20809231Introduction to Psychology
Course Information
Description
Introduction to Psychology is a study of individual and social behavior including its psychological and physiological bases, development, motivation, emotion, perception, learning and behavior disorders. This course is a prerequisite for several college transfer courses in psychology.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Exam-College Developed Challenge Exam
  • Exam-National (CLEP)
Course Competencies
  1. Examine the key theoretical perspectives and historical people in psychology
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing written exams and quizzes with 70% accuracy
    by incorporating the key theoretical perspectives and people related to psychology into class discussions
    by incorporating key theoretical perspectives and people related to psychology into papers and projects
    Criteria
    you recognize the key distinctions among the various theoretical perspectives
    you recognize they key historical figures and their primary accomplishments
    you clearly and concisely engage your classmates in small group discussions on the theoretical perspectives and key historical figures in psychology
    you clearly and concisely engage in large group (class) discussions on the theoretical perspectives and key historical figures in psychology

  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the biopsychosocial approach to studying and understanding human behavior
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing written exams and quizzes with 70% accuracy
    by identifying the role of biological, psychological, and social variables as interactive causes of human behavior.
    by incorporating the biopsychosocial model into class discussions
    by incorporating key the biopsychosocial model into papers and projects
    Criteria
    you recognize the role of biological, psychological, and social variables as interactive causes of human behavior
    you apply the biopsychosocial model to your own experience
    you apply the biopsychosocial model to the world around you
    you clearly and concisely engage your classmates in small group discussions incorporating the biopsychosocial approach
    you clearly and concisely engage in large group (class) discussions incorporating the biopsychosocial approach

  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific process in psychology
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing written exams and quizzes with 70% accuracy
    by identifying the role of biological, psychological, and social variables as interactive causes of human behavior
    by incorporating accurate descriptions of research methodology into patpers, projects, and class discussions
    Criteria
    you recognize the key research methods used in psychology and correctly distinguish between them
    you apply research analysis to your own experience
    you apply research analysis to the world around you (e.g., current events)
    you clearly and concisely engage your classmates in small group discussions incorporating the research methods used in psychology
    you clearly and concisely engage in large group (class) discussions incorporating the research methods used in psychology

  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic biological processes involved in behavior at both the micro level (e.g., neurochemical) and macro level (e.g., nervous and endocrine systems)
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing written exam questions with 70% accuracy
    by identifying the role of neurochemicals (neurotransmitters, hormones) in human behavior
    by identifying the role of the peripheral and central nervous systems in human behavior
    Criteria
    you identify the main functions of the various neurochemicals (neurotransmitters, hormones)
    you identify the types of problems an individual may experience when one or more of these chemical systems is altered from its natural/normal state
    you identify the main functions of the various parts of human nervous system (central, peripheral), including the brain
    you identify the types of problems an individual may experience when one or more areas within the human nervous system is altered from its natural/normal state
    you clearly and concisely engage your classmates in small group discussions regarding the biological basis of human behavior
    you clearly and concisely engage in large group (class) discussions regarding the biological basis of human behavior

  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the key concept areas of scientific psychology (e.g., learning, memory, human development, personality, psychopathology)
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing written exam questions with 70% accuracy
    by completing assignments focused on the various research areas in psychology
    by contributing meaningful, thoughtful, and relevant comments and questions on assignments, and during class activities and discussions
    Criteria
    you identify the key concepts associated with each of the concept areas of scientific psychology
    you connect the key concepts related to each of these concept areas to your personal experience
    you connect the key concepts related to these concept areas to current events and the world around you
    you clearly and concisely engage your classmates in small group discussions related to these concept areas
    you clearly and concisely engage in large group (class) discussions related to these concept areas