BA in Psychology

• Social Psychology

  Dr. Michal Reifen Tagar

  The goal of the course is to provide students with a broad introduction to the field of social psychology, including major themes, domains, of inquiry, concepts and terms, and methods of scientific inquiry. In addition, the course aims to provide students with critical-thinking skills and a critical perspective on the social world in which we live.
• Introduction to Statistics A

  Dr. Michal Kanat-Maymon

  The purpose of the course is to equip students with basic knowledge of Statistics which will allow them to critically read and understand research reports based on statistical analyses and enable them to conduct simple statistical analyses. The course will focus on Descriptive Statistics – methods and statistical indexes aimed at describing types of variables, data distribution, and associations between two variables.
• Psychology and Neuroscience: An Interdisciplinary Approach A

  Dr. Limor Shtoots

  This course provides a vital introduction to the connection between brain and mind. We will learn about the life of the cell, and the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the neuron. We will then survey the architecture of the brain and nervous system, and learn about the neurotransmitters and hormone chemicals required for its operation (as well as those that alter it…). Along the way, we will learn about the techniques used to study the brain, such as EEG and fMRI.
• Introduction to Psychology

  Prof. Gilad Hirschberger

  This class will provide a broad overview of the field of psychology and will place emphasis on psychology as a scientific discipline. Over the semester we will learn about the different subfields of psychology and about the current questions and debates that are concerning psychologists today. We will also discuss the different ways to apply psychological knowledge outside of the lab.
• Philosophy of Science

  Dr. Avital Pilpel

  This course provides an introduction to questions in the philosophy of science and psychology. We will examine the scientific status of psychology and more general questions such as what distinguishes science from "pseudo-science"; How scientific revolutions occur, and how this effect our conception of psychology. We will also explore basic themes in the philosophy of psychology such as the mind-body problem and the nature of consciousness: Is the mind observable in M.R.I. images? Is our subjectivity reducible to objective description?
• Probability

  Dr. Michal Kanat-Maymon

  The course covers basic concepts in probability theory, and is designed to provide the students with the theoretical background for future statistics courses.
• Introduction to Statistics B

  Dr. Michal Kanat-Maymon

  The course will focus on basic concepts of Statistical Inference and the ways researchers generalize findings from a specific sample to the population from which this sample is drawn. Students will learn to perform and analyze simple statistical tests, such as Z tests, T-tests, and One-way Analysis of Variance.
• School Seminar

  The goal of this seminar is twofold: first, to introduce students to the Reichman University school of psychology faculty and their research programs, and second to expose first-year students to the diversity of psychological research and the way researchers think and go about their work. At every meeting, a different faculty member will present one of her/his research projects. Students will take an active part in introducing the speakers and their fields of research.
• Developmental Psychology

  Dr. Frenkel Tahli

  The course will expose students to fundamental topics in the growth of mind and behavior, from infancy to adulthood, in both typical and abnormal development. The course will take a particularly interdisciplinary approach - from neurons to neighborhoods, and even nations - as we discuss the interplay between biology, psychology, and culture in shaping a child's growth trajectory. Topics will include: the development of perception and action, language and thought, and the understanding of self and others. We will link the class topics to current debates regarding development, such as the effect of the media, changing family structures, and how to best invest in the children of today for future generations to flourish.

   
• Cognitive Processes A: Sensation & Perception

  Prof. Daniel Levy

  The foundation of all thought, behavior, and emotion is our interaction with the world through our senses. We will begin our cognitive journey by exploring the fundamental processes of sensation and perception, as exemplified in the chemical senses of taste and smell. We will then turn to the world of sound and hearing, and investigate how we perceive environments, speech, and music. After the Pesach break, we will touch on psychophysics - the mechanisms that scientists use to characterize individual and general perceptual abilities. On the basis of that foundation, we will explore the capacities and limitations of human vision, the most vital of senses. We will discover the processes and brain bases of our visual perceptual abilities: the structure of the eye; the early stages of visual perception; seeing shape, color, and motion; seeing objects, faces, and places; and vision for action.
• Psychology and Neuroscience: An Interdisciplinary Approach B

  Dr. Limor Shtoots

  This course provides more knowledge about the interface between brain and behavior. We will learn about the principles of evolution, get a glimpse at animal behavior, and investigate the mechanisms of sex and reproduction. We will track the homeostatic processes involving feeding, circadian rhythms, sleep, and dreaming, and find out about the hormones that help control them. We will learn how motor actions are executed, and about the diseases that impair them.
• Practical Statistics Using JASP

  Mr. Ehud Levitin

  In this course, we will learn how to apply the knowledge gained from the statistical courses using JASP software - the world's leading statistical software for social sciences. We will learn how to insert data into JASP, how to build a fully defined data file, how to build new variables, and perform transformations on existing variables. We will also learn to analyze data using the software, including producing descriptive statistics, performing any statistical tests taught in the statistical courses, and interpretation of the outputs.
• English for Psychology Advanced 2

  Dr. Yohanna Levy

  English for Psychology Advanced 2 focuses on developing students’ academic reading and writing skills in topics related to their subject major: Well-being (Positive Psychology) and Cross-cultural Psychology, using academic research articles.

  
  In addition, the course develops students’ academic skills by requiring them to conduct a mini research project and write their findings in a short research paper, using the articles they have read as a model. Students present their research and findings in class in academic presentation style.

• Research and Measurement Methods

  Dr. Karin Zohar Cohen

  This course is an introduction to the methods and tools of psychology as a science. You will be provided with the basic principles, theoretical and practical, of research methods in psychology. Topics covered include the scientific perspective in psychology, hypotheses construction and testing, operationalization of theoretical constructs, research designs, measurement tools, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations in psychological research. You will also participate in an experimental laboratory in which you will develop, design, run, analyze and report independent research (see separate syllabus).
• Cognitive Processes B: Attention & Language

  Dr. Michael Batashvili

  This course will explore the worlds of language, attention, knowledge, and intelligence, and attempt to understand the brain bases of those functions. We will consider the organization of knowledge in the mind, including categorical knowledge and the lexicon. We will try to understand the processes of understanding language, producing speech, reading, and writing. We will also get acquainted with cognitive and neuropsychological disorders such as ADHD, hemispatial neglect, aphasia, dyslexia, and dysexecutive function, and how they might be treated. Other questions to be discussed: How do we solve intellectual and practical problems (reasoning, induction, deduction, and inference)? What is required for us to multitask? What is intelligence? Are there really gender differences in cognition?
• Multivariate Statistics A

  Dr. Maya Lecker

  The purpose of the current course is to deepen the student's understanding of inferential statistics. In this semester, we will dive into tests of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and follow-up tests, both in theory and practice.
• Theories of Personality

  Dr. Ariella Grossman - Giron

  This course will present the different approaches in psychology to assess the nature of the personality. We will begin by discussing temperamental and biological aspects of personality and review empirical findings regarding how personalities are shaped and developed. We will then shift focus to the psychodynamic school –Freud’s Psychoanalysis and the Object Relations School (Klein and Winnicott). We will also present Self-, Interpersonal-, and Relational-Psychology approaches. Additionally, students will learn about the Humanistic and Cognitive-Behavioral Schools. Learning will emphasize students' ability to integrate, compare and critique the different theories.
• Biological Basis of Behavior - Advanced Topics

  Dr. Limor Shtoots

  This course builds on the material we studied in "Psychology and Neuroscience: An Interdisciplinary Approach". We will begin with an overview of human genetics – the foundations of what we become in life. This leads us to an overview of the biology of development, from the moment of conception until old age. The second part of the course explores the biological foundations of emotions and of personality and provides the biological background for understanding psychopathology. This will hopefully lead us to a better appreciation of the fine line between normalcy (if there is such a thing…) and insanity.
• Resilience

  Dr. Zohar Rubinstein
• Organizational Psychology

  Dr. Osnat Bouskila-Yam

  This course will provide an overview of basic topics in Organizational Psychology – the study of human behavior in organizations. In this course, we will explore individuals’ behavior in organizations on an individual, group, and organizational levels. We will learn the basic theories and concepts in the field and implement them in class, assignments and exams. In the course we will discuss different theories and empirical findings regarding employees' motivation for work, individual differences and their influence on job selection and performance, leadership processes in organizations, work in groups and teams, organizational culture and other issues confronted by employees, managers and consultants at the workplace today. This course will enhance students’ understanding of the world of business and related career concerns.
• Introduction to Clinical Psychology

  Prof. Guy Doron

  This is an introductory course in clinical psychology and psychotherapy. The primary goal of this course is to introduce students to the work of the clinical psychologist and to primary therapeutic approaches in clinical psychology: a) the psychoanalytic-psychodynamic approach, b) the cognitive-behavioral approach, and c) the family systems approach. For each one of the three therapeutic approaches, we will go over the underlying theoretical assumptions, how the approach conceptualizes the causes of psychological disorders, how the approach conceptualizes the change process, and the therapeutic techniques used in each approach.
• Cognitive Processes C: Memory & Reasoning

  Prof. Daniel Levy

  Cognitive Processes C will deal with the world of memory. In addition to studying its underlying systems and biological mechanisms, we will examine it in relation to philosophical and societal questions in our daily lives: How can memory define who we think we are, our emotions, attitudes, and wellbeing? How does it influence the way we relate to the society we live in, and to its members? We will examine how memory is intertwined with the way we reason, make decisions, and creatively solve problems. Finally, we will speculate on how memory manifests in the present era of artificial intelligence and virtual realities.
• Multivariate Statistics B

  Ms. Maya Lecker

  This course is designed to develop skills for data analysis. The goal is to provide you with a conceptual understanding of analysis techniques and with practical tools for conducting statistical analysis. You will also participate in weekly recitation sessions, in which lecture materials will be reviewed and practiced, and training with the JASP statistical software will be provided.

Core Courses

• Psychological Skills II and Field Experience

  Dr. Yasmin Fulder Heyd, Dr. Chantal Stern Azachi, and Dr. Efrat Salton Meir

  During the course, students will experience training and guidance in different settings of the different domains in the psychology field. Students will receive professional guidance from the place in which they will be assigned for their fieldwork, and will also receive additional personal and group training at Reichman University. During the course, the students will learn to recognize the psychological workplace environment in the field, will experience personal and professional processes that are involved in psychological work, and will promote personal development of skills needed in psychological practice. The course is annual and will take place once a week, 3 weekly academic hours. Once a fortnight the course will be in a group format, and once in a fortnight in a personal training format. The group meetings will deal with different topics related to work experience and theoretical conceptualizations. The topics will be raised by both the professor and the students, by presenting a short presentation. In the personal training meetings, students will raise topics related to their fieldwork and personal experiences that they wish to process and analyze with the professor.
• Abnormal Psychology A

  Dr. Joshua M. Weiss

  The first part of this year-long course, Semester A, will provide students with an introduction to the field of abnormal psychology. Students will first explore this subject through historical, socio-cultural, as well as biological contexts. Students will then study the etiology of symptoms, learn about classification and assessment of psychopathology, and explore the associations between maladaptive behaviors, diagnoses, and treatment approaches. This course will combine lectures, self-studying and reading, and clinical case material.
• Psychology, Culture and Society

  Dr. Michal Reifen Tagar

  This course places psychological processes in the broad context of intergroup dynamics. Individuals differ as a function of their cultural background, gender, socio-economic class, ethnicity, religion, nationality and sexual orientation. Students will be introduced to theories and research about the psychological meaning of group membership, with a focus on power differences between groups. The course will involve lectures, presentation of media segments, discussions, and interactive activities with the students (including debate assignments).
• Abnormal Psychology B

  Dr. Joshua M Weiss

  The second part of this yearlong course, Abnormal Psychology B, will continue to provide students with an introduction to the field of abnormal psychology. We will start out by discussing some basic issues regarding psychopathology that are currently being reevaluated in the field. We will then study different manifestations of psychopathology such as in eating disorders, psychotic disorders, disorders in sexuality, addictions and substance abuse, personality disorders, and developmental disorders including both childhood and aging problems. Students will study the etiology of symptoms, learn about classification and assessment of different disorders, and explore the associations between maladaptive behaviors, diagnoses, and treatment approaches. This course will combine lectures, self-studying and reading, and clinical case material. In this class, we will be reading, viewing, and scientifically discussing potentially sensitive material. The instructor will provide a preview of the material before each lecture to allow students to prepare themselves both intellectually as well as emotionally for the content of that week. Students should be aware of the emotionally relevant, and potentially evocative nature of an in-depth study of psychopathology.

Theoretical Seminars One Semester: Choose One

• Psycholinguistics, Emotions and Conflict Resolution

  Dr. Orly Idan

  The field of psycholinguistics is a specialized area combining psychology, linguistics, and cognitive science. Psycholinguistics focuses on the mental representations and processes that underlie human language use; particularly, cognitive processes that make it possible to generate a grammatical and meaningful sentence, as well as processes that make it possible to understand utterances, words, and texts. Furthermore, the field examines how groups of people are able to interact in dialogue. Stemming from theories on the relationship between language and thought, the seminar will provide a broad overview of how language serves as a "window into human nature", focusing on the interface between language, emotions, and conflict resolution. The relationship between language and our perceptions of reality will be discussed, with a particular emphasis on the role language of inter-group relations and intractable conflicts have on inducing emotions and, perhaps, on determining our attitudes within the context.
• Existential Psychoanalysis

  Dr. Yekutiel Shuham
• Clinical Neuroscience: Brain, psychopathology, and treatment

  Dr. Rany Abend

  Clinical neuroscience is a new research field integrating emerging neuroscience methods and clinical research on brain disorders and their treatment. The overarching goal of clinical neuroscience research is to improve our understanding of the neurobiological and behavioral bases of psychopathology, such as anxiety and depression, and develop novel therapies. In this seminar, we will first learn about basic brain circuits and common neuroscience research methods. Next, students will pick a topic in clinical neuroscience and write a final paper. This will be done in groups and throughout the semester, with guidance by the professor. This seminar is intended for students interested in an interdisciplinary approach to understanding psychopathology and treatment.

Research Seminars Two Semesters: Choose One

• Trauma Exposure - Coping and Resilience

  Prof. Michelle Slone

  In this course we will examine the effects of traumatic experiences and resilience factors that can mitigate psychological and psychiatric effects. Unfortunately, most individuals will endure some sort of trauma throughout their lives, from the milder to the most severe. However, interestingly, there is much diversity in response to traumatic experiences. A central reason for these individual differences can be attributed to resilience factors. A research model to examine resilience factors will be presented, and the clinical implications will be discussed. This framework presents many opportunities for guided research according to the interests of the students
• Shaping Memory and Facing Anxiety

  Dr. Michael Batashvili

  In this guided research seminar students will conduct an empirical study and will write a full APA style research paper. We will focus on the broad area of memory including topics of memory reconsolidation, texture memory and associative memory. We will integrate into that the field of anxiety, including general anxiety and more specific types, such as maths anxiety, which encompasses the feelings of tension and apprehension when manipulating numbers or completing maths-based tasks. Together we will develop and test new and diverse lines of research in this area
• The neurobiological basis of fear and anxiety

  Dr. Rany Abend
• Brain and Mind

  Dr. Limor Shtoots

  This two-year program provides outstanding 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate psychology students (3rd and 4th year for psychology-business and psychology-law students) with the opportunity to explore the relationship between mind and body, and to participate in ground-breaking research. The "Brain and Mind" internships take place in RU laboratories and in Sagol Neuroscience Center of Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer. During the 1st year of the program, participants acquire methodical research skills in neuroscience or neuropsychology (EEG, eye-tracking, physiological markers, MRI, animal behavior, sleep studies, neuropsychological testing, psycho-pharmacology, programming and analysis in Matlab, E-prime, etc.) (Instead of Guided Research course - 2 academic credits). During the 2nd year of the program, students commit 14 hours weekly to participate in a research project under the supervision of senior researchers (earning a total of 8 academic credits: 4 academic credits instead of Psychological Skills / Field Experience, and 4 academic credits for writing a Research Seminar).
• Honors Thesis

  Prof. Boaz Ben-David

  The Honors Program in Psychology is designed to give outstanding B.A. students who plan a career in Psychology a unique opportunity to learn about and engage in original research. In the first year of the program, students will meet with professors coming from different psychological fields, and discuss their research together. We will practice scientific thinking, reading and writing of academic papers, how to present research to an audience and more. In the second year, the program involves participation in a seminar (where students present and discuss their independent research) and requires the completion of an original, independent research project, resulting in an Honors Thesis. The program takes place in English.

Elective Courses Students are required to Choose four of the following courses

• Atypical: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

  Dr. Ariella Grossman-Giron

  The course offers students a comprehensive exploration of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder with a rapidly increasing global prevalence. We will start by understanding the historical development and conceptualization of ASD, its characteristics and diagnosis, as well as the biological, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to ASD. We will then evaluate various intervention approaches for children and adults with ASD, while also examining the impact of ASD on individuals, families, and communities. During this course, we will explore various controversial debates concerning the causes and treatments of autism, including the neurodiversity movement. Learning will take place through lectures, video demonstrations, discussions and readings, to foster an in-depth examination of Autism.

   
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy

  Dr. Kfir Ifrah

  Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a short-term, evidence-based treatment approach, which has been proven to be beneficial in treating depression as well as other mental health conditions. This treatment approach assumes that social interactions have a significant impact on how one feels, and therefore focuses on improving them in order to facilitate mental health. Students will be exposed to the central tenets of this treatment approach, as well as to its detailed protocol and to studies validating its status as an established, evidence-based approach. Adjustments of this approach for treating several mental health disorders and its applications in several clinical settings (such as individual and group therapies) will be discussed. Alongside frontal lectures, the students will experientially learn important IPT techniques and strategies.
• Neurobiological basis of Psychopathology and Treatment

  Dr. Rany Abend

  Psychopathology and treatment are typically described in terms of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral processes. Important advances in clinical neuroscience research begin to offer new insight that complements these perspectives by linking symptoms to specific neural circuits. Such an interdisciplinary approach could help us better understand psychopathology and develop effective treatments. In the course, we will learn about basic circuits in the brain and how their dysfunction may give rise to different types of psychopathology, and potentially inform treatment approaches. We will also review recent clinical neuroscience research that provides novel insight on these topics, and discuss future research that we believe is important for this field.
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

  Prof. Amir Amedi

  Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a key non-invasive method for measuring high-resolution brain activity in the human brain. This approach has become a significant research tool in cognitive psychology, clinical psychology and neuroscience over the past decades. fMRI is the leading method of examining brain activity in living humans in both healthy individuals and in the clinic. MRI can be used while performing actions or experiencing various sensory and mental states. Therefore, this method has become the focus of attraction and convergence of many disciplines - Neuroscience, Psychology, Statistics, Computer Science, Medicine, Engineering and Biology. All of these, and more, use fMRI to expand our knowledge of the brain and even the mind.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  Dr. Dana Sinai

  This course aims to demonstrate the principles of CBT theory and emphasize its application in a variety of therapeutic interventions. There is a well-known misunderstanding regarding the depth and character of the change created by Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT). This course will demonstrate the broad applicability of the cognitive-behavioral model and the unique characteristic of the change created by cognitive behavioral therapy. The focus of the course will be on theories from the third wave of CBT. These theories that evolved mainly at the beginning of the 21st century integrate CBT with meta-cognitive models, mindfulness from Buddhism, and psycho-physiology models to create a holistic unified approach. The theoretical and practical characteristic of this course demands an active involvement of the student. I expect that the student will be familiar with the material presented by the teacher and the other students and the fundamental reading demands. This course isn't about theory alone. I will direct the student at the end of each lesson on how to implement the material not only into clinical protocols but also in their own lives to improve their wellness through various exercises.
• Introduction to Art Therapy

  Dr. Biri Rottenberg

  Creative art therapies as clinical playground - This course presents students with an overview of the psychological aspects of creative art therapies as a distinct therapeutic practice such as art therapy, bibliotherapy and music therapy. In addition, the course will provide students with the opportunity to explore and experience the theory and the practice of the creative clinical playground in class.
• Operational Psychology - Introduction to aspects of Selection, Training and Recovery of Operators in intensive situations

  Dr. Seifan Weinberg

  The course is an introduction to the world of operational psychology. As part of this, the students will be familiar with the psychological challenges and mental load that are inflicted upon operators and others who are exposed to extreme and intensive situations, that also brings risk for psychological trauma. The main chapters will be selection, training and recovery. About the lecturer: Seifan Weinberg, Ph.D is a clinical psychologist and supervisor. Retired from the Israeli Air Force after several positions, the last one as Shaldag’s SOF psychologist. Also, trains for endurance competitions (Ironman).
• How to Call Out Nonsense: Social Cognition in Everyday Life

  Dr. Britt Hadar

  Social cognition is the study of how people perceive, interpret, and interact with the social world, often relying on heuristics, biases, and stereotypes. However, not all social information is accurate, relevant, or trustworthy, and some of it may be deliberately misleading, manipulative, or deceptive. How to call nonsense teaches students how to critically evaluate social claims, arguments, and evidence, and how to effectively challenge and expose nonsense in various contexts, such as politics, media, science, and everyday life. The course covers topics such as the definition and types of nonsense, the cognitive and motivational factors that make people susceptible or resistant to nonsense, the rhetorical and logical strategies that bullshitters use and how to counter them, and the ethical and practical implications of calling nonsense. The course also provides opportunities for students to practice and apply their skills in analyzing and responding to real-world examples of nonsense from various sources and domains.

Guided Research Can be chosen instead of one elective course in Psychology

• Hormonal Research

  Dr. Orna Zagoory
• Research on Mental Processes in Sport and Effort

  Prof. Gershon Tenenbaum
• Project Alpha: Genetic and Epigenetic Study of Psychological Development

  Prof. Tsachi Ein-Dor
• Brain Research

  Prof. Amir Amedi
• Decision-Making Research

  Prof. Shahar Ayal
• Advanced Reality Research

  Prof. Doron Friedman

Interdisciplinary Studies Third-year students are required to complete an eight-credit interdisciplinary enrichment unit

• Criminology and the Psychology of Crime

  Dr. Joshua M Weiss

  Arguably, there is no topic more interesting than studying crime and criminals. Criminology and the Psychology of Crime try to understand what is about our surroundings that encourages some people to embark on illegal endeavors and what is it in ourselves that can promote rebelliousness, impulsiveness or the violation of other people rights. We will study how society tries to control behavior that is unacceptable or harms others via policing and punishment, treatment and rehabilitation. The three major disciplines that compose Criminology are Sociology, Law and Psychology. We will be studying these three disciplines as they relate to crime and to criminals. This course will integrate theory and research together with field trips and learning via observation. This course requires the following: Attendence (Required!), semesterial exams, a short oral presentation and a final paper.
• Entrepreneurship

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• Interdisciplinary Enrichment -Media psychology program

  Dr. Shiri Reznik

  Psychology and Communication Division. The yearly course "Media psychology" will focus on the psychological influence of the media on our perceptions, emotions and behaviors. We will examine the role media plays in the construction of gender identity, prosocial behavior, the world of imagination, body image, romantic ideals and sexual perceptions. We will discuss the constructive power of the media in comparison to the interpretive power of the audience, learning how different interpretive communities can actively read media texts according to personal values, dreams and beliefs. We will start with the construction of childhood, understanding the influence of educational media, children's books, video games and Disney movies, and gradually move on to the parasocial relationships teenagers have with media figures, concluding with the profound influence of romantic comedies and dating apps on our lives as adults. During the course the students will become active media makers, writing their own children's book, expressing original ideas, voices and narratives. They will also learn how to conduct qualitative research, using in-depth interviews in order to better understand the psychological influence of the media on different audiences.