BA in Liberal Studies, Psychology

Study traditional and contemporary psychological theory and practice

The psychology concentration has provided AULA’s diverse adult-learner population with a comprehensive and cutting-edge education in psychological theory and practice while emphasizing the core issues of social justice and intercultural studies. Engage in critical thinking for a deeper human understanding. Psychology is offered as a major or minor area of concentration of the BA in Liberal Studies degree at AU Los Angeles.

Program Overview

The Psychology Concentration in our BA in Liberal Studies degree offers rich engagement with both traditional and contemporary psychological theory and practice. We invite students to critically explore how culture shapes our experience of the world and how social constructs have the power to enhance and challenge our interactions with others. Alongside traditional Western perspectives, Antioch’s unique curriculum emphasizes social justice engagement, clinical practice, and intercultural studies. The arts, politics, sexuality, and community are explored in our courses, many of which are taught by licensed psychotherapists. Our Psychology concentration provides excellent preparation for graduate study in clinical, organizational, and research psychology, as well as in education and cultural studies. Many students save significant time and money by applying to our Fast Track program, allowing them to enroll in our accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology as completion of their BA degree. https://youtu.be/YqhUMzQL_Gk

Learning Objectives

1. Foundational Knowledge Students will articulate an understanding of the breadth of the field of psychology as it pertains to human and social interaction (eg: philosophy, science, art, anthropology and their clinical applications).
2. Critical Thinking Skills Students will demonstrate an ability to compare and contrast different approaches in the treatment of mental health, while considering the effects of ethical, social, familial and political forces on human interaction.
3. Cultural Awareness Students will identify their own cultural perspectives and biases and seek understanding of others whose histories, values and cultural practices differ from their own. They will develop an appreciation for underrepresented populations, unfamiliar forms of discourse and different ways of knowing.
4. Self Awareness Students will apply theoretical knowledge in the field of psychology to issues within their own lives, integrating emerging discoveries into real world contexts of personal and civic engagement.

Concentration Requirements

In addition to the general degree requirements outlined on the BA in Liberal Studies page, students must successfully complete a minimum of 20 units (Minor) and 40 units (Major) for the Psychology concentration. These units can be transferred or earned at Antioch. If the student has not fulfilled these unit requirements, the Area of Concentration will be designated as Liberal Studies.

Courses

The core curriculum serves as a guide to students in the concentration for establishing a strong foundation and the faculty strongly recommends that psychology students take as many of the core courses as possible during their enrollment.

Core Courses

• Politics of Psychology
• Human Sexualities
• Global Approaches to Normal & Abnormal Psychology
• Critical Psychology
• Contemporary Modes of Counseling
• Systems and Systems Thinking
• Ethics in Counseling & Psychotherapy
• Postmodern Psychotherapies
• Social Psychology
• Research Design & Methodology

Elective Courses & Workshops

• Applications of Psychology in the 21st Century
• Deconstructing Bullying
• Documentary Film & The American Psych
• Sex-Positivity & Social Justice
• Psychology of Happiness
• Psychology of Couples in Fiction & Film
• Bodymind Therapies
• Psychology of War, Trauma & Veterans
• Sources of Creativity
• Contemporary Neuropsychology
• Shakespeare Deconstructed: Gender & Power Play
• Madness in American History and Film
• Transgender Identities: A Multi-Cultural View of Gender Variance

For detailed curriculum and degree requirements, please visit the AULA catalog.

Undergraduate New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is scheduled every term. It’s a chance for students to visit the campus, meet faculty, register for classes, and get started on their educational journey. Upon acceptance into the program, students receive specific information for the New Student Orientation designed for them.  To RSVP for an orientation, admitted students should email: [email protected] or call 310-578-1080 EXT. 3210.