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Psychology

New courses & special topics

Special topics

PSYC 491 A01: Forensic Psychology - Dr. Jody Bain

Summer 2026

Forensic psychology is the interface between psychology and the law, so all psychological services provided for the legal community are forensic psychological services. However, most forensic psychologists provide services which are both clinical and forensic in nature. When a psychologist treats an individual who was emotionally traumatized by an accident, the treatment is clinical in nature … But, when the psychologist is asked to provide a report for the court, regarding the extent of the trauma, and to assess the psychological damage incurred, then the psychologist is providing forensic services” (Franklin, 2006). Topics covered in this course will include but not be limited to: victimizers and victims, anger management, violence and violent offenders, abuse and sexual offenders, juvenile offenders, male offenders, female offenders, mental health, mental handicap, and dual diagnoses. Crime, deviance, and justice issues will be examined.

PSYC 491 A02: Psychology of Organization, Business, and Consumption - Maria Stepanyan

Summer 2026

This course will examine social-cognitive perspectives on motivation in work, including leadership and employee attitudes, and consumer behaviour. Emphasis on consequences for productivity and well-being.

PSYC391: Family Psychology - Dr. Zwxi Zhou

Fall 2026 and Spring 2027

This course examines the psychological processes that shape family relationships across the lifespan. We will explore how families form, function, and change over time, with a focus on core dynamics such as marriage and divorce, parent–child and sibling relationships, communication, conflict, and caregiving. The course also considers how broader social, cultural, and historical contexts influence family life. Drawing on research in family and relationship science, the course emphasizes how psychological principles and empirical evidence can be applied to better understand real-world family relationships and to inform more effective ways of navigating them.

PSYC 493 A01: Flourishing Youth in Society - Dr. Frederick Grouzet

Fall/Spring 2026/7 - two semester course

In this course, students will engage with a youth-serving organization, a school, and/or a local community to address questions and implement/evaluate programs that promote the well-being of youth from diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, across developmental transitions, and in evolving societal circumstances. Students will also learn about theories and methods related to community engage research, knowledge mobilization, and program evaluation. Pre-reqs: 4th year standing; PSYC300A; One of PSYC332, PSYC336, PSYC345A, PSYC366, PSYC375, PSYC385, PSYC386, PSYC387. 

PSYC 491 A01: Psychology for Instruction - Dr. Allyson Hadwin

Spring 2027

Psychological science has much to contribute to enhancing teaching and learning across a range of educational contexts. Drawing on contemporary research, this course will explore evidenced-based principles from psychology that inform the design of effective and responsive learning environments. The course will be of interest to students who are interested in (a) applying psychological science to instructional design or assessment, (b) developing instructional tools and interventions, (c ) pursuing careers related to education or instructional design, or (d) contributing to research in the psychology of education. This is a good course for future teaching assistants.

PSYC 491 A02: Advanced Personality - Dr. Kelci Harris

Spring 2027

Pre-reqs: PSYC300A and PSYC330

PSYC 491: Health Across the Lifespan

Spring 2027

Taking a life course perspective, this seminar examines how health develops and changes across the lifespan, from childhood through older adulthood. Students will (a) explore psychological and behavioral determinants of health within social and contextual environments, including family relationships, schools, neighborhoods, and broader sociocultural contexts; (b) examine how these multilevel processes shape patterns of health, inequality, and resilience over time; and (c) engage with major psychological theories and research methods, as well as emerging social and technological contexts, to critically evaluate both academic research and popular health information. 

PSYC 493 A02: Reducing Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination - Dr. Maria Iankilevitch

Spring 2027

In-depth examination of theoretical, empirical, and applied approaches to reducing stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination from a social psychological perspective. Considers bottom-up and top-down approaches to improving intergroup relations. This course has a significant community engagement component. Pre-reqs: PSYC300A and PSYC387