This upper-level psychology seminar explores expressive writing as a research-based tool for emotional resilience, identity development, and psychological wellbeing. Grounded in psychological theory and empirical studies, the course examines how narratives shape psychological outcomes related to mental health and personal meaning-making. Students will engage directly with real-world data using social science methods such as thematic coding to explore how individuals use language to navigate experiences of health, healing, and identity. Drawing from diverse health narratives, environmental perspectives, and social justice movements, the course emphasizes writing as both a personal and collective intervention. Students will critically examine how storytelling functions within psychological frameworks to foster resilience, reclaim identity, and challenge dominant discourse. This course prepares students to evaluate and apply both expressive writing and narrative data as transformative tools in psychological practice, health promotion, and identity-affirming interventions. Topics courses are 2 or 4 credit, in-depth, thematic courses that may be repeated for credit under a different theme. May be repeated up to two times for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: PSY 1000 Introduction to Psychology, OR Junior or Senior standing.
- Teacher: April Bandy-Taylor