Emotions and Motivation 2500-EN_O_48
The central aim of the present course is to provide students with general
knowledge on emotional and motivational processes, their origins, and
their prominent role in human functioning. In the very beginning we will
reflect on the nature of emotions and their basic functions. Further, we
will review contemporary knowledge on biological bases of affective
processes, and attempt to track their evolutionary origins. These themes
will be followed by a review of main theories in psychology of emotion.
Students will also be provided with an overview of major areas of
research on emotion, including studies on the interplay between emotion
and cognition, expression and regulation of emotion, and individual
differences in affective functioning. Subsequently, the issue of motivation
will be introduced, followed by a review of major concepts in psychology
of motivation. Two final lectures will introduce a broader context for
psychology of emotion, discussing the issues of emotion and cultures and
positive psychology. During all the classes students will take part in
discussions and group working on the abovementioned topics.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
A student who completed the course:
1) Knowledge
a. Knows functional relations between the central nervous
system and affective functioning
b. Knows classic theories of emotion and motivation. Is able
to define emotion and motivation and knows research
methods within this area
c. Knows basic theories and is able to define basic concepts
of psychology of the Self
d. Knows selected theories of regulation of emotion; is
aware of factors that influence the effectiveness of
affective regulation
e. Recognizes the unconscious character of the influence of
cognitive and motivational processes on perception,
reasoning and behavior
2) Skills
a. Is able to use a proper theory when attempts to explain
particular psychological problems
Assessment criteria
Up to two absences.
In the case of more than two absences students will be asked to complete
additional work (e.g., to prepare a short Power-point presentation on a
given topic).
A final grade will be assigned based on one’s number of points gained in
the final exam (a multiple-choice test; weight .60) and their aggregate
score from 12 entry tests (single-choice; weight .40). There will be no
entry test during the first lecture, and from the remaining 14 classes two
worst scores will not be taken into account (absence counts as 0 points).
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: