Graduate Seminars for Spring 2010

Psy 630: Seminar on Attitudes
Dr. Allen McConnell
W 9:05-11:35

Social psychology's definition of an attitude is an enduring evaluation of an attitude object (e.g., people, social groups, consumer products). Although ubiquitous, the study of attitudes has undergone many changes: issues about how to construct valid instruments, concerns about whether attitudes predict behavior, debates about whether attitudes are real or are on-the-spot constructions, and controversies how strongly attitudes are guided by nonconscious processes. In this seminar, we will read a number of theoretical and empirical articles on issues related to topics in attitudes and social persuasion. Students will lead weekly discussions, write reaction papers about the readings, and author a research proposal (the primary assignment in the class).

Psy 643.R: Psychopathology: Borderline Personality (2nd 5 weeks)
Dr. William Stiles
W 2:00-5:00

Alternative conceptualizations of and clinical approaches to borderline personality. Readings on theory, research, and clinical descriptions of borderline phenomena, including debates about the diagnosis and the nature or existence of the phenomenon. Module format will be readings and discussion. Written work will be a review-and-synthesis to be developed throughout the module.

Psy 643.G: Assessment: Introduction to the MMPI & MMPI-2 (3rd 5 weeks)
Dr. William Stiles
W 2:00-5:00

Construction, administration, scoring, and interpretation of the MMPI and MMPI-2. After some introductory reading, class time and written work will be devoted mainly to exercises in interpretation, including writing reports. If you are planning to take this module, please ensure that the MMPI-2 is administered to your clients, and encourage your colleagues to administer the MMPI-2 to their clients too.

Psy 643.C: Intervention: Client-centered and experiential approaches to psychotherapy (1st 5 weeks)
Dr. William Stiles
F 9:00-12:00

The module will be an introduction to concepts and theories underlying client-centered and experiential approaches to psychotherapy. Readings will include original works by Carl Rogers, and writers who have developed and modified these ideas. The class will be student-centered; details of reading and writing for the course and the use of class time will be decided by class members. This class is a prerequisite for PSY 750 (Practicum in Client-Centered Therapy) tentatively planned for Fall, 2010.