PSYC 1010: Introduction to Psychology – Syllabus and Foundational Concepts

Course Overview and Policies

Instructor's Approach

• Positive Learning Environment: The course is designed to foster a supportive and engaging atmosphere for all students.

• Student Engagement: Interactive lectures, discussions, and activities promote active participation.

• Accessibility and Flexibility: Course materials and assessments are structured to accommodate diverse student needs.

Course Structure

• Lectures: Delivered in-person with slides posted before class; includes interactive elements and videos.

• Breaks: Scheduled at the half-way mark of each class session.

• In-Class Activities: Designed to reinforce learning through practical engagement.

Assessments

• Tests: Multiple-choice and short-answer format; 21% each, with the lowest grade dropped.

• Course Quiz: Worth 2% of the final grade.

• Applied Reflections: Choose 5 out of 8 reflections to complete throughout the year (2% each), posted to the discussion board and marked on effort/thoroughness.

• URPP: Undergraduate Research Participation Program, worth 4%.

Textbook and Study Resources

• Textbook: An Introduction to Psychological Science (Pearson). Opt-out model for purchasing; students are automatically charged unless they opt out in the first two weeks.

• Study Prep: Optional but highly recommended for exam preparation.

Course Policies

• Refunds and Missed Tests: Policies outlined in the syllabus.

• Academic Honesty: No posting of course materials to sharing websites.

• Accommodations: Book tests ahead of time if accommodations are needed.

• Office Hours & Emails: Students are encouraged to use proper email etiquette and attend office hours for support.

Tips for Success

• Stay on top of readings and assignments.

• Communicate with the professor or TA if you encounter difficulties; do not wait until the end of the term.

• Complete all course components for the best possible grade.

• Use proper email etiquette.

• If considering graduate school, build relationships with professors.

• Make friends with peers who share your work ethic; be cautious with group chats.

Common Concerns and Support

• Final/cumulative exams

• Resources for studying, including test review sessions

• Time management and work-life balance

• Making friends and meeting new people

Controversial Topics in Psychology

Examples of Sensitive Subjects

• Social psychology: conformity, obedience

• Psychological disorders: crime, solitary confinement, incarceration

• Psychology and law: wrongful convictions, eyewitness misidentification

Importance of Discussing Controversial Topics

• Personal growth

• Empathy and understanding

• Social awareness

• Problem-solving skills

• Deeper understanding of complex issues

Classroom Environment: Emphasizes mutual respect, tolerance for dissenting opinions, and a safe, comfortable space for discussion.

History and Foundations of Psychology

Psychology's Origins

• Originally part of philosophy; ancient Greeks contemplated the mind.

• Formal beginning in the late 19th century.

• Wilhelm Wundt: Established the first psychology lab in 1879, focusing on the building blocks of the mind through introspection.

Structuralism

• Key Figures: Wilhelm Wundt and E.B. Titchener

• Definition: Structuralism aimed to understand the structure and characteristics of the mind through introspection.

• Method: Emphasized systematic observation to study consciousness.

• Example: Participants described their sensory experiences in detail to reveal the basic elements of mental processes.

Theoretical Perspectives in Psychology

Modern psychology is shaped by five primary schools of thought, each offering unique explanations for behavior:

Perspective	Key Features	Notable Figures
Structuralism	Focus on the structure of the mind; introspection	Wilhelm Wundt, E.B. Titchener
Functionalism	Emphasis on the purpose and function of mental processes	William James
Behaviorism	Focus on observable behavior; learning through reinforcement and punishment	John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner
Cognitivism	Study of mental processes such as thinking, memory, and interpretation	Jean Piaget, Ulric Neisser
Psychodynamic	Emphasis on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences	Sigmund Freud

*Additional info: Functionalism was influenced by Darwin's theory of natural selection, focusing on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Behaviorism led to the development of therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cognitivism shifted focus from external behaviors to internal mental processes. Psychodynamic theory introduced concepts such as defense mechanisms and the role of the unconscious mind.*