Title	Instructors	Location	Time	Description	Cross listings	Fulfills	Registration notes	Syllabus	Syllabus URL
PSYC 0001-001	Intro to Psychology	Philip Gehrman		TR 3:30 PM-4:59 PM	This course provides an introduction to the basic topics of psychology including our three major areas of distribution: the biological basis of behavior, the cognitive basis of behavior, and individual and group bases of behavior. Topics include, but are not limited to, neuropsychology, learning, cognition, development, disorder, personality, and social psychology.		Living World Sector
PSYC 0001-601	Introduction to Experimental Psychology	Andrew H Ward		W 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	This course provides an introduction to the basic topics of psychology including our three major areas of distribution: the biological basis of behavior, the cognitive basis of behavior, and individual and group bases of behavior. Topics include, but are not limited to, neuropsychology, learning, cognition, development, disorder, personality, and social psychology.		Living World Sector
PSYC 1210-401	Intro to Brain & Behav	Judith Mclean		MW 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110401, NRSC1110401	Living World Sector
PSYC 1210-601	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Judith Mclean		MW 5:15 PM-6:44 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110601, NRSC1110601	Living World Sector
PSYC 1230-401	Cognitive Neuroscience	Elizabeth Siefert Fiona Lee Monami Nishio Russell A Epstein		TR 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	The study of the neural systems that underlie human perception, memory and language; and of the pathological syndromes that result from damage to these systems.	NRSC2249401	Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
PSYC 1333-401	Intro Cognitive Science			TR 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	How do minds work? This course surveys a wide range of answers to this question from disciplines ranging from philosophy to neuroscience. The course devotes special attention to the use of simple computational and mathematical models. Topics include perception, learning, memory, decision making, and language. The course shows how the different views from the parent disciplines interact and identifies some common themes among the theories that have been proposed. The course pays particular attention to the distinctive role of computation in such theories and provides an introduction to some of the main directions of current research in the field. It is a requirement for the BA in Cognitive Science, the BAS in Computer and Cognitive Science, and the minor in Cognitive Science, and it is recommended for students taking the dual degree in Computer and Cognitive Science.	CIS1400401, COGS1001401, LING1005401, PHIL1840401	Formal Reasoning & Analysis Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
PSYC 1340-401	Perception	Ansh Soni Callista Dyer Johannes Burge		MW 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	How the individual acquires and is guided by knowledge about objects and events in their environment.	VLST2110401
PSYC 1440-001	Social Psychology	Jordana Cooperberg		TR 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	An overview of theories and research across the range of social behavior from intra-individual to the group level including the effects of culture, social environment, and groups on social interaction.		Society Sector
PSYC 2220-401	Evolution of Behavior	Marc F Schmidt Yun Ding		TR 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	The evolution of behavior in animals will be explored using basic genetic and evolutionary principles. Lectures will highlight behavioral principles using a wide range of animal species, both vertebrate and invertebrate. Examples of behavior include the complex economic decisions related to foraging, migratory birds using geomagnetic fields to find breeding grounds, and the decision individuals make to live in groups. Group living has led to the evolution of social behavior and much of the course will focus on group formation, cooperation among kin, mating systems, territoriality and communication.	BIOL2140401, NRSC2140401
PSYC 2280-001	Neuroscience and Society	Sharon L Thompson-Schill		TR 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Cognitive, social,and affective neuroscience have made tremendous progress in in the last two decades. As this progress continues, neuroscience is becoming increasingly relevant to all of the real-world endeavors that require understanding, predicting and changing human behavior. In this course we will examine the ways in which neuroscience is being applied in law, criminal justice, national defense, education, economics, business,and other sectors of society. For each application area we will briefly review those aspects of neuroscience that are most relevant, and then study the application in more detail.
PSYC 2300-001	Human Memory	Michael J. Kahana		TR 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	An introduction to the scientific study of humn memory, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between theory and experiment. Topics will include dual store models and the debate over short-term meory, recognition memory for items and associations, the role of time and context in memory formation and retrieval, theories of association, memory for sequences, the influence of prior knowledge on new learning, spatial and navigational memory, perceptual learning, classification and function learning, memory diorders, and developmental changes in memory function.
PSYC 2320-001	Empirical Psych Treatments	Daniel Moriarity		TR 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	This course will serve two primary academic goals. First, to provide students with a contemporary introduction to empirically supported treatments for mental health conditions, with a particular focus on psychotherapeutic approaches. Second, it will teach students how to think about and evaluate research that tests the efficacy of interventions and explore how they work.
PSYC 2737-001	Judgment and Decisions	Diego Fernandez-Duque Feiyi Wang Shelby Weathers		CANCELED	Thinking, judgment, and personal and societal decision making, with emphasis on fallacies and biases.		Quantitative Data Analysis
PSYC 2750-401	Behavioral Economics & Psyc	Paul Deutchman		TR 3:30 PM-4:59 PM	Our understanding of markets, governments, and societies rests on our understanding of choice behavior, and the psychological forces that govern it. This course will introduce you to the study of choice, and will examine in detail what we know about how people make choices, and how we can influence these choices. It will utilize insights from psychology and economics, and will apply these insights to domains including risky decision making, intertemporal decision making, and social decision making.	PPE3003401
PSYC 3170-301	Seminar: Elusive Cures	Nicole C Rust		TR 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	Brain research has been accelerating rapidly in recent decades, but the translation of our many discoveries into treatments and cures for brain disorders has not happened as many expected. We do not have cures for the vast majority of brain illnesses, from Alzheimer’s to depression, and many medications we do have to treat the brain are derived from drugs produced in the 1950s—before we knew much about the brain at all. Tackling brain disorders is clearly one of the biggest challenges facing humanity today. What will it take to overcome it? In this course, we will explore answers to this question, drawing from Professor Rust's 2025 book, Elusive Cures, and its source material.
PSYC 3220-401	Neural Systems and Behavior	Marc F Schmidt		CANCELED	This course will investigate neural processing at the systems level. Principles of how brains encode information will be explored in both sensory (e.g. visual, auditory, social, etc.) and motor systems. Neural encoding strategies will be discussed in relation to the specific behavioral needs of the animal. Examples will be drawn from a variety of different model systems.	BIOL4110401, BIOL5110401, NRSC4110401
PSYC 3300-401	Seminar in Sleep and Memory	Anna Schapiro		T 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	Why do we sleep? This question has puzzled scientists for centuries, but one reason emerging from research in the area is that sleep is critical for forming, retaining, and transforming our memories. This seminar explores human and animal research in psychology and neuroscience that has shed light on how sleep carries out these functions. Topics will include the different stages of sleep and their roles in memory consolidation, its neural systems involved in representing memory at different timescales, and the role of dreams in processing memories.	NRSC4429401
PSYC 3463-301	Seminar in Abnormal Psychology: Body Image, Eating Disorders, and Obesity	Jordana Cooperberg		W 12:00 PM-2:59 PM	Developmental psychopathology has been defined as “the study of the origins and course of individual patterns of behavioral maladaptation, whatever the age of onset, whatever the causes, whatever the transformations in behavioral manifestation, and however complex the course of the developmental pattern may be.” (Sroufe & Rutter, 1984, p. 18). We will read and discuss seminal papers in the field of developmental psychopathology, case studies, memoirs, and sociological writings with the goal that students will acquire a deep understanding of the historical and theoretical origins of the field, key concepts, popular methodological approaches, and well-replicated findings.
PSYC 3464-301	Seminar in Clinical Psychology: Theories of Psychotherapy	Elizabeth D Krause		R 12:00 PM-2:59 PM	This seminar provides an introduction to several major theoretical approaches to psychotherapy, such as psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, behavioral and cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and interpersonal/group therapy models. Students will learn how these theoretical frameworks differentially influence assessment, case conceptualization, treatment planning, style of the therapeutic relationship, intervention techniques, and methods of evaluating therapy process and outcomes. Using case vignettes, film demonstrations, classroom role playing, and other experiential exercises, students will learn how these models are applied in real world settings and begin to develop an awareness of their own therapeutic philosophy. Critical analysis of the models will be advanced through ethical considerations and the application of multicultural and feminist perspectives.
PSYC 3766-301	Inside the Criminal Mind	Rebecca E Waller		CANCELED	This seminar explores the development of antisocial behavior including psychopathy, aggression, and violence. At its core, this course examines what increases the risk that children will develop behavior problems and go onto more chronic and extreme forms of violence and psychopathic personality that results in harm to others. We will examine psychiatric diagnoses associated with these antisocial behaviors in both childhood and adulthood and how they link to other relevant forms of psychopathology (e.g., substance use, ADHD). We will explore research elucidating the neural correlates of these behaviors, potential genetic mechanisms underlying these behaviors, and the environments that increase risk for these behaviors. Thus, there will be a focus on neurobiology and genetics approaches to psychiatric outcomes, as well as a social science approach to understanding these harmful behaviors, all while considering development across time. We will also consider ethical and moral implications of this research.
PSYC 3780-401	Adv Sem in Psych: Obedience	Edward Royzman		R 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	Though almost half a century old, Milgram’s 1961-1962 studies of “destructive obedience” continue to puzzle, fascinate, and alarm. The main reason for their continued grip on the field’s attention (other than the boldness of the idea and elegance of execution) may be simply that they leave us with a portrait of human character that is radically different from the one that we personally wish to endorse or that the wider culture teaches us to accept. In this seminar, we will take an in-depth look at these famous studies (along with the more recent replications) and explore their various psychological, political and philosophical ramifications.	PPE4802401
PSYC 3803-401	Adv Sem in Psy: Mod Choice Beh	Sudeep Bhatia		R 12:00 PM-2:59 PM	How do people decide and how can we study decision processes using formal mathematical and computational models? This course will address this question. It will examine popular quantitative modeling techniques in psychology, economics, cognitive science, and neuroscience, and will apply these techniques to study choice behavior. Students will learn how to test the predictions of choice models, fit the models on behavioral data, and quantitatively examine the goodness-of-fit. They will also get practice formulating their own models for describing human behavior. This class will have a major programming component, however no prior programming experience is required.	PPE4803401
PSYC 3931-301	Learning to Read Minds	Juan Ignacio Sanguinetti Scheck		TR 5:15 PM-6:44 PM	Research has shown that improvisational theater can enhance cognitive processes like creativity and flexibility. This upper-level seminar explores cognitive neuroscience topics through the experiential lens of improvisational theater. Students will learn about the brain – particularly how we understand others’ minds – and apply improv exercises to illustrate and deepen that understanding. The course balances academic rigor with hands-on practice, maintaining an accessible approach to complex concepts. Classes meet twice weekly: the first meeting introduces a neuroscience concept with discussion of research, and the second meeting engages students in applied improv theater exercises related to that concept. Part of this class happens "on stage". By the end of the seminar, students should be able to explain key principles of social and cognitive neuroscience (e.g. theory of mind, empathy, creativity, communication) and demonstrate them through improv activities. The course is experiential and will be graded through a combination of participation, written reflexion and science based conceptualization of new improv excercises.
PSYC 4460-301	Everyday Psychology	Loretta Flanagan-Cato		WF 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	PSYC 4460 is an activity-based course with three major goals. First, the course is an opportunity for psychology and cognitive science undergrad majors to develop their professional and science communication skills and share their enthusiasm for these topics with high school students at a nearby public high school in West Philadelphia. In this regard, Penn students will prepare demonstrations and hands-on activities to engage local high school students, increase their knowledge in functions of the mind and brain, providing insights that may promote well being for the high school students and their community. This will be accomplished as students design and execute hands-on/minds-on activities on a range of psychology topics. There will be 10 sessions across the semester for these lessons, allowing the college and high school students to develop a consistent teacher-learner relationship. Second, students will explore the literature that discusses the need for better bridges between scientific research and the broader community. Discussions will incorporate the students' experiences, including challenges and rewards, as they bring psychology lessons to local youth. This academic portion of the course will include guest lectures from the Penn community who actively engaged in community partnerships. Third, students will be challenged to consider solutions for any problems that they encounter using a Theory of Change framework. This aspect of the course will result in a final project in which students much create logical, realistic, evidence-based links between interventions, indicators of change, and ultimate impacts to mitigate the problems.
PSYC 4462-301	Research: Abnormal Psychology	Melissa G. Hunt			This is a two-semester course starting in the Fall. Class size limited to 8-10 students.		Quantitative Data Analysis
PSYC 4500-401	Research Course in Social Psychology: How to Change Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors	Dolores Albarracin		T 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	This seminar explores how and why people change their minds and actions. Are belief change and attitude change the same process? Why do some behaviors resist influence while others shift easily? Through readings and discussions, students will investigate theoretical and empirical distinctions among these constructs, analyze interventions aimed at modifying each, and design their own studies to test new approaches. Readings will cover foundational and recent research on persuasion, misinformation, and behavioral interventions. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to evaluate and develop evidence-based strategies for behavior change in applied domains such as health, policy, and communication. In summary, this progression (belief → attitude → behavior → integration → design → execution) mirrors how social psychologists move from theoretical insights to practical applications. The class will combine advanced readings, discussion, and applied activities aligned with the course’s learning objectives. You will design and conduct an experiment testing novel methods of changing beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors, program the study using appropriate software, and apply your prior knowledge of statistical analysis. The experiment will be designed, implemented, and analyzed collaboratively in small groups, while each student will write an individual research paper reporting and interpreting the results. This format balances targeted readings with active learning, offering a full research experience that complements rather than duplicates traditional seminar coursework. The readings are selective, allowing you to focus deeply on core works while dedicating substantial time to designing, conducting, and analyzing your own research. This seminar is ideal for students preparing for graduate study or research careers in social psychology, communication, or behavioral science. It will also benefit students pursuing careers that require analyzing evidence and understanding human behavior, including consulting, law, public policy, or medicine.	COMM4500401
PSYC 4997-301	Senior Honors Sem Psych	Elizabeth M Brannon		M 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	Open to senior honors candidates in psychology. A two-semester sequence supporting the preparation of an honors thesis in psychology. Students will present their work in progress and develop skills in written and oral communication of scientific ideas. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Honors Program in Psychology.
PSYC 6000-301	Social Neuroscience	Adrianna C Jenkins		TR 1:45 PM-3:44 PM	Choice of half or full course units each sem. covering a range of subjects and approaches in academic psychology.
PSYC 6000-302	Decision Neuroscience	Joseph W Kable		TR 1:45 PM-3:44 PM	Choice of half or full course units each sem. covering a range of subjects and approaches in academic psychology.
PSYC 6000-303	Cognitive Development	Daniel C Swingley		MW 10:15 AM-12:14 PM	Choice of half or full course units each sem. covering a range of subjects and approaches in academic psychology.
PSYC 6110-401	Applied Reg & Analy Var	Alexander Vekker		TR 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	An applied graduate level course in multiple regression and analysis of variance for students who have completed an undergraduate course in basic statistical methods. Emphasis is on practical methods of data analysis and their interpretation. Covers model building, general linear hypothesis, residual analysis, leverage and influence, one-way anova, two-way anova, factorial anova. Primarily for doctoral students in the managerial, behavioral, social and health sciences. Permission of instructor required to enroll.	BSTA5500401, STAT5000401
PSYC 8100-301	Psychodiagnostic Testing	Melissa G. Hunt			This course provides a basic introduction to the theories and tools of psychological assessment. Students learn how to administer and interpret a number of standard cognitive, neuropsychological and personality tests including the WAIS-III, WMS-III, WIAT-II, Wisconsin Card Sort, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Millon Index of Personality Styles. Attention is given to serving as a consultant, differential diagnosis, case conceptualization, and integrating test results into formal but accessible reports.
PSYC 8110-301	Psychodiagnostic Interviewing	Melissa G. Hunt			This course, usually taken simultaneously with Psychology 810, provides a basic introduction to psychodiagnostic interviewing and differential diagnosis. Students learn to take clinical histories and to administer a number of standardized diagnostic interviews, including the mental status exam, the SCID I and II for DSM-IV, the ADIS, and various clinician rating scales such as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Attention is also given to self-report symptom inventories such as the Beck Depression Inventory and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised as well as to computerized diagnostic tools.
PSYC 8200-301	Advanced Practicum	Emily M.B. Haimes			Intensive studies of single individuals including interviews, tests, and experiments; also clinical experience at appropriate community agencies.
PSYC 8200-302	Advanced Practicum	Melissa G. Hunt			Intensive studies of single individuals including interviews, tests, and experiments; also clinical experience at appropriate community agencies.