Course Description
Intensive examination of current theories and research in a specific area of biopsychology, learning, development, cognition, social psychology or clinical psychology. Check with department for offerings. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; concurrent enrollment in PSY 311 OR previous credit for PSY 311; Note: May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Identify major theories of human motivation, explain their core ideas, and explain similarities and differences
- Identify major human psychological drives and needs and explain how those are relevant to adult psychopathology
- Critically evaluate research methods that have been used to study human motivation
- Identify the components of the brain reward system and write about how dysfunction in that system may explain some forms of psychopathology
- Summarize and critically evaluate scientific papers focused on the application of motivational theories and concepts to psychopathology; lead a class discussion of a scientific paper
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Weekly reading checks | 17% |
| Spotlight paper reading, worksheet, and discussion | 30% |
| Exams (3 @ 50 points each) | 42% |
| Attendance | 11% |
Grading Scale:
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| ≥ 93.0% | A |
| 90.0-92.9% | A- |
| 87.0-89.9% | B+ |
| 83.0-86.9% | B |
| 80.0-82.9% | B- |
| 77.0-79.9% | C+ |
| 73.0-76.9% | C |
| 70.0-72.9% | C- |
| 60.0-69.9% | D |
| Below 60.0% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
ATTENDANCE WILL BE TAKEN AT EVERY CLASS MEETING. This is a seminar class so participating in class discussions is an important component of the class. Students who consistently arrive late to class or leave early may be counted as absent. At the end of the semester, points will be recorded in Canvas based on your attendance. More than two absences will result in a deduction in attendance points.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.