SYLLABUS FOR PSYCHOLOGY 601
Psychology Capstone &Senior Studies I
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
601 Psychology Capstone: Senior Studies I. (2 semester
hours) Senior Capstone seminar which addresses psychological
research, its strengths, weaknesses and applications beyond
psychology. Students must register for Senior Studies I
concurrently with Advanced Research I (631, 633, 635, 637 or
639). Students will prepare and review proposals for senior
theses
and begin preliminary research. Prerequisites: PSY 201 and
junior
level standing.
COURSE
OBJECTIVES
- To
apply previous psychology training to the development of
an individual psychology research project.
- To review, integrate, and critically evaluate the
psychological literature in the student's area of choice.
- To sharpen and develop new research methodology
skills.
- To effectively communicate research ideas and
write a
proposal using the proper psychological style.
- To work together as responsible, sensitive peer
reviewers;
giving constructive criticism, feedback, and fuel for new ideas
throughout the term.
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TEXT
Szuchman, Lenore T. (2008). Writing with style: APA style made
easy. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.
Publication manual of
the American
Psychological Association (5th Ed.)(2001)Washington, D.C.: APA.
COURSE PROCESS
Regular Seminar Meetings: An
intensively
interactive seminar process will be used. In each week you will be
directly responsible for what you and your classmates learn. Careful
preparation of material, preparation to communicate it, and the intent
to contribute generously to the learning process will be crucial.
Attendance each week is essential. All assignments will directly relate
to your thesis, but seminar discussions will focus on making
connections among the various substantive areas of
psychology and their differing paradigms.
Coordination with Advanced Research I:
Students must be registered for Advanced Research I (Psy 631-Psy
639 or NS 631) which is taught by their thesis advisor. Each
section will
meet
weekly in a group session with their advisor and individually as
arranged.
Each advisor has a set of assignments designed to integrate with the
Senior
Studies I seminar.
Honors students register for four semester hours of
honors research but the participate fully in both the Senior
Studies seminar and the Advanced Research seminar.
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COURSE OUTCOMES
An in-depth mastery of a specific
area
of psychological research, and a clear sense of your project's broader
academic and practical context.
- Increased
confidence and skill in critically evaluating analytic communications,
and in engaging in such communications.
- A
refined,
polished introduction and method section of a scientific research paper.
- All
materials
and logistics prepared and completed in order to begin data collection
immediately in September, and in some cases as early as during the
summer.
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Classroom
Courtesy
Students should refrain from speaking
while their instructor or another
student is speaking. Students who continue to "chat" while others
are engaged in course discussion will be asked to leave the class.
Plagairism
Using the work of others without
proper citation is plagairism.
Students who are found to have plagairized on any assignment will
automatically fail the course. All instances of plagairism will
be reported to the academic dean according to college policy on
academic integrity (See your student handbook).
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