The focus of this course is to provide an introduction to some of the basic concepts and applications in psychology. The course will explore the different theoretical approaches in psychology, developmental psychology, learning, communication, stress and wellness and applications to life experiences.
Introduction to Psychology will acquaint learners planning to pursue further learning in human and social services field with the basic theories, applications and language use. It aims to prepare learners for the rigor of the first year university level course.
Hours: 120 (Lecture Hours: 120)
Total Weeks: 20
Prerequisites:
“C“ or higher in ENGL040 or ENGL11 or equivalent or Provincial Level Placement on the CCP English Assessment.
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-requisites:
English 050 Provincial English
OR Instructor's permission
Course Content:
Introduction
- Psychology as a natural science
- The scientific method
Developmental Psychology
- Steps and stages of life
- Sex and gender
Learning
- Models of learning
- Thinking and intelligence
- Memory
Stress and Wellness
- CNS and PNS
- Mind-body connection
- Sensation and perception
- Stress and emotion
- Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (impact on love, sex, food and work)
Psychological Disorders
- Perspectives on mental disorders
- Abnormal behaviour
- Legal definition of insanity
- Approaches to treating psychological disorders
Learning Outcomes:
Upon the completion of this course, learners will be able to:
General Goals:
- Utilize critical thinking skills in the study of psychology
- Engage in active learning and see how psychology applies to our personal and social lives
- Define psychology as a natural science
- Define basic concepts, perspectives and major issues in contemporary psychology
- Use the scientific method in observing and analyzing human behaviour
- Identify, observe and describe specific psychological processes and principles
- Critically analyze information about humans and their diversity
Specific Outcomes:
- List and describe the components and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems
- Examine and explain the mind body connection
- Distinguish between sensation and perception
- Explain the various models of learning
- Describe and assess the biological, psychological, cultural, and social influences of behaviour
- Discuss the connection and differences between culture, gender, and biology
- Describe and discriminate between the various theories and models of memory and its components
- Define stress and list and explore the major methods of coping with stress
- Describe the components involved in the experience of emotion
- Define thinking and intelligence
- Define motivation and distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
- Discuss the impact of motivation on love, sex, food, and work
- List and discuss the major theories of personality and how to measure it
- Describe the steps and stages in our lives
- Describe the major perspectives on mental disorders and distinguish mental disorder from abnormal behaviour and from the legal definition of insanity
- List and explain the goals and principles of the major approaches to treating psychological disorders
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: D (50%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 100
Text Books:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.