Peabody Conservatory of Music
Fall 1997
290.111 - INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
Mondays and Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:20 A.M.
Room: 206 Conservatory
Faculty: Dr. Jeffrey A. Schaler
Office hours by appointment: Telephone (301) 585-5664 in Silver Spring, Md.
E-mail: Jschaler@peabody.jhu.edu
Course Description
An introduction to the fields and research methods of contemporary psychology, including such topics as biological and social bases of behavior, human development, perception, memory, learning theory, intelligence, and abnormal behavior. Lecture and discussion format.
Course Objectives
- To familiarize students with current theoretical terms and concepts in the psychology field, the methods used to research these concepts, and the applications of the concepts in clinical and educational settings.
- To develop observational skill in self-observation and the observation of others.
- To develop objective and critical evaluations of psychological theories and their applications from a philosophical point of view.
- To develop an understanding and awareness of psychological problems, contemporary theories regarding their etiology, and treatment approaches.
Required Text:
Lahey, Benjamin B., (1995) Psychology: An Introduction, 5th Edition. Brown & Benchmark publishers
Recommended text: Study guide to accompany Lahey. Purchase this with the required text.
Course Requirements and Grades Examination #1 20% Examination #2 20% Examination #3 20% Final examination 40% Total: 100%
* Material discussed in class, and not in any of the readings, may form the basis for questions on the examinations. One grade reduction for over four absences. Sign in at each class. Students are responsible for anything covered in class during their absence, including material presented in films. Readings must be completed by the session to which they are assigned.
If Dr. Schaler is absent, please complete the pre-identified assignment, or start the film/video which is available in your classroom. Expect that material on films will be on the examinations.
CLASS SCHEDULE September 8 Chapter 1 What is Psychology? September 10 Appendix (pp. 679-691) Measurement, Research Design and Statistics September 15 Appendix (pp. 679-691) Measurement, Research Design and Statistics September 17 Chapter 2 Biological Foundations of Behavior September 22 Chapter 2 Biological Foundations of Behavior September 24 Chapter 3 Perception (pp. 139-158) September 29 Chapter 4 States of Consciousness October 1 Chapter 5 Basic Principles of Learning October 6 Chapter 5 Basic Principles of Learning October 8 Review October 13 No class, mid-term holiday October 15 First examination Chapters 1 - 5 + Appendix October 20 Chapter 6 Memory October 22 Chapter 7 Cognition, Language and Intelligence (Note: Don't need to read pp. 297-303 on language.) October 27 Chapter 8 Developmental Psychology October 29 Chapter 8 Developmental Psychology November 3 Chapter 9 Motivation and Emotion November 5 Second examination Chapters 6 - 9 November 10 Chapter 10 Gender and Sexuality November 12 Chapter 11 Personality Theories and Assessment November 17 Chapter 11 Personality Theories and Assessment November 19 Chapter 12 Stress and Health November 24 Third examination Chapters 10 - 12 November 26 No class, Thanksgiving holiday December 1 Chapter 13 Abnormal Behavior December 3 Chapter 14 Therapies December 8 Chapter 15 Social Psychology December 10 Final examination Cumulative¬All readings
