Introductory Psychology

I teach Introductory Psychology (Psy-100) most Fall semesters and we explore creative ways of finding out how we work and so many influences impacting us - biology, thoughts, feelings, behaviors, situations, and cultures. Let’s struggle with profound personal questions like how come we can want something for ourselves so clearly, and yet be our own worst obstacle?

Psychology begins with the questions each of us already ask: What do people think? Why do they feel that way? Why did I just do that? What makes psychology powerful is how we don’t stop with curiosity.We use science to test our hunches and uncover truths about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sometimes our findings feel like “common sense,” and other times they surprise us, challenging what we thought we knew. Either way, psychology invites us to look at ourselves and others with fresh eyes.

Foundations of Psychology – Asking What It Means to Be Human
During the first part of our journey, we step into psychology’s roots and discover how it became a science. We ask: What is psychology, and why did it emerge so much later than physics and chemistry? Along the way, we see both the brilliance and blind spots of early thinkers - from Freud’s daring but flawed ideas to behaviorism’s strict focus on what can be observed. We also learn how research methods and statistics give psychology its power to separate knowledge from common sense. Finally, we ground ourselves in the building blocks of mind and body - sensation, memory, and learning - reminders how even our most ordinary experiences are extraordinary when viewed through the lens of psychology.

Thread Topics: A. History and Approaches to Psychology; B. Freud and Psychoanalysis; C. Behaviorism and Learning; D. The Brain and Biological Bases of Behavior; E. Sensation and Perception; F. Memory and Basic Cognitive Processes; G. Research Methods and Statistics

Individual Differences and Momentary to Lifelong Change
During the second part of our journey, we focus on how deeply human beings are shaped by change - across moments, years, and lifetimes. Our states of consciousness shift daily, as we fall asleep, dream, and awaken. Our minds stretch when we wrestle with problems, sometimes stuck, sometimes struck with sudden flashes of creativity. Over the years, development transforms us: babbling infants become fluent speakers, and children grow into adults capable of abstract thought, moral reflection, and wisdom. At the same time, psychology helps us see what makes each person unique - our intelligence, personalities, and identities. We ask not only how groups may differ, but also how much more diverse people are within demographics than between them. This thread invites us to notice both universals connecting us and individual paths making each life distinct.

Thread Topics: H. States of Consciousness; I. Problem Solving and Creativity; J. Intelligence and the Psychology of Success; K. Developmental Stages and Context; L. Language and Thought; M. The Self - Personality, Identity, and Growth; and N. Sex Differences and Gender Role Socialization

Culture, Connection, and Healing
During the third part of our journey, we widen our lens to the social and cultural contexts shaping human experience. Across cultures, we ask: do people feel emotions, express love, or define morality in the same way everywhere? Closer to home, we examine how families, peers, and authority figures influence our behavior and beliefs. We look at situational forces drawing out conformity or courage, and cultural patterns promoting mental health and deepening struggle. Finally, we explore therapy and healing - how psychology can help reduce suffering and support flourishing.

Thread Topics: O. Social Influence and the Power of the Situation; P. Morality - Thoughts, Feelings, Intuitions, and Behavior; Q. Parenting, Role Models, and Leadership; R. Motivation, Meaning, and Resilience; S. Emotion and Connection; T. Mental Health Challenges; and U. Therapy

Psychology with Reflection - Meaning and Purpose
We reach our destination by turning inward again, asking what our journey through psychology means for each of us. How has learning to see the world through a psychological lens changed how we see ourselves? What insights will we carry into our relationships, our choices, and our sense of purpose? In this final thread, your Psychology of Me project gives you the chance to bring it all together - science and

Thread Topics: V. Reflections and Synthesis of Psychology; and The Psychology of Me - Cumulative Final Poster Showcase