For example, you might choose the topic of behaviorism and apply it to the contemporary practice of cognitive-behavioral therapy, noting that Calkins might advocate for a greater focus on introspection. Or, you might choose the topic of empiricism and apply it to the contemporary issue of science denial, noting that Yarkoni might say some well-informed “science denial” is warranted.
Assignment Structure: Assignments should include the following elements:
1) Clearly describe your contemporary issue. This could be a specific event (e.g., the infamous slap, the “don’t say gay” bill, an episode of Euphoria, etc.), or a more general topic (e.g., mental health care on campus, algorithms on Christian Mingle, sexism in conspiracy theorist communities, etc.)
2) Clearly describe the paradigm, or scientific perspective, that you have chosen and explain how it is relevant to your contemporary issue. Support this argument with sources (these can be from class and/or from your own independent research).
3) Clearly describe at least one perspective that challenges the paradigm that you chose and explain how it would lead to a different understanding of your contemporary issue. Support this argument with sources (these can be from class and/or from your own independent research).
