schools of thought within the field of personality theory: psychoanalytic/Freudian, neo-Freudian, biological, humanistic, cognitive, and behavioral. Prerequisite: introductory psychology. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1050 Introduction to Social Psychology (12988) (Syllabus) (Printable version)
Holly Parker, PhD, Clinician, Psychological Services Center, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Fall term: Fridays beginning Sept. 19, 5:30-7:30 pm, Science Center, Hall E.

This course provides an overview of the major concepts and questions in the field of social psychology. Students have the opportunity to discuss and think critically about a variety of exciting issues, such as the impact of social perceptions on individual behavior, factors that influence how people see themselves, romantic relationships, aggression, and the act of helping others. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1052 Cross-Cultural Psychology (23033) (Website) (Printable version)
Eva Jane McHan, PhD, Visiting Scholar in Psychology, Harvard University.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Spring term: Wednesdays beginning Jan. 28, 7:35-9:35 pm, Sever Hall, Room 203.

This course is an overview of major topics concerned with the relationship between behavior and socio-psychological cultural processes. Cross-cultural and diversity issues include the study of theories of culture, research methods, and cross-cultural comparisons of socialization techniques, gender, race, religion, language, cognition, organization, and health. Critical thinking and learning are employed throughout the course. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1060 Emotion (12504) (Website) (Printable version)
Matthew Leeds, PhD, Clinical Instructor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Fall term: Mondays beginning Sept. 15, 5:30-7:30 pm, Emerson Hall, Room 108. Required sections for graduate-credit students to be arranged.

Emotion is a fundamental, complex, and sometimes confusing part of human experience. This course surveys the current state of knowledge about human emotion. The questions addressed include the following: What is emotion? Do we find a set of universal basic emotions if we look across cultures? What are the functions of emotion? Can we control our emotions? Prerequisite: introductory psychology. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1090 Animal Cognition (22402) (Website) (Printable version)
Irene M. Pepperberg, PhD, Lecturer on Psychology, Harvard University and Adjunct Associate Professor in Psychology, Brandeis University.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Spring term: Wednesdays beginning Jan. 28, 5:30-7:30 pm, William James Hall, Room 105.

This course is an introduction to the study of animal cognition and thought processes. Topics include categorization, memory, number concepts, insight, and language-like behavior. The course requires reading and critiquing original journal articles. Prerequisites: introductory psychology, animal behavior recommended. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1091 The Cognitive Dog: Savant or Slacker (12609) (Website) (Printable version)
Bruce Blumberg, PhD, Senior Scientist, Blue Fang Games.
Course tuition: noncredit and undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Fall term: Thursdays beginning Sept. 18, 7:35-9:35 pm, 1 Story Street, Room 304.
Online and on-campus options. See Distance Education. Lecture 1 video.

The noted psychologist Paul Bloom commented recently that "for psychologists, dogs may be the next chimpanzees." Leaving aside the question of who is happier about this, the dogs or the chimps, the fact remains that the cognitive ability of dogs has been the focus of a great deal of work recently. This course is a review and analysis of the latest work on dog development, cognition, and learning, supplemented by some of the classics and guest appearances (canine or otherwise). Topics covered include evolution and development, perception, cue learning and use, imitation and social learning, emotion, temperament, and training. Prerequisite: experience with dogs or a background in animal behavior and learning is helpful. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1240 Abnormal Psychology (10236) (Website) (Printable version)
Shelley H. Carson, PhD, Assistant Head Tutor in Psychology, Harvard University.
Course tuition: noncredit and undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Fall term: Tuesdays beginning Sept. 16, 7:35-9:35 pm, William James Hall, Room 1. Required sections to be arranged.
Online and on-campus options. See Distance Education. Lecture 1 video.

We examine a variety of mental disorders from several different theoretical perspectives. Focus is on diagnosis, epidemiology, causes, and treatments of each disorder. Prerequisite: introductory psychology. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1247 Self-Destructive Behaviors (12791) (Syllabus) (Printable version)
Matthew K. Nock, PhD, John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences, Harvard University.
Graduate seminar. Course tuition: graduate credit $1,725. Limited enrollment.
Fall term: Tuesdays beginning Sept. 16, 7:35-9:35 pm, William James Hall, Room 1305.

Why do some individuals intentionally engage in behaviors that cause them direct bodily harm, such as suicide and self-mutilation? This seminar explores past and current models for understanding self-harm behaviors. We consider the classification, etiology, assessment, and treatment of self-harm behaviors from psychological, developmental, contextual, and biological perspectives. Prerequisites: introductory and abnormal psychology. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1420 The Psychology of Addiction (22233) (Website) (Printable version)
Gene M. Heyman, PhD, Lecturer on Psychology, Harvard Medical School.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Spring term: Thursdays beginning Jan. 29, 5:30-7:30 pm, William James Hall, Room 105.

This course provides a multifaceted, research-based account of addiction. Readings and lectures include epidemiological, biographical, ethnographic, and laboratory studies. The readings and lectures address the fundamental question "What is addiction?" as well as key issues, such as whether addiction is really a chronic disorder, why alcohol is legal whereas marijuana and heroin are not, and why cigarette smoking was once so widespread and then decreased. The course also touches on non-drug topics that help shed light on addiction, including recent advances in choice theory and new understandings of the roles of biology and the environment in behavioral change (neuroplasticity and gene expression). (4 credits)

PSYC E-1504 Positive Psychology (13083) (Website) (Printable version)
Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD.
Course tuition: noncredit and undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Fall term
Online only, beginning Sept. 15. See Distance Education. Required sections to be arranged. Lecture 1 video.

The course focuses on the psychological aspects of a fulfilling and flourishing life. Topics include happiness, self-esteem, empathy, friendship, love, achievement, creativity, music, spirituality, and humor. The recorded lectures are from the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences course Psychology 1504. Prerequisite: students must view sample online lectures before they register. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1604a Foundations of Neuropsychology (22902) (Syllabus) (Printable version)
Mark S. Greenberg, PhD, Clinical Instructor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Spring term: Tuesdays beginning Jan. 27, 7:35-9:35 pm, Maxwell Dworkin, Room G115.

Designed for human service professionals, students interested in careers in psychology, and interested laypeople, this course builds a working model of brain structure and function. Basic anatomy can be mastered via interactive software. Lectures focus on understanding seven key anatomical regions and 11 principles of the central nervous system. Recent advances in imaging techniques, elements of the neuropsychological examination, and etiologies of neurological illness are reviewed. The fundamentals of neuropsychological assessment are emphasized using actual patient material. Prerequisites: introductory psychology and physiological psychology, or permission of the instructor. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1610 The Brain in Psychology (11393) (Syllabus) (Printable version)
William Milberg, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School.
Graduate seminar. Course tuition: graduate credit $1,725. Limited enrollment.
Fall term: Thursdays beginning Sept. 18, 5:30-7:30 pm, William James Hall, Room 6.

This seminar is an introduction to the neuropsychological aspects of cognition, personality, and social behavior. Students are introduced to contemporary methods used in neuropsychological research and learn how these methods may be applied to the classical problems of psychology. Prerequisite: neuropsychology course. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1650/W Introduction to Psychoanalysis (22288) (Website) (Printable version)
Wynn Schwartz, PhD, Clinical Instructor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Spring term: Tuesdays beginning Jan. 27, 7:35-9:35 pm, William James Hall, Room 105.

The current fundamental concepts of psychoanalytic theory and practice are presented. The various psychoanalytic perspectives on the unconscious, dreams, personality development, psychopathology, and treatment are examined. Prerequisites: introduction to psychology, and personality or abnormal psychology courses. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1704 Creativity: Geniuses, Madmen, and Harvard Students (22607) (Website) (Printable version)
Shelley H. Carson, PhD, Assistant Head Tutor in Psychology, Harvard University.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Spring term: Tuesdays beginning Jan. 27, 5:30-7:30 pm, William James Hall, Room 1. Required sections to be arranged.

Human creativity is essential to our ability to survive and thrive as a species. In addition, creativity in the arts enriches and adds breadth to our everyday experiences. Creativity in the sciences has extended our lifespan, made living conditions more comfortable, and opened the worlds of outer space and inner space to our scrutiny and amazement. This course provides an overview of the major theories, modern research, and current issues in the field of creativity. We examine creativity from different levels of analysis, including biological, psychological, and social levels. We use three different approaches in our examinations: first, we examine empirical research; second, we employ the case-study approach to learn from the lives of history's most eminent creative achievers; and finally, we use ourselves as subjects to arrive at valuable insights about the creative process. Some of the topics we cover include the definition and measurement of creativity, the nature of the creative process, the creative personality, the role of family life and culture in creativity, the relationship of creativity to IQ, and the relationship of creativity to psychopathology. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1870 Law and Psychology (20212) (Website) (Printable version)
Ellsworth Lapham Fersch, PhD, JD, Lecturer on Psychology, Harvard Medical School.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Spring term: Mondays beginning Jan. 26, 5:30-7:30 pm, William James Hall, Room 1.

This course compares legal and psychological approaches to human behavior and considers their interaction. Topics include marriage, divorce, and custody; involuntary commitment to mental hospitals and substance abuse programs; the insanity defense; profiling; confessions; victimless crimes; and eyewitness testimony. The course discusses the roles of lawyers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, in theory and in practice. (4 credits)

PSYC E-1880 Clinical Psychology (10241) (Syllabus) (Printable version)
Nancy Hebben, PhD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School.
Course tuition: noncredit $450, undergraduate credit $800, graduate credit $1,725.
Fall term: Thursdays beginning Sept. 18, 5:30-7:30 pm, William James Hall, Room 105.

This course is an overview of the field of clinical psychology focusing on theory, research, and practice. Major topics include historical background, training, personality theory, diagnosis according to DSM-IV, assessment, psychotherapy, and ethics and professional issues. Prerequisite: coursework in psychology, preferably abnormal psychology or personality theory. (4 credits)

PSYC E-2441 Clinical Neuroscience (23115) (Website) (Printable version)
Diego A. Pizzagalli, PhD, John and Ruth Hazel Associate Professor of the Social Sciences, Harvard University.
Graduate seminar. Course tuition: graduate credit $1,725. Limited enrollment.
Spring term: Mondays beginning Jan. 26, 5:30-7:30 pm, William James Hall, Room 474.

This seminar provides a comprehensive review of neuroscientific approaches to understanding key biological systems involved in various forms of psychopathology. Implications for treatment and diagnosis are emphasized. Prerequisites: PSYC E-15 and E-1240, or permission of the instructor. (4 credits)

PSYC E-2455 Psychotherapy Research (22622) (Syllabus) (Printable version)
Matthew K. Nock, PhD, John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences, Harvard University.
Graduate seminar. Course tuition: graduate credit $1,725. Limited enrollment.
Spring term: Mondays beginning Jan. 26, 7:35-9:35 pm, William James Hall, Room 1305.

This seminar is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of basic concepts in psychotherapy research, including the history of psychotherapy, basic methodological issues in studying therapeutic change (group and single-case designs, measuring change, reviewing progress), major approaches to psychotherapy (for example, CBT, psychodynamic, experiential), and psychotherapy with special populations. Prerequisites: introductory psychology and abnormal psychology. (4 credits)