PSY 498 Senior Seminar *

This course is a capstone experience, and intended to provide students the opportunity to synthesize – i.e., bring together in a novel way – the knowledge and skills learned throughout their undergraduate studies. Students will identify a field-related topic, formulate a question of inquiry, conduct a review of relevant literature, analyze relevant topic-related research findings, and draw conclusions intending to advance psychological inquiry and practice. Emphasis will be on: 1) analytical and critical thinking; 2) formal writing as a means of building, consolidating, and sharing knowledge; 3) integrating academic knowledge with practical applications in the field of psychology; and, 4) reflecting on how psychology courses helped integrate learning in educational and professional pursuits.

Credits

5

Prerequisite

PSY 201, 202, PSY 209 or PSY 312, PSY 220 or PSY 414, PSY 240 or PSY 311, PSY 245 or PSY 317, PSY 313-PSY 316, PSY 411, PSY 413, SOC 412.

Outcomes

1. This course will prepare students to:
2. Analyze a critical psychology-related issue and its significance and relevance in the field.
3. Defend conclusions drawn from the analysis of existing research and synthesis of the student’s insights and thoughts.
4. Examine current psychological and behavioral sciences research related to the issue or topic.
5. Formulate a specific question pertinent to the issue or related topic.
6. Reflect on educational progress and its influence and relevance on professional identity.