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PSY 121 General Psychology

This course is a survey of general principles underlying human behavior and mental processes. It includes study of the nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, personality, and psychological disorders. Methods of assessment and research principles are discussed.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

PSY 121 General Psychology

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course is a survey of general principles underlying human behavior and mental processes. It includes study of the nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, personality, and psychological disorders. Methods of assessment and research principles are discussed.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Explain the discipline of psychology by stating a current definition, and list the goals of psychology. (CCC 1, 2)
  2. Contrast the various scientific methods of research used in psychology. (CCC 1, 2, 6)
  3. Evaluate contemporary psychological research. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
  4. Discriminate among major schools/perspectives of psychology. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
  5. Examine the biological basis of behavior, including the major components and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems. (CCC 1, 2)
  6. Assess the basic concepts and applications of the following core areas: sensation, perception, states of consciousness, learning, and memory. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
  7. Examine the basic concepts and applications of the following core areas: motivation, emotions, personality, and healthy and maladaptive behavior. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
  8. Analyze effective and ineffective coping mechanisms. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
  9. Explain how human interactions are influenced by social settings. (CCC 1, 3)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Explain the discipline of psychology by stating a current definition, and list the goals of psychology.
    1. Define the science of psychology.
    2. Describe and analyze the basic goals of psychology.
    3. Trace the emergence of psychology from a philosophical to a scientific discipline.
  2. Contrast the various scientific methods of research used in psychology.
    1.  Differentiate among various research methods and designs relevant to the study of psychology, including the strengths and weakness inherent in each method.
    2. Explore the importance of ethics and its implications on psychological research.
  3. 3. Evaluate contemporary psychological research.
    1. Analyze current psychological research, and evaluate resource quality.
    2. Evaluate and summarize appropriate material that relates to psychological research.
  4. Discriminate among major schools/perspectives of psychology.
    1. Compare and contrast the following psychological perspectives: biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, and evolutionary.
    2. Differentiate the focus of each of the following specialty areas in contemporary psychology: biological, cognitive, experimental, developmental, personality, educational, industrial, and clinical.
  5. Examine the biological basis of behavior, including the major components and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems.
    1. Distinguish between the various parts and functions of the nervous system.
    2. Describe the process of neural transmission, including the structure and function of the neuron.
    3. Differentiate between the structures and functions of the brain, including the hindbrain, the midbrain, the forebrain, and the limbic system.
    4. Identify and describe the techniques psychologists use to study brain function.
    5. Identify the location and function of endocrine system components.
    6. Describe the interaction of the nervous and endocrine systems and the impact on human behavior.
  6. Assess the basic concepts and applications of the following core areas: sensation, perception, states of consciousness, learning, and memory.
    1. Distinguish between sensation and perception.
    2. Compare and contrast the process of transduction in each of the five senses.
    3. Identify various states of consciousness, including sleep, hypnosis, and meditation.
    4. Describe major sleep disorders and alternative states of consciousness.
    5. Identify and explain the components and processes of the various learning perspectives.
    6. Discuss the components and process of memory, including conditions of memory loss and retention strategies.
  7. Examine the basic concepts and applications of the following core areas: motivation, emotions, personality, and healthy and maladaptive behavior.
    1. Identify and describe various theories of motivation, including each of their components and processes.
    2. Analyze universal emotions, including physiological and sociocultural implications.
    3. Analyze the relationship between emotion and motivation.
    4. Assess the major theories of personality.
    5. Identify the parameters of maladaptive (abnormal) behavior as defined by the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
    6. Categorize the various types of personality and behavior disorders and recognize their major characteristics and treatments: mood, anxiety, dissociative and somatoform disorders, and schizophrenia.
  8. Analyze effective and ineffective coping mechanisms.
    1. Identify sources of stress.
    2. Explain the physical and psychological effects of stress.
    3. Differentiate between effective and ineffective coping strategies.
  9. Explain how human interactions are influenced by social settings.
    1. Identify various social factors that influence individual and group behavior.
    2. Explain egocentric and sociocentric behavior, and explain the consequences of each on human interactions.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

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Attendance

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal