Dr. Carmen Poulin
Department of Psychology
University of New Brunswick
Department of Psychology
University of New Brunswick
 Courses Psyc 3263: Psychology of Women The general objective of this course is to introduce students to the study of female behaviour, personality, and role in our society. Within this context, students should acquire a more informed perspective on biological and cultural determinants of women's traditional and contemporary roles, and should attain a better understanding of themselves. PSYC 4053: History of Psychology This course critically examines the content, concepts, techniques and issues of the historical antecedents of modern psychology. Primary as well as various secondary sources are consulted. Psyc 4223: Research in Sex and Gender Differences: Theoretical and Methodological Issues The purpose of this course is to assist students in becoming better consumers of psychological research in general, and more specifically, in the area of gender differences. The methods of research and the underlying assumptions will be assessed and critiqued from various angles, including feminist perspectives. In addition, the course is designed to provide an opportunity to gain experience in developing a critical position and express your ideas in class discussions, small group discussions, and debates. Students are expected to form opinions on relevant reading material. By the end of the course, students should have an increased understanding of the processes by which knowledge is created, and appreciate its arbitrary nature. Psyc 4303: The Psychology of Crime The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the psychology of crime with a special focus on Clinical Criminology, also referred to as Forensic Psychology or Forensic Psychiatry. Issues pertaining to the following topics will be explored: 1) the nature and definition of crime, 2) theories of crime, 3) the offender 4) the victim. The course is a seminar course, which means that students are expected to participate actively by summarizing and discussing the readings for each class, preparing small commentaries and discussion questions, making oral presentations, and writing a final exam. Students are encouraged to ask questions, share their opinions, and discuss/debate and challenge the different ideas which are presented. Didactic instruction on most topic is given, followed by student presentations and/or discussions of the reading material. Psyc 6404: Group Processes This is a graduate skills course. It has the following objectives: 1) Develop an understanding of how groups operate and develop, 2) Acquire some knowledge and awareness of your own behaviour in interpersonal and group situations, and 3) Develop some "generic" skills in the design, implementation/facilitation, and evaluation of groups. Psyc 6307: Violence Against Women and Children This is a graduate seminar course. In this course, the abuse of women and children will be examined. More specifically, reading materials on the abuse of women in the domestic context, at work in the form of harassment, in pornography, and in sex trades will be examined. In addition, some of the recent literature on incest and child abuse will be covered, as well as a number of topics closely associated with this area of research (e.g., “spousal” abuse and typology of offenders of sexual crimes). Students will read about, analyse, and critique the way intimate violence was handled historically at the legal, societal, and psychological levels. Issues pertaining to the therapeutic psychological interventions context will be included in discussions. Traditional psychological theories will be examined for their explanatory potential to further our understanding of intimate violence. Traditional psychological perspectives will include social learning, cognitive, and behavioural theories. Emphasis will also be place on the comparison between writings and research done from perspectives based in these traditional theories versus those that have adopted a feminist framework. Common threads between the various topics will be highlighted throughout the course. WS 4004: Seminar in Women Studies The purpose of this course is to explore, from a historical and a contemporary perspective, the works of feminists and feminist supporters. Issues pertaining to the following topics will be explored: 1) ethics, research methodologies and epistemologies, 2) various feminist perspectives (e.g. marxist, liberal), 3) the concept of patriarchy, and 4) diversities. WMST 4004 is the second of two required courses for all students who intend to minor in women's studies. It is assumed that those taking the course have taken WMST 2003/3003 or its equivalent, and that they have some familiarity with the sort of issues and questions involved in studying women's experiences and perspectives. |
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