University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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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

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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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HISPANIC LANGUAGES LITERATURE Hispanic Languages and Literature Spanish, the second language of the United States and the first of Latin America, as well as Portuguese, the language of the largest Latin country and the sixth largest country in the world, are offered by the Department of Hispanic Languages and Literatures. Students are taught the oral skills — comprehension and speaking, as well as reading and writing. Students may major in or simply take courses in the language, culture and literature of Spain, Portugal. Brazil and Latin American Spanish-speaking countries. Non-majors are encouraged to develop oral skills to enhance their major fields, particularly students in business, the health professions, and law as well as the humanities and the social sciences. Courses in culture and literature are available in both Spanish and English. Teaching certification is available at the undergraduate and graduate level. The Department offers the MA and Ph.D. in addition to the BA. and cooperates with the Center for Latin American Studies to offer a certificate in Latin American Studies. 236