PSY268 Contemporary Issues in Psychology

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2011
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Michaela Porubanová (lecturer)
Mgr. Zuzana Scott, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Zuzana Scott, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Mon 18:00–19:30 P52
Prerequisites
The class is designed ONLY for foreign students.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
Course objectives - to introduce students to new topics in psychology - to improve students’ ability to think critically - to teach students to locate and review recent empirical studies in psychology - to teach students to write an academic papers and presentations
Syllabus
  • The course will provide students with the background information related to the current issues in psychology within three blocks. Each block deals with one topic and takes different perspectives on the issue. Students will be assigned papers throughout semester to improve their knowledge about the research in the field. Feedback will be provided to the students to help them improve their writing and presenting skills. Topics that will be covered in class: BLOCK1: - Brain behind the happiness and pleasure (Kringelbach & Berridge) - Happiness (Kahneman) - The Paradox of Choices ( Barry Schwartz) BLOCK2: - The Perils of Obedience (Stanley Milgram) - Morality and Psychology (Philip Zimbardo) - Bystander effect (Latane & Darley) BLOCK3: - Freedom and Responsibility - Procrastination Course format and content Once a week – 2 hrs (90 minutes) The course will be in the form of lectures and seminars, where students’ presentations and active participation are required. The lectures will cover the introduction of the topics and will be followed by the discussion about assigned reading materials and group presentations. Reflection Papers (3 x 20% = 60%) During the semester, three papers are required by each student dealing with the topic covered in the class and assigned reading. Students can choose the topics they prefer to write about, however they are to submit one paper at the end of each block. One way to approach this assignment is to take the readings covered in the class, propose the argument/question that either agree or disagree with what the author states and find support of the argument in supplementary literature. Other way is to take one of the “older” papers we covered in the class and find the more recent article about the topic and either compare the two, or discuss the progress that has been done in the field. There are no limitations about the approach you choose; however, the academic format of the paper is required. It goes without saying that you are required to use American Psychological Association (APA) style, which will be covered during first class (see also: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ ). Presentation Groups of 3-4 students will also be required to present two topics in the class. We will discuss further details about assignment during first class. Follow the general instructions on how to make an effective presentation (e.g. http://www.slideshare.net/satyajeet_02/how-to-make-effective-presentation , http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/skills/presentations.aspx , don’t hesitate to Google more tips!!!). Class evaluation The overall grade will consist of the following: Topic Reflection Paper 60% (20 % each) Presentation 20% (10 % each) Participation in discussions 20% Total 100 PTS 100-93% = A, 92-85% = B, 84-77% = C, 76-69% = D, 68-61% = E, and below 60%=F Class Attendance Policy Students ‘participation in class discussion is valued and encouraged; it makes up for 20 % of the final grade. Therefore class attendance is mandatory. In the case of the illness or family emergency, please contact me via email prior to the class. Literature: to be assigned during first class
Literature
    recommended literature
  • American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.) Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association. Kosslyn, S. M. & Rosenberg, R. S. (2001). How to read, critically evaluate and w
Teaching methods
seminar, class discussion, individual and group projects
Assessment methods
The overall grade will consist of the following pieces: Topic Reflection Paper 60% (20 % each) Presentation 20% (10 % each) Participation in discussions 20% Total 100 PTS
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2010, Spring 2012, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2013.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2011, recent)
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