PSYC 121
Introduction to Psychology (GE)
1. Catalog Entry
PSYC 121
Introduction to Psychology (GE)
Credit hours (3)
Introduces students to the scientific study of behavior. Topics include essential
concepts in brain function, emotion, cognition, learning, personality, social behavior,
abnormal psychology, the methods used to generate psychological knowledge, and application
of this knowledge in a variety of settings.
Note(s): General Education and Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
2. Detailed Description of Course
1) What is Psychology?
a. Historical Origins of Psychology
b. Psychology as a Career
c. The Bio-Psycho-Social Basis of Behavior
2) The Science of Psychology
a. The Scientific Method
b. Basic Research Designs:
i. Correlational Designs
ii. Experimental Designs
3) The Neurological Basis of Behavior
4) Developmental Processes
5) Sensation and Perception
6) Learning: Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, and Biological and
Cognitive Influences on
Conditioning
7) Memory and Cognitive Processes
8) Personality and Behavior
9) Social basis of Behavior
10)Emotions, Health, & Well-being
11)Psychopathology
12)Treatment and Therapy
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
A combination of lecture, informal discussion, in-class activities, and out-of-class
assignments may be used in this course. These components will focus upon the text
or other assigned readings, audio-visual presentations, or other relevant materials
drawn from the popular cultural media and current events.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of major concepts
and principles of psychology; including the ability to recognize, recall, define,
explain, or provide examples of major psychological concepts, principles, or methods.
Students will be able to:
1) Recognize social and behavioral science concepts.
2) Recognize the relationship between individual and socio-cultural factors that
affect behaviors.
5. Assessment Measures
Student performance will be assessed based on some combination of the following: 1)
in-class examinations, which may consist of objective or essay questions. 2) in-class
or out-of-class quizzes. 3) term papers or projects. 4) class attendance. 5) class
participation.
6. Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
March 2009
June 20, 2015
March 01, 2021