Psychology

EC17112

Course Description

Psychology is a one-semester elective course. One-half credit is awarded for successful completion. Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. You will explore various reasons for human, and sometimes, animal behavior. Psychology is a relatively new field of study, since it was founded in 1879. This course seeks to explain how biology, society and culture, and psychological processes influence behaviors and thoughts. We will explore psychological principles, psychology as a science, individual development, individual identity, the influence of individual experience, mental health and treatment, and social psychology. The course includes instruction in the TEKS §113.45 adopted by the Texas State Board of Education.

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, you will:

  • broadly understand the science of psychology
  • understand various aspects of individual development, such as cognition, personality, and intelligence
  • understand the multifaceted aspects of mental health
  • understand the influence of society and culture on behavior and cognition
  • understand the development and assessment of personality
  • understand the basic principles of tests and measurements

Required Course Materials

  • Psychology Journal – In the form of a small composition notebook, a spiral notebook, or loose-leaf paper kept in a binder or document files on a computer organized by unit and lesson.
  • Pencil or Pen – In order to do well in the course, you must take notes, sketch diagrams and graphs, and solve problems when instructed to do so.
  • Internet Access
  • Adobe Reader
  • Word processing software

Note: This course does not require a textbook.

Course Organization

The course consists of 7 units and one final exam.

Each Unit contains:

  • 3-4 lessons. Each lesson includes some or all of the following components: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
  • Self-assessments to help you check your own understanding of the material covered in each lesson. You must complete these assessments in order to advance in the course.
  • 2–3 graded assignments

Final Examination

The final examination is comprehensive; it covers the material from all 7 units. To pass the course, you must receive a grade of 70 percent or better. You can apply to take the Final Exam after 100 percent of your graded assignments have been submitted, and at least 70 percent have been graded and returned to you.

Format: Multiple-choice, online

Time Allowed: 3 hours

Materials Allowed: #2 pencils

Semester Topics

Units

  1. Psychological Principles
  2. Psychology as a Science
  3. Individual Development
  4. Individual Identity
  5. Individual Experience
  6. Mental Health and Treatment
  7. The Individual in Society