Psychological Science: Black Queer Psychology

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Prerequisites: PSYS 2002; and PSYS 2100 or PSYS 2200 or PSYS 2300 or PSYS 2400 or PSYS 2500.

Prereqs: PSYS 1400 and (PSYS 2000 or PSYS 2002); Junior and Senior standing only PSYS & NEUR majors and minors only; colocated with GSWS 3990, total combined enrollment = 25 PACE students with permission and override Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations

This course examines Black queer lived experiences through psychological theory, empirical research, and cultural analysis. Drawing from community, developmental, and social psychology, we explore how intersecting systems of racism, sexism, and heteronormativity influence identity development, motivation, and mental health among Black sexual and gender diverse individuals. Students will engage with frameworks such as intersectionality, ecological systems theory, queer of color critique, and the psychology of radical healing to analyze processes of healthy identity formation, resilience, belonging, and liberation. The course contextualizes how Black queer people construct meaning, resist oppression, and cultivate thriving within family, community, and institutional contexts.

This seminar combines brief lectures, discussions, peer-led facilitation, and experiential activities designed to deepen psychological understanding through applied and reflective learning. Students will engage in critical discussions, analyze empirical research, and connect theory to lived experiences through writing and collaborative projects. Expect to spend 6–8 hours per week on readings, reflections, and group work, with additional time devoted to the semester-long research or creative dissemination project (e.g., mock-symposium, zine, or podcast). All assigned readings are provided through Brightspace. The course emphasizes an inclusive and collaborative learning environment grounded in psychological inquiry, self-reflection, and community care.

Grades are determined by engagement with weekly readings and critical reflections, meaningful class participation, peer-led facilitation of psychological concepts, and a final collaborative research project accompanied by an individual analytical paper.