Psychology

🧠 Course Title:

Introduction to Psychology: Understanding Human Behavior and the Mind

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🎯 Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand major psychological theories and approaches.

• Gain insight into human thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

• Learn about brain function, development, personality, and mental health.

• Apply psychological principles to real-life situations.

• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills related to human behavior.

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📚 Course Modules & Content:

Module 1: Introduction to Psychology

• What is psychology?

• History and origins (Wundt, Freud, Skinner, etc.)

• Branches of psychology (clinical, cognitive, developmental, etc.)

• The scientific method in psychology

• Careers in psychology

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Module 2: Research Methods in Psychology

• Types of research (experiments, case studies, observations, surveys)

• Ethics in psychological research

• Data analysis and interpretation

• Reliability and validity

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Module 3: Biological Bases of Behavior

• The brain and nervous system

• Neurons and neurotransmitters

• Brain structures and their functions

• The endocrine system

• Genetics and behavior

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Module 4: Sensation and Perception

• Difference between sensation and perception

• The five senses and how they work

• Perceptual processes

• Visual and auditory perception

• Illusions and sensory disorders

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Module 5: Learning and Conditioning

• Classical conditioning (Pavlov)

• Operant conditioning (Skinner)

• Observational learning (Bandura)

• Reinforcement and punishment

• Applications in real life (e.g. education, therapy)

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Module 6: Memory and Cognition

• Stages of memory (encoding, storage, retrieval)

• Types of memory (short-term, long-term, working)

• Forgetting and memory errors

• Problem solving and decision-making

• Cognitive biases

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Module 7: Developmental Psychology

• Stages of development (infancy to adulthood)

• Piaget’s cognitive development theory

• Erikson’s psychosocial stages

• Attachment theory

• Nature vs. nurture debate

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Module 8: Personality Theories

• Major theories (Freud, Jung, Maslow, Rogers, Big Five)

• Personality assessments

• Nature vs. nurture in personality

• Defense mechanisms

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Module 9: Psychological Disorders

• What defines abnormal behavior?

• Anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other disorders

• Causes and risk factors

• Stigma and mental health awareness

• Diagnosis (DSM-5 overview)

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Module 10: Therapy and Treatment

• Types of therapy (CBT, psychoanalysis, humanistic, behavioral)

• Medication and biological treatments

• Effectiveness of treatments

• Ethical considerations in therapy

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Module 11: Social Psychology

• Group behavior and conformity

• Attitudes and persuasion

• Prejudice and stereotypes

• Aggression and prosocial behavior

• Attraction and relationships

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Module 12: Applied Psychology

• Psychology in everyday life (work, school, health, marketing)

• Industrial-organizational psychology

• Forensic psychology

• Health psychology

• Emerging trends in the field

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🧪 Assessment Methods:

• Module quizzes

• Reflection journal or discussion forum posts

• Short case study analysis

• Final project or presentation (e.g., choose a psychological issue and analyze it using course concepts)

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🎓 Target Audience:

• High school and university students

• Adults with an interest in psychology

• Aspiring mental health professionals

• Educators and professionals seeking foundational psychology knowledge

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🛠️ Delivery Format:

• Self-paced video lectures or slide-based modules

• Downloadable readings and activity sheets

• Interactive quizzes and discussion forums

• Optional webinars or office hours

• Certificate of completion upon finishing