Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, mind, and brain. We seek to understand how people think and act, both as individuals and in groups. The department has 18 faculty providing expertise in six subareas of study: cognitive, cultural, developmental, social, psychopathology, and neuroscience. Features of the major include foundational courses, training in statistics and research methods, a cultural immersion experience, small advanced seminars, and opportunities to conduct original research.
The goal of the department peer advisor (DPA) program is to provide additional peer advising support to pre-major students and to answer questions about specific requirements for the psychology department. Click on the link above for more information. -->There are special pre-registration office hours.<-- CHECK FOR DATE CHANGES
“The Psychology of Heterosexism”
Mark Hoffarth
New York University
Nov. 29 (Thurs.), 12:15 - 1:10 pm, Judd Hall 116
Sexual minorities continue to face prejudice and discrimination. What social psychological factors promote and maintain heterosexism? How are sexual minorities impacted by heterosexism, and how do sexual minorities respond to heterosexism? I discuss how people may be motivated to justify the current social system because of the psychological needs that are fulfilled by maintaining a positive view of oneself and maintaining the perception that society is fair. As a consequence of these motivations, both heterosexuals and sexual minorities can be motivated to maintain the status quo in ways that promote heterosexism and lead to resistance to social changes and reduced activism. Specifically, I discuss the potential roles of religious beliefs, political ideologies, stereotypes, and social identities in influencing whether people oppose or support heterosexism.
Mark Hoffarth grew up in rural North Dakota, and attended the University of North Dakota as an undergraduate student. He developed an interest in social change and the factors that promote resistance to social change. He completed his Masters and PhD at Brock University, studying how anti-gay prejudice and opposition to gay rights are influenced by social psychological factors. He is currently a postdoctoral scholar in the Social Justice Lab at NYU, studying how sexual minorities respond to heterosexism.
Are you interested in exploring and/or pursuing a career path in mental health-related fields?
Do you have plans to apply to graduate programs in clinical psychology? If so, come join us for an alumni speaker series focused on health careers in psychology. Recent Wes Grads with varied experiences and career goals will video-conference in from around the country for a Q&A discussion on graduate study in clinical psychology. Professor Chuck Sanislow will moderate the discussion, along with Jacob Gonzalez from the Gordon Career Center.
All meetings 12:15 – 1:15pm in Olson Commons - Gordon Career Center, Boger Hall. Food will be provided. Click on link to register.
Fall 2018
Health Careers in Psychology Alumni Speaker Series – Ellen Bartolini ‘11 (Sept. 24)
Health Careers in Psychology Alumni Speaker Series – Geneva Jonathan ‘15 (Oct. 15)
Health Careers in Psychology Alumni Speaker Series – Ema Tanovic ‘14 (Nov. 5)
Spring 2019
Health Careers in Psychology Alumni Speaker Series – Isaiah Sypher ‘13 (Feb. 4)
Health Careers in Psychology Alumni Speaker Series – Ben Swerdlow ‘13 (March 4)
Health Careers in Psychology Alumni Speaker Series – Liz Weinstein ‘16 (April 1)
