PSYC110 Introduction to Psychology

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Psychology

  1. Course Number and Title

    PSYC110 Introduction to Psychology

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250

  4. Prerequisites

    Reading Placement Test score Level 3 or higher or READ110 (C or better)

    Corequisites

    Reading Placement Test score Level 2 and enrollment in a paired section of READ110

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    Introduction to Psychology is the scientific study of the psychological factors which influence the behavior of individual organisms, both animal and human.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. identify the types of methods used in psychological research;
        2. identify and explain the strengths and weaknesses of methods used in psychological research; and
        3. distinguish among theories, concepts, and/or research findings from the list of mandated topic areas to explain given examples of human and animal behavior.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. Category I
        Social Perspectives
         Students will:
        1. identify and explain the methods of analysis used to examine and evaluate group and individual attitudes and behavior in society.(2,3)

        Category III
        Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
         Students will:
        1. use methods, concepts and theories in new situations (Application Skills).

        International, Gender and/or Minority Perspectives
         Students will:
        1. articulate similarities and differences in the various cultures of the world and demonstrate familiarity with the skills necessary to make informed judgments.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      The following topics are presented:
      1. history of psychology
      2. research methods in psychology
      3. biological basis of behavior
      4. perception
      5. learning
      6. memory
      7. motivation and emotion
      8. psychopathology

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Exams, quizzes, classroom exercises, class or online participation, and/or projects as specified in the individual instructors' course format will be utilized. A minimum of four exams will be administered.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. Social Perspectives: Written assignments will be used to assess students' abilities to identify and explain the methods of psychological research to examine attitudes and behavior in society in relation to at least one of the Planned Topics.
        Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Written assignments will be used to assess students' abilities to apply concepts and theories to their lives or the lives of others using at least one of the Planned Topics.
        International, Gender, and/or Minority Perspectives: Written assignments will be used to assess students' abilities to articulate similarities and differences in various cultures using at least one of the Planned Topics.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Text(s) as selected by the full-time Psychology Area faculty. Students use educational resources as specified in the individual instructor's format.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date - 12/03; Core Goals/Objectives added 12/03;Revised 4/2010