PSYC 398 Outline

THE KING'S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

COURSE NUMBER:

PSYC 398

COURSE TITLE:

Contemporary Issues in Psychology

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Dr Heather Looy

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3 (3-0-0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Theoretical, ethical and methodological foundations of psychology are explored through reading, discussion and development of a research question, with emphasis on understanding these foundations as relevant to contemporary issues. Integrating a Christian faith perspective to psychology as a discipline, interdisciplinarity, and practical applications are themes foregrounded for discussion and explicit treatment. All students graduating from the 3-year psychology program are required to take this course in the final year of their degree; all students in the 4-year psychology program are required to take this course in the third year of their degree.

Prerequisites: PSYC 301. Course normally taken in third year of degree.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Readings will be posted on Moodle or handed out in class.

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:


Reading responses	25%
Participation in class and peer evaluation	15%
Literature Review Paper	45%
Presentation	15%

	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

There are several objectives for this course, intended to develop your knowledge of psychology, of yourself, and also develop your professional skills:

get a ‘bird’s-eye view’ of contemporary psychology through readings, reflection, and discussion
learn to write a literature review by exploring in depth a particular area of interest
develop more effective presentation skills
develop further your analytic and writing skills
become more self-aware and reflective
learn to provide effective and constructive feedback to peers

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.