Course: Introduction to Psychology
Course Code: PSY 101
Semester: Fall 2025
Instructor: Dr. Samuel Carter
Class Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00–10:30 AM
Location: Humanities Building, Room 120
Course Outline
Week Lecture Topic Key Concepts Assignments/Readings
History, major perspectives, research
1 Introduction to Psychology Read Ch. 1, Discussion post
methods
Biological Bases of Neurons, brain structure,
2 Read Ch. 2, Quiz 1
Behavior neurotransmitters
Senses, thresholds, perceptual
3 Sensation and Perception Read Ch. 3, Lab sign-up
processes
Sleep, dreams, hypnosis,
4 States of Consciousness Read Ch. 4, Sleep journal
psychoactive drugs
Classical & operant conditioning,
5 Learning Read Ch. 5, Quiz 2
observational
Encoding, storage, retrieval,
6 Memory Read Ch. 6, Reflection 1
forgetting
Problem-solving, decision-making,
7 Cognition and Intelligence Read Ch. 7, Group activity
IQ
Development Across the Physical, cognitive, social Read Ch. 8, Interview
8
Lifespan development assignment
Theories, biological & social factors,
9 Motivation and Emotion Read Ch. 9, Quiz 3
expression
10 Personality Major theories, assessment, traits Read Ch. 10, Personality test
11 Psychological Disorders Classification, symptoms, prevalence Read Ch. 11, Reflection 2
Week Lecture Topic Key Concepts Assignments/Readings
Psychotherapy, biomedical,
12 Therapy and Treatment Read Ch. 12, Case study
effectiveness
Attitudes, conformity, group
13 Social Psychology Read Ch. 13, Group debate
dynamics
Applied Psychology &
14 Health, work, law, review for final Read Ch. 14, Study guide
Review
15 Final Exam Comprehensive review, Q&A Final Exam
Sample Weekly Lecture Note (Week 5)
Lecture Topic: Learning
Learning Objectives
• Define learning and distinguish between classical and operant conditioning.
• Describe key experiments (Pavlov, Skinner, Bandura).
• Apply learning principles to real-life situations.
Lecture Outline
1. Introduction (5 min)
• Recap: last week’s discussion on consciousness.
• Warm-up: “Share something you learned recently-how did you learn it?”
2. Classical Conditioning (15 min)
• Definition and key terms: UCS, UCR, CS, CR.
• Pavlov’s dogs experiment (video clip).
• Applications: phobias, taste aversion.
3. Operant Conditioning (20 min)
• Skinner’s box: reinforcement vs. punishment.
• Types of reinforcement: positive, negative, schedules.
• Classroom demonstration: “Operant Conditioning Game.”
4. Observational Learning (10 min)
• Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment.
• Role of modeling and imitation.
• Discussion: “How does media influence our behavior?”
5. Real-World Applications (10 min)
• Education: shaping classroom behavior.
• Parenting: time-outs, rewards.
• Therapy: behavior modification.
6. Summary & Q&A (5 min)
• Key takeaways and preview of next week (Memory).
• Open for student questions.
Teaching Tips & Notes
• Use interactive polling for reinforcement/punishment examples.
• Invite students to share personal examples of learning.
• Show short video clips of key experiments.
• Encourage students to apply concepts to their daily lives.
Assignments
• Read Chapter 5: Learning.
• Complete Quiz 2 (online, due Friday).
• Submit a brief reflection: “Describe a time you learned a behavior through reinforcement or
observation.”
Additional Resources
• Crash Course Psychology: “Learning” (YouTube link on LMS).
• APA’s “Understanding Conditioning” resource page.
• Office hours: Tuesday 11:00 am–1:00 pm, Room 215