A broad survey of the major topics in psychology including, but not limited to, research methodology, biological and social factors influencing behavior, development, learning, memory, personality, and abnormal.
- Foundational Knowledge: Understand and describe the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings in psychology.
- Research Methods: Identify and explain the basic methodologies used in psychological research, including experimental, observational, and survey methods.
- Critical Thinking: Analyze and critically evaluate information to solve problems and make informed decisions related to psychological principles and research.
- Application of Concepts: Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to real-world situations and personal experiences.
- Ethical Awareness: Recognize ethical standards in psychological research and practice, and understand the importance of ethical behavior in diverse settings.
Myers, D. G., DeWall, C. N., & Gruber, J. (2025). Exploring Psychology (13th ed.) [eText]. Worth Publishers. ISBN 978‑1‑319‑56148‑2
You will need access to the Achieve online learning platform. Access this through the Canvas module and this will include an electronic copy of the current edition of this book. I’ll provide any other readings for you. You’ll find a link and instructions in the Canvas course, sign up using this link, or you won’t automatically be connected to the course. There will be homework for you to do that uses the online material, so you must have access to Achieve to take part in the course.
The proportion of the points you need for each letter grade is: A: 90% B: 80% C: 70% D: 60% The above grading scheme represents the toughest I will grade, however, the cutoffs for grades might be relaxed depending on the proportion of students achieving each grade- having said that, lobbying will not turn an individual score of 78% into 80%!
In-Class Participation
This class is in-person. Active engagement and participation is critical for your learning. Therefore, you will earn participation points for in-class engagement in labs and other activities. Participation will be graded based on student presence and preparedness.
Absences:
Please show up to the lectures! There will be unannounced class-participation assignments throughout the semester. Of course, I understand if there are genuine reasons such as illness for an absence, and I will take this into account as long as you provide suitable documentation.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals. This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question: · How do I understand human experiences and connections? Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome: · Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change. Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies: · Intercultural Competence · Perspective-Taking · Persuasion