Course Description

An introduction to the fields and research methods of contemporary psychology, including such topics as biological and social bases of behavior, human development, perception, memory, learning theory, intelligence, and abnormal behavior. Lecture and discussion format.

Course Objectives

1. To familiarize students with current theoretical terms and concepts in the psychology field, the methods used to research these concepts, and the applications of the concepts in clinical and educational settings.
2. To develop observational skill in self-observation and the observation of others.
3. To develop objective and critical evaluations of psychological theories and their applications from a philosophical point of view.
4. To develop an understanding and awareness of psychological problems, contemporary theories regarding their etiology, and treatment approaches.

Required Text:
Lahey, Benjamin B., (1995) Psychology: An Introduction, 6th Edition. Brown amp; Benchmark publishers (includes study guide)

Course Requirements and Grades
Examination #1                   20%    
Examination #2                   20%    
Examination #3                   20%    
Final examination                        40%    
                        Total=  100%

* Material discussed in class, and not in any of the readings, may form the basis for questions on the examinations. One grade reduction for over three absences. Sign in at each class. Students are responsible for anything covered in class during their absence, including material presented in films. Readings must be completed by the session to which they are assigned. All examinations must be taken on the dates scheduled. Note: Failure to show up for the final examination will result in a grade of "F" for the course. All examinations are multiple-choice format.

If Dr. Schaler is absent, please complete the pre-identified assignment, or start the film/video which is available in your classroom. Expect that material on films will be on the examinations.

CLASS SCHEDULE
January 27              Chapter 1                               What is Psychology?
                        Appendix (pp. 593-605)          Measurement, Research   
                                                                Design and Statistics
February 3              Chapter 2                               Biological Foundations of
                                                                Behavior
February 10             Chapter 3                               Sensation and Perception
                                                                (Skip the section on    
                                                                sensation.  Read the    
                                                                prologue and pp. 118-132 on
                                                                perception.)
                        Chapter 4                               States of Consciousness
February 17             Chapter 5                               Basic Principles of     
                                                                Learning
February 24             First examination                       Chapters 1 to 5
                        Note:  Examination runs
                        from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
                        Lecture begins at 7:45pm
                        Chapter 6                               Memory
March 3         Chapter 6                               Memory
                        Chapter 7                               Cognition, Language and
                                                                Intelligence
                                                                (Note:  Don't need to read
                                                                pp. 297-303 on language)
March 10                Chapter 8                               Developmental Psychology
March 17                Chapter 9                               Motivation and Emotion
March 24                Second examination              Chapters 6 - 9
                        Note:  Examination runs
                        from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
                        Lecture begins at 7:45pm
                        Chapter 10                              Gender and Sexuality
March 31                Chapter 10                              Gender and Sexuality
                        Chapter 11                              Personality Theories and
                                                                Assessment
April 7         Chapter 11                              Personality Theories and
                                                                Assessment
                        Chapter 12                              Stress and Health
April 14                Third examination                       Chapters 10-12
                        Note:  Examination runs
                        from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
                        Lecture begins at 7:45pm
                        Chapter 13                              Abnormal Behavior
April 21                Chapter 13                              Abnormal Behavior
April 28                Chapter 14                              Therapies
May 5                   Chapter 15                              Social Psychology
                        (Note:  Skip Chapter 16)
May 12          Final examination                       Cumulative -- All readings