PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology
PSYC101 Title : Introduction to Psychology
Course Summary
Course : PSYC101 Title : Introduction to Psychology
Length of Course : 8
This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and
serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until
the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus.
Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus
may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet
started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course
description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS.
Prerequisites : N/A Credit Hours : 3
Description
Course Description: The course introduces students to the art and science of Psychology. Course
emphasis is on applying the “science of human behavior” to a variety of settings: vocational, personal,
academic, and clinical. Course content introduces the history of psychology, major theories of personality
and learning, current research and developmental issues. The course has a holistic approach and integrates
the biological basis of behavior, social factors, learning and the unique coping styles of the individual to
understand human behavior.
Course Scope:
This course introduces the student to the scientific and theoretical foundations of psychology. It examines
biopsychology, sensation/perception, learning, memory, language, thought, motivation, personality, emotion,
stress, development, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapies, and scientific research
methods.
Objectives
1. Students will be able to identify and define the key tenets and theories in the field of psychology
(perceptual, cognitive, developmental, abnormal, social, and health).
2. Students will be able to apply basic psychological principles and theoretical concepts to their daily life,
work, and relationships.
3. Students will be able to describe how human behavior and mental processes are affected by culture
and social situations and roles.
4. Students will be able to apply the scientific method and research methodology to critique a simple
psychological experiment.
5. Students will be able to identify the main symptoms and treatments for common psychological
disorders.
6. Students will be able to describe the findings of major/critical psychological experiments and theorists
in the field of psychology.
7. Students will be able to summarize the mind/body connection as it relates to psychological concepts.
Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Psychology
Readings
Lesson Week 1: Topic 1 – Introduction to Psychology
Topics and Weekly Learning Outcomes
Week 1 Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Week 1 Module 1 Learning Outcomes – Introduction to Psychology
1. Students will establish a collaborative learning community and discuss strategies for successfully
completing the course learning activities and assignments.
2. Students will be able to define psychology and discuss its relevance to their daily lives.
Assignments/Deliverables
Week 1 Discussion Forum
Week 2: Psychological Research and Biological Psychology
Readings
Lesson Week 2: Topic 1 – Psychological Research
Lesson Week 2: Topic 2 – Biopsychology
Topics and Weekly Learning Outcomes
Week 2 Modules
Research Methods in Psychology
Biological Psychology
Week 2 Module 1 Learning Outcomes – Research Methods
1. Students will be able to describe the various approaches to psychological research.
2. Students will be able to apply the scientific method to psychological research.
3. Students will be able to analyze a psychological research study to interpret the results of the study.
4. Students will be able to identify potential ethical concerns in psychological research and describe how
they are regulated.
Week 2 Module 2 Learning Outcomes – Biological Psychology
1. Students will be able to describe the biological structures and processes involved in human behavior,
including the major structures of the brain, the influence of neurotransmitters and hormones, and the
role of the central nervous system.
Assignments/Deliverables
Week 2 Discussion Forum
Week 3: Sensation/Perception, State of Consciousness, Memory
Readings
Lesson Week 3: Topic 1 – Sensation and Perception
Lesson Week 3: Topic 2 – State of Consciousness
Lesson Week 3: Topic 3 – Memory
Topics and Weekly Learning Outcomes
Week 3 Modules
Sensation and Perception
Consciousness
Memory
Week 3 Module 1 Learning Outcomes – Sensation and Perception
1. Students will be able to explain the processes involved in sensing the environment, including sight,
smell, taste, hearing, touch, and pain.
2. Students will be able to describe how perception influences sensory systems.
Week 3 Module 2 Learning Outcomes – Consciousness
1. Students will be able to explain how consciousness and altered states of consciousness work.
2. Students will be able to define the stages and patterns of sleep.
Week 3 Module 3 Learning Outcomes – Memory
1. Students will be able to identify the types of memory and memory processes.
2. Students will be able to discuss the fallibility of memory and the controversy surrounding repressed
memories.
Assignments/Deliverables
Week 3 Discussion ForumWeek 3 Weekly Assessment – Stroop Effect Exercise
Begin collecting data for Sleep Journal Assignment to be submitted in Week 5
Week 4: Lifespan Development
Readings
Lesson Week 4: Topic 1 – Lifespan Development
Topics and Weekly Learning Outcomes
Week 4 Modules Lifespan Development
Week 4 Module 1 Learning Outcomes – Lifespan Development
1. Students will be able to compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives of lifespan
development including psychosexual, psychosocial, cognitive, and moral.
2. Students will be able to describe typical and atypical physical, cognitive, and emotional stages of
development from prenatal through old age.
3. Students will be able to describe gender identity development and its impact on personality and
sexuality.
Assignments/Deliverables
Week 4 Discussion Forum
Week 5: Learning, Thinking and Intelligence
Readings
Lesson Week 5: Topic 1 – Learning
Lesson Week 5: Topic 2 – Thinking and Intelligence
Topics and Weekly Learning Outcomes
Week 5 Modules
Learning
Thinking and Intelligence
Week 5 Module 1 Learning Outcomes – Learning
1. Students will be able to analyze the major theories of learning including classical conditioning, operant
conditioning, and observational learning.
2. Students will be able to apply the theories of learning to real-life examples.
Week 5 Module 2 Learning Outcomes – Thinking and Intelligence
1. Students will be able to explain the various theories and concepts of intelligence.
2. Students will be able to discuss the various forms of intelligence testing and assessment.
3. Students will be able to describe the approaches and barriers to problem solving and creativity.
Assignnments/Deliverables
Week 5 Discussion Forum
Week 5 Assignment – Sleep Journal
Week 6: Psychological Disorders and Treatment
Readings
Lesson Week 6: Topic 1 – Psychological Disorders
Lesson Week 6: Topic 2 – Therapy and Treatment
Topics and Weekly Learning Outcomes
Week 6 Modules
Psychological Disorders
Treatment for Psychological Disorders
Week 6 Module 1 Learning Outcomes – Psychological Disorders
1. Students will be able to describe the criteria symptomatic of the most common psychological
disorders.
2. Student will be able to explain how the DSM-V is used to diagnose psychological disorders.
3. Students will be able to describe the modern theoretical perspectives on the origin of psychological
disorders.
Week 6 Module 2 Learning Outcomes – Treatment for Psychological Disorders
1. Students will be able to discuss the modern forms of treatment for psychological disorders, both
psychotherapy and biomedical.
2. Students will be able to analyze the impact of culture, gender, and other sociocultural variables on
barriers to treatment for psychological disorders.
Assignments/Deliverables
Week 6 Discussion Forum
Week 7: Social, Industrial-Organizational, and Personality Psychology
Readings
Lesson Week 7: Topic 1 – Social Psychology
Lesson Week 7: Topic 2 – Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Lesson Week 7: Topic 3 – Personality
Topics and Weekly Learning Outcomes
Week 7 Modules
Social Psychology
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Personality
Week 7 Module 1 Learning Outcomes – Social Psychology
1. Students will be able to define social psychology and the major social influences on behavior.
2. Students will be able to apply the concepts of social psychology including conformity, group dynamics,
obedience, attitude, persuasion, aggression, altruism, helping, prejudice and discrimination to analyze
real life behavioral examples.
Week 7 Module 2 Learning Outcomes – I/OPsychology
1. Students will be able to identify and discuss the theories and concepts related to work/life balance,
motivation, and productivity in workplace settings.
Week 7 Module 3 Learning Outcomes – Personality
1. Students will be able to identify and discuss the environmental, biological, and cultural influences on
personality.
2. Students will be able to apply the major theories of personality to measure personality.
Assignments/Deliverables
Week 7 Discussion Forum
Week 7 Weekly Assignment – Prosocial Behavior Exercise
Week 8: Emotion and Motivation, Stress, Lifestyle and Health
Readings
Lesson Week 8: Emotion and Motivation
Lesson Week 8: Topic 2 – Stress, Lifestyle, and Health
Topics and Weekly Learning Outcomes
Week 8 Modules
Emotion and Motivation
Stress and Health
Course Wrap Up
Week 8 Module 1 Learning Outcomes – Emotion and Motivation
1. Students will be able to analyze the elements of emotions and discuss how culture influences our
emotional experience.
2. Students will be able to describe theories of motivation as a drive for behavior.
3. Students will be able to describe theories about how motivation and emotion impact sexual and eating
behaviors.
Week 8 Module 2 Learning Outcomes – Stress and Health
1. Students will be able to describe the physiological and psychological origins of stress.
2. Students will be able to analyze the biological consequences of stress, emotion, and cognitive outlook
on overall health.
3. Students will be able to discuss the benefits of stress.
Assignnments/Deliverables
Week 8 Discussion Forum
Final Exam
Evaluation
Forums:
Participation on eight weekly Forums is required. General forum posting requirements and topic-specific
instructions are located on each forum.
Assignments:
Due in Week 3 is the Stoop Effect Assignment. Starting in Week 3 and continuing through Week 4, students
collect data for their sleep journal. Due in Week 5 is the Sleep Journal and Reflection Paper. Due in Week 7
is the Prosocial Behavior Assignment.
Final Exam:
The course Final exam is open-book and consists of short essay questions that cover all course material.
Grading:
Name Grade %
Forums 32.00 %
Week 1 Forum 4.00 %
Week 2 Forum 4.00 %
Week 3 Forum 4.00 %
Week 4 Forum 4.00 %
Week 5 Forum 4.00 %
Week 6 Forum 4.00 %
Week 7 Forum 4.00 %
Week 8 Forum 4.00 %
Papers 45.00 %
Week 5: Sleep Journal And Reflection
Paper
20.00 %
Week 3 Assignment: Stroop Effect 10.00 %
Week 7 Assignment: Prosocial
Behavior
15.00 %
Exams 23.00 %
Final Exam – Short Answer/Essay 23.00 %
Materials
Book Title: Invitation to Psychology, 5th ed – The VitalSource e-book is provided via the APUS Bookstore
Author: Wade
Publication Info: Pearson
ISBN: 9781256525806
Book Title: You must validate your cart to get access to your VitalSource e-book(s). If needed, instructions
are available here – http://apus.libguides.com/bookstore/undergraduate
Author: N/A
Publication Info: N/A
ISBN: N/A
This course utilizes an adapted Learning Textbook from CogBooks. Access is through the Lessons area of
the classroom.
Lindecker, C. (Ed.). (2017). Introduction to psychology. CogBooks: American Public University System.
Course Guidelines
Citation and Reference Style
Students will follow APA format as the sole citation and reference style used in written assignments
submitted as part of coursework in the Psychology Department.
Please note that no formal citation style is graded on forum assignments in the School of Arts &
Humanities—only attribution of sources (please see details regarding forum communication below).
Tutoring
Tutor.com offers online homework help and learning resources by connecting students to certified tutors for
one-on-one help. AMU and APU students are eligible for 10 free hours of tutoring provided by APUS. Tutors
are available 24/7 unless otherwise noted. Tutor.com also has a SkillCenter Resource Library offering
educational resources, worksheets, videos, websites and career help. Accessing these resources does not
count against tutoring hours and is also available 24/7. Please visit the APUS Library and search for ‘Tutor’ to
create an account.
Late Assignments – School of Arts & Humanities Late Policy
Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course
according to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals, we understand
you must manage competing demands on your time. Should you need additional time to complete an
assignment, please contact your instructor before the due date so you can discuss the situation and
determine an acceptable resolution.
Work posted or submitted after the assignment due date will be reduced by 10% of the potential total score
possible for each day late up to a total of five days, including forum posts/replies, quizzes/tests, and
assignments. Beginning on the sixth day late through the end of the course, late work, including forum posts,
quizzes/tests, and assignments, will be accepted with a grade reduction of 50% of the potential total score
earned.
Turn It In
Assignments are automatically submitted to Turnitin.com within the course. Turnitin.com will analyze an
assignment submission and report a similarity score. Your assignment submission is automatically
processed through the assignments area of the course when you submit your work.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic Dishonesty incorporates more than plagiarism, which is using the work of others without citation.
Academic dishonesty includes any use of content purchased or retrieved from web services such as
CourseHero.com or Scribd. Additionally, allowing your work to be placed on such web services is academic
dishonesty, as it is enabling the dishonesty of others. The copy and pasting of content from any web page,
without citation as a direct quote, is academic dishonesty. When in doubt, do not copy/paste, and always
cite.
Submission Guidelines
Some assignments may have very specific requirements for formatting (such as font, margins, etc.) and
submission file type (such as .docx, .pdf, etc.). See the assignment instructions for details. In general,
standard file types such as those associated with Microsoft Office are preferred, unless otherwise specified.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the all submitted work can be accessed and opened by the
instructor.
Disclaimer Statement
Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of a particular group or class.
Communicating on the Forum
Forums are the heart of the interaction in this course. The more engaged and lively the exchanges, the more
interesting and fun the course will be. Only substantive comments will receive credit. Although there is a final
posting day/time after which the instructor will grade and provide feedback, you are strongly discouraged
from waiting until the due date to contribute your comments/questions on the forum. The purpose of the
forums is to actively participate in an on-going discussion about the assigned content.
“Substantive” means comments that contribute something new and important to the discussion. Thus a
message that simply says “I agree”, even if wordy and thus, meets the length requirement, is not substantive.
A substantive comment contributes a new idea or perspective, a good follow-up question to a point made,
offers a response to a question, provides an example or illustration of a key point, points out an inconsistency
in an argument, etc.
As a class, if we run into conflicting view points, we must respect each other as colleagues. Hateful,
aggressive, or hurtful comments towards other individuals, students, groups, peoples, and/or societies will
not be tolerated.
Students must post a response to the weekly forums prompt and post the required number of replies to other
students – refer to the grading rubric and/or forum instructions for specific expectations on number of replies
and word count requirements.
Quizzes and Exams
Quizzes and exams may consist of true/false, multiple choice, and short essay questions. Each quiz/exam is
accessible only once. Once a quiz/exam is accessed, you will not be a
24/7 Nursing Homework Help
Stuck with your nursing assignment? From Essays to Complicated Dissertations? Our accredited nursing paper writers can answer it all!
