PSYCHOLOGY-SOCIOLOGY PROGRAM

Psychology-sociology major. The psychology-sociology joint major is an interdisciplinary program sponsored by the departments of sociology and psychology. Students interested in this major should consult with a faculty member associated with the joint program: Professor Lemert in the Sociology Department and Professor Plous in the Psychology Department.

A total of 11 courses is required to complete the major. The major consists of introductory courses in both departments (SOC 151 and PSYC 101 or 105) and nine additional courses taken in the two departments (selected from numbers 200 and above in both departments). Normally, students will be expected to maintain a balance in the number of sociology and psychology courses. Two research methods courses are required, one from each department. One must be a course in statistics (PSYC 201/214, SOC 202, MATH 132, or the equivalent). Students' research-methods courses should be approved by the sociology/psychology faculty. All joint majors must take the senior seminar course, Seminar in Psychology and Sociology (PSYC 364, SOC 324) offered every year, each department sponsoring the seminar in alternate years.

Successful completion of the joint major requires either a senior thesis or a comprehensive oral examination, either of which shall serve to demonstrate an ability to integrate concepts and facts from the two disciplines. The senior thesis may be on a topic in psychology or sociology but must exhibit interdisciplinary competence. Two thesis research tutorials (409, 410) are credited toward the nine required courses. The oral examination shall be based on (but not confined to) three papers from courses taken in the program in the two departments. Normally, the focus of this examination will be a paper prepared in the seminar course. Theses will be read and examinations conducted by two faculty members, one from each of the departments.

Majors are expected to consult closely with a faculty adviser associated with the joint major and rely upon this advice to plan an academically coherent course of study. Special attention should be paid to the selection of research methods courses, the choice of the thesis or examination alternatives, and the choice of advanced courses.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CENTER

In 1991, the PAC instituted a program leading to certification in international relations in addition to a major. To receive a certificate in international relations, students are required to take introductory international politics, introductory economics, four semesters of a foreign language (or demonstrate competency), and a modern history course relevant to the development of the contemporary international system. In addition, students are required to take one course from each of three categories: contemporary world institutions or issues; the global economic system; and contemporary American foreign policy. Furthermore, students must choose two upper-level courses dealing with the politics, society, history, or economics of specific geographical areas, one of which must concern non-Western, non-industrialized countries.

To receive the certificate upon graduation, students will be required to have an overall average of B+ or higher in the advanced PAC courses submitted for certification. Students are also urged to study abroad, preferably in a non-English-speaking country, in order to improve their language skills. Internships in foreign policy fields (with international organizations, government agencies, multinational corporations, or nonprofit organizations) are encouraged. The foreign language requirement is met by coursework through the intermediate college level in any foreign language or demonstration of proficiency gained elsewhere to the satisfaction of the PAC Governing Board. A statistics course in economics, government, or sociology is strongly recommended but is not required. Students will be admitted to candidacy for the certificate at the beginning of the senior year. They must complete a statement listing the courses they have already taken and those they plan to complete during the year. Courses that count toward the certificate will be designated in the Course Book each semester, and a list will be available in the PAC office (Room 128).