Undergraduate Courses

PSYC 3341: Psychology of Morality

How do we decide between right and wrong? When do we behave well, when do we behave badly, and why? In this course, we will explore moral judgment and behavior—the evolution and development of human morality, its psychological and brain basis, moral “pathology” in clinical populations, and connections to religion, politics, and the law.

 TOPICS  ›  Emotion • Experimental Jurisprudence • Group Membership • Mind Perception • Motivated Cognition • Neuroethics • Political Psychology • Religiosity • Self-Concept

PSYC 4446: Social Neuroscience

Human beings are fundamentally social creatures. In this seminar, we will examine topics explored in classic and contemporary social psychology using the tools of neuroscience, such as functional neuroimaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

 TOPICS  ›  Dehumanization • Future Self • Impression Formation + Management • Prosocial Behavior • Sacred Values • Self-Control • Social Conformity • Social Connection + Rejection • Social Expectations • Stereotypes + Group Membership

Graduate Seminars

PSYC 5540: Advanced Topics in Social Psychology

This graduate seminar is designed to provide students with an overview of current themes and research in social psychology.

 TOPICS  ›  Attitudes + Beliefs • Close Relationships • Group Dynamics • Prosocial Behavior • Self + Free Will • Social Cognition • Social Influence • Social Interaction • Stereotypes + Prejudice

PSYC 5541: Moral Emotions

What is the relationship between morality and emotion? Do uniquely moral emotions exist? In what contexts do moral emotions arise? This course explores the nature of emotion and the nature of morality and their relationship, from the perspectives of social, cognitive, developmental psychology and neuroscience.

Jointly taught with Professor Jim Russell.

 TOPICS  ›  Emotion Regulation • Intergroup Attitudes • Perspective-Taking • Prosocial Behavior • Theory of Mind

PSYC 5543: Current Topics in Moral Psychology

In this graduate seminar, students will engage with current themes and research on moral psychology.

 TOPICS  ›  Class • Power • Status • Intentions + Motivation • Punishment • Forgiveness • Self + Free Will