First-Year Seminar in Psychology

Catalog description

Implications of contemporary psychological research and theory. PSYCH 83S First-Year Seminar in Psychology (3) (GS;FYS) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Modern science provides perspectives on human beings that may conflict with our intuitive and conventional views of ourselves as individuals capable of free choice and responsibility. These perspectives raise important questions for how we understand ourselves and others. The goal of this course is to help students to understand the basis of these contemporary scientific views of human beings, and to think critically about the ways in which these views shape human experience. The specific research and theories discuss will vary by section. Students will read selections from the scholarly literature in psychology, as well as popular or media selections related to the topic. The class format will be open discussion, and students will be expected to come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Evaluation will be based on short writing assignments, exams, in-class presentations, and class participation. Writing assignments will generally require that students apply concepts discussed in class to particular topics, or that they use library and Web resources to find relevant material. In addition to the academic topic and issues of this course, students can expect to gain a general introduction to the University as an academic community and have the opportunity to explore their responsibilities as members of that community. Students will develop an understanding of the learning tools and resources available to them including the opportunity to develop relationships with faculty and other students who share their academic interests. This course fulfills the first-year seminar requirement as well as a general education or Bachelor of Arts social/behavioral science requirement.