Introduction to Psychology (110-CN-65)

Instructors

Carol 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 712: Wed 6:15PM - 9:15PM

Overview of class

The purpose of this course is to present an overview of the field of psychology. Among the topics we will cover are: history of the field, methods in psychological research, biological bases of behavior, perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, social influences on behavior, and psychological disorders. Class lectures, readings, and discussions will convey a sense of some of the foundational questions and methods of the science of psychology. Ultimately, the goal of this course is to impart an initial understanding of some fundamentals of human nature and behavior, as well as instill a deeper appreciation for the science of psychology. The class will have weekly quizzes and a comprehensive final exam.

Foundational disciplines / distribution: social sciences

Registration Requirements

None

Learning Objectives

Students will learn some of the most fundamental theories of psychology and the types of empirical support for them.

Students will learn how research is conducted on psychological topics.

Students will understand some of the practical applications of psychology.

Class Materials (Required)

Materials may include the following. Confirm course texts and materials by contacting instructor or viewing course Canvas site or University bookstore website.

Gazzaniga, M. (2018). Psychological Science,6th edition. W.W. Norton, Publisher. ISBN: 9780393640366. A loose-leaf version of the textbook is available. The ISBN for that version is 9780393674392. The 6th edition of the textbook is preferable; you can also use the 5th edition of the textbook if necessary. You should not use an edition prior to the 5th though, since there are more substantial differences.

Class Attributes

Face to face: In person, in campus space