Social Psychology; “a discovery course that focuses on helping teens arrive at informed decisions about how to take responsibility for their health and behavior. Topics to be explored include: health and wellness, stress, peer pressure, communication skills, eating disorders, interpersonal relationships, human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, death and dying, diversity, drug and alcohol use and abuse, sexual harassment and positive psychology,” states the Piedmont High School course catalog. Some of the most relatable real-world lessons are taught in this required sophomore class. Despite this, there is a proposal to remove this class. Cutting this class will be detrimental to the social, and academic, lives of students.
Being a senior, I have been able to witness the wide variety of lessons from this class being implemented within the lives of students whether they are aware of it or not. Taking away Social Psych would take away guidance for when a friend, or the student themselves is dealing with an eating disorder, depression, drinking, relationships, loss, or sexuality. Students are given the knowledge to understand and give or seek help when needed.
The main reason it is being discussed to drop Social Psych is so that students can take more academic classes. When we already have a Wellness Center dedicated to helping students with the extreme academic pressures of PHS, is it really a good idea to add to that pressure? Social Psych is the one break from the vast amount of social and academic stress that is put on students. It’s a place where students are asked, ‘how are you doing?’ and the question isn’t referring to their GPA. After bombing a biology test, or staying up all night finishing an essay, it is a class where you can unwind and relate to peers on a deeper level you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. The open environment of the classroom is unlike any other offered at PHS, and should stay as a required class. For the sake of the sanity of Piedmont students, do not take away our Social Psych program.
Contact Kate at kbott@tphnews.com
