Psychology

This course considers specific cognitive functions and properties of the human mind. The material covers perception, attentional processes, language and knowledge representation, memory mechanisms, problem-solving and expertise, and the relationships and links between processes. Studies from classical and modern cognitive psychology are provided throughout.

The course develops an understanding of visual perception and its functions. Focus is on the integration of findings from physiology, neuropsychology, anatomy, and experimental psychology. Topic areas include theories of human vision and their application to understanding our ability to perceive distinct visual properties, for example the shape, size, location, and identity of objects. 

TBA

The course provides foundational knowledge of adult psychopathology, clinical psychology, and clinical interviewing, with a specific focus on a set of practical issues, such as the impact of cultural differences, the development of key intrapersonal skills (e.g. perspective taking, mindfulness, epoché, empathy) and interpersonal skills (e.g. communication strategies, setting, interventions and techniques). The course introduces the concepts of culture and identity, nomality, deviance and psychopathology through the framework of social constructionist theory. During the whole course, in-depth analysis of various topics may vary according to students' requests and previous knowledge. Classes consist of traditional lectures as well as interactive and student-centered activities aimed to foster an active learning process, such as group work, class debates, role play, and presentations.

This course focuses on developing a deep understanding of how culture influences individual cognition, emotions, and behavior, and analyzes psychological differences between groups and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The course explores how human behavior and thinking are shaped and changed within cultural contexts. 

Main topics in the first half: Understanding theoretical foundations include cultural values and beliefs, cognitive psychology and culture, cultural identity, and polarization and cultural psychology. Main topics in the second half: Understanding practical phenomena and finding solutions include culture of effort worship, face-saving culture, lookism culture, hierarchical culture, and other-oriented culture.   

This course examines health psychology and the role of health psychologists in clinical and research settings. It examines biological, psychological, and social factors in the conceptions of health and health related attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Topics include health promotion, behavioral health and illness prevention, substance abuse, stress and coping, management of chronic and terminal illness, pain management, and health services. 

This course examines health psychology. Topics covered include health behaviors, coping with health-related stress, social support and health, psychoimmunology, management of chronic illnesses, and patient-practitioner interaction. 

This course is an overview of the principles of child development and the factors contributing to optimal human development. Theories and research of youth development within the biopsychosocial model are covered. Societal, cultural, and other environmental factors that influence development are examined, as well as the biological underpinnings of youth development.

Political Psychology is an interdisciplinary academic field, dedicated to understanding political opinions and behaviors from a psychological perspective. Throughout the course, we will assess important theories and empirical studies regarding attitude formation and measurement, rationality and reasoning, information processing and cognition, affect and emotion, framing and communication, moral values, ideology, and cultural norms, group dynamics/interactions and social identities, personality, socialization, repression&violence, etc. and their demonstrations in various aspects of politics.

This course studies advanced topics in human visual, auditory, and multisensory perception and cognition. The content ranges from classical theories and experimental methods to the latest results and theoretical discussions in the field. It also relates these scientific concepts to our practical experience of how we perceive the world.