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Psychology Department Philosophy
There are currently roughly 100 sophomore, junior, and senior psychology majors (freshmen do not declare a major), who participate in a wide variety of transforming learning experiences, both in and outside of the classroom. The Psychology Department at Ursinus College provides opportunities for
all majors to have a closely mentored research experience with a faculty member; and our courses stress inquiry and feature active, collaborative learning. Many of our majors have used their research projects to stretch their imaginations and explore a wide array of topics of special personal interest. Students have explored the impact of dance, music, and art on a wide spectrum of psychological variables. Others have integrated research with their study abroad, conducting cross-cultural studies
in Japan, Iran, Spain, Australia, Germany, and England. Some have synthesized their scholarship
with employment experiences, exploring how various workplace attributes affect performance, and investigating forensic issues such as the accuracy of eyewitness testimony and the prevalence of violent crime. Others have examined various technology trends, including the incursion of email, the uneven quality of Internet site information, responses to virtual environments, perception of orientation in space, the pernicious and positive effects of videogames, films’ elicitation of jealousy, and shifts in pornography due to technology. Students have also explored shifting attitudes toward environmental issues, the social and organizational impact of arrogance, the institutional consequences of diversity programs, correlates of gender-separate versus coeducational schooling, and changes in adolescent aspirations.
Many students merge their commitment to service with academics by using research and
internships to help others, through programs involving abused women, planned parenthood, schizophrenic inpatients, HIV education in prisons, smoking cessation programs, ADHD, eating disorders, brain
and spinal cord injury rehabilitation, geriatric programs, high school peer mediation, elementary
school student support groups, and toddler parent training classes. For seven years, Ursinus has provided an Autism Clearinghouse for area families, which links interested students
with those in
need of trained behavioral therapists.
In our work with students, we challenge, we share, and we care. We try to respond invitingly to new students, and work to create a warm, cooperative climate within the department that is conducive to student exploration and ambition. We strive to communicate expectations clearly ("your education
just starts in the classroom; research, internships/service/program development, and career planning are integral parts of what you'll be doing as a psychology major"), and regularly solicit information
about student progress. Our students are highly involved, and tend to find their niche and make their mark within the department. They frequently hang out with us, which seems to suggest they feel fairly comfortable with faculty.
The psychology Department has been successful in accommodating a broad range of student
interests because it emphasizes the liberal arts ideals of creative exploration and synthesis. Our
faculty members embrace a wide diversity of perspectives and utilize a multiplicity of methodologies
in their work with students.
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