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Psychology

New courses & special topics

New courses

 

TCA 480: Psychology of Transformative Climate Action* - Sam Lloyd

Spring 2026 – Tuesday 2:30-5:20 p.m.

This course introduces students to the psychology of systemic, collective, and individual-level climate action. It will provide students with the tools to: integrate psychological perspectives into climate action strategies, collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary solution-seekers, critically assess existing psychological strategies, and adopt a hopeful vision of climate action.

*Counts as upper-level Psychology elective

Special topics

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

Fall 2025

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 493 A02: Different minds/different brains: Neurodiversity in the classroom - Dr. Jim Tanaka

Fall 2025

In this seminar, we will review and discuss research examining about how children think about their own mind and brain and explore thinking from the neurodiverse perspectives and Indigenous ways of knowing. We will develop hands-on activities in cognitive neuroscience that are intended to spark a child’s curiosity and imagination about the brain sciences. As a culminating event, we will pilot-test the exercises at a local middle school with Grade 6 and 7 students; Pre-reqs: PSYC300A and PSYC 251

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

Spring 2026

Pre-reqs: PSYC300A

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 2026

Pre-reqs: PSYC300A and PSYC330

PSYC 491 A03: The Psychology of Wellness - Dr. Andrew Howell

Spring 2026

Pre-reqs: PSYC300A

This seminar focuses on psychological processes and conditions that foster well-being. Students will examine and discuss theoretical perspectives on well-being (e.g., self-determination theory) and contemporary research on such topics as subjective well-being, contextual influences on well-being, mindfulness, realistic optimism, sustainable well-being, meaning-in-life, social media use and well-being, and well-being interventions.

PSYC 491 A04: Forensic Psychology - Dr. Jodi Bain

Spring 2026

Pre-reqs: PSYC300A

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 493 A01: Psychology of Immigration - Dr. Nigel Mantou Lou

Spring 2026

This course explores the diverse experiences of migrants through psychological theory and research, with an emphasis on social, cultural, developmental, and educational perspectives. Through community-engaged learning, students will critically analyze and reflect on the challenges and strengths of migrant communities, bridging academic research with real-world experience. Pre-reqs: PSYC300A and PSYC 386.

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

Spring 2026

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