Interesting example, although I have not heard about this directly. Yes,
in part, I think the course is somewhat "student centered," in a positive
way. Its goal is to teach basic psychological principles through a
contemporary situation in which some students have a lot of intrinsic
interest. There is nothing wrong with that, and in my opinion, we all
should be doing that when we can.
But the course also is "student centered" in a negative way, if there is no
attempt to relate the basic principles to other, more
historically-important events. Your example of analyzing the treatment of
African peoples by Western peoples is a relevant one, as is the treatment
of Native peoples by European settlers in North America (i.e., areas that
became the US and Canada).
Inviting members of the Survivor cast as guest speakers might be fun, but
allowing them to teach the entire class would be unconscionable.
Barbara
At 02:14 PM 09/05/2000 -0400, Michael Sylvester wrote:
> It was announced on the TV news that Assumption College in Worcester,Mass
>has invited participants in the Survivor series to teach a Psychology
>course covering topics as the psychology of aggression and competition.
>Students are enthused about this.
>Is this another example of "student centered" driven curriculum?
>I could find more interesting and real historical survival episodes
>such as the social and psychological survivals of people of African
>descent despite all types of Western imperialist attacks on the cognitive
>and social attacks of people of African descent.
>
>Michael Sylvester,PhD
>Daytona Beach,Florida
Dr. Barbara Watters
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Station Road
Erie, PA 16563
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
