Focus of the Decades:

1928-1939

In 1928 the first ever psychology course was offered at St. Mary's Female Seminary-Junior College. For more then 20 years, there was only one psychology class offered, General Psychology, but the course named changed frequently. Between 1928 and 1940, three women professors taught General Psychology, Mildred Urquhart, Miss. Adele France, and Lura Frances Johnson.

1940-1949

In the 1940’s psychology was not yet it’s own major. Before psychology was a major, all that was offered was a single course titled “Psychology I” or “General Psychology”. General Psychology was described as an introductory course planned to lay a foundation for further psychological work and, at the same time, to give the student a brief introduction to the various fields of psychology. The course was enriched with readings and studies of the function of psychology in the world. The course required three hours a week and was generally taken in the first semester.

1950-1959

In this decade many social issues are changing surrounding the college, but the main shifts at the college alone are the addition of men, and male professors. This allowed for an expansion of the number of classes offered and in psychology specifically, it was still viewed as an elective, but more classes and professors able to teach the courses became available. It showed an expansion in both the college and the availability of psychology courses. It allowed the student body interested in the subject matter to delve further past the general psychology topic and understand the exceptional child, and child growth and development on a deeper level.

1960-1969

This decade saw the addition of two psychology courses, Education Psychology, Social Psychology and Adolescent Psychology in 1964, 1966, and 1969, respectively. Psychology was still not its own major, rather it was included in the Social Science and Behavioral Sciences majors offered. There was a strong focus on social aspects of psychology and child and adolescent developmental concerns from the perspective of educators. Students were encouraged to take psychology courses primarily as an elective. Hopeful teachers, secretaries and businessmen were encouraged to take psychology courses as it would give them insight into individual and group behavior. The upper levels were not used to fulfill any particular major requirement, which raises doubt if all of the courses listed were actually taught every year. This conclusion is supported by the lack of specific psychology instructors, and only three professors in some years to teach all 4-7 of the social sciences courses listed in this decade.

1970-1979

In this decade the College saw a lot of additions to their psychology program. Psychology became a part of both the Social Science major and the Human Development major but was still not its own major. There were many professors that were brought onto the staff during this year because the school was expanding. We also see a large number of courses being added as well. Unfortunately, in the college archives we were missing the list of professors from 1973-1974 so it is difficult to tell who was teaching still and if there were any new or visiting professors during that year. The expansion of psychology could be due to the fact that the college itself was expanding. In 1970 the opening of Caroline and Prince George residency hall opened and the school acquired more land as well.

� Source: Newman Architects (n.d.)