Course Syllabus

Jump to Today
Colorful dots arranged in the shape of a brain; abstract

THE FOLLOWING IS AN OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE. THE OFFICIAL SYLLABUS IS HERE

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the science of human behavior and mental processes. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the nervous system and behavior, learning, perception, language, personality, intelligence, psychopathy, and development.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Discuss the history of Psychology (GE 5, PG 3)
  • Define the scientific method in psychology. (GE 3, PG 1)
  • Explain the processes of adaptation and natural selection (GE 5, PG 1, PG 2)
  • Describe aspects of the cognitive processes of learning, memory and perception (GE 5, PG 2)
  • Explain selected aspects of motivation (GE 5, PG 2)
  • Discuss developmental processes (GE 5, PG 2)
  • Examine the influence of culture on selected psychological processes (GE 8, PG 1, PG 2, PG 3)
  • Discuss theories of personality. (GE 5, PG 2)
  • Define psychopathology and discuss treatment modalities. (GE 5, PG 1, PG 2)
  • Explain major issues in Social Psychology. (GE 8, PG 2, PG 3)

Course Content:

  • The nature-nurture interaction (may include mind-body connection, diversity, and social construction of reality).
  • The fundamentals of social science research (may include varied research methodologies).
  • The active construction of reality (may include sensation, perception, altered states of consciousness, and sociocultural influences).
  • The basics of lifespan development (may include cognitive, physical, moral, social and personality development).
  • The fundamentals of learning (may include classical, operant, and observational/cognitive learning paradigms).
  • The understanding of the unique qualities of being human (may include personality theory, psychological health, psychological disorders, psychotherapy, mind-body connections, and selected aspects of evolutionary theory).

Textbook:

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!
Psychology 2e from OpenStax, ISBN 978-1-975076-45-0

You have several options to obtain this book:

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

Important Notes:

  • Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is committed to supporting students with documented disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations. Students requesting services under SAS must self-identify and provide appropriate documentation (i.e. IEP, 504 Plan, medical documents, etc.) of disability.  Reasonable environmental and academic adjustments will be provided according to the student’s documented need. The mission of these reasonable accommodations is to ensure equity in education at Sussex County Community College. To reach the Student Accessibility Services office: (973) 300-2153

  • The Student Success Center can help students who are having difficulties managing stress, adjusting to college, or feeling sad and hopeless. You can reach The Student Success Center by calling 973-300-2346 or visiting (https://www.sussex.edu/student-support/student-success-center/personal-counseling-services/). Services are free for currently enrolled students.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due