SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology 11 School Year 2012-2013 Instructor: Myraluz Vivares-Waddington, PhD (35) 422-6002 local 354 my.waddington93@gmail.com

Course description: The course aims to provide the student with general overview of psychology. Various psychological approaches and theories will be discussed to develop a better understanding and appreciation of individuals. Emphasis will be on the specific approach to understanding human behavior and mental processes. In the end, it is hoped that the course will facilitate personal awareness and development in the student. Course Objectives: At the end of the course, students are able to: discuss the basic concepts and theories of psychology appreciate the application of psychology concepts and theories in the Philippines setting make use of and enhance further their intellectual curiosity about human behavior and thinking see the self and society in a more scientific and empirical way develop the ability to reflect on personal experience understand and accept ones self and others appreciate the use of psychology as a tool for critical thinking in dealing with everyday human experiences apply psychology to facilitate individual and social change Learning Process: The objectives for this course will be achieved through a program of readings, discussions, assignments, reflection papers, individual and group reporting, exams, and other projects. It is expected that students will read in advance, actively participate in class activities and contribute in cultivating a mutually beneficial educational experience. Classroom Guidelines: The classroom is a space for learning. As such, the integrity of this space must be honored, respected, and maintained to facilitate maximum learning to take place. Students are thereby expected to observe the following classroom guidelines: avoid class disruptions by o being punctual o turning off or put cell phones and other electronic devices in silent mode o maintaining courtesy as we engage each other in the classroom Plagiarism Plagiarism is a capital offense in the academic world. I would therefore urge students not to engage in this kind of activity. To avoid plagiarizing, please ensure that you appropriately credit the author or source of information you use in your papers and be guided by the following: Plagiarism occurs when you - whether due to recklessness on your part or with willful intent - quote, paraphrase, or use a specific idea of another persons published work printed in books, journals, articles, periodicals, internet, etc., and present these information as if they were your own and/or do not give appropriate credit to your source of information. I routinely submit student papers to plagiarism checkers. Any plagiarism caught will be subject to disciplinary action. Please be guided. University policies on absences, tardiness, and other things relating to student conduct will be observed.

Learning schedule: Chapter 1 2 Content Approx. Timeframe 5-6 meetings

Nature of Psychology
Definition of Psychology Historical development of Psychology Views, Perspectives and Approaches Research methods in Psychology

Neurobiological Basis of Behavior - Human Nervous System - Central Nervous System - Peripheral Nervous System - Endocrine System - Genetic Influences Human Development - The human development - Development in context - Issues in human development - Prenatal development - Development theorists a. Jean Piaget b. Lawrence Kohlberg c. Sigmund Freud d. Erik Erikson Sensation and Perception - What is sensation - Sensory process and the different modalities - What is perception - Perceptual systems - Functions of visual perceptual system - Gestalt principles of grouping - Depth and motion perception Consciousness and its Altered States - Definition of concepts - States of consciousness - Sleep - Dream - Mediation - Hypnosis - Use of Psychoactive Drugs - Extrasensory perception Learning and Conditioning - What is learning - Modes of learning - Associative learning - Classical conditioning - Operant conditioning - Observational learning - Cognitive learning Memory - Memory systems - Sensory register - Short-term memory - Long-term memory - Processes of memory - Memory disorders - Strategies for improving memory Thinking - Overview of concept - Modes of thinking - Problem-solving - Types of problem - Problem-solving errors

9 meetings

9 meetings

2 meetings

3 meetings

3 meetings

2 meetings

2 meetings

Chapter 9

Content Emotion - What is emotion - Theories of emotion - James-Lange theory - 2-factor theory - Schacter-Singer theory - Modern theory of emotion - Emotional intelligence Personality - Nature and meaning - Forces and theories of personality - Defense mechanisms - Filipino personality Stress, Health and Coping - Meanings and concepts - Health and psychology - Biopsychosocial model - Sources, reactions, mediator and coping with stress Abnormal Psychology - Definition of concepts - DSM - Psychological disorders Social Psychology - The social self - Understanding ourselves - Self-concept - Self schema - Self esteem - Understanding others - Understanding how we react to our social world Filipino Social Psychology - History and background of Filipino social Psychology - Approaches - Content of Filipino social psychology - Theory of Filipino social psychology

Timeframe 2 meetings

10

3 meetings

11

2 meetings

12

2 meetings

13

2 meetings

14

2 meetings

Course Reference: Macapagal, Ma. E. and Te, L. (Eds). (1999). General Psychology. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press Ciccarelli, S. and Meyer, G. (2007). Understanding Psychology. Singapore: Pearson Education South Asia Pte. Ltd. Any Introduction to Psychology/ General Psychology textbook. Grade Calculation The following components comprise a students grade: Assignments, Class participation, Quizzes, Major papers/reports, and Major exams. Grades are calculated thus: Total points multiplied by 50% = x Total points x =y y/31 = range

Please NOTE:

MIDTERM grade accounts for half of students FINAL grade.