PSYC 2301 Course Outline
Week
Number
1
Topics
Objectives
and Details
Origins of psychology

Scientific Method
(NOTE: reading assignments are to be
completed in ADVANCE.)
Statistics & M&Ms
Read Chapter 1: Introduction
Ethics & Research
2
Experimental Method &
Hershey's Kisses
Neurons
(Modules 1 & 2)
3
The Brain (Ch. 2,
module 3)
Sensation and Vision
4
Perception
Optical Illusions





Read Chapter 2: Neuroscience and
Behavior
Develop an understanding of
experimental design and the biological
basis of behavior.
Read Chapter 3: Sensation and
Perception, Modules 8, 9, & 11.
Identify major elements of the process of
vision.
Describe the differences between
sensation and perception.
Read Chapter 4: States of
Consciousness, Module 12 only
Sleep and Dreams

EXAM #1

Classical and Operant
Conditioning


Describe the basic ways in which
learning occurs.
6
How do we learn?

Continue learning about learning.
7
Remembering and
forgetting

Read Chapter 6: Memory
5
Read Chapter 5: Learning

Develop an understanding of the
processes involved in working and longterm memory
Journal Article
Review due

See details for article-review online.
Cognition

Mnemonics discussion
8
Demonstrate knowledge of material in
ch. 1–4

Read Chapter 7: Thinking, Language,
and Intelligence
Develop an understanding of mental
processes and theories of intelligence
Intelligence
9
Goal implementation

Eating (and other
motivated behaviors)

Read Chapter 8: Motivation and
Emotion (Module 24 only)
What are effective ways of achieving
your goals?

Begin to read Chapter 9: Lifespan
Development (Modules 27-29)
10
Human Development

Develop an understanding of physical,
social, cognitive and moral changes
throughout life.
11
Exam #2

Demonstrate knowledge of material in
chs 5–9.
12
Reading selection

Read Chapter 10: Personality
13
Stress reductionSocial
Psychology

Read Chapter 11: Stress (Module 34)

Read Chapter 14: Social Psychology
Discussion: stereotypes

Explore impressions, attitudes,
attribution, prejudice, conformity,
obedience and helping.
Psychological Disorders

Read Chapter 12: Psychological
Disorders
Explore how humans deviate from the
mainstream of accepted experience and
behavior.
14

15
The talking cure


16
FINAL EXAM

Read Chapter 13: Treatment (focus on
Module 40)
Discuss different types of therapies.
Demonstrate knowledge of material in
chs 10 – 14.
See final exam schedule for details.