Introduction to Psychology (110-CN-16)
Instructors
Carol M Donnelly
Dr. Donnelly is a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University specializing in cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders and depression, as well as relationship and women's issues. Dr. Donnelly received her PhD from the New School for Social Research in NYC in 1990, where she received the Alfred J. Marrow Award for Outstanding Dissertation in Analogical Learning. She taught the Introduction to Psychology course at Purdue University for 20 years where she was named "Best Professor" of the University for the year 2009 in the The Exponent's Reader's Choice Awards. In 2001, Dr. Donnelly began a clinical postdoc in the Anxiety and Panic Disorder Clinic on a part time basis with Rick Zinbarg, PhD. Dr. Donnelly has been teaching in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern since 2002. As of Summer 2016, Dr Donnelly is Distinguished Visiting Professor of Psychology at Beijing Jiaotong University, China.
Meeting Info
Wieboldt Hall 413: Thurs 6:15PM - 9:15PM
Overview of class
Psychology is a science that seeks to answer a wide range of questions about how we think, feel, act and interact with others. This course will give a broad overview of the entire field of psychology, which students will learn about through in-class demonstrations, outside observations, discussions, and presentations. We will explore human behavior from a biological, psychological and socio-cultural perspective. We will discuss the history of psychology beginning with an overview of psychology's roots, observing how prevailing paradigms have shifted throughout the centuries. We'll then discuss how to think like a social scientist, with an attitude of open mindedness and skepticism, as we observe people in different social settings. Discussion will include the tools and methods that are used by social scientists to formulate their questions and propose answers. With the tools of neuroscience we will explore the biological underpinnings of mind and emotions and how they influence behavior. We will seek to understand and have empathy with individuals suffering from psychological disorders ranging from mild depression to severe psychosis. Discussion will cover ways to diagnose psychopathology and therapies that have been proposed to heal such internal suffering. Practical skills for coping with stress and emotions will also be explored. Finally, we try to uncover group dynamics that can give rise to pathological and sometimes destructive behavior as that observed in cults. The course will conclude with a theme of malleability that challenges assumptions about how we perceive, remember and think. Carries social science credit.
Registration Requirements
None.
Learning Objectives
-To think like a social scientist when observing thoughts, emotions and behavior of self, others and groups of people
-To understand normal and abnormal human behavior from a biological, psychological and social perspective
-To have an overall general understanding of the entire field of psychology
-To learn certain areas of psychology in greater depth
-To understand and explain in greater depth a specific area of interest in psychology
-To better understand the psychology behind current events
Teaching Method
Case studies
Class participation
Demonstrations
Class Discussion
Films / videos
Lecture
Student Presentations
Readings
Fun Homework Writing assignments
Evaluation Method
2 midterm exam, presentation, class participation, attendance, one page write ups based on outside observations
Class Materials (Required)
Confirm course texts and materials by contacting instructor or viewing course Canvas site.
Video clips and articles on Canvas
Myers, David G. & C. Nathan DeWall (2017). Psychology in Everyday Life (4rd Edition). Worth Publishers.
ISBN-10: 1-319-01373-2; ISBN-13: 978-1-319-01373-8; Format: Paper Text, 478 page