On this page, you will find descriptions of the courses I teach at OSU, a brief look at my teaching orientation, and links to helpful student resources.
Undergraduate Courses Human Lifespan Development (PSY 350). This course has a seat limit of 49 or 95 (depending on the quarter) and is open to all students who have completed PSY201 and 202. The course is an introduction to scientific research findings and theoretical perspectives on human growth, change, and stability from conception to death. It includes sections on scientific methodologies appropriate for studying children, adolescents, and adults both cross-sectionally and over time. If you're interested in a fast-paced sprint through the life course with applications to psychology, nursing, education, physical therapy, medicine, biology, gerontology, and/or sociology, you might consider this course.
Seminar in Psychology of Gender (PSY 426). This upper- level seminar (25-27 seats) has only PSY 202 as a pre-req because it can fulfill the DPD breadth requirement (for non-Psych majors). It is also cross-listed with PSY 526, so is open to graduate students (who have additional requirements). The organizing theoretical framework for this class is Hyde's (2005) Gender Similarities Hypothesis, which presents the empirical support for the lack of significant differentiation between men and women. Over the course of the term, we consider the construction of gender over time, the development of gender identity, the role of power and inequality in status of women and men, and practical approaches to solving gender-relevant social problems, such as gender-based violence or emotional restriction. Regular academic term students will submit weekly written papers based on reading and analysis of published articles in the field and participate in high-level classroom discussion of weekly topics using both textbook and articles as source materials. Advanced statistical techniques are taught at the conceptual (not practical) level to further the understanding of empirical findings. If you are interested in any aspect of gender, want to improve your statistical knowledge in a supportive atmosphere, and/or want to be challenged to improve your writing (even if it's already strong), you might consider PSY 426. Special note about the PSY 202 pre-req: while OSU allows registration in PSY 426 with a grade of a D- in PSY 202, in my experience as a long-time instructor of this course, students with grades lower than C-in PSY 202 will struggle to be successful in PSY 426. Also, PSY 201 does not substitute for PSY 202 as a pre-req for this course.
Seminar in Health Psychology (PSY 498). This upper-level seminar (25-27 seats) has any 300-level PSY course as a pre-req, so it's usually taken by Psych majors. It is also cross-listed with PSY 598 so is open to graduate students (who have additional requirements). Over the course of the term, we consider psychological perspectives on a variety of topics including: the biopsychosocial model of health and wellness, theories of health behavior change, methodologies for studying changes in health, health-relevant behaviors, pain, chronic illness, health disparities, adherence, death and dying, and message framing. Regular academic term students will submit weekly written papers based on reading and analysis of published articles in the field and participate in high-level classroom discussion of weekly topics using both textbook and articles as source materials. Advanced statistical techniques are taught at the conceptual (not practical) level to further the understanding of empirical findings. If you are interested in health-related topics, want to improve your statistical knowledge in a supportive atmosphere, and/or want to be challenged to improve your writing (even if it's already strong), you might consider PSY 498/598. Special note about the PSY202 pre-req: while OSU allows registration in PSY 498 with a grade of a D- in the prerequisite course, in my experience as a long-time instructor of this course, students with grades lower than C-in the prior 300-level class will struggle to be successful in PSY 498.
Seminar in Psychology of Media (PSY499). This upper-level seminar (24-27 seats) is open to SPS majors and graduate students. First taught in Spring of 2019, it is undergoing revision for Winter, 2020. Through multiple readings, we address topics related to the influence of exposure to a variety of media sources (some examples are social media, traditional news, video games) on human psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to: the impact of screen time on infants’ and children’s cognition and behavior, screen violence and behavior, whether/how images of human suffering motivate reactive response, celebrity and fandom culture, representation of group members and cultural values, the pervasiveness of false beliefs spread via media, and questions of sensitization and desensitization. This is an advanced seminar, taught with the understanding that students have the prior experience, maturity, and willingness to learn that will make them successful in the course.
Graduate Courses Lifespan Developmental Science (PSY 551). Stand-alone graduate course. The study of human change and stability over time. Topics may include, but are not limited to, theories, methodological approaches, and contexts for development, social development, cognitive development, and biopsychosocial processes including temperament and personality, resilience, health, thriving, emotion regulation, and developmental contexts.
Graduate Seminar in Health Psychology (PSY 591). Stand-alone graduate course. Covers the theories, methods, and empirical findings that constitute the field of health psychology. Topics include, but are not limited to, the interaction of multiple factors involved in etiology, prevention, treatment, and course of illness and disability; health behavior, health promotion, and health risks; stress and coping in health; long-term care and adaptation to chronic illness or disability; practice of institutional healthcare.
Social Relations and Health Across the Life Course (PSY 599). Stand-alone grad course. Course covers the complex and dynamic interplay between psychological and physical health with the broad social context, including family relationships, friendships, work environments, and neighborhoods. Topics include social support, social control, social networks, social integration, and social conflict or strain. Special attention is paid to what is known about these topics in communities of color. The evolutionary advantage conferred by strong social connections is a guiding perspective.