Dr. Neil J. Kressel
Psy 4800 -01: Seminar in Psychology
William Paterson University: Summer 2012 (Science East 5036)
SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY
Course Description
The psychology department requires all majors to take PSY 4800 during their final year at William
Paterson. While the content of the seminar varies widely among different sections of the course, the
purpose of the class remains constant. Senior Seminar should be the capstone of the student’s
undergraduate psychology education, an opportunity to integrate, develop and examine perspectives
initially acquired in other psychology courses. Typically, the Senior Seminar involves a significant
writing component as well.
In this particular section of senior seminar, students read four books by very influential psychologists:
Freud (representing psychoanalysis), Skinner (representing behaviorism), Frankl (representing existential
psychology), and Ellis (representing the cognitive behavioral approach). However each book was also
selected for an additional reason. Freud’s book is used to initiate a discussion of the psychology of
religion. Skinner’s book introduces some philosophical dilemmas s associated with the growing ability to
explain behaviors scientifically. Frankl is used as a foundation for thinking about the psychology and
social science of mass atrocities. Ellis’s book leads us to examine the potential of bibliotherapy and “pop”
psychology. As a major goal of the seminar is the development and refinement of behavioral science
writing skills, all students must also complete a major paper on an approved topic in psychology.
Contact Information
My campus phone number is 973 720-3389 and my email address is kresseln@wpunj.edu. The
best way to contact me is by email. I generally hold office hours in SCIENCE 2039 by
appointment. The psychology department secretary, can be reached at 973 720-2148.
Books
Students are required to read (and should purchase):
1) Sigmund Freud, The Future of an Illusion.
2) B. F. Skinner, Beyond Freedom and Dignity.
3) Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning.
4) Albert Ellis, Feeling Better Getting Better Staying Better
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Dr. Neil J. Kressel
Psy 4800 -01: Seminar in Psychology
William Paterson University: Summer 2012 (Science East 5036)
Students might also consult:
Sheridan Baker, The Practical Stylist.
APA, Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
Course Requirements
Students are required to attend classes regularly and to participate constructively in classroom activities.
In addition, each student must take three quizzes and submit a substantial term paper The final evaluation
will be based on the paper (50%), the quizzes (40%), and class participation (10%). Grades on the paper
will depend on satisfactory completion of several outlines, a draft, and a revised final product.
Outline
5/21: Introduction.
5/23: Getting started on the paper – topic selection, research approach, Writing seminar I. Start Frankl.
5/24: Background on Frankl; film
5/29: Paper topic due. Introduction to existential psychology. Finish Frankl.
5/30: Quiz on Frankl; Discussion of Frankl. Writing Seminar II. Start Skinner
5/31: Background on Skinner; film.
6/4: Preparation for debate on skinner; Debate on Skinner. Finish reading Skinner. Start Ellis.
6/5: Skinner Quiz. Writing seminar III.
6/6: Writing seminar IV; working session on paper
6/7: Preparation for mock therapy
6/11: Finish reading Ellis. Mock therapy; quiz on Ellis; discussion on bibiotherapy. Start reading Freud.
6/12: Background on Freud; film.
6/13: Background on psychology of religion; film
6/14: Preparation for debate on Future on an Illusion; debate
6/18: Quiz on Freud; paper due.
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