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PSYC 121

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