Course Syllabus

Psy 111 (070) - Introduction to Psychology
Fall 2016 - Mondays & Wednesdays - 4:00 to 5:30 - MLB 3

Course Description: This course is designed to introduce you to Psychology, which is the study of thought and behavior. Psychology can help you understand yourself and others, and is relevant to many fields including health, education, sports, business, and law. As such, Psychology is important to individuals and to society. During this course we will overview the history of psychology, research methods, behavioral genetics, evolution, neuroscience, sensation, perception, variations of consciousness, learning, memory, language, thinking, intelligence, motivation, emotion, development, aging, personality, social cognition, social behavior, health psychology, mental disorders, and psychological treatments. At the end of the course you should know key concepts and findings about these topics, as well as be acquainted with the research methods of psychology and be able to evaluate purported facts about psychology.

As a survey course there is a great deal to learn in a relatively short time. Four main components of the course are designed help you succeed. The textbooks will introduce you to basic concepts, methods of investigations, and research findings. The Canvas website will provide you with an assortment of resources to help with your study, and it is where you will complete and submit weekly quizzes and assignments, ask questions and receive answers about course material, and check your current grade. Lectures will present key issues and help you appreciate connections between various topics. Discussion sections will enable you to interact in a small group to explore ideas in greater depth, consider the relevance of psychology to your life and the broader society, and allow you to raise questions not answered elsewhere.