OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY
COURSE INFORMATION

Fall, 2003
(August 26-October 14)

COURSE TITLE: Psychology & Skepticism
COURSE NUMBER: SMAC 3463 (56)
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Bryan Farha
OFFICE: Walker Center, Ste, 273--Office #270TELEPHONE: 521-5387
E-MAIL: bfarha@okcu.edu

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a critical thinking course viewing the extraordinary claims of parapsychological phenomena using reason, logic, and skeptical analysis in drawing conclusions. Fringe science and pseudo-scientific claims will be evaluated based on available evidence. Fortune-telling (astrology, psychic predictions, palm reading), sensory illusions such as magic, faith healing, clairvoyance, telepathy, full moon effect, and psycho-kinesis will be some of the topics likely covered. A large portion will address the role of the media in covering and reporting such claims. Being non-presumptive and "open-minded" are necessary not only to enjoy the class, but also to make a high course grade (part of the participation and discussion grade). The course will focus on drawing plausible and logical conclusions based on evaluation of existing evidence.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES

Hopefully, students will be able to:

a. openly discuss extraordinary claims with students and faculty in a rational, logical, non-threatening, respectful, and open-minded way on a regular basis.
b. understand basic elements of critical thinking, skeptical thought, and the scientific method.
c. discriminate between sound vs. faulty logic in descriptions and observations of pseudoscientific claims.
d. demonstrate how to effectively conduct research and/or investigate anomalistic phenomena via a positive working relationship with a team of colleagues.
e. demonstrate expanded skeptical knowledge of paranormal phenomena, its claim(s), or a central skeptical figure.

III. PROCEDURES FOR ACHIEVING COURSE OBJECTIVES

Participation/Discussion

A central key to this class is active and quality participation. If you plan on being "passive" in this class, strongly consider dropping out now since this would make it difficult to make a good grade. Your professor is not a traditional "lecturer," but rather a facilitator of learning, so you will generate a great portion of the movement in this course. Active participation involves frequency and continuity of discussion (without being verbally dominating, such as the habit of chronically being first to talk) while quality participation includes communication demeanor (tone, abrasiveness, openmindedness, respect, etc.). If you are extremely "pro-paranormal" or extremely "antiparanormal" in belief, you may find it difficult to enjoy the class or make a high mark on this grading criterion.You will periodically experience random assignments not specifically listed in this syllabus. For instance, you may be assigned to read an article which might be discussed the following week. Your Discussion/Participation grade will likely be elevated if it is clear to me in our discussion that you read and understood the article (and vice-versa). You also may be tested on the material.

{NOTE: regular attendance is necessary because it is assumed that if you are not in class, then you cannot participate. Missing a single class is equivalent to missing more than three fifty-minute classes, or a standard week. Of course illness, dangerous weather, and emergencies are considered extenuating circumstances and, if not habitual, will not affect grading. And the number of scheduled class meetings are few. Therefore, each absence will result in a 10% deduction from the final course grade}

Project & Presentation

Teams (possibly individuals, depending on class size) will select an approved topic and
conduct a research experiment, investigate, or present subject matter to class. There
are basically four options:

1. Conduct the research in class (if it does not run the risk of contaminating the results).
2. Conduct the research out of class and present the findings and conclusions to the class.
3. Literally "investigate" a psychic/paranormal claim of a person known to a classmate (again, this could be conducted in class or outside of class).
4. Research a topic and present to the class. Include its history, prevalence, current popularity and cultural effect, and a demonstration and/or group exercises.

It is not acceptable to investigate someone you already know. An investigation requires that you inform the key person(s) involved that you are a student. Each student must be able to meet with research team outside of the scheduled hours for this class. Strongly consider this before agreeing to be in a certain research group. Consider video taping, where appropriate. Use the overhead projector (with typed copy for me) to show the class your results/summary data. For those selecting #1, 2, or 3 above, grading will be based on the degree to which steps 1-6 (below) are best followed:

Media Analysis Critique

I will assign a televised program (or programs) on paranormal claims and each student will provide a critical analysis of the reporting. I will do my very best to make it a show broadcast on network television, in case some of us do not have access to cable TV. This project will not be easy. Paying close attention to semantic precision (verbal, visual, and auditory) and detail will be necessary to make a high grade on this assignment. This is where logic, skepticism, and a very keen ear and eye will be needed to critically analyze. You will likely need to videotape the telecast, then use "pause," "forward," "rewind," Astop@, etc. to enable you to engage in a detailed analysis and not accidentally pass over important points. A hand-held remote control can be an invaluable asset to this assignment. It can save a great deal of time. In some cases a web site can offer written transcripts, making note-taking less important. If you do not have access to a VCR, make arrangements to use a friend’s.

Book/Article Review(s)

Select a book from the suggested list (or another book, if approved by instructor) or five articles from either Skeptical Inquirer or Skeptic magazine. Your review(s) will be briefly presented to the class and handed in. The class will ask questions to students who present reviews. A maximum of two percentage points will be added to the final course grade for an acceptable review. If it is obvious that the student is not prepared for a book/article
review presentation, one letter grade will be deducted from final course grade. 2-5 pages, single spaced with 1" margins.

Final Exam

Format to be given at a later date

97.5 -100.00 = A+
92.5 - 97.49 = A
90.0 - 92.49 = A-
87.5 - 89.99 = B+
82.5 - 87.49 = B
80.0 - 82.49 = B-
77.5 - 79.99 = C+
72.5 - 77.49 = C
70.0 - 72.49 = C-
67.5 - 69.99 = D+
62.5 - 67.49 = D
60.0 - 62.49 = D-
Below 60.00 = F

Book:
Schick, Jr., T. & Vaughn, L. (2002). How to Think About Weird Things (3nd ed.). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company. ISBN: 0-7674-2048-9.

Periodical/Journal:
Skeptic (Skeptics Society). Altadena, CA.
or
Skeptical Inquirer (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal). Amherst, NY.