The phenomena, laws, theories, and history of psychology. Topics include animal and human learning, motivation, perception, individual differences, social behavior, and biopsychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles rather than on application. Students are given the opportunity to participate in ongoing research.
Athena Title
Elementary Psychology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in PSYC 1030H, PSYC 1101E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will understand and describe the broad outlines of the field of psychology as a formal discipline, the scientific study of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
Students will explain and understand important topics within the field of psychology, including its subdisciplines of biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology.
Students will critically evaluate and analyze facts they learn about psychology, including recognizing and interpreting basic principles of foundational psychological theories.
Students will develop a set of broad ideas on what shapes our behaviors and emotions, from cognitive, biological, and social perspectives.
Students will explore the ways in which psychological theories are developed, accepted and discarded, including understanding and judging the ethical considerations in human and animal research.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the value and ethics of participation in psychological research, either through direct participation or evaluation of research studies.
Topical Outline
1. Orientation to course
2. Introducing psychology
3. Research methods
4. Psychobiology
5. Sensation
6. Perception
7. Learning
8. Memory
9. Cognition and language
10. Consciousness
11. Intelligence
12. Motivation and emotion
13. Development
14. Health and stress
15. Personality
16. Psychological disorders
17. Psychotherapy
18. Social psychology
General Education Core
CORE V: Social Sciences
Institutional Competencies
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
