A counseling center psychologist teaches a seminar for freshmen: 'Life Lessons from the Writings of Alice Walker'

摘要

The focus of this brief report is on a literature seminar-especially designed for first-year students-taught by a counseling center psychologist. Carrying dual responsibilities in working both as a full-time psychologist and faculty member, the author writes of her experiences in helping to create a caring and intellectually stimulating class environment sensitive to individual development and group dynamics. The seminar has provided learning opportunities for students to read and discuss poetry and prose, analyze films and give formal class presentations. As a result of taking this course, students have spoken of acquiring an appreciation for poetry and other creative modalities as well as a keener understanding of the development of "voice" and psychological change.