Jeffrey A. Schaler, Ph.D.

Johns Hopkins University
Peabody Conservatory of Music

Fall 1997
290.111 - INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
Mondays and Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:20 A.M.
Room: 206 Conservatory
Faculty: Dr. Jeffrey A. Schaler
Office hours by appointment: Telephone (301) 585-5664 in Silver Spring, Md.
E-mail: Jschaler@peabody.jhu.edu

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, 5th Edition. Brown & Benchmark publishers
Recommended text: Study guide to accompany Lahey. Purchase this with the required text.

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 four 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.

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


September 8		Chapter 1			What is Psychology?
September 10		Appendix (pp. 679-691)		Measurement, Research Design and Statistics
September 15		Appendix (pp. 679-691)		Measurement, Research Design and Statistics
September 17		Chapter 2			Biological Foundations of Behavior
September 22		Chapter 2			Biological Foundations of Behavior
September 24		Chapter 3			Perception (pp. 139-158)
September 29		Chapter 4			States of Consciousness
October 1		Chapter 5			Basic Principles of Learning
October 6		Chapter 5			Basic Principles of Learning
October 8		Review
October 13		No class, 
			mid-term holiday
October 15	First examination	Chapters 1 - 5 + Appendix
October 20		Chapter 6			Memory
October 22		Chapter 7			Cognition, Language and Intelligence
			(Note:  Don't need to read pp. 297-303 on language.)
October 27		Chapter 8			Developmental Psychology
October 29		Chapter 8			Developmental Psychology
November 3		Chapter 9			Motivation and Emotion
November 5	Second examination	Chapters 6 - 9
November 10		Chapter 10			Gender and Sexuality
November 12		Chapter 11			Personality Theories and Assessment
November 17		Chapter 11			Personality Theories and Assessment
November 19		Chapter 12			Stress and Health
November 24	Third examination	Chapters 10 - 12
November 26		No class, Thanksgiving holiday
December 1		Chapter 13			Abnormal Behavior
December 3		Chapter 14			Therapies
December 8		Chapter 15			Social Psychology
December 10	Final examination	Cumulative¬All readings