Course Number and Title:
PSY 121 General Psychology
Campus Location
- Georgetown
- Dover
- Stanton
- Wilmington
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (SSC 100 or SSC 100 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 of understanding human behavior and mental processes. A broad overview of topics within the five pillars of psychology will be explored to include: biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personal, and mental and physical health. In addition, psychological history, major theories, methods of research, and ethical issues will be explored. After taking this course, students from all careers and fields of study will be able to apply basic psychological principles and research in understanding behavior and mental processes in everyday life.
Additional Materials
None
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
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Explain the major fields of study and theoretical perspectives from origin to the current day within psychology. (CCC 1, 2)
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Explain the benefits and limitations of research methods used in psychology. (CCC 1, 2, 6)
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Explain biological bases of behavior on the micro and macro levels. (CCC 1, 2)
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Explain the basic principles, major theories, and research concerning cognition. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
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Explain the major theories of learning and development, critical research, and concepts from across the life span. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
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Explain the major theories and research from the area of social psychology, personality theories, emotion, and motivation. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
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Explain the symptomatology, possible etiology, and proposed treatment for the major categories of psychological disorders. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
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:
- Explain the major fields of study and theoretical perspectives from origin to the current day within psychology.
- Explain the discipline of psychology by stating a current definition, the history, and goals of psychology
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of major theoretical perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic, and socio-cultural)
- Explain the benefits and limitations of research methods used in psychology.
- Contrast the various scientific methods of research used in psychology.
- Evaluate contemporary psychological research.
- Recognize and understand the impact of diversity on psychological research, theory and application including but not limited to age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, socio-economic status, disability, and sexual orientation.
- Explore the importance of ethics and its implications on psychological research involving humans and animals.
- Explain biological bases of behavior on the micro and macro levels.
- Explain how biology can impact behavior, including the major components and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems.
- Distinguish between the various parts and functions of the nervous system.
- Differentiate between the structures and functions of the brain, including the hindbrain, the midbrain, the forebrain, and the limbic system.
- Identify the characteristics of various states of consciousness, including sleep, hypnosis, and meditation.
- Describe the basic anatomy and functions of taste, smell, touch, pain, and the vestibular sense.
- Explain the basic principles, major theories, and research concerning cognition.
- Discuss the components and process of memory, including conditions of memory loss and memory retention strategies.
- Describe the roles attention, motivation, and sensory adaptation play in perception.
- Describe intelligence theories and intelligence testing.
- Describe cognition and problem-solving strategies.
- Describe language acquisition and the role language plays in communication and thought.
- Explain the major theories of learning and development, critical research, and concepts from across the life span.
- Identify and explain the components and processes of the various learning perspectives.
- Explain the processes of classical conditioning, operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment.
- Describe latent learning and observational learning.
- Compare and contrast lifespan development theories.
- Explain the physical, cognitive, and emotional development that occurs from infancy through childhood.
- Explain the major theories and research from the area of social psychology, personality theories, emotion, and motivation.
- Recognize aspects of social psychology, including the fundamental attribution error, biases, social roles, and social norms, in daily life.
- Explain how human interactions are influenced by social settings.
- Explain prejudice, discrimination, and aggression.
- Describe and differentiate between personality theories.
- Explain the use and purpose of common personality tests.
- Identify and describe various theories of emotion and motivation, including each of their components, processes and cultural differences in expression.
- Explain the symptomatology, possible etiology, and proposed treatment for the major categories of psychological disorders.
- Explain the parameters of the diagnosis of maladaptive (abnormal) behavior as defined by the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
- Identify and explain the basic characteristics of various types of therapy and the treatment of mental health disorders over time.
- Describe stress, its impact on the body, and identify common stressors.
- Describe methods to cope with stress and explain ways to increase happiness.
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.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments (Tests) (equally weighted) | 60% |
Summative Assessment (Final Paper) | 15% |
Formative Assessments (including but not limited to assignments, quizzes, discussions, reflections, summaries, group activities) | 25% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- 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.