Introduction to Psychology surveys the field and the scientific methods of psychology and studies the dynamic factors influencing human behavior. The course will provide an overview of the basic foundation of psychology, psychological principles and the various psychological fields. It is a broad course pursuing every important area within the field.
The first half of the course will focus on history, physiological bases of behavior, sensory and perceptual processes,development across the life span, motivation, emotion, human sexuality, careers in psychology, methodology and statistics. The second phase of the course will focus on learning and memory, language, thinking, intelligence, personality theories, altered states of consciousness, abnormal psychology and methods of therapy, social psychology and careers in psychology.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To provide the student with a basic understanding of psychological concepts and principles and the major sub field in psychology.
To gain an understanding of psychology as a science, and to appreciate the complexity, interdisciplinary focus and comprehensiveness of psychology.
To become familiar with some of the great contributors to psychology and the theories they developed.
To gain an understanding of the physiological, biological and neurological underpinnings of behavior (including, sensation, perception, development, motivation and emotion) and the linkages to cognition
and psycho-pathology, personality formation and social behavior.
To gain an understanding and knowledge of the role of psychology in everyday life and its practica usefulness in one’ s personal and professional life and how to apply or use psychological concepts.
To understand the professional and career potential of a major and advanced study in psychology.