Instructor: Kimberly A. Jameson Ph.D

Click here to email the PSYCH 123 list

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:

TEXT: Selected Journal Articles -- T.B.A.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

PSY 123. Cognition: Aspects of Methodolog (4 units). An introduction to methodological issues and basic research issues important to the empirical study of cognition. Both psychological theory and research applications will be covered. The goal of the seminar is to provide training directed at the level of psychology student who is aspiring to a Ph.D. graduate program.

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Sample Syllabus:

Seminar Description:

Psychology 123 is a seminar designed for Undergraduates in Psychology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology who are considering Graduate School training. The content and approach assumes that the participants will have an interest in the foundations of the social sciences, philosophical approaches to knowledge and cognitive modeling, or psychological issues relevant to knowledge, cognition, perception, and culture. Students will be encouraged to critically examine research methodology, underlying theories, and practical aspects of empirical research in a specific topic in the social sciences. Participation assumes a real interest in these topics and the ability and willingness to independently explore and develop themes and topics for presentation. Members of the seminar should be prepared to work intensively and independently on library research. Seminar format will be maintained throughout the course. Each participant will choose a topic in consultation with the instructor and other members of the seminar. One week prior to the presentation a reading list will be made available by the participant. Each seminar session will be conducted by the person responsible for the topic. The structure of each session will be developed according to the wishes of the presenter in consultation with the instructor. Each meeting will first involve a 50-60 minute presentation by the person designated as the daily speaker, followed by a 20-30 minute general discussion of the topic among seminar participants. Participants are expected to participate in the open forum discussion at each meeting. A paper on the chosen topic is required from each participant, and is due by the final exam date. Students will be instructed on: conducting library research; developing a research survey; organizing and delivering a research presentation; writing and preparing a research paper in APA publishing format; and graduate seminar discussion format. Permission of the Instructor is advised for enrollment in Psychology 123.

Previous Seminar topics have included:

Psychology and the scientific paradigm
Cross-cultural values and mental illness
Comparative psychology
Cognitive universals
Operationism and knowledge
The mind-body problem
Issues of free will
The concept of social science
Psychology and meditation
Psychology and development
The concept of deviance
Language and thought
Natural and inductive categories
Psychological salience
Magic, superstition and psychology
Language and meaning
Ethics in social and psychological research
Psychological aspects of modern technology
Research and theories on Dreaming
Biological basis of cognition
Origins of mental illness
Psychohistory
Moral development and rationality
Nonverbal behavior
Brainwashing and cults
Cognitive science
Applied cognitive psychology
Bilingualism and education
Health psychology

or suggest your own topic of interest.

Home