Fostering psychologically literate citizens: A Canadian perspective

The chapter, "Fostering psychologically literate citizens: A Canadian perspective" was written by the listed authors including Steve Charlton (Douglas College Faculty). This chapter argues that a desired outcome of an undergraduate education in psychology should be the development of psychological literacy. Psychological literacy includes skills such as critical thinking, statistical literacy and numeracy, effective communication and the ability to apply psychological literacy to one’s life. The chapter further argues that students should be encouraged to develop into psychologically literate global citizens. This latter concept extends the notion of psychological literacy in that it further emphasizes social responsibility, ethical commitment and the application of psychological literacy at both a community and global level. To illustrate these concepts the chapter discusses how psychological literacy may manifest itself through some of the key social issues facing Canadians today: volunteerism, environmental sustainability, illicit drug use, health care, and multiculturalism and diversity. Methods and examples of how to foster psychological diversity are presented through classroom exercises, case study and curriculum development. --From publisher description.