Jeffrey and other TIPSters,
When I prep a course that I know will contain exclusively or primarily
psychology majors, I assume that students will be interested in
discussing methodological and theoretical issues in-depth. I'm aware of
the dangers of assumptions; I know that not all psych majors are
interested in that. But that's my approach.
When I prep a course that I know will contain both majors and nonmajors,
I tend to place more emphasis on practical applications of research
findings. (I can tell you from experience that _not_ making that
modification can have nearly-disastrous results.) One danger is that
the course could become "psychology lite," and I refuse to go there.
Another danger is that some students are looking for the "psychology
how-to," or a "pop psychology" approach. For example, "what's the
recipe for raising happy, healthy children?" "How do I know if my
boyfriend is about to break up with me?" I also refuse to go there. Of
course, psychology is an extremely practical science. But I emphasize
that psychology and life are full of "shades of grey."
So, I guess I could say that I shift my emphasis, but I do not
compromise on what constitutes a quality assignment.
Dr. Barbara Watters
Mercyhurst College
Erie, PA 16546
Jeffrey Nagelbush wrote:
>
> I was wondering if any of you who have classes with a substantial number of
> both majors and nonmajors in them ever give different assignments or have
> different requirements for the two groups?
>
> Jeff Nagelbush
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Ferris State University
>
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