Psychology
Dr. Joanne Storm, chair
Dr. Regina Boerio
Dr. Matthew Breuninger
Dr. Charles Fischer
Dr. Marita O’Brien
Dr. Stephen Sammut
Aims
The study of psychology is always a source of fascination to students. It is one area of knowledge in which they are, at the same time, the subject and object under investigation. It affords them the opportunity to delve into the “how” and “why” of human behavior and the integration of mind, body and spirit.
By studying the complex behavior patterns as presented in the specialized courses listed in the Psychology Program of Study, students can intensively analyze each aspect of human behavior. Later, they synthesize these individualized areas of knowledge to form once again a comprehensive, organismic whole.
Courses in the Department of Psychology are designed to acquaint the student thoroughly with the content and methods of scientific psychology while validating the God-given dignity and worth of the human person. In addition to the insights that psychology gives to the individual student in understanding a person’s behavior, this program provides a background for advanced studies in such fields as clinical and counseling psychology, university research, teaching, vocational and educational guidance, medicine, law, and personnel work in business and industry. It is assumed that psychology majors will pursue graduate studies to acquire positions in these professional fields and licensures as psychologists.
Assessment Learning Goals
- Theory and Content of Psychology: Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
- Research Methods in Psychology: Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology: Students will respect and use critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
- Application of Psychology: Students will understand and have the opportunity to apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
- Values in Psychology: Students will be able to weight evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
- Information and Technological Preparation: Students will demonstrate the ability to use computers for information gathering and data analysis.
- Communication Skills: Students will acquire both oral and written skills in service of communicating psychological knowledge.
- Sociocultural Awareness: Students will understand and respect the complexity of sociocultural diversity.
- Personal Development: Students will have the opportunity to develop awareness and insight into how their own attitudes and behavior affect their interactions with others and be exposed to effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
- Career Planning and Development: Students will emerge from the major with realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings. This will include becoming familiar with ways in which the profession is a vehicle for living out one’s calling and placing that calling within the larger context of Catholic Christian and Franciscan values/life.
Psychology Course Descriptions