Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology

 

This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of how mental processes lead to human behavior. The course starts off with an overview of the scientific approaches that psychologists use and a discussion on the ethical issues that arise when studying human subjects. It then surveys different sub-fields of psychology, including biological (neuroscience), cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology. The course is designed to be taught in topical modules which are independent of each other, but are cross-referenced when appropriate. Students will develop knowledge of what it means to systematically study human behavior, what psychology is and what it is not, and an overview of the different topics psychology has to offer. The format combines lectures and discussion sections in which students engage in active learning of the material through class exercises, group assignments and interactive critical debates. Applying concepts to an understanding of self and other is encouraged.