Describes both faculty and student expectations for the major and their evaluation of the curriculum. Students' career interests and differences in gender, race, and grade point average influenced the changes that were made in course requirements and department services. Suggests questions and resources other departments might use in revising…

Presented is a case study of a three-year comprehensive review and renewal of an undergraduate psychology department at a medium-sized urban university. Discussed are the antecedents or context of the review, method of review, the three stages of the renewal and revision procedure, and caveats culled from the experience. (RM)

Examines the relationship between academic advising and student persistence in undergraduate psychology programs. Research findings indicate that students with clearly defined academic goals are more likely to complete undergraduate degrees. The author stresses departmental faculty responsibility for academic advising and recommends the…

Discusses future directions in undergraduate psychology curricula. The author advocates the immediate need to define the field of psychology more clearly to increase its relevance. Innovative educational approaches are needed. (AM)

Discusses the role of research training in future undergraduate psychology programs. The author emphasizes the need to retain undergraduate research methods courses which have prompted many students to enter research careers. Psychology educators must confront an academic identity crisis and resolve the questions whether psychology is a discipline…

Discusses a classroom role-playing exercise in which students and teacher re-enact interviewing techniques that cause subjects to assume characteristics of the multiple personality. Demonstrates the social psychological aspects of multiple personality disorder. Considers the pedagogical and ethical implications of creating the multiple personality…

Compares a content analysis of 60 college introductory psychology textbooks published or revised between 1969 and 1975 with another analysis of 52 texts published or revised between 1980 and 1989. Finds recent texts more voluminous and more comprehensive, yet more readable than their predecessors. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 110 students in advanced undergraduate psychology courses to assess their retrospective impressions about their introductory psychology course, current course selections and performance, and future academic plans. Finds that students who had participated in a science fair gave significantly higher ratings. (CFR)

Describes an interactive method for teaching a course in the psychology of aging based on a multidisciplinary approach. Argues that it allows incorporation of a wide range of age-related topics, and provides students with practical applications. Allows students to identify and challenge perceptions of age and understand aging from multiple…

Describes a course that is built around student participation in an annual teaching of psychology professional conference. Focuses on course goals and objectives, course requirements, such as written assignments and attendance, and the evaluation of students. Considers benefits of the course. (CMK)

Reviews the topical content and structure of undergraduate community psychology courses, identified via university websites, by examining 24 syllabi. Reveals that prevention is the most frequent topic, "Community Psychology" was the most used text, and research review projects were required in 83% of the courses. (CMK)

Reports on a content analysis of data graphs in introductory level and upper level psychology textbooks. Explains that upper level and introductory textbooks did not differ on the frequency and variability of data graph presentation. Presents the results and discusses implications for teachers of psychology. (CMK)

Examines the impact of a course, the Psychology of Homosexuality, on heterosexual students' attitudes toward and knowledge about sexual minorities. Presents results on preclass personal experience with sexual diversity, preclass versus postclass sexual orientation, homophobia, and topic value. States that students left with significantly decreased…

Proposes using anecdotes in introductory psychology courses to teach key points, principles, and people. Offers theoretical and empirical support for anecdotes as teaching tools. Believes that anecdotes, such as when Gordon Allport met Sigmund Freud, provide an enjoyable experience and enable students to better remember information. (CMK)

Describes the "small talk" activity used in a course on the psychology of stereotyping and prejudice that helps students gain a comprehensive overview of course material and encourages them to apply course content to situations outside the classroom. Offers variations on the activity and descriptive statistics concerning the activity's usefulness.…