The USC Psychology Department: How To Improve It

The University of Southern California (USC) has always strived to secure its place among the nation’s top universities, as it continues to progress and improve education for its students, in spite of the evolving changes that occur throughout the world. Because USC is a university that plans its future, it may be difficult when “the external environment for higher education is quickly changing in significant [and uncontrollable] ways,” mentioned in the USC 2004 Strategic Plan. Nevertheless, the role and mission of USC continues to be “the development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.” The mission continues, “[o]ur faculty are not simply teachers of the works of others, but active contributors to what is taught, thought and practiced throughout the world,” which is demonstrated through USC’s strong integration of both teaching and research for the purpose of advancing new knowledge. USC’s vision of becoming one of the most influential and productive research universities in the world, as well as its core values for improving education for the future is duly noted in the USC 2004 Strategic Plan, as it states, “[o]ur focus on increasing academic excellence, on hiring the best and most creative faculty, and on encouraging pathbreaking research, must continue to underpin all of our future activities.” Therefore this week's post offers a proposal for improving undergraduate education in the Department of Psychology, my unit on campus, in response to the USC College Dean’s Prize, which calls for suggestions from students to enrich the academic life and educational experience at USC. Based on USC’s mission statement and strategic plan for the next decade, it is note-worthy and sensible that the Dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, pictured to the left, has created this prize to continue to enhance academic excellence, especially with "intensif[ying] competition among higher education providers." It would only make sense that the Dean would encourage students to give suggestions to help USC strive to be everything it has set out to be, while promoting its flexibility in adapting to change both within and outside of the university.

My proposal for improvement of the undergraduate psychology program, which is encouraged to be "creative and daring," would be to include more guest speakers in the classroom setting, or even as a separate event in our Bovard Auditorium. By comparison, the competitive psychology department at Stanford University, which has been the top-ranked program for the past two decades, challenging other institutions, invites numerous guest lecturers from other universities to speak on their current research in psychology. Several speakers include Daniel Pine of the National Institute of Mental Health, Glenn Schellenberg from the University of Toronto, and Max Muenke of the National Human Genome Research Institute. An array of positive feedback on these lectures has been received, one of which states, “[m]any students find it an enlightening experience to hear firsthand about recent studies in these lectures.” Stanford even holds a reception afterwards that allows students to ask questions regarding the research. Despite the various accomplishments in psychology at USC, including state-of-the-art research facilities and the Psi Chi Honor Society, I have realized that, in learning about this colloquium series, this is a valuable experience that USC lacks in psychology. While USC aspires to greatness, there are still other commendable programs or ideas from other highly ranked institutions that can be worthwhile to USC.

Just as the College Dean’s Prize website mentions the example of a “speaker series on Becoming a Physician,” it would be highly beneficial for psychology students to have an opportunity to listen directly to psychology researchers, social workers, or psychologists who do work in the field. Psychology is a broad domain, encompassing many different approaches to the study of the brain and human behavior, and these events would enable students to obtain an understanding of the work involved in a particular dimension of psychology, as well as make them aware of the various opportunities that are available following graduation. I think that this could only broaden students’ horizons, further engaging them in their career of interest, and making them better suited for deciding what particular path to take within psychology. While the psychology professors at USC are extremely qualified individuals, listening to others from all different avenues of psychology talk about the research they have conducted or the work they perform in the field would be an inspirational, educational, and informative experience. For instance, there are a number of unique examples including Dr. Tara Victor, who could speak on the problems of malingering in a mentally retarded population, Robert Ressler, founder of the FBI’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program could speak on criminal profiling, and Dr. Ellen Markman, one of the nation’s leading developmental psychologists could educate on cognitive and developmental psychology.

The proposal for more guest speakers, whether they present themselves within a particular psychology class or in an auditorium for a wider number of attendees, will not just serve the needs of the students, but also those of the university and community at large. Part of the vision for USC’s future is “becoming a major force in addressing critical issues facing society and creating new societal opportunities,” and “creat[ing] solutions to the pressing concerns of society.” USC intends to “advance knowledge” and “address issues critical to our community, the nation, and the world.” The only way these needs can be met is through the proliferation of knowledge to the masses so that more people can get involved and take action. Much of psychology can be applied in every day life, especially concerning “critical issues facing society,” such as the problem of eating disorders to name one relevant example, because psychology attempts to explain behavior and social interaction. While this proposal is both rewarding and influential, it is also feasible, with a high potential for successful implementation given the necessary funds to contact and welcome such esteemed individuals. If this suggestion were to be implemented at USC, not only would current undergraduates be enriched, but also the next cohort of students that follow would be more inspired, scholarly, and robust, bringing about greater changes for our future.

USC Honorary Degree: Who Should Be the Nominee?

In view of the fact that spring commencement is quickly approaching in May, I decided to take this opportunity to acknowledge an individual who I believe has greatly influenced the field of medicine and health, one particular focus of my blog, and who therefore would be a well-qualified nominee for an honorary degree at the University of Southern California. For those unfamiliar with this tribute, it is the award given during each annual commencement ceremony “to honor individuals who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary achievements," or contributions to others through their professions, philanthropies, or other activities, "whether or not they are widely known by the general public." According to James Freedman, president emeritus of the University of Iowa and Dartmouth College, in presenting this award, “a university makes an explicit statement to its students and the world about the qualities of character and attainment it admires most.” My nominee’s respective field of endeavor is quite appropriate to USC, seeing as this university is world-renowned in teaching and research, and is one of the leading research universities in the nation. Based on the above-mentioned requirements, I believe that the individual who most deserves this award is Wendy Harpham, M.D., pictured to the right.

Dr. Harpham graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and began her career in her own practice of internal medicine. She spent seven years tending to patients, before she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “Forced to redefine her career,” Harpham decided to turn to writing in order to support, reassure, and assist others in need. She realized she had a very unique perspective as both a physician and now a patient, and therefore extended her care from not only her own patients, but to cancer patients and their families, as well. Through her experiences with cancer, she has written numerous award-winning books, shown to the left, regarding the issues that surround cancer including diagnosis, recovery and survivorship, and raising children when a parent has cancer. Harpham's goal was to help people find happiness in difficult times, and strived to “educate, comfort, and inspire others.” She states, “I share my personal story not to teach people about me but to help them think about, talk about, and better understand what is happening to them. I hope that others can learn from my mistakes and successes, and more easily find what can work well for them.” On top of these remarkable measures, Harpham has written a column “View From the Other Side of the Stethoscope” for the magazine, Oncology Times, in which she discusses challenges that may occur in caring for cancer patients. In addition to writing, Harpham has been recognized for her influential speeches concerning similar issues such as educating oneself on the nature of cancer, coping with illness, finding hope, and embracing life after cancer. Put succinctly, “Dr. Harpham devotes her energy to helping survivors directly through her writing and speaking, and indirectly through her activities as a patient advocate.”

USC "welcomes nominations of persons with distinguished accomplishments," and in light of her achievements and personal triumph against cancer, Harpham presents an exceptional example of someone who should be honored with the degree of Doctor of Science. Not solely because she practices medicine and is a cancer survivor, for these triumphs are not uncommon, but for how she made good out of a bad situation. Harpham has turned adversity into something more positive, and that is by reaching out to others in similar difficult situations. The fact that she possesses this distinguishing “physician-patient” outlook enables her to make a unique difference in her field of work. As a "nominee of exceptional merit," Harpham also has a meaningful and relevant message to instill upon the graduating class at the commencement ceremony. Upon learning of her diagnosis, Harpham was compelled to re-evaluate her career, purpose, and path in life. This demonstrates how, realistically, no one knows what is in store for them; the future is unknown. One must be flexible, because even after years of work and pursuing a passion in a career, as these students have done thus far, certain life tribulations may occur unexpectedly that cause a change in how one must live life. This is a strong message for diverse individuals graduating from college, entering the “real world,” and embarking upon career interests and other adventures. Harpham could guide the students in understanding one perspective on life, which is that what they believe is their “calling” on this day might very well change or be altered by a course of events in the future, but that their flexibility in adjusting will show promise and strength of character.

Wendy Harpham might not have walked on the moon, as past recipient and USC alumnus Neil Armstrong has, and she might not be as well known as past recipient Stephen Spielberg, but she has more than met criteria for this honorary degree, which as Freedman puts it, should "celebrate distinguished and sublime achievement." Harpham is a doctor of internal medicine, cancer survivor, author, public speaker, patient advocate, and mother of three, who embodies many qualities known to the USC mascot, Tommy Trojan, including scholarly, courageous, and ambitious. Not only has she made commendable achievements in her field of medicine, but she exemplifies admired qualities through her teachings, humanitarian acts, and inspiration for the future. Harpham is widely respected and would make a proud and highly valued candidate for the 2007 USC honorary degree.