Course Description
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Course Name
Psychology as a Natural Science
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Host University
The American College of Greece
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Location
Athens, Greece
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Area of Study
Psychology
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Course Level Recommendations
Lower
ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.
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US Credits
3 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits3
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units4
Hours & Credits
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Overview
Overview of the discipline of psychology as a natural science. Topics include a historical trajectory of how scientific and clinical psychology emerged; research methods used in Psychology; biological foundations of behaviour; learning and memory; consciousness; thought and language processes; motivated behaviours.
RATIONALE:
This course offers students an introduction to theories and experimental evidence that relate to the study of cognition, consciousness and motivated behaviours. Seminal studies with an emphasis on the use of experimental methods for the study of basic processes (e.g. sleep) and higher cognitive processes (e.g. memory, language etc) are reviewed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Compare and contrast diverging theoretical perspectives in psychology as well as identify the different subfields of psychology.
2. Identify the stages of psychological research, distinguish between various methods, and describe the ethical principles used when conducting research in psychology.
3. Demonstrate awareness of the biological foundations of behaviour, as well as the organization of sensation and perception.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of major theories and their application in the fields of consciousness, learning and memory, language and thought, as well as motivated behaviours and emotions.
METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
➢ Lectures and class discussions
➢ Relevant educational films
➢ Office hours
➢ Use of Blackboard site
INDICATIVE CONTENT:
1. Introduction to Psychology
2. Research Methods in Psychology
3. Biological Foundations of Behaviour
4. Sensation and Perception
5. Language and Thought
6. States of Consciousness
7. Memory
8. Learning
9. Motivation and Emotion