Interdisciplinary Psychology: From Science to Society

Description

Psychological science is in greater demand by many disciplines as the world becomes more complex. In this year-long program, students will explore the difference between the science and pseudoscience of human behavior and mental processes, as they: 1) examine the fundamental research behind individual, social and cultural human experience; 2) learn how this material is applied in public and private settings; and 3) develop personal strategies for application of this material across life domains (love, work, parenting, leisure, etc.), and in diverse disciplines (education, social services, business, government, criminal justice, medicine, etc.). This program is designed to foster comprehension of the material, enhance critical thinking, and build a skill base that can be applied in any setting. Each quarter builds on previous material, so the intention is for students to continue through the year.

During fall quarter, students will focus on the essential processes of the individual (i.e., neuropsychology, motivation, cognition, emotion and behavior), as well as the concepts and theories that underlie social functioning (social identity, social cognition and influence, and interpersonal relations).

During winter quarter, students will explore the call for evidence-based practices in psychology as well as other disciplines and develop a knowledge and skill base in valid and reliable assessment, counseling theory, and consultation.

During spring quarter, students will invest in an experiential examination of what is right about the human experience. Much of the history of psychology has largely focused on "psychopathology" and all of its manifestations. However, over the last 12 years a movement has flourished within psychology to investigate the social science of life satisfaction (positive experience, positive character, and positive institutions and communities). While this was often relegated to the edges of the field, it appears to be in greater demand as people are striving to achieve pleasure, gratification and meaning from their lives.

We will use a variety of instructional strategies such as small and large group seminars, lectures, workshops, films, role-playing, field trips, guest lectures and videoconferences with prominent contemporary psychologists. The material covered in this program is relevant to daily living, as well as preparatory for careers and future studies across all disciplines.