Foundations Of Psychology –

psy201

(3 credits)

This course overviews the foundations of psychology as the field applies to everyday life. The physical and mental aspects of psychology are traced through lifespan development with emphasis on psychological health and wellness. Further study focuses on personality; thinking, learning and memory; motivation and emotions; and gender and sexuality. Based in various historical traditions, the course is set in the context of contemporary psychological principles.

This undergraduate-level course is 9 weeks. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Advisor.

Topics and Objectives

A Brief History of Psychology
- Describe the subfields of psychology.
- Explain the five major perspectives in the field of psychology.
- Identify research methods used by psychologists.
- Identify major ethical issues in the field of psychology research.
The Brain and Mind
- Identify the structure and functions of the brain.
- Describe sensation and perception.
- Recognize behaviors associated with states of consciousness.
Learning and Memory
- Compare classical and operant conditioning.
- Summarize cognitive approaches to learning.
- Explain the three-system approach to memory.
Motivation and Emotion
- Compare different approaches to motivation.
- Summarize the varieties of human needs.
- Classify the range of emotions.
Lifespan Development: Infancy and Childhood
- Contrast the influence of nature vs. nurture.
- Outline the milestones of physical, social, and cognitive development during childhood.
Lifespan Development: Adulthood
- Summarize the major transitions that characterize adolescence.
- Explain social development in adulthood.
- Identify the cognitive changes that occur in late adulthood.
Personality and Intelligence
- Compare approaches to personality.
- Explain behavioral assessments.
- Summarize the theories of intelligence.
Psychological Disorders
- Describe perspectives on normal vs. abnormal behavior.
- Identify the major classifications of psychological disorders.
- Explain treatment approaches for psychological disorders.
Psychological Health and Wellness
- Explain social cognition.
- Determine ways to reduce discrimination.
- Compare the concepts of like and love.
- Describe how people cope with stress.

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

Foundations Of Psychology –

psy201

A Brief History of Psychology

The Brain and Mind

Learning and Memory

Motivation and Emotion

Lifespan Development: Infancy and Childhood

Lifespan Development: Adulthood

Personality and Intelligence

Psychological Disorders

Psychological Health and Wellness

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