PSYC 150-04, Foundational Issues in Psychology, Fall 2006

Abstract

In this course, you will learn that psychology is a science that attempt to answer some age-old questions about the human experience by using rigorous empirical methods to study people’s actions and thoughts. We will focus on five major psychological perspectives by examining the questions asked, methods used, and assumptions made by researchers in each field. The perspectives to be examined include: the biological, learning, cognitive, socio-cultural, psychodynamic and clinical approaches. The major principles of each perspective will be highlighted, critiqued and exemplified through the reading and analysis of scientific articles that have fundamentally shaped modern psychology. An important aim of this course is to give you the critical thinking skills necessary for dealing with psychological issues as well as evaluating the many “pop psych” claims that pervade the media. The emphasis in this course is on critical and creative thinking, not just the passive memorization of facts.