COURSE OUTLINE
Course Title: Introduction to Psychology: Social, Developmental and Abnormal
Course Code: PSYC1000
Credits: 3
Year: 1
Course Description
This course offers an intensive introductory survey of current knowledge in psychology. The topics to be discussed include the scope and content of psychology; how psychologists do research; development over the life span; personal aggression and close relationships; mental disorder and crime; suicide and self-harm prevention. It introduces learners to three key sub- disciplines of psychology; namely social psychology, developmental psychology and abnormal psychology.
Learners will discuss how knowledge, attitudes, values and behaviour are acquired and change over the life span; that is, from infancy through childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
Additionally, the effect of people and their behaviour on the cognitions, attitudes and behaviour of other groups in the society are assessed. By the end of the course learners will have an appreciation of psychology as a tool for personal development, self reflection and management of behaviours.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course learners will be able to:
Knowledge
1. Explain how knowledge of psychology can be utilized to empower people to become motivated, active and responsible citizens.
2. Discuss how theories and empirical findings can be utilized to explain the region’s psycho- social challenges such as crime, deviance, substance use and risky behaviours.
3. Critically evaluate developmental theories to identify relevant and tangible ways to promote healthy lifestyles.
4. Explain how knowledge of emotional intelligence can be used to empower citizens and to promote healthy lifestyles.
5. Suggest ways in which an understanding of social psychological, developmental and abnormal psychology can promote protective factors and minimize risk factors.
6. Critically evaluate theories outlining social influence and emotion as predictors of socially accepted behaviour.
7. Discuss how diagnostic tools and policies are used to transform at-risk persons into functional and civic-minded citizens.
8. Discuss how psychological research methods can generate new data to facilitate policy creation and evaluation.
9. Illustrate how knowledge of social influence can assist individuals to recognize their role as agents of positive change.
10. Outline how awareness of group characteristics and group roles contribute to valuing diversity within communities.
11. Discuss how to recognize disorders (for example, self-harm, depression) and processes for referring individuals to appropriate facilities for treatment.
12. Suggest ways in which adults and children can clarify and prioritize their developmental needs and goals.
13. Examine the contribution that child and adolescent psychology can make to explaining and addressing challenges within the educational and social systems.
14. Identify the link between data, critical thinking, policy and theory as a first step towards policy recreation or evaluation.
Skills
15. Utilize the psychological theories of motivation, social influence and emotion to encourage appropriate pro-social behaviours in people.
16. Utilize the framework offered by psychological theories to evaluate selected policies for their relevance and effectiveness in empowering citizens.
17. Practice good listening skills when conducting mini-studies and data collection exercises.
18. Design, execute, and report on a mini-study within designated timelines using the theory, methods and techniques incorporated in social, developmental or abnormal psychology.
19. Measure their own research outcomes against a designated research plan.
Attitudes
20. Value the ideas and suggestions of others in group discussions and work-based activities.
21. Appreciate the need to work in ways that are socially and culturally sensitive.
22. Exemplify ethical conduct in carrying out and reporting empirical research with human participants.
23. Demonstrate positive behaviours in academic, professional and social settings using their knowledge of psychology.
24. Display leadership and communication styles that reflect social responsibility and an appreciation of cultural diversity in academic, professional and social settings.
