Academic Goals

Ten Goals of Psychology at Curry College

The Psychology Department provides a foundation of post-baccalaureate training in psychology and closely related disciplines, such as business, medicine, law, and communication, and prepares psychology majors for work in human services, government, school, business, and industrial setttings. We expect that our students will become proficient at critically evaluating scientific research, have a broad background in psychology, understand the value of both theoretical and applied aspects of the discipline, and have the opportunity to obtain research and applied experience by working closely with faculty on various research projects.

By graduation, the student should be able to demonstrate the following:

Psychology Skills

• Use APA Style appropriately
• Develop competent writing skills
• Know the major schools of psychology, their proponents, and their methods of psychological investigation
• Critically evaluate data from various sources
• Use the scientific method to develop conclusions about human behavior
• Identify major developmental issues across the lifespan
• Distinguish theory from research and integrate sources from both to apply to "real world" phenomena
• Describe the knowledge base of specialized areas within psychology
• Access and evaluate new information

Interpersonal Skills

• Develop critical thinking skills
• Increase empathy for others
• Master conflict negotiation
• Recognize cultural and individual differences
• Develop sound interview and conversation skills
• Increase tolerance for others
• Improve decision making
• Be open to new ideas
• Be willing to question assumptions about human behavior
• Work effectively in groups
• Recognize the complexity of human behavior
• Facilitate growth in others

Academic Policies

Academic Progress

Students are expected to maintain and demonstrate at least some level of competency in psychology in order to graduate. Students aspiring to attend graduate school or to receive letters of recommendation from the faculty should be receiving a cumulate 3.0 GPA or higher.

Class Attendance

All instructors in the Psychology Department have differing guidelines regarding how attendance affects a student's grade in a particular course. The specifics are outlined in each course syllabus. However, as a department, we strongly believe that if students expect to succeed, attendance in courses is necessary. If a student is unable to attend a class on a particular day, it is ultimately that student's responsibility to determine what he or she missed and what (if anything) can be done to complete missed work. Some instructors do not allow any make-up work regardless of the reason for missing; this decision is up to the particular instructor. It is the student's responsibility to attend class, be on time, and complete all assignments. As a general rule of thumb, every three classes missed amounts to recieving a full letter grade drop in one's final grade.

Assignments and APA Style

Written assignments should follow the rules of good thematic form. Although it is not the purpose of written assignmnets to test writing ability, spelling, or knowledge of grammar, errors in these areas reduce the quality of written work and will result in lower grades. College-level proficiency in writing skills is expected.

Because written assignments are expected to conform to APA style, we strongly recommend that students obtain a copy of the Publication Manual of the APA to learn APA style. A copy of the Publication Manual may be ordered by clicking here .

In general, late assignments are not accepted.

Class Preparation

Most course beyond the high school level require at least two to three hours of outside preparation per each courses hour. Considerably more preparation time is required when presentations and papers are due. All students are expected to read assigned chapters prior to each class. Students involved with extracurricular activities are by no means exempt from this responsibility.

Examinations

All exams must be taken at the time during which they are scheduled; as a rule, "make-up" exams will not be offered. However, concessions may be made if a student is unable to take an exam due to an extraordinary circumstances, such as a serious illness. In the event of such an absence, the student must contact the instructor prior to the exam and present documentation from an authorized physician (on letterhead) indicating the student's diagnosis and date of treatment.

Senior Seminar Portfolio

In PSY 3500 (Senior Seminar) students will be expected to design and compile a portfolio to demonstrate (a) how they have met the academic goals of the department and (b) how they plan to take the next steps in their professional development. We suggest that students retain papers and other work they have produced throughout their college career.

The senior seminar course will also include a comprehensive research paper and a multiple-choice exam covering major issues learned throughout various courses in the Psychology Department.

Surveys

The Psychology Department is currently developing surveys that will be administered during matriculation and after graduation. Surveys are distributed to students and graduates to elicit information on program effectiveness and outcomes. This information is needed for periodic review and must also be presented to regulatory agencies. No individual data will be released.

Professional Behavior
All students are expected to treat faculty, staff, and fellow students in a professional and respectful manner. Students who fail to conduct themselves appropriately will be asked not to partipate in classroom activities.

Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism, will not be tolerated under any circumstances and will result in an automatic grade of "F" in the course and a letter to the Academic Dean. Students wishing to learn more should consult to the Curry College Course Catalog.

Deficiencies in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Reading, writing, and mathematics inventories are administered during summer advising sessions and again during registration week. Students with deficits in these skill areas may be required to take certain courses or to register with the Essential Skills Center for skill remediation (617-333-2108).