Psyc 1504 Introduction To Psychology

PSYC 1504: Introduction to Psychology

Course Description:

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. Most people associate psychology with clinical issues, such as abnormal psychology, but it encompasses many different aspects of our lives from individual development, social interactions, and physiological aspects of human behavior. This course serves as an overview of the major fields in psychology with an emphasis on empirical evidence on the science of human thought and behavior.

Required Textbook and Materials:

The main required textbooks for this course are listed below, and can be readily accessed using the provided links. There may be additional required/recommended readings, supplemental materials, or other resources and websites necessary for lessons; these will be provided for you in the course’s General Information and Forums area, and throughout the term via the weekly course Unit areas and the Learning Guides.

Software Requirements/Installation:

No special requirements.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Examine the field of psychology from multiple perspectives: cultural, current and historical perspectives.
2. Critically evaluate the concept of psychology as a “science”.
3. Review psychological research studies.
4. Discuss the different bases of behavior.
5. Explain the effects of discrimination and stigma for people who suffer from mental illness, or for simply from behaving in a different way.

Course Schedule and Topics:

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Psychology

Week 2: Unit 2 – Biopsychology and Consciousness

Week 3: Unit 3 – Sensation/Perception and Learning

Week 4: Unit 4 – Thinking, Intelligence, and Memory

Week 5: Unit 5 – Lifespan and Motivation/Emotions

Week 6: Unit 6 – Personality and Social Psychology

Week 7: Unit 7 – Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Stress

Week 8: Unit 8 – Psychological Disorders and Treatment

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam