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PSYCHOLOGY
Course Description: This is a one semester class. Assignment descriptions are in the grade section of IC.
This course will serve as an introduction to the study of psychology.
The course will cover areas in the five major psychological
perspectives or “Domains” suggested by the American Psychological
Society, Standards for High School Psychology Classes.
Introduction
and Research Methods defines the science of psychology, describes its
history, identifies the methods for examining behavior and mental
processes, and reviews scientific careers available in the discipline.
Biological
Bases of Behavior addresses how the brain processes information and how
the body adapts to the demands of its environment. Sensation and
Perception examines how the brain makes meaning out of the physical
sensations generated by the environment. Motivation and Emotion
examines the drives and needs that direct behavior, including sex,
thirst, hunger, and social needs, as well as the range of human
emotions. Social and Cultural Dimensions of Behavior Psychology
explores how we perceive the social world and how we behave in relation
to other people. Stress, Coping and Health identifies how stress
reactions hinder our effectiveness and proposes alternatives that lead
to a healthier existence.
Learning demonstrates how we make
changes in our behavior through experience with the environment,
usually focusing on classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning,
and cognitive learning. Memory addresses how we remember as will as how
we can improve memory. Thinking and Language examines the role of
language, problem-solving skills, creativity, multilingualism, and
intelligence testing as primary interests of researchers in this area.
States of Consciousness explores varying stages of awareness, including
sleep, reaction to drugs, daydreaming, and controlled conscious
processes.
Lifespan Development examines how nature and nurture influence our development from conception until death.
Individual
Differences focuses on how psychologists measure and compare
individuals abilities and characteristics. Personality and assessment
demonstrates scientific explanations of personality development along
with the methods used to measure personality concepts. Psychological
Disorders investigates patterns of behavior that are considered deviant
or distressful in our culture and includes how psychologists diagnose
these patterns. Treatment of Psychological Disorders discusses the
various intervention methods, including psychotherapy and medical
interventions that mental health professionals use in treating abnormal
conditions. Social and Cultural Dimensions of Behavior explores how
social and cultural contexts influence behavior.
Texts:
Psychology: An Introduction ed. X, Charles G. Morris with Albert A.
Maisto Forty Studies that Changed Psychology: Explorations into the
history of Psychological Research ed. III, Roger C. Hock. (Suggested,
but not required. Available used via the internet $10-15.)
ISBN-0139227254.
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