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PSY101 Course Outline 2024_25

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88 views4 pages

PSY101 Course Outline 2024_25

Uploaded by

Yandisisizwe Skosana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PSY 101- INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

SEMESTER 1 (2024/25) COURSE OUTLINE

Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences Academic Year, 2024/25, Semester 1


Semester
Department Psychology Class times MWF 9-10am
Course code PSY 101 Class Venue
Course title Introduction to Lecturer Mr T Lekhutlile
Psychology
Credits 3 Office 225/108
Course type Core Office Tel: 355-5775
Supplementary exam Yes Email [email protected]
Pre-requisites None Consultation times

Course synopsis
This is a foundation course to the study of psychology as a scientific discipline and it introduces students to
major themes in psychology such as cognition, emotion, behaviour, intelligence, learning, and motivation
from various theoretical perspectives.

Rationale
This course will help students in their decision whether to continue with psychology as a major or a minor
subject. Students are better equipped for their studies once they have a general overview of the discipline of
psychology before they start studying the various topics in depth.

Aims and Learning Objectives


Following completion of the course students will be able to:
- understand and explain why psychology is a scientific discipline,
- understand and explain what psychology is,
- identify and describe the major themes in psychology, and
- have a basic understanding of the various theoretical perspectives of psychology.

Modes of Assessment

1. Weekly Quizzes: There will be quizzes administered after every topic and will weigh 10% of the final
course grade. All quizzes are compulsory. The quizzes will be administered on Moodle.

2. Mid-Term Tests: There will be two tests (each weighing 20%). The tests will consist of a combination of
multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and mix and match questions and will be administered on Moodle.

3. Final Examination: Students will write a final examination (weighing 50%). The examination will be
administered on Moodle and will consist of a combination of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and mix and
match questions.

1
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Please note that in order to qualify for the Final Examination, students must attain a CA of 40% and
above. In addition, students must have attended at least 80% of the lessons.
Also note that PSY101 has a Supplementary Examination for qualifying students (Final Mark between
40-49%).

Readings
King, L. (2014). The Science of Psychology: An Appreciative View (3rd ed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

Special Needs:
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical
information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated,
please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.

Classroom Environment:
Lectures and online forums are mandatory, and students will have to sign an attendance sheet during every
lecture. The classroom and online forums must be spaces where all students can freely and respectfully express
their views. Engaging in such shared learning spaces contributes to the enhancement of the learning process.
Thus, active student participation is encouraged. No student must be ridiculed or criticized for their views. Any
student experiencing such prejudice should raise the matter with the lecturer.

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism:


Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and instances of such behavior will be handled accordingly.

NB: STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ONE TUTORIAL SESSION A WEEK. A tutorial
schedule will be provided as soon as it is available.

2
TOPICS
(TENTATIVE SCHEDULE)

Week TOPIC READINGS


Week 1-2  Introduction Chapter 1 (King,
 What is Psychology 2014)
o General introduction to Psychology
o History of Psychology and Early
Approaches
o Contemporary Approaches and Careers
Week 3  The Scientific Method in Psychology Chapter 1 (King,
o Scientific Method and Types of Research 2014)
o Data Analysis and Interpretation
o Challenges of Psychological Research
Quiz 1
Week 4  Biological Basis of Behaviour Chapter 2 (King,
o General introduction to Bio Basis 2014)
o The Nervous System and Neurons
o Brain Structure and Function
o Endocrine System, Brain Damage, &
Genetics
Week 5  Biological Basis of Behaviour cont. Chapter 2 (King,
Quiz 2 2014)

Week 6  Thinking, Intelligence, and Language Chapter 7 (King,


o Thinking and Intelligence 2014)
o Intelligence and Language
o Problem Solving
Quiz 3

Week 7  Learning Chapter 10 (King,


o Types of Learning; Classical 2014)
Conditioning
o Operant Conditioning
o Observational Learning

Test 1:
Week 8 MID-TERM BREAK

Week 9  Life-Span Development Chapter 8 (King,


o Child Development 2014)
o Adolescence
o Adulthood and Ageing
Week 10  Life-Span Development cont. Chapter 8 (King,
Quiz 4 2014)

3
Week 11  Theories of Personality Chapter 10 (King,
o Psychodynamic and Humanistic 2014)
Perspectives
o Trait & Personological Perspectives
o Social Cognitive Theories
o Personality Assessment
Week 12  Theories of Personality continued Chapter 10 (King,
2014)

Week13  Psychological Disorders Chapter 12 (King,


o Definition and Explanation 2014)
o Anxiety Disorders
o Mood Disorders
o Dissociative Disorders
o Schizophrenia
o Personality Disorders
Quiz 6
Week 13  Motivation and Emotion
o Theories of Motivation
o Hunger
o Approaches to Motivation
Emotions
Week 14  Industrial and Organisational Psychology Chapter 14 (King,
o History and Overview 2014)
o Industrial Psychology
o Organizational Psychology
o Organizational Culture
Test 2:
Week 15 READING DAYS

Week 16 FINAL EXAM PERIOD All topics covered

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