The Harvard Psychology Department is seeking TAs for the following Spring 2023 courses.
Preferred qualifications are teaching experience at the college level and a background in
psychology, neuroscience, human development, or related fields. Harvard affiliation is not
required. Please share with anyone who may be interested!
PSY 1 Introduction to Psychological Science, Dr. Steve Pinker - Tues/Thurs 1:30-2:45pm
"Psychology 1 is not just an introduction to the field of psychology but an
owner's manual for the human mind - and an opportunity to explore some of the most
fascinating issues in intellectual life. After laying a foundation in concepts about the
brain, evolution, information, nature and nurture, and scientific approaches to
psychology, the course covers specific topics including perception, cognition, attention,
learning, memory, emotion, decision making, consciousness, development, language,
personality, individual differences, psychopathology, social cognition, cooperation and
conflict, and love and sex."
PSY 15 Social Psychology, Dr. Fiery Cushman - Mon/Wed 10:30-11:45am
"An introduction to social psychological research and theory regarding everyday
behavior, incorporating methods from the life sciences (neuroscience, genetics,
evolutionary biology). Topics include: attitudes and social influence; obedience to
authority; stereotyping, prejudice, and intergroup relations; emotion; interpersonal
attraction; morality and prosocial behavior; and errors of everyday human judgment."
PSY 1060 The Science of Happiness, Dr. Jason Mitchell - Tues/Thurs 10:30-11:45am
"Recent research in the cognitive sciences-especially psychology, economics, and
neuroscience-has begun to examine the factors that promote personal well-being and
happiness. One surprising, but consistent, observation has been that many of the things
that are widely believed to be crucial for our happiness-wealth, material possessions,
"not missing out", even good grades-not only fail to make many people happy but
can actively undermine the sense of well-being. The course begins by introducing some
misconceptions that many people might have about what makes for a satisfying life. We will
then examine the psychological biases and other mental quirks of our mind that make it
hard for us to identify what actually makes us happy, and we will then discuss what recent
research reveals about factors that promote happiness. Importantly, throughout the course,
students will be invited to apply these strategies in everyday life. In other words, we
will both discuss what new results in cognitive science suggest to anyone interested in
better understanding the factors that promote happiness, and also actively put these
scientific findings into practice. Along the way, we will review historical and
cross-cultural views on the meaning of "happiness", discuss the limitations of
scientific approaches to the topic, and identify aspects of modern life (especially modern
life at Harvard) that make it difficult to develop habits that support happiness. Finally,
we will also discuss how to apply the new science of happiness beyond our own lives to
improve our communities and our planet too."
PSY 1503 Psychology of Close Relationships, Dr. Holly Parker - Tues 6:00-8:00pm
"This course is an in-depth exploration of close relationships. Examples of topics to
be covered include the biological bases of attraction; relationship formation; the end of
relationships through break-up, divorce, or death; relationship satisfaction; deception;
gender roles; same-sex relationships; loneliness; relationships and well-being; and public
perceptions about relationships. You will have an opportunity to explore these topics
primarily through critical examination of the empirical literature as well as through
popular press."
General TA duties: Leading weekly discussion sections, holding office hours, grading
assignments and exams, attending lectures, attending teaching staff meetings, and related
duties as outlined by the course instructor. Note that all instruction is expected to take
place in person on the Cambridge campus. Harvard requires proof of COVID vaccination for
anyone with an on-campus presence.
Appointment dates: January 1, 2023 - May 31, 2023 (classes run Jan 23-April 26; final
exams through May 13)
Expected time commitment: Average of 7-10 hours per week per section including teaching
time, prep work, grading, office hours
Salary: Senior rate - $6,195 per section (for those with graduate degrees or 2+ years of
graduate coursework); Junior rate - $5,525 per section
Interested candidates should submit an online TA
application<https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_82pwrJWARasC0n… as soon
as possible to be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Thank you!
Allie
Allie Pagano
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Psychology | Harvard University
alexandra_pagano@harvard.edu<mailto:alexandra_pagano@harvard.edu> | 617-495-3810