PSYC 1020 - General Psychology

Credits: 4
Hours/Week: Lecture 4 Lab None
Course Description: Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. This course is a survey of the fundamental principles, research findings, and theories in psychology. This course does not train students in the practice or application of psychology, but introduces the core ideas and findings in the scientific study of behavior and the mind. Psychology is a very broad discipline that includes many topics including brain anatomy and function, learning, human development, intelligence, perception, memory, emotions, motivation, personality, social psychology, sleep and dreaming, and psychological disorders and their treatments.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Introduction to Psychology

2. History of Psychology

3. Research Methods

4. Neuroscience and Behavior

5. Sensation and Perception

6. Consciousness

7. Learning

8. Memory

9. Developmental Psychology

10. Motivation and Emotion

11. Intelligence

12. Personality

13. Social Psychology

14. Stress and Coping

15. Psychological Disorders

16. Treatments for Psychological Disorders

1. describe the main events and ideas in the historical development of the discipline of psychology, including how psychology is distinct from related disciplines such as sociology and philosophy.

2. describe the basic principles of psychological research.

3. identify specific parts of the brain and their relation to behavioral and mental functions.

4. apply principles of cognition, including theories of learning, memory, and intelligence.

5. compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches in the field of psychology, including theories of personality and human development.

6. describe the symptoms and treatment of several categories of psychological disorders.

7. apply critical thinking skills (e.g., evaluate information quality, distinguish between causation and correlation, adopt multiple perspectives for a given problem).

8. demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for aspects of human diversity as it applies to psychology.

9. employ the framework of psychological science (for example, correctly use terminology and concepts, and engage in scientific problem-solving).

10. apply course concepts to one’s daily life.

05. 02. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

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