Psychology 40S

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It uses the scientific method to discover ways of understanding the complexities of human thought and behavior, as well as differences among people.

Studying psychology gives students lifelong skills such as dealing with issues proactively, solving problems, learning, and nurturing healthy relationships. It helps students understand themselves, and deal with issues in their own lives such as inner conflicts, and relationships with parents and peers. It also helps students understand societal issues.

This course exposes students to the major topics found in the field of psychology. It also emphasizes the issues that are of particular direct interest and relevance to students completing high school. Students explore the scientific methods upon which psychology is based. They can then apply what they learned to their daily lives.

Theme 1 – Introduction to the Study of Psychology and Research Methods – September

Theme 2 – Biopsychology – October & November

a. Biology and Behaviour

b. Sensation and Perception

c. Motivation and Emotion

d. Mental Health Promotion

Theme 3 – Developmental Psychology – December & January

a. Lifespan Development

b. Personality

Theme 4 – Cognitive Psychology – February & March

a. Learning

b. Memory

c. Language

d. Consciousness

e. Differences in Learning and Thinking

Theme 5 – Individual and Group Behaviour – April, May & June

a. Abnormal Psychology

b. Group Behaviour: Social and Cultural Dimensions

Course Assessment Dates*

Students are responsible with meeting with the instructor if an assessment date is missed. There is a 10% penalty assessed for late work. Work that is over 48 hours late will be deemed a zero unless the student has attained an exemption or extension.

The dates and tasks can be changed at the discretion of the instructor. Students will be given sufficient notice if dates or tasks change.

Tests = 40%

Quizzes = 10%

Assignments & Presentations = 50% (a participation component will be integrated into assignments)

*REMINDER – there are no exams in this course, which makes individual tests, quizzes and assignments much more significant in the determination of marks!

Term 1

September 17 – Assignment #1 due

September 30 – Test – Theme 1

October 8 – Quiz – Theme 2

October 14 – Assignment #2 due

October 21 – Quiz – Theme 2

November 10 - Quiz – Theme 2

November 25 – Test – Theme 2

November 30 – Presentation

December 9 – Assignment #3 due

December 15 – Quiz – Theme 3

January 10 – Test – Theme 3

Term 2

February 8 – Quiz – Theme 4

February 17 – Assignment #1

February 24 – Quiz – Theme 4

March 2 – Test 1 – Theme 4

March 10 – Assignment #2

March 24 – Test 2 – Theme 4

April 7 – Quiz – Theme 5

April 14 – Assignment #3

April 20 – Quiz – Theme 5

May 4 – Assignment #4 due

May 19 – Project due

May 31 – test – Theme 5

June 9 – Assignment #5 due

Class Notes