Rick Stevens wrote: > > I was wondering what Tipsters were teaching beyond the core > courses. For instance, classes in parapsychology (even if it is > a way to disguise a course in critical thinking), forensic > psychology, or perhaps psychology in film (making that the entire > emphasis). I once saw a book that took a 'psychology through > science fiction' approach, although I was not particularly > enamored with it. In a recent faculty meeting it was suggested > that we might want to consider some courses that would draw > non-majors, so applied courses and edutainment courses are what > come to mind for me. I thought that people on TIPS might have > already had some experience in this.
Periodically, I teach a course around Star Trek which is designed to introduce students to psychological concepts. The course is offered through the general education program and thus provides students, who might otherwise not take a psychology class, exposure to the fun and science of the discipline. It tends to close very quickly and students seem to enjoy the class, learn, and I have seen a number of them pop up in my other courses. The class is structured so that students select an episode to introduce and then evaluate with the class. Some of the skill that I think they develop include: 1. Library research skills - They must find relevant research articles to provide and present to the class. All articles must be approved by me and I provide assistance if they are unfamiliar with the psychology databases. 2. They have the opportunity to learning at least one psychological concept in somewhat greater depth because of the above assignment. 3. Critical thinking and analysis skills - They must analyze and evaluate the episode in relation to the research literature. They must also lead the discussion after the viewing of the episode where we look at whether Star Trek got it right or got it wrong or something in between. 4. Further analytic skills - All students must write an analysis of one episode per week based on readings and discussion. 5. Writing skills - See above writing assignments. 6. Presentation skills (including powerpoint) - They must present the research to the class prior to viewing the episode and then as stated above lead a discussion analyzing and evaluating the episode. For those interested, the class page and last year's syllabus is available at http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/aliens.html Note: There are many more episodes which are applicable and I change them periodically as more become available on tape or DVD. I teach a number of other non-traditional sorts of courses which also can be found on my website. Linda -- Linda M. Woolf, Ph.D. Book Review Editor, H-Genocide Associate Professor - Psychology Coordinator - Holocaust & Genocide Studies, Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Webster University 470 East Lockwood St. Louis, MO 63119 Main Webpage: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/ mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
