Introductory Psychology - TCSU PSY 110
Description
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The content of the course focuses on the exploration of major theories and concepts, methods, and research findings in psychology. Topics covered in the course include the biological bases of behavior, ethics, perception, cognition, learning, memory, emotion and motivation, development, personality and social psychology, psychological disorders and therapies, and applied psychology.
Minimum Unit Requirements
3 semester units
Course Topics
1. Exploration of major theories, concepts, methods, and research findings in psychology.
2. Research methods, including the scientific approach, data collection procedures, the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative approaches.
3. Major fields in psychology including but not limited to: the biological bases of behavior, ethics, perception, cognition, learning, memory, emotion and motivation, development, personality and social psychology, psychological disorders, therapeutic approaches, and applied psychology.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, research methods, core empirical findings, and historic trends in psychology (e.g., the history of intelligence testing).
a. Explain (including advantages and disadvantages) and compare major theoretical perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic and socio-cultural);
b. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in selected content areas of psychological theory and research representing each of the following nine general domains: (1) biological bases of behavior and mental processes, (2) sensation and perception, (3) learning and memory (4) cognition, consciousness, (5) individual differences, psychometrics, personality, (6) social processes (including those related to socio-cultural and international dimensions), (7) developmental changes in behavior and mental processes that occur across the lifespan, (8) psychological disorders, and (9) emotion, motivation;
c. Compare and contrast the assumptions and methods of psychology with those of other disciplines;
d. Describe applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical, counseling, forensic, community, organizational, school, health);
e. Draw connections between empirical research findings and theory;
f. Draw the distinction between scientific and non-scientific methods of understanding and analysis; and
g. Use empirical or scientific approaches to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
Recognize and understand the impact of diversity on psychological research, theory and application, including (but not limited to): race, ethnicity, culture, gender, socio-economic status, disability, and sexual orientation.
Understand and apply the principles embodied in the APA Code of Ethics.
Develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills in acquiring knowledge.
Demonstrate information competence (e.g. locate and choose relevant sources from appropriate media, read and accurately summarize the general scientific literature for an area of psychology, and search the World Wide Web for high quality information).
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