Community Service in Psychology

 

PSY 395 - Field Experience in Psychology

Each quarter, the Department and E.P.I.C. (Educational Participation in Communities) offer up to four units of academic credit for volunteer service through the PSY 395 Field Experience in Psychology course. The course provides students an opportunity to study psychological principles of behavior in nonlaboratory settings, which may involve observation and participation in community, clinical, educational, business or other organizational settings.

Note: Although PSY 395 may be repeated for a total of 8 units, only 4 units can be applied to the Psychology BA elective coursework. PSY 395 is graded CR/NC. Department approval required.

To inquire about PSY 395, you can visit the EPIC Office, located in the basement of the Career Center or call their office at (323) 343-3380. Or you can call the Psychology Department at (323) 343-2250.

To register: You will need to take a Blue Permit Slip, available in the Psychology Department office, when you visit the EPIC office. The Blue Permit Slip must be approved by EPIC and returned to the Psychology Department, KH C3104.

 

Service Learning

Service Learning (SL) is an aspect of an academic course, like PSY 445 Community Psychology - Service Learning, that allows students to provide needed volunteer service to disadvantaged communities that utilizes students' academic knowledge and skills. Service Learning classes require students to provice community service as a means of applying their course-related knowledge and skills to community problems. Service Learning thus benefits both the student and the community. Course readings and lectures expose students to theoretical and conceptual issues within psychology that can be applied to community service. In-class discussions and exercises, as well as reflection papers, facilitate students' understanding of how their real-life service experiences relate to the academic information presented in class

For more information, please visit Dr. Kimberly King's Service Learning website: http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/psych/servicelearning/index.htm