Syllabus

Introduction to Psychology

Ms. Strickland

Spring 2015

jstrickland@mph.net

315-882-5475 – cell: call or text

Materials :            Essentials of Psychology 5th Edition

Course Description:
This is a semester course that introduces the basic concepts of psychology such as the basis of behavior, child growth and development, learning, personality development and personality disorders.

The Plan
During our semester together, we will examine the following essential questions:

-        How is human personality shaped and/or influenced? How much free will do humans have?

-        How can we apply this knowledge to better understand ourselves as well as the world around us?

UNIT:	TOPICS INCLUDE:
Unit 1: Introduction to Psychology	Subfields in Psychology Research Methods of Psychology Multiple Approaches to Psychology Ethical Issues
Unit 2: Biology and Behavior	Basic Functions of the Brain The Teenage Brain Gender Differences Impact on behavior
Unit 3: Human Development & Personality	Nature vs. Nurture Freud’s Stages of Development Erikson’s 8 Stages Marcia’s Identity States Kohlberg’s Moral Development Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Impact of Gender on Development
Unit 5: Abnormal Psychology	History of the DSM-IV (Diagnostic Criteria) Specific Disorders: Mental Somatoform Dissociative Mood Schizophrenic Personality Psychotherapy/Treatment
Unit 5: Learning and Intelligence	Learning: Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning Social Learning Cognitive Approach Intelligence: History of the Intelligence Movement Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory

Distribution of quarterly grading components:
Tests/Projects: 35%
Quizzes/Minor Projects/Writing Assignments: 15%
Class Participation: 35%
Homework: 15%