Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. Psychology focuses both on explaining, predicting, and controlling behavior, and also on understanding inner experience and consciousness, including emotion, thoughts, memories, self-awareness, and perceptions. In addition, psychology considers the impact of social and cultural context on behavior and experience. Psychology has its origins in multiple disciplines such as philosophy and biology and in many countries, including Germany, England, and Austria. It has flourished in the United States, and both professional and research organizations have had dramatic increases in membership. The psychology program at Wesleyan emphasizes intensive training in psychological research that will prepare students for graduate study. Students who plan on entering the workforce after graduation will also benefit from an understanding of the role of research in their field.
Major Program. A major in psychology provides a student with a foundation for graduate and/or professional study. There are numerous fields and specialties available in this discipline, including physiological, cognitive, developmental, social, personality, clinical, counseling, community, health, industrial/organizational, experimental, consumer, evolutionary, school, and forensic psychology. Interdisciplinary specialties such as psycholinguistics are also options. Some of these require more than a four-year degree, and some require graduate work at the doctoral level. But a major in psychology also enables one to enter the world of work without advanced study. A psychology major who plans to seek a position in the human services field after graduation should work with her advisor to select interdisciplinary courses that will complement the major courses.
Major Requirements: Psychology
The curricular model on which the psychology major is organized is described as a “generalist” model which places psychology squarely in the liberal arts tradition. This model includes an introductory course, methods courses in statistics and research, content courses in several areas of psychology, and integrative or capstone courses. As the introductory course, general psychology is a survey of the field with emphasis on research findings and methods of research. The methods courses (statistical methods, preparing to conduct research, and research methods) enable students to read, evaluate, and conduct psychological research. Content courses include the knowledge base of the discipline. According to the generalist model used, students are required to take at least two psychology courses with a brain and cognition orientation, one course with a clinical/counseling orientation, and at least two psychology courses with an interpersonal orientation. These content courses and elective courses, as outlined below, enable students to sample several areas in building a sound, broad knowledge base.
Capstone work in the major is provided through two required courses. One is a course in psychological history and systems with a strong writing component. The other is the senior seminar with emphasis on synthesizing empirical findings, speaking, and writing.
Wesleyan College’s psychology program closely follows the American Psychological Association’s recommended guidelines for the undergraduate major. Each of the broad goals below include several learning outcomes that we expect students to be able to meet by the end of their degree.
Goal 1 - Develop a knowledge base that includes significant development in breadth and depth of knowledge in psychology
SLO 1 - Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
SLO 2 - Apply psychological principles to relevant situations
Goal 2 - Develop a scientific approach to understanding human behavior
SLO 3 - Demonstrate psychology information literacy
SLO 4 - Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research
Goal 3 - Develop ethics and values that includes an appreciation of human diversity, as well as a sensitivity to issues of gender, race, ethnicity, and class as they relate to psychological theory, research, and practice
SLO 5 - Evaluate psychological science and practice using ethical standards
Goal 4 - Develop written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills appropriate to the standards and practice of the discipline of psychology
SLO 6 - Demonstrate effective writing skills
SLO 7 - Exhibit effective presentation skills that appropriately incorporate psychological language and methodology
Goal 5 - Develop the ability to apply psychological content and skills to career goals in order to facilitate meaningful professional direction
APA recommendations regarding professional development are met through Wesleyan College’s Here to Career Professional Development Experience courses.
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