B-W: The Genesis of the Study of Psychology at B-W

1848-1849 Mental Philosophy becomes a required Junior year course.

1873-1874 Mental Philosophy becomes a Senior year elective in the “Scientific Department.”

1875-1876 Psychology replaces Mental Philosophy as a Senior year elective in the “Scientific Department.”

1885 Psychology is a Senior year requirement, using the textbook written by Dr. Aaron Schuyler:

“During the Senior year, by extensive study and reading of the masters, Psychology, Logic, Ethics, and the History of Speculative Philosophy are pursued in Recitations, Discussions, Lectures, Themes, and Original researches, for the purpose of correct and solid thinking and inspiration in the direction of Post-Graduate investigation.”

1887 Psychology, a Junior year course using A. Schuyler’s text, is grouped under “Mental & Moral Science” with Logic, Moral Science, and History of Philosophy:

“The purpose of the class-room instruction is to put the student in possession of settled principles, to stimulate rational inquiry, and to direct him to the valuable sources of knowledge in this department. The unwonted [unusual] activity of research in every branch of Mental Science at the present [1880s] is recognized, and as the student comes face to face with living questions and grave problems, it is sought to guide him in his reading and thought to a correct apprehension of the principles and facts involved.”

1895 Psychology does not appear in the list of college courses in this academic year, but is part of the Philosophy course curriculum required for Freshmen and Sophomores.

1900 Psychology is a Junior elective and a Senior requirement, taught by Ms. Flora B. Herr, M.A., professor in English and Philosophy, for Liberal Arts and Education majors.

1910 Psychology & Philosophy, taught in German and English by Prof. Riemenschneider and Prof. Ward, are offered by German Wallace College.

1935 Psychology becomes a major course of study requiring 24 credit hours, with the following courses offered by Prof. Delo C. Grover and Prof. Kathryn Grover Harrington:

Required

General Psychology – A study of the mental life and its physical bases. (3 credit hours)

Applied Psychology – A survey of applications of psychological method for understanding, explanation, and control of human interests and activities. (3 credit hours)

Experimental Psychology – An introduction to the use of laboratory methods in the study of human behavior (3 credit hours)

Elective

Educational Psychology – The fundamental behavior will be studied as the basis of educational survey. This will be followed by a critical survey of the learning process. (3 credit hours)

Vocational and Educational Guidance – see Education 210 (3 credit hours)

Adolescent Psychology – A study of the mental life and conduct of the pre-adolescent and adolescent child and of their importance to the teacher. (3 credit hours)

Mental Hygiene – Study of established methods and principles of psychology used in the explanation and treatment of minor mental ills that interfere with the adjustment of reasonably normal people, with particular emphasis upon the difficulties of the school child. (3 credit hours)

Psychology of Religion – see Religion 319 (2 credit hours)

Tests and Measurements – An introductory study of the field of tests and measurements; participation in a testing program; study of carefully selected tests. Open to juniors and seniors. Fee $1.00 (3 credit hours)

Social Psychology – see Sociology 409 (3 credit hours)

1942 In addition to the Psychology courses listed above, the following courses are offered:

Child Psychology – The behavioral development in the first twelve years of the child’s life. A study of both the normal and delinquent child to make possible the real understanding of many adult psychological characteristics. One important foundation of education, social work, mental hygiene, and parenthood. (3 credit hours)

Abnormal Psychology – An introduction to the behavior of abnormal people. Attention is given to nomenclature, classification, and diagnosis followed by a study of the causes of nervous and mental disease. A review of the psychoanalytic movement is included. (3 credit hours)

--Compiled by Peg Jones