Psychology

The mission of the Spelman College Department of Psychology is commensurate with the mission of the College. Using a wide variety of pedagogical strategies, the department seeks to provide:

• a rigorous, systematic study of the science of
  behavior and mental processes;
  
• a climate that facilitates academic excellence and
  intellectual development in the discipline;
  
• opportunities for development of competence and
  self-confidence in personal and social skills; and
  
• leadership for student involvement in responding to
  needs of the surrounding community.

Department Objectives

In a national study of psychology departments conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association of American Colleges (MC), eight common goals of the undergraduate degree were identified:(1 ) knowledge base;(2) thinking skills;(3) language skills;(4) information gathering and synthesis skills; (5) research methods and statistical skills; (6) interpersonal skills; (7) history of psychology; and (8) ethics and values. We as a department feel that the structure of our major allows students sufficient opportunity to develop in each of the areas identified. Majors' academic experiences are further enriched through close student-faculty relationships.

• Upon completion of the prescribed program for the major in psychology, you should be able to understand and demonstrate: knowledge of theories and principles in the discipline, including those related to the African American experience;
• the scientific method;
• how the theories and principles of psychology may be applied to individual, societal, and global issues;
• facility in communicative {oral, reading, writing and listening), research {quantitative and qualitative), and critical thinking skills;
• ethical standards and practices within the discipline;
• relevant applications of technology; and
• competencies required for entry into graduate or professional school, or for entry into the world of work.

The specific objectives represent responses to changes in the discipline, changes in societal demands, and needs and interests of the students.

FINAL HANDBOOK FOR DEPARTMENT (PDF)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS