New program in Social Sciences

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/basocpsy.jpg” caption=”The new BA in social psychology will explore how individuals and small groups interact and behave. File photo.”]If you ever wonder why some parties are “slammin'” and some not, you may want to join McMaster's newest program.

The University Senate recently approved a new honours BA in social psychology in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Launching in 2009, it aims to explore what influences our decisions, how we interact with others and what changes people's opinions while giving students insight into how individuals, small groups and societies behave, interact and develop practices and priorities.

“The addition of this program is in keeping with the goal of developing creative and innovative programs which build on the strengths of our departments and appeal to our best applicants,” said Charlotte Yates, dean of social sciences. ”By combining the expertise of many departments we permit students to develop an understanding of the complex, rich, and entangled theories, applications, and research that underpin this field of study.”

The Faculty, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, developed the program in response to student demand and to capitalize on expertise found in a number of departments.

“I welcome this collaboration to raise the emphasis on social psychology at McMaster,” said Betty Anne Levy, chair of the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour.

Peter Archibald, professor in the sociology department, agrees: “It is wonderful to see programs such as this developed.”

Interested students can find details on the new program at socsci.mcmaster.ca.