Individual project topics

Project topics are listed by course in the syllabus section. The idea is that you will choose a topic early, and present your work so far on the class day that corresponds to your topic. For the topics on the syllabus, I have a few key papers in mind that could serve as a seed for your project.

For your class presentation day, you should present a brief overview and include a handout for the class. You'll want to read a few key papers very carefully and share the main findings and conclusions from those papers with the class. A few good papers are better than reviewing many papers that are of limited interest. You should talk with me about what the 'key' papers for your topic are. You'll need to be well prepared for class, because the class can't read all the key papers for any of the topics, and your expertise will be a valuable part of the class's educational experience on that day. You will have unique insights and knowledge to contribute.

For your final paper, your 10-page review should be focused on one topic, and the papers in it should all tell pieces of the same story, as much as possible. The parts of the story should depend on each other. Strive for interdependence: the inability to leave papers or sections out of your review without affecting other sections. The best reviews will also attempt to answer an interesting question or several related questions--"What are the cognitive and health costs of suppressing feelings? Do people suppress feelings by suppressing thoughts or memories?"

Everyone should choose a different topic, but some of these topics are broad enough that there's room for two sub-topics. For example, two people could study different aspects of decision making. It's okay to change topics if you need to. You can also choose a topic that's not on this list.