As this is an introductory course, we will cover a large amount of material in less detail than in more advanced courses in the field. However, I insure you that the coverage will be sufficient to present a rather lucid picture of psychology, and insight into psychology as a potential career. Further, I intend to develop in you basic competency in testing and measurement by having you participate in a group research project to assess a psychological construct of your choice. As such, you will design and distribute a survey to students across or outside campus, and present your findings as a poster at the end of the semester. In addition to the above aims, I hope that you take full advantage of the theories and research findings encountered in this course to improve your personal life and interpersonal relationships.
Psychology is both a science and a way of being.
You will come to appreciate the beauty of this science. Besides designing and conducting research, licensed psychologists work with clients to help them learn to adapt to living in a complex and sometimes frustrating world. Further, when pathology is present, psychologists work to help clients adapt to mental illnesses that in past generations were completely debilitating, socially and personally. You will learn about how psychologists have come to see and treat mental illness, and promote mental health among individuals not suffering from pathology. The exams will cover the following chapters.