Introductory Psychology

Catalog description

This course is required and foundational for students who are majoring or minoring in psychology and it is a prerequisite for other psychology courses. Psychology is a scholarly discipline, a scientific field, and a professional activity. Its overall focus is the scientific study of behavior and experience, and of associated mental and physiological processes. As a scholarly discipline, psychology represents a major field of study in academic settings, with an emphasis on theories and principles of behavior and experience. As a science, psychology is a domain of research in which investigators analytically and systematically study behavior and experience to develop theories and principles and to understand their application to real-world situations. As a profession, psychology involves the practical application of knowledge, skills, and techniques for enhancing well-being and quality of life, as well as solving or preventing individual and social problems. This course provides an overview of the field of psychology, including research, theory, and application. Specific topics include the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, development, social cognition and social influence, personality and individual differences, and mental disorders and therapy. Content is presented through a combination of lectures, readings, and demonstrations. Evaluation is primarily based on objective exams. A major goal of the course is to show how questions within these areas are addressed through empirical research. The course introduces students to theories, research, and procedures used in psychological research and practice and encourages them to apply this knowledge to enhance their lives. After taking this course, students should be able to make informed decisions about participation in future psychology courses and have a better understanding of psychology as a science and of human behavior.