The Department of Psychology is small, and consequently has little of the formality which is such a nuisance in other larger fields. Although it is, in fact, entirely separate from Philosophy, the office still calls the department "Psychology and Philosophy" and Seniors must still take one question from the Philosophy divisionals. In spite of this, however, the psychologists rightly look on themselves as a separate entity; a progressive and complete, though small, department. The department has its own elementary courses, its own "snap" courses, its own tutors and its own divisionals.

There are two introductory half courses, either of which is sufficient for admission to the more advanced courses. Psychology 1, given by Professor Boring is an introduction to Experimental Psychology and is involved chiefly with such topics as emotions, sensation, and memory which may be attacked experimentally. This course goes into physiology and biology, showing their relation to the function of mental life. Psychology A, given by Professor Pratt, and open to Freshmen, gives a wider outlook on the total field of psychology. While discussing the subject matter of Psychology 1 to a certain extent, it makes it quite clear that such is only one branch of Psychology, and goes on to treat of motivation, personality, social and abnormal psychology and other topics.

Other Courses

The other courses in the field are devoted to an elaboration of the various branches of psychology as set forth in Psychology A. The advanced courses are given by men who are specialists along their own lines, men who have not only a thorough knowledge of their own subject matter, but who can fit their material into the total scheme of psychology. Thus Abnormal Psychology is dealt with largely in its relation to the normal mind. The theories of such men as Freud, Watson, McDougall, and their followers are taken up and explained both in terms of he sane and of the insane. More advanced courses are offered in this subject a the Boston Psychopathic Hospital by psychiatrists from the Medical School. Social Psychology and the Psychology of Personality are taken up from the point of view of the sociologist as sell as that of the psychologist. As for the more exact departments of psychology, there are courses in Statistical Method, which is highly mathematical, in Experimental Psychology with laboratory work, and in psychophysiology. It can be seen from the foregoing remarks that a number of courses in other fields must be related to Psychology. Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, parts of Biology may all be counted by the department as related to psychology for concentration. Thus a wide course is open to those in the department.

Continual State of Change

Since the department is both small and independent, it is in a continual state of change, becoming more and more nearly adapted to the needs of the students as time goes on. Only in the last year four new half courses have been offered to undergraduates and graduates dealing with sensation, perception, motivation, and thought. These courses take the place of four others which were essentially for graduates, opening a wider field to undergraduates. This changes is typical of the department. Small enough to be free from red tape and continually growing, changes are made when necessary, removing obsolete courses, adding newer courses to keep pace with the continually changing state of the science of psychology. With many related-fields and a open mind the department is constantly becoming more complete for the student.

The tutorial staff of the department embodies this spirit. There are enough tutors and few enough students so that individual attention may be given to individual problems and work. Informal weekly meetings of the Seniors in he second half year supplement the tutorial work and give the Seniors a chance to discuss and clarify any topic of psychological interest. As a result, the divisionals come as a natural culmination of the work of three years. These examinations consists of two written three-hour tests and one informal oral on any subject selected by the student.

Informality

Psychology may claim as its best point its informality and breadth. Some of its departments are far nearer philosophy than science; others vie with the most exact of the sciences in accuracy. The field is not difficult; its material is of cultural and academic, rather than of practical value, dealing with principles and schools of thought, rather than with the application of these principles. It attempts to give the student some insight into the workings of the mind, both human and animal, an insight which, although it may or may not be of assistance in attaining one's first million, is of decided interest.