Please note:

To view the Spring 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/spring.html.

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies and Psychology Joint Major

Bachelor of Arts

The Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies and the Department of Psychology have complementary interests in gender, sexuality, and women's issues. This joint major is for those who share these interests. Students are encouraged to plan to their program in consultation with advisors in both departments.

Declaration Requirements

To be declared to the psychology portion of this plan, students must complete

PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology I (3)

Acquaints the student with the major issues in contemporary psychology and considers the historical antecedents. Special attention is given to questions of methodology and research design in psychology. Topics in physiological psychology, perception, learning and motivation are considered. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Evan Caldbick
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 TBD
PSYC 102 - Introduction to Psychology II (3)

Acquaints the student with major issues in contemporary psychology and considers their historical antecedents. Topics in learning, cognition, social psychology and abnormal psychology are considered. Recommended: PSYC 100 is recommended but not required. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Alyssa Croft
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PSYC 210 - Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4)

Covers basic descriptive and inferential techniques most appropriately applied to the various forms of data from psychological research. Prerequisite: BC high school Math 12 with a minimum grade of C (2.0) or BC high school Math 11 with a minimum grade of B- (2.67) or any level MATH or STAT course with a C- (1.67) or FAN X99 taken at SFU with a minimum grade of C (2.00). Corequisite: PSYC 201W, but prior completion recommended. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Dr. Matthew Sigal
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or STAT 270 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)

Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, with a minimum grade of C-. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sessional
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
OL01 Gamage Perera
Online
OP01 TBD

and must obtain a final course grade of C (2.0) or better in

PSYC 201W - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)

An introduction to the procedures used in psychological research, and to the logic underlying them. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research, the formulation of testable questions, the control of extraneous influences, the measurement of effects, and the drawing of valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Provides a background for senior psychology courses since it offers a basis for the critical evaluation and conduct of research. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 102. Students with credit for PSYC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Evan Caldbick
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D112 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

The above requirement applies to courses transferred from other institutions as well as to courses completed at Simon Fraser University.

Students may declare the GSWS portion of this plan upon successful completion of one GSWS course and upon application to the Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies.

Course Selection

Students should complete PSYC 100, 102 and 201 as soon as possible to gain better access to upper division PSYC courses. Students who plan a major in psychology should also complete PSYC 210 as soon as possible.

The psychology department strongly recommends that students do not leave any of these required courses to the end of their degree. If a student is unable to obtain the required grade in PSYC 201, he or she will not be able to graduate with a major in psychology.

To enroll in psychology courses, students are required to meet the prerequisites or special instructions that may be stipulated for each. The listed prerequisites indicate the minimal background expected by instructors. See PSYC courses for details.

The psychology department reserves one hundred percent of all 300 and 400 division PSYC courses for approved psychology major, minor or honours students. Those who are not approved cannot enroll in these upper division courses until the open enrollment date.

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

Psychology Requirements

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete all of

PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology I (3)

Acquaints the student with the major issues in contemporary psychology and considers the historical antecedents. Special attention is given to questions of methodology and research design in psychology. Topics in physiological psychology, perception, learning and motivation are considered. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Evan Caldbick
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 TBD
PSYC 102 - Introduction to Psychology II (3)

Acquaints the student with major issues in contemporary psychology and considers their historical antecedents. Topics in learning, cognition, social psychology and abnormal psychology are considered. Recommended: PSYC 100 is recommended but not required. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Alyssa Croft
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PSYC 201W - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4) *

An introduction to the procedures used in psychological research, and to the logic underlying them. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research, the formulation of testable questions, the control of extraneous influences, the measurement of effects, and the drawing of valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Provides a background for senior psychology courses since it offers a basis for the critical evaluation and conduct of research. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 102. Students with credit for PSYC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Evan Caldbick
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D112 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PSYC 210 - Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4)

Covers basic descriptive and inferential techniques most appropriately applied to the various forms of data from psychological research. Prerequisite: BC high school Math 12 with a minimum grade of C (2.0) or BC high school Math 11 with a minimum grade of B- (2.67) or any level MATH or STAT course with a C- (1.67) or FAN X99 taken at SFU with a minimum grade of C (2.00). Corequisite: PSYC 201W, but prior completion recommended. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Dr. Matthew Sigal
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or STAT 270 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)

Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, with a minimum grade of C-. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sessional
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
OL01 Gamage Perera
Online
OP01 TBD

and two of

PSYC 221 - Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (3)

Introduction to the study of cognitive and perceptual processes. Topics include memory, perception, attention, language, mental imagery, creativity, judgment and decision-making, and an introduction to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, aphasia and attention-deficit disorder. Prerequisite: PSYC 100.

PSYC 241 - Introduction to Psychological Disorders and Neurodiversity (3)

Introduces students to the area of abnormal psychology. Topics include the definition and classification of pathological behaviour, factors involved in the development of pathology, and evaluation of therapy outcome. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.

PSYC 250 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology (3)

Considers the psychological and physical aspects of human development from conception through middle childhood. Topics include social, emotional, language, cognitive, perceptual and physical development. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.

PSYC 260 - Introduction to Social Psychology (3)

Examines methodology and content in social psychology. Topics include: attitudes and values; social perception and cognition; group behaviour; social includence; prejudice, discrimination, and sexism; aggression; altruism, interpersonal attraction and interpersonal relationships. Prerequisite: PSYC 102. Breadth-Social Sciences.

PSYC 268 - Introduction to Law and Psychology (3)

An introduction to the area of law and psychology. The role and influence of psychology in the legal system will be discussed. Topics include: social psychology and law, developmental psychology and law, juvenile justice, experimental psychology and law, mental disability and law. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.

PSYC 280 - Introduction to Biological Psychology (3)

Surveys the major areas in biological psychology. Topics include the basics of neuroanatomy and nerve cell function, the behavioural and physiological effects of drugs and hormones in the nervous system, evolutionary perspectives on the brain and behaviour, and the biopsychology of vision, the chemical senses, hearing, movement, biological rhythms, sex, and cognitive processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: BISC 101. Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Neil Watson
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

*with a final course grade of C (2.0) or better

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete 21 upper division units in psychology courses.

No more than three Research Engagement or Directed Studies units may be applied to this program. No more than three PSYC Field School units may be applied to this program. At least 11 upper division psychology units must be completed at Simon Fraser University.

Research Engagement Course

PSYC 393 - Research Engagement (0)

Students will engage in research activities to advance their understanding of the Psychology research process. The student will find a research supervisor and will meet at least bi-weekly with the supervisor. Workload will be equal to or greater than that of a regular course, with each credit corresponding to 3 hours of work in the lab; research activities will be determined by the supervisor. Students may repeat this course for further credit. Variable units: 1, 2, 3. Graded on a pass/fail. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 60 units, a UDGPA of at least 2.5, and permission of the department. Tri-council ethics certificate.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 TBD
D200 TBD
D300 TBD

Enrollment enables an individual to work with psychological research in consultation with the supervising instructor.

The minimum requirement is completion of the Tri-council ethics certificate, PSYC 201, 60 units, an upper division GPA of at least 2.5, and departmental permission. Research Engagement students complete an application form from the SFU Psychology website with the intended instructor. This course can be repeated for additional credit with the same or different instructor.

Directed Studies Courses

PSYC 493 - Directed Studies (3)

Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a UDGPA of at least 3.0, and permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 TBD

Enrollment enables an individual or small group to work with a faculty member on a reading or research project of mutual interest.

The minimum requirement is an upper division GPA of at least 3.00, at least 60 units and department permission. Directed studies students complete an application form from the SFU Psychology website with the intended instructor.

Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies Requirements

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete 18 lower division GSWS units including two of

GSWS 100 - Sex Talk: Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Sexuality Studies (3)

An introduction to issues in the study of sex, sexual identity, and sexual culture. Focused on contemporary theories of sexuality as well as representations in fiction, film and popular media from diverse cultural contexts. Students who have completed GDST 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

GSWS 101 - Gender Talk (3)

An interdisciplinary study of the social and cultural construction of gender, and how ideas about masculinity and feminity shape current issues, knowledge, popular culture, and social policy. Students who have completed WS 101 may not take GSWS 101 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Michelle Walks
Online
GSWS 102 - Feminist Action (3)

An historical and comparative survey of feminisms and feminist activism in Western European, North American, and Global communities. Students who have completed WS 102 may not take GSWS 102 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete 20 upper division GSWS units. Courses which have high GSWS content may be considered for credit towards this plan. With the approval of the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, students may use as substitution credit one upper division course offered by another department.

Letters of Permission

See Courses at Other Institutions/Letters of Permission within Enrollment Policies and Procedures for information. The department does not normally approve letters of permission for enrolled Simon Fraser University students to complete PSYC 201, 210 and 301 at a different institution. Such permission may be granted for other courses. Enquire of the psychology undergraduate advisor.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each)

Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more)
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth

Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division:

Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth

Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements).

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.