Introductory Psychology: Course Outline

Faculty of Social Science & Humanities
Introductory Psychology - PSYC 1000U Section 001
Fall 2014

COURSE DETAILS
Lectures: Thursdays 11:10 am-2:00 pm; DTR100 (Regent Theatre)
Course Website:Use Blackboard: http://uoit.blackboard.comLectures will also be available to view online. They can be accessed through the following link: http://mediasite.uoit.ca/mediasite/Catalog/pages/catalog.aspx?catalogId=3943ecc7-def2-4eea-878c-c5ff6fafb6d3The course website contains this course outline, lecture slides, grades, and any special notices.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to the study of human thought and behaviour. Through a survey of major theories, principles, and research findings across a variety of fields within
Take advantage of the tools the textbook provides (e.g., When the textbook asks you to consider a question, seriously consider that question, think about the course material, and come up with an answer. You may be surprised how much this will help you remember the information later on at exam time).
You should pay particular attention to the section on “Improve your retention – And your grades!” (pp. 12-13). If you have not used the SQ3R method before, now may be the time to give it a try!
If you are not fond of the SQ3R method, here is another approach that basically does the same thing:
Pre-reading. Instead of diving immediately into reading the chapter, spend a few minutes learning the headings and subheadings. The headings and subheadings tell you the important ideas that will be covered in the chapter. Look at these headings and subheadings, think how they have been ordered, try reciting them from memory, and then write them out on a separate sheet of
Read a few pages and THEN summarize. Don't try to read most of the chapter in one sitting. It is much easier to learn the material in small chunks. Read a few pages carefully and THEN make a summary of the important points. Continue doing this until you have summarized about 10 pages - then take a break. You can summarize by highlighting sparingly AND making marginal notes, or by making separate written notes. Note that much of the information in psychology comes in the form of arguments. Here are some the important kinds of information that are crucial to knowing and understanding an argument: i) definitions of new terms, ii) essential explanations of the specific argument, iii) examples, iv) results of studies. If you make separate summary notes, try using point form and keywords. This has 2 advantages: the notes are made more quickly and they are easier to read. As you record key terms and definitions ALWAYS relate them to the arguments of which they are a part.
Post-reading. Test yourself. After actively reading 10 or more pages in the manner described above, try reciting (i.e., recalling from memory) all the important points under each heading and subheading that you have studied. This will reinforce the ideas you know and identify those that you need to review. Doing the study guide questions and relevant old exam questions after you have finished the entire chapter can also be very