Honors Introductory Psychology

Catalog description

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, which serves as a prerequisite for most upper-level psychology courses, provides an overview of the field of psychology, including research, theory, and application, and promotes thinking about how students can apply psychology to enhance their lives. 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. Evaluation is primarily through exams, papers, projects, or presentations and assesses psychological knowledge, skills, conceptual thinking, and critical analysis. After taking this course, students should be able to make more-informed decisions about participating in future psychology courses and have a better understanding of both psychology as a science and human behavior. Introductory Psychology is required for the Psychology major and minor. This honors version of the course is designed to provide the opportunity for students to engage with the material at greater depth and with greater emphasis on the scientific basis for the content.