Integrative Studies

Historical and Socio-cultural Perspectives in Psychology
This content area sets the field of psychology in a larger socio-cultural context: exploring questions regarding its historical roots and development, its place in the contemporary world and its potential future in response to the needs of the 21st century. The intent is to foster in students an ability to think creatively about the possibilities and to act as informed change agents in the world.

Applied Ecopsychology
Experiential educational, counseling and mental health skills explore our connection with the natural world. This course is appropriate for anyone wishing to pursue work in ecopsychology, outdoor and environmental education, wilderness counseling and mental health work using natural settings. This would include environmental work in any setting where people seek either healing through connection with the natural world or healing of our connection with the natural world. Part of the course is conducted electronically so students must be able to access FirstClass either from home or in the computer lab.

ISP Program Seminars
This is a series of six seminars, each worth two credits, for a total of 12 credits that span six terms. Each seminar focuses on a different topic that provides students with information they need to progress through their degree program. Overall, the seminars offer a context for understanding each student’s own values and philosophy through exploration of his or her chosen field and asks questions such as: What is applied psychology? How has psychology evolved historically? What concerns and questions define the field? How do I define my own relationship to the field? What contribution do I make to the field through my course of study? These seminars give students an orientation to the ISP program handbook, policies and procedures. They offer a place to develop the degree plan, form degree committees and convene the degree committee meetings. Students explore and begin to articulate their theoretical perspective and investigate how their work fits into the emerging concerns of psychology in the 21st century. In the process, students examine the development and application of personal and organizational ethical systems within a broad psychological context.

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