Course Outline PSY30

Welcome to Psychology 30

Psychology Education

Psychology is the systematic scientific study of human behaviour, experiences and mental processes.  Psychologists use stringent scientific methods and standardized scientific procedures to collect information and to analyze and interpret data.  Psychology education involves students in learning about the science of psychology, as well as in conducting their own psychological research and exploring how their results can be applied to their lives and the world around them.

Psychology 30

The focus of this course is human development.  Developmental psychology is the field of psychology that focuses on human development across the life span.  Students will learn about human growth and changes in behaviour associated with age, including the various stages of development from infancy through childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age.  As well, students will learn how psychological studies are conducted, and engage in studies of their own.  Students will be encouraged to re-assess preconceived ideas and prejudices, and begin to discover how psychological theories, methods and studies lead to greater understanding of how, in general, humans think, feel and behave relative to each stage of development.

Program Aim

The program aim of Psychology 30 is to develop students' understanding and appreciation for psychology as a field of scientific knowledge, and to give students a frame of reference for understanding themselves, others and social relationships.

Goals

The general goals of Psychology 30 are to help students to:

• understand the fundamentals of the science of psychology
• understand and engage in scientific methods of research
• develop problem-solving and decision-making skills with regard to psychological research and issues
• develop critical analysis and dialectical thinking skills, including the ability to evaluate and resolve psychology-related issues
• communicate effectively to share their understanding and ideas, and to share and defend their opinions
• develop an appreciation for the contributions of the science of psychology to human self-understanding
• explore psychology-related career opportunities and options
• develop skills in working independently, as well as collaboratively and cooperatively

Psychology 30

Course Outline 2010/2011 – Semester 2

Mrs. Burback & Mr/s. FillintheBlank

Unit 1: What is Developmental Psychology?

Unit 2: What is the developmental process before birth?

Unit 3: What is the developmental process during infancy?

Unit 4: What is the developmental process during early childhood?

Unit 5: What is the developmental process during middle childhood?

Unit 6: What is the developmental process during adolescence?

Unit 7: What is the developmental process during adulthood?

Evaluation

60% - Assignments, projects, research, etc

10% - Journal

30% - Final

Routines for Psychology 30

1.       Arrive to class on time.

2.      Bring supplies to every class: binder, paper, pen/pencil and all required assignments.

3.      Assignments are to be handed in on time.

4.      If you miss a class you are responsible to get the notes from another classmate or the instructor.

5.      Work without disrupting others.  Be pleasant and kind. 

Discussion Items

            Special Note: Psychology is what you make it.  The more discussions we have in class the better….  Discussion in class allows for a deeper understanding of ideas and concepts for everyone.  So please: discuss.  Also journaling is a very important part too.  I would like you to have a divider in your binder where you will be given the chance to respond to something.  You will be given marks for a journal that is complete by the end of the semester.  A good journal entry will be approximately ½ a page of legitimate content.