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LEHMAN COLLEGE
OF THE
CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
CURRICULUM CHANGE
1. Type of change: Change in Course Description
2. FROM:
PSY 310: Psychology of Learning. 3 hours, 3 credits.
Survey of fundamental concepts, empirical findings, and theoretical issues in animal
and human learning. Topics include [conditioning, extinction, reinforcement,
generalization, discrimination, problem solving, retention, and forgetting.]
3. TO:
PSY 310: Psychology of Learning. 3 hours, 3 credits.
Survey of fundamental concepts, empirical findings, and theoretical issues in animal
and human learning. Topics include classical and operant conditioning,
generalization and discrimination, observational and social learning, choice, problem
solving, and behavioral change. Applications to complex human learning situations.
4. Rationale:
The change represents a more accurate description of the central topics in learning.
The deleted topics of retention and forgetting are explicitly covered in other courses
(notably PSY 312 and PSY 314).
5. Date of Departmental Approval:
May 3, 2010
LEHMAN COLLEGE
OF THE
CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
CURRICULUM CHANGE
6. Type of change: New Course
7. Course Description:
PSY 312: Psychology of Memory, 3 hours, 3 credits
Theoretical issues, established findings, empirical research and contemporary
controversies in the study of memory. Analysis of the processes of encoding, storage
and retrieval, including models, developmental changes, neurophysiology, and
memory distortions. Consideration of the ways memory influences behavior,
problem solving, and sense of self.
8. Rationale:
The study of memory is partially addressed in two advanced courses: PSY 310
Psychology of Learning and PSY 314 Cognitive Psychology. However, there
currently is a growing accumulation of theory and research that makes it possible,
and desirable, to address the topic of memory in more depth than can be done in
either PSY 310 or PSY 314.
9. Learning Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be expected to:
a. Demonstrate an understanding of current theories of the processes of encoding,
storage and retrieval.
b. Demonstrate the ability to understand empirical research on memory processes.
c. Demonstrate an understanding of the relation between research and theories.
d. Demonstrate knowledge of established findings and phenomena.
10. Date of Departmental Approval:
May 3, 2010
LEHMAN COLLEGE
OF THE
CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
CURRICULUM CHANGE
1. Type of change:
New Course
2. Course Description:
PSY 417: Seminar in Perception, 3 hours, 3 credits
Classic concepts and contemporary research in perception, with an emphasis on
perceptual development and application of scientific discoveries in perception.
PREREQ: PSY 317 or Instructor’s permission.
2. Rationale:
The study of sensation and perception is addressed in one undergraduate course (PSY
317 Psychology of Sensation and Perception). There is currently a need for a course with
more in depth coverage of contemporary research on broad topics in perception,
specifically focusing on higher order visual and auditory perceptual processes.
Understanding how we respond to sensory aspects of the world and interpret those inputs
are very important and useful topics for a variety of undergraduate majors.
4. Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
a) Read, understand and use primary research literature to critically evaluate major concepts,
as well as classic and contemporary theories in perception
b) Identify cortical regions involved in perception and understand the roles of these regions in
perceptual dysfunction
c) Demonstrate the ability to understand and critically evaluate, in written and oral formats,
empirical research in perception
d) Apply knowledge of perceptual theories and research to the arts and various commercial
industries (e.g., industrial applications of perception in art, cinema, marketing, etc.)
e) Demonstrate how perception is interrelated with basic psychological processes including
attention, memory and emotion.
5. Date of Departmental Approval:
May 3, 2010