Psy 201 Syllabus

PSY/201 FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY (AXIA)
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course overviews the foundations of psychology as the field applies to everyday life. The physical and mental aspects of psychology are traced through lifespan development with emphasis on psychological health and wellness. Further study focuses on personality; thinking, learning and memory; motivation and emotions; and gender and sexuality. Based in various historical traditions, the course is set in the context of contemporary psychological principles.
WEEK 1 - TOPIC 1: A BRIEF HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY
Objectives
* Describe the subfields of psychology. * Explain the five major perspectives in the field of psychology. * Identify research methods used by psychologists. * Identify major ethical issues in the field of psychology research.
Materials
* READING: Read Ch. 1 of Psychology and Your Life - Introduction to Psychology. * WEB LINK: The Field of Psychology – Interactive Tutorial
Assessment
* Please see the instructor's syllabus for details on assignments. * Participation/Discussion Questions
WEEK 2 - TOPIC 1: THE BRAIN AND MIND
Objectives
* Identify the structure and functions of the brain. * Describe sensation and perception. * Recognize behaviors associated with states of consciousness.
Materials
* READING: Read Module 7: The Brain in Ch. 2 of Psychology and Your Life. * READING: Read Module 8: Sensing the World Around Us & Module 11: Perceptual Organization: Constructing Our View of the World in Ch. 3 of Psychology and Your Life. * READING: Read Module 12: Sleep and Dreams & Module 13: Hypnosis and Meditation in Ch. 4 of Psychology and Your Life. * SUPPLEMENT: Appendix A: Meditation Worksheet * WEB LINK: Stages of Sleep * WEB LINK: Structures of the Brain (Section 3) * WEB LINK: Structures of the Brain (Section 5) * WEB LINK: Consciousness – Interactive Tutorial
Assessment
* Please see the