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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "PS 480"
COURSE NAME: "Senior Seminar in Psychology"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall 2023
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Paola Castelli
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 6:00 PM 7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite: Senior Standing; PS 307, PS 320, PS 334, PS 370
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course provides students with an opportunity to integrate and consolidate the skills and knowledge acquired through the major curriculum while reflecting on overarching themes and issues that characterize psychology as a science and as a profession. Discussion will focus on questions of diversity within the discipline, multiculturalism, ethics, and social responsibility in the marketing of psychology among others. Attention will also be given to what it means to be a psychologist and to current developments in the field.
Students will be expected to present material and lead class discussions, as well as write a final research proposal about a topic of their choosing.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course is mostly organized in discussion format. Students will take turns in summarizing weekly readings and leading the class discussion. Topics considered include: Categorizing and measuring people, social Media influence on behavior and well-being, the rise in misinformation, diversity within the discipline, multiculturalism, and ethics among others.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major concepts, theories, empirical findings and application in the main areas of psychology.
- Demonstrate adequate knowledge of the methods and procedures of scientific inquiry and develop scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrate adequate competence in writing, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice. Be familiar with the formal regulations that govern ethics in the profession.
- Develop and refine project-management skills, teamwork capacity, and career preparation.
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TEXTBOOK:
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Ethics Paper | Students will pick a topic among those assigned and will apply psychology ethical standards to analyze it | 15 |
| Capstone Project | One of the main product of the course will be a research paper (2500-3000 words) on a topic of student's choosing. The paper should analyze the chosen topic from 2 different psychological perspective (e.g., neuroscience and socio-cultural). An initial outline, annotated bibliography, and draft will be submitted throughout the semester. A final product summarizing the issues addressed in the paper for a lay audience will also be required. | 50 |
| Paper discussion and presentations | Students will summarize the main points of the assigned readings and lead class discussion (in pairs) on a topic of their choosing among those available. | 20 |
| Professionalism | Students will also be evaluated on professionalism, including coming to class prepared, turning in assignments on time, following directions on assignments, providing feedback to peers, etc. | 15 |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged. Active participation is an essential component of the class, as students will be presenting and leading the discussion. I thus expect everyone to exchange ideas and contribute to the class discussions. I also expect everyone to acknowledge and respect our differing experiences and opinion.
Note that you cannot miss class when you are assigned to lead the discussion.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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