Introduction to Psychology

Subject Area
Credits 0.5
Prerequisites

None

Home Learning
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Course Description

Introduction to Psychology surveys the scientific study of psychology, introducing students to topics such as perception, consciousness, development, cognition, emotion, motivation, psychopathology, decision-making, and social behavior. Psychology studies both human and animal behavior by employing observational and experimental studies. This is a practical course that explores how people perceive, learn about, remember the world around them, and how they interact with others.

Learning Outcomes

Students will develop basic understanding in the following areas:

  • Psychological research methods.
  • Biological bases of behavior.
  • Life span development.
  • Principals of conditioning, learning, and memory.
  • Sensation and perception.
  • Motivation, stress, and coping.
  • Foundations of psychological theories.
  • Impact of cultural/environmental factors and genetic factors on development.
  • Common psychological disorders and treatment.
  • How groups and other people affect behavior.
Assessment
  • Written project(s)
  • Tests and quizzes
  • Class participation and discussion
  • Presentations and group activities
Grades
10,
11,
12
Grading Scheme
Standards-based Course
The Student Experience

“It was a good insight into psychology -- I wasn't planning to take AP Psychology until I got a taste of it in the course, and some of the activities that we did, like student presentations, discussions, and case studies were really insightful and student-led. I'd recommend this to anyone unsure of content-based courses. Taking AP Intro to Psychology made AP Psychology much easier because I already had a solid foundation.”
- Ally Yiu (Class of 2023)

“AP Intro to Psychology (the two-week variant during the summer) is a very fast-paced course that crams a lot of information into a very short time span. The classes are very interesting and jam-packed with activities. The summatives are relatively simple as well, and I would recommend this course to anyone looking for a small tasting sample of psychology“
- Chris Yin (Class of 2024)