Course Description

This introductory course will provide students with an overview of the current body of knowledge and methods of the science of psychology. Topics will include foundations of psychology, cognition, emotions, human development, biological bases of behavior, personality, psychological disorders, psychotherapy and behavior change, and social behavior.

Prerequisite: None.

Credit Units/Hours

Upon successful completion of this course, you will earn 3 semester hours of college credit. This course represents the equivalent of learning outcomes normally achieved through 45 hours of student classroom study or through distance learning instruction.

Course Learning Objectives

Based upon APA standards and completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
• Understand basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
• Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social and organizational issues.
• Value empiric al evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.

• Demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.
• Communicate in a variety of formats.
• Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
• Develop insight into your own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
• Pursue realistic ideas about how to implement your psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.