Psychology

Syllabus Topics

  First Quarter Topic Outline

  Second Quarter Topic Outline

Description of the Course

This survey course is a scientific study of behavior.  Specifically, we are interested in exploring the behavior evidenced in learning, thinking, and mental and social attitudes.  By use on the lecture method, these areas are examined in depth and their influences on behavior demonstrated.

1. To give students a better understanding of human behavior by examination of the behavior patterns of human beings at lower animals.
2. To comprehend the behavior of peoples with very diverse traditions and customs.  The very survival of human race depends upon an understanding of interpersonal relationships on a worldwide basis.
3. To appreciate the ways in which the general methods of science can be applied to problems of behavior.
4. To be able to approach the problems of our own society with increasing objectivity.
5. To learn to recognize that many other motives we attribute to others are really reflections of our own needs and values.

Specific Course Objectives

    Upon completion of the course the students will be able to:

1. Define and differentiate between psychoanalysis, hypnosis and parapsychology.
2. State in writing for principles of learning.
3. Write a paper on the topic of personality, including such aspects as how it develops, theories of personality, and scientific techniques for measuring personality.
4. Outline how behavior develops in individuals, including such elements as physical, motor, emotional, social, mental and personality development.
5. Write a paper on intelligence.  Included would be an explanation of how it is measured, the meaning of intelligence, various intelligence tests and their practical applications, mental retardation, and superior intelligence.
6. Compare the influence of heredity and environment on behavior.
7. Having studied several types of somatoform,  anxiety and substance use disorders, the student will list and explain two from each category.

Students are required to hand in all assigned homework as noted in the syllabus and reviewed in class, as well as learn all notes covered in class.

Personality Profile Project

Access to this project is by password only.  Click here to enter the project area.  NOTE:  Use of the web based project site requires knowledge of file downloading and installation.  If you are unable to use this site go to the library and complete the project there.