COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMME
Code: GESS5301
Title: Essential of Psychology
Term: Fall 2012
Credits: 3
Pre-requisite: NIL
Instructor: Ms. Katherine Leung
Office Location: --
Office Tel: --
Email Address: kath0214@hkbu.edu.hk
Aims and Objectives
This course aims at providing students with a general introduction to the field of psychology. While several orientations to the study of human behavior will be discussed, the primary emphasis will be put on the scientific study of behavior from an empirical perspective.
Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs)
On completion of this course, students should be able to
CILO 1
CILO 2
CILO 3
Describe and distinguish between the major psychological theories of behaviour;
Define, generate and identify examples of the basic behavioural principles and concepts as well as how to apply them to their own lives; and
Critique the major areas typically considered the domain of psychology such as learning, sensation, memory, personality, developmental psychology, and abnormal behaviour from an empirical perspective.
Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs)
CILO 1
Lecture and Class Discussion
The lecturer will present the major psychological theories. Students will be provided with the basic concepts of the respective theories discuss in class whether the theories are still valid in today’s world
CILO 2
Class Exercise and Group Discussion
The lecturer will explain and demonstrate how the basic psychological concepts can be applied in everyday life. Students will complete worksheet to help them understand these basic concepts; discuss in groups about how to apply these theories in everyday human behavior.
Short Individual Paper
Students are required to write an individual paper to apply a particular psychological concept.
CILO 3
Lecture and Class Discussion
The lecturer will provide current research findings on different psychological issues. Students
References: American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Bond, M.H. (Ed.). (1996). The handbook of Chinese psychology. Hong Kong: Oxford University Press. British Psychological Society. (1994). What about psychology? A guide to courses and careers (3rd ed.). British Psychological Society. (1995). Professional psychology handbook. Leicester: Author. Colman, A.M Gerrig, R.J., & Zimbardo, P.G. (2010). Psychology and life (19th ed.). New York: Addison Wesley Longman. Gregory, R.L. (Ed.). (2004). The Oxford companion to the mind (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Santrock, J.W. (2005). Psychology (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. Smith, E.E., Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Fredrickson, B., & Loftus, G. (2003). Atkinson and Hilgard’s introduction to psychology (14th ed.). Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. Sternberg, R.J. (2004). Psychology (4th ed.). Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. Weiten, W. (2010). Psychology: Themes and variations (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.