Introduction to Psychology

Course Lecturer Name(s):  Hazel Da Breo, PhD

Course Director Name: Hazel Da Breo, PhD

Course Lecturer(s) Contact Information:  hdabreo@sgu.edu

Course Director Contact Information: hdabreo@sgu.edu 

Course Lecturer(s) Office Hours:  By Appointment

Course Director Office Hours: N/A

Course Lecturer(s) Office Location:  By Zoom

Course Director Office Location:  By Zoom

Course Support:   Ms. Nikisha Thomas, nsthomas@sgu.edu, ext. 3692

Course Management tool: To learn to use Sakai, the Course management tool, access the link https://apps.sgu.edu/members.nsf/mycoursesintro.pdf

Course Description: 

This course will introduce students to the scientific discipline of psychology.  Students will examine the emergence of the major schools of thought and the historical figures who contributed to the development of psychology as a science.  Topics of study will include the history of psychology, research methods, the basis of behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning and cognition, intelligence, motivation, social psychology and life span development.  Within each subfield explored, focus will be on underlying issues such as the naturenurture debate, the mind-body problem, stability versus change, and diversity versus universality, among others.  The course will assume an interactive and real-life application approach.

Course Objectives: 

For the student to acquire the following:

1. A comprehensive understanding of the emergence and development of psychology as a scientific discipline.
2. Knowledge about fundamental concepts, theories and scientific methods used in examining psychological processes.
3. An awareness of current thinking/trends and new, progressive research in the field
4. The ability to apply the information attained to affect social change in their personal lives, significant others, community and global village at large.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to do the following:

1. Have a comprehensive introductory knowledge of major areas of psychology as are commonly covered in first-level university psychology courses.
2. Apply psychological principles to their own lives to assist with intropection and understanding of their own behaviors and the behavior of others.
3. Be able to understand and explain the mechanisms of classical and operant conditioning and identify their applications to a variety of real-life situations, including learning.
4. Know and understand how basic brain anatomy and neurology motivate thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
5. Be able to integrate various areas of psychological study to understand the causes and effects of individual behavior and the behavior of society at large.
6. Have sufficient foundational background to pursue higher-level psychology courses that focus on major areas of psychological study.

SAS Grading Scale: Grades will be assigned as follows:

A  = 89.5% or better

B+ = 84.5 - 89.4%

B  = 79.5 - 84.4%

C+ = 74.5 - 79.4%

C = 69.5 - 74.4%

D = 64.5 - 69.4%

F = 64.4% or less 

Course Materials:

Text: Understanding Psychology, 11th ed., by Charles G. Morris and Albert A. Maisto

Supplementary Readings/Resources: Electronic versions of course notes are made available in advance on Sakai. Where appropriate, additional reference materials will be provided, and students will be advised accordingly.

Course Grading Requirement:

Quizzes: 30% 

Participation: 15%

Group Presentations: 15% 

Experiments: 20%

Final Exam: 20%

Course Requirements:

Students are expected to

• be prepared for class
• offer thoughtful contributions to class discussions
• conduct themselves in ways that are appropriate to a respectful, academic environment

Course Schedule: