Introduction to Psychology: Exploring the Human Mind

Taught by Summer Discovery expert instructors, the field of Psychology is a multifaceted discipline that examines the relationship between mental processes and human behavior. Whether you are interested in becoming a researcher, social work case worker, clinical psychologist, or another related professional, this course will introduce you to this fascinating field of study. Designed for curious and motivated learners who want to expand their mind over summer, the course provides a foundational understanding of core psychological theories, key historical figures, influential research studies, and current applications of psychology in everyday life.

Through engaging discussions, interactive simulations, and thought-provoking case studies, students will explore sub-disciplines such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Activities may include personality assessments, memory games, ethical debates on controversial experiments, and simulations of real-world psychological scenarios. Students will also reflect on their own behavior and thinking patterns to better understand themselves and others.

Example Activities:

• Conducting a short-term memory experiment
• Creating a “Psychologist Trading Card” on a historical figure in the field
• Debating classic experiments (e.g., Milgram or Stanford Prison simulations)
• Analyzing film clips using psychological concepts
• Case studies on on nature vs. nurture

Final Project Assignment: 

Applying theories from different sub-disciplines of Psychology, students will critically examine how key psychological principles are portrayed, applied, or misrepresented in the media. This project will culminate in a presentation that connects classroom learning to everyday life, demonstrating students’ knowledge acquisition throughout the course. 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe foundational theories and concepts in psychology.
2. Identify key historical figures and their contributions to the field.
3. Analyze human behavior and mental processes using basic psychological principles.
4. Understand ethical issues in psychological research and practice.
5. Apply psychological concepts to real-life situations and reflect on their personal experiences through a psychological lens.

Information subject to change as instructors finalize course content.