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Project Descriptions/Assessments Goals and Objectives The goals and objectives of this course are related to the American Psychological Association learning goals and outcomes for undergraduate psychology majors. Specific APA goals addressed by the course include: Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology o Goal 2: Research Methods in Psychology o Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology o Goal 4: Application of Psychology o
The goals also encompass UMUC’s Core Learning Areas ( http://www.umuc.edu/outcomes/areas.shtml). Specifically the course addresses the CLAs of:1) Written Communication 2) Information Literacy 3) Globalization/Diversity 4) Critical Thinking 5) Scientific Literacy 6) Specialized Knowledge Assessment Descriptions Conference Participation: Students are expected to participate in all conference and activity discussions. Class participation is an essential component of this course. Conference discussions will focus on the application of the materials assigned in the course schedule. To encourage discussion, students are required to respond to at least one other student in each activity. Responses are due at the same time as the activity.(Related Core Learning Areas: Written Communication; Critical Thinking; Diversity; Specialized Knowledge; Scientific Literacy) Quizzes: Final Project: The major project is this course is called "My Lot in Life." Part of it will simulate a classroom seminar. This project involves a) writing a paper on the given topic and b) presenting a poster of your paper during the week indicated on the schedule. Students will be randomly assigned lots during the second week of class. We do not get to choose our lots in life and so I will randomly assign them. In the paper you will address the issue in "your lot (e.g. your child is born with Down Syndrome)." The paper involves presenting the issue and identifying the psychological theories and concepts that are relevant, summarizing the current research (both sides of the arguments or all ways of dealing with an issue. E.g. with Down’s children, you can mainstream or institutionalize) about the topic, identifying why the issue is important. You must also discuss how you would deal with this "lot." The paper is not to merely be answers to these questions but is to be an integrated essay. You will tell the story from your point of view but will incorporate research about the topic that is informing your decision making process. You must include at least four peer-reviewed journal references, two academic website references and one current article in a popular press magazine (this may also be a TV magazine show piece). The paper is to be 6-8 pages (not including the title and reference pages). The title page, reference page, page numbering and in-text citations MUST be in APA format. You will also be responsible for creating a PowerPoint poster (directions under the Supplemental Information conference) about your topic. (You may choose to work with a classmate on this part of the project). To facilitate completion, you are required to turn in a list of your sources and an outline throughout the term. You will submit this paper to your assignment folder. You will also create a poster of your paper. While most posters presented at conferences are research reports, you will do a similar poster. (The samples in the classroom are research reports so you won’t have all the elements they have.) The poster will include brief highlights including a short description of the lot, the psychological theories and concepts that are related to the lot, current research (succinctly and not every study cited in the longer paper) and how you decided to deal with the issue. You will have a short list of references but only those you actually cited in the poster. You may attach a copy of your full paper for those who are interested. During Poster Week, you will present your poster as well as manage the discussion by responding to your teacher and fellow students who have responded to you. It is recommended that you maintain continued interest in your conference topic by identifying relevant issues and current interests, by sharing relevant personal experience, and by posing stimulating questions to your fellow conferees. Your subsequent responses will be counted toward the points for management of the seminar. You should plan to respond frequently to those who post in your seminar. Each student must also respond to the posters of at least 3 other students (5
times). You do not need to limit yourself to only 5 postings. You should post to
at least 2 different seminars. You do not need to research for these responses
but you must demonstrate thoughtfulness in your postings. You are responsible
for responding during each of the seminar weeks. Each response posting should be
at least 75- 100 words. Short paragraphs or half-screens will not do. Sometimes
you will have more to write, but try not to make your comments too long or too
rambling. Feel free to respond to any of the ongoing discussions. Your response
must be substantive and not merely an "I agree." You are encouraged to get a
good discussion going. Note that this presentation lasts only 4 days. Final Exam: |