University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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Psychology The department of Psychology is. appropriately, in the Natural Sciences at Pitt. Psychology is the scientific study of human experience and behavior and deals with the relationship of these to biological processes, the activity of other animals, social interactions, and the wellbeing of the individual and his her society. In the various undergraduate courses, special attention is given to the social and cognitive development of the child; the physiological and neuronhemical bases of homeostasis, learning, and sexual behavior-, the psychological processes underlying social control and social conflict; and the origins and treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders. In these and related courses, the emphasis is placed upon research, methodological developments, critical issues, and theoretical formulations. The ultimate goal remains the better understanding of the individual and his her experience as a unique person. 234 PSYCHOLOGY

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POLITICAL SCIENCE Political Science The undergraduate political science majors offers the student courses in four basic areas: American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations, and Political Theory. Courses are designed: I) to enhance the student’s competence to assume the role of a democratic citizens 2) to increase his awareness of the relationship the United States Government has with other governments; 3) to familiarize the student with the great philosophical questions concerning the values of various systems of politics; and 4) to provide the student with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and carry out contemporary social science research. The Departments current plans include institution of a departmental honors program and also the addition of elective research seminars with limited enrollment for undergraduate majors. A government and public service concentration, which includes specialized courses and internships, is available for those students interested in pursuing careers in government service. 233

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RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies The Department of Religious Studies focuses on the significant role religion has played in the history of mankind. Together with the Program in Jewish Studies, it offers a curriculum through which one may study humanity in its varying attempts to answer the fundamental questions of existence: Who am I? What is the meaning of the world? What is the ultimate? Through non-sectarian and objective study, the influence of religion in the arts, in social and political change. and in human selfunderstanding is explored. The Department is committed to interdisciplinary and cross-cultural study-, many of its courses are cross-listed. Courses are offered in religious experience-. the biblical field; Western and Eastern religious thought and practice; American religious studies-, death, dying and immortality-, myth, ritual, and symbol-, methodology; ancient and modern religions. Independent study courses covering a wide range of student interests are available. VA 235