ERIC Number: EJ1157532
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1927-2677
EISSN: N/A
A Class Exploring Current Events through a Psychological Lens
Baugh, Stacey-Ann; Van Camp, Debbie
Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, v4 n1 p91-95 2015
Engagement with political, social, and civic issues is a fundamental hallmark of an educated population. However, the level of engagement among adolescents and young adults is considered by many to be below desirable levels. This article presents details of a Psychology in Current Events course designed to increase civic engagement through an exploration of the psychological theories relevant to topical issues. Issues explored included immigration, healthcare reform, gun control, and gay marriage. Students explored these topics using weekly readings, position papers, and an assigned debate. An evaluation of initial student perceptions of the course indicated that students responded positively to the course and in particular reported that the course did help them to engage more fully with the civic and political issues that were presented.
Descriptors: Current Events, Psychology, Psychological Studies, Educational Theories, Relevance (Education), Immigration, Health Services, Gun Control, Homosexuality, Controversial Issues (Course Content), Citizen Participation, Student Satisfaction, Student Surveys, College Students
Sciedu Press. 1120 Finch Avenue West Suite 701-309, Toronto, ON., M3J 3H7, Canada. Tel: 416-479-0028; Fax: 416-642-8548; e-mail: jct@sciedupress.com; Web site: http://www.sciedupress.com/journal/index.php/jct
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A