First-Year Seminar (101-6-20)
Topic
Becoming Ourselves: How Does Psychology Explain Wh
Instructors
Alissa Levy Chung
Meeting Info
Swift Hall 210: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
In this class, we will explore the question of how we become the people we are. We will be focusing on three major forces that shape us as humans: our close relationships (usually with the people who raised us), our significant life experiences (including trauma), and our biological predispositions. Our goal will be to understand the science behind our personalities and tendencies, particularly in a relational context. But we will also discuss how individual trajectories cannot be fully understood with variables found in research studies and what the limitations of those studies are (who is doing the research, who is being studied, and who is not).
The course is discussion based, and the goal will be to improve your ability to analyze the material both verbally and in writing. Because it is a writing seminar, we will discuss the approach to writing different kinds of papers and will go through the process of developing and editing drafts.
As this class is discussion based, it is imperative that you read the readings before you come to class so that you will have something to talk about. Your participation will be included as part of your overall grade/assessment.
Evaluation Method
Evaluation will be based on: discussion questions posted online, helping to lead discussion with one or more classmates, verbal and/or written class participation, a paper on a scientific topic of interest (4-6 pages double spaced), and a longer paper in which you apply course concepts to a person's real-life trajectory (8-10 pages double spaced).
Discussion questions: 10%
Leading discussion: 20%
Participation (includes attendance): 10%
Scientific paper: 25%
Applied case study paper: 35%
Class Materials (Required)
Sroufe, L.A. (2021). A compelling idea: How we become the persons we are. Vermont: Safer Society Press. ISBN: 978-1-940234-28-1
van der Kolk, B.. (2017). The body keeps the score. New York: Penguin. ISBN: 978-0-14-312774-1
These books are available at the NU bookstore. Sroufe's (2021) book can also be ordered through Safer Society Press, and van der Kolk's (2017) book is widely available at discounted rates online.
Additional articles available on Canvas
Class Attributes
WCAS First-Year Seminar
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only