Psychology (Div II & III)

Psychology at Williams

Psychology is a dynamic and growing discipline. Dedicated to the scientific study of mind and behavior, psychologists study a wide range of topics, including the neural bases of learning and memory, reasoning, decision making, vision, language, sleep and dreams, hypnosis, infancy, childhood and adult development, intelligence, attitudes and persuasion, leadership, aggression, ethnic diversity and prejudice, group dynamics, personality testing, depression, and psychotherapy. Many psychologists work in applied settings as well, in the areas of health and medicine, business, education, law, sports, politics, and the environment.

Our goal within the curriculum is to convey to students the sense of excitement in psychology today. We try to achieve this goal not only through coursework, but by providing opportunities for hands-on research with faculty. This is an active and research-oriented department with excellent laboratory facilities and a diversity of interests.

Representing the various fields of specialization in psychology, the department is divided into six areas: biological, cognitive, developmental, social, personality/clinical and health.

Major Requirements

Complete List of Courses

The Degree With Honors In Psychology

Students who are candidattes for honors need take only two 300-level courses from two different areas, but they must enroll in Psychology-493-W031-494 and write a thesis based on empirical or theoreetical work. Presentation of a thesis, however, should not be interpreted as a guarantee of a degree with honors. Guidelines for pursuing the degree with honors are available from the department.

Course Numbering Rationale

As is the case in all departments, the first digit of a Psychology course number indicates the relative level of the course. Where appropriate, the second digit corresponds to the Areas listed above.