PSYC101 - Psychological Science

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Academic Year 2003/2004

Psychological Science
PSYC 101 FA

This first-year seminar provides a broad survey of the entire field of psychology. It differs from the large Foundations of Contemporary Psychology (PSYC105) in several ways. First, this course is for first-year students. Second, the course is offered as a seminar with each student required to make several oral research presentations to the class. Thus, active participation is required. Third, in addition to an introductory text, students read original journal articles in each of the major areas of the discipline. As indicated by its name, this course will provide an in-depth overview of psychology as an empirical scientific discipline.

MAJOR READINGS

One introductory psychology textbook and journal articles of original research
Text to be used: To be determined.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three major in-class examinations, two or three in-class oral presentations, and a 12 page final paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Weekly meetings focus on the general topics typically covered in an introductory psychology sequence. However, the format is different. There are lectures and discussions led by the instructor and oral seminar presentations by students to the class. The seminar presentations are prepared in advance by tutorial meetings with the instructor. The presentations focus on the methods, results, and conclusions of different research studies in psychology. Through the seminar presentations, students learn how to make effective oral presentations, while learning about new research findings and the source of those findings in psychology. For each of the topics covered, there is an attempt to blend historical "classic" research (to show where psychology has been) with contemporary "cutting edge" research (to show where it is going).

POI requirements: Students interested in taking either section of this course need to pick up an application form at my office, 401 Judd Hall, when they arrive on campus. The one-page applications are due Monday, August 25th, one week before classes begin. Admitted students will be given permission of instructor forms by Wednesday, August 27th.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS PSYC Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Seamon,John G.

Times: ...W... 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: JUDD214

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 18)

SR. major: 0 Jr. major: 0

SR. non-major: 0 Jr. non-major: 0 SO: 0 FR: 18

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Speaking

FYI: First Year Initiative:Seminar

SECTION 02

Instructor(s): Seamon,John G.

Times: ....R.. 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: JUDD214

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 18)

SR. major: X Jr. major: X

SR. non-major: X Jr. non-major: X SO: X FR: 18