Course Description

This seminar is designed for advanced Division II and Division III students concentrating in psychology. We will begin the semester by considering the assumptions, perspectives, and methodologies involved in study of psychology. Students will be encouraged to hone their skills in reading empirical articles and communicating ideas for both general and academic audiences. In addition to some topics that will be explored as a group, students will also be expected to identify their own topic of interest and complete significant independent research in this area. Students will be responsible for presentations related to their area of interest, participating in peer review, and completing a significant final project. Coursework includes weekly research, reading and writing assignments, class discussions and presentations, and semester-long group or individual projects Keywords:Psychology, Research

Divisional Requirements

Was course completed satisfactorily?

Yes

Course Fundamentals

Attended class
Participated in class discussion
Participated in in-class or group activities
Completed assignments on time

Learning Goals

Learn to read and interpret intellectual or artistic works
Write critically and analytically
Understand quantitative methods of analysis
Develop creative abilities in expressive modes (e.g. creative writing, visual and performance arts, and music)
Effectively present ideas orally
Conceive and complete project-based work
Understand multiple cultural perspectives on intellectual or artistic subjects

Narrative Description of Student Performance

Ruth Daniel completed exceptional work this semester. They attended class regularly and were actively engaged in all levels of class discussion. Ruth’s background and expertise as a more advanced member of the class truly benefited class discussions. The value of Ruth’s contributions was clear in large group discussions but also in the scope of comments they made as students presented their projects. 

Ruth’s topic for the semester was on how rituals help people navigate the loss of a loved one and process grief. Ruth’s evaluation of research design showed thoughtful discussion of the strengths of limitations of different research approaches. In Ruth’s examination of racial representation in research on their topic, Ruth noted the limited diversity in research on how communities in the US engage in rituals around death but wider examination of cross-cultural differences.

For the final paper, Ruth wrote a proposal for a qualitative study using interviews of hospice workers about rituals and symbolic actions and how they facilitate the grief process. Ruth’s discussion of the literature is well-written and includes a wide range of sources. They could include more details about some of the studies to provide more context for their own proposal, but Ruth did a wonderful job integrating concepts across studies to motivate their research questions. Ruth’s writing is strong and demonstrates a deep understanding of the literature. I look forward to seeing how their ideas develop.