Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Course Description

Introduces the following major topics in psychology: history, research methods, biopsychology, sensation and perception, learning, memory, human development, consciousness, and associated topics in cognition. Provides an overview of current trends, and emphasizes the sociocultural approach to understand cognition, emotions, and behavior. This is the first course of a two-course sequence. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.

Course Prerequisites

Prerequisite: WR 115: Introduction to Expository Writing (4 Credits);  RD 115: College Reading (4 Credits); and MTH 20: Basic Math (Arithmetic) (4 Credits). Or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available. This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Social Sciences/AAOT, Social Sciences/AS, Social Sciences/AAS, Social Sciences/AGS, Social Sciences/ASOT-B. 

Intended Outcomes for the Course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1.        Describe the key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology, including basic knowledge of psychology’s content domains and applications to everyday life within the course topics: history, research methods, biopsychology, sensation and perception, learning, memory, human development, consciousness, and associated topics in cognition.

2.       Compare and contrast research methodologies appropriate to the discipline of psychology, and discuss the conclusions or interpretations that can be drawn from them.

3.       Apply information literacy and critical thinking guidelines in evaluating claims about human behavior specific to the course topics. 

4.       Describe sociocultural factors and ethical standards in evaluating psychological science and practice.  

For more information on the Course Content and Outcome Guides please click on this link: https://www.pcc.edu/ccog/psy/201a/

Textbook Optional: Lilienfeld, S.O., Lynn, S.J., Namy, L.L., & Woolf, N.J. (2014). Psychology From Inquiry to Understanding. (3rd Edition) (AKA-"PSYCHOLOGY" - Pearson Custom Library) ISBN: 0134552512: You can get either get the 2nd, 3rd or 4th edition and either a hardcover or eBook, anywhere you can find a cheap version of the textbook. You can also get by without a textbook if you read the PowerPoints, attend all lectures, and take great notes.

You can get a 3rd edition of the ebook directly from the publisher at this address. https://www.pearson.com/store/p/psychology-from-inquiry-to-understanding/P200000008254/9780655707790 Their version is only $61 for 120-day access. 

Attendance: You must show up to the first class session AND complete the syllabus quiz, or you will be dropped from the course as a “no show”, as per college policy. All of the class meetings after the first class meeting are optional and there will be no penalty for missing class.

To enter a Zoom meeting, go to the “Zoom” tab on D2L. Cameras on Zoom: You do not have to have your camera on during the class meetings, however, you must have your camera on if you are asking a question or making a comment.

·       Group Activity Time Period: Immediately after the lecture ends (Time permitting).  We will have class activities, discussions and videos to enhance the material from the week’s readings and topics for the week. During the group activity time period, you must show yourself on Zoom video because you will be working in groups, and it is helpful to see who you are talking to and collaborating with. Attendance is not mandatory except for the first class meeting.

No.