Introduction to Psychology 2300-MWŚN-WPS
The course presents psychology as an empirical science that studies human behavior and mental processes. Topics covered include general psychology: the history of psychology, research methodologies, cognitive processes, emotions, motivation, human development, personality, and stress. Special emphasis is placed on the role of psychology in supporting individual development and promoting social integration through educational activities.
Course Content:
Throughout the course, students will explore psychology as a discipline dedicated to understanding human behavior and mental processes. Key domains and applications of psychology will be examined, alongside the major theoretical approaches—from psychoanalysis to humanistic and cognitive perspectives. Students will be introduced to the research methods used in psychology and provided with examples of psychological studies relevant to educational practice.
The course will cover fundamental cognitive processes such as sensory perception, attention, learning, memory, thinking, and intelligence. Further modules will address lifespan development, emotions and motivation, as well as various theories of personality and temperament. Social behavior topics—including attitudes, conformity, and interpersonal relationships—will also be discussed, along with the psychological effects of stress and strategies for coping.
Teaching Methods:
- Lecture with multimedia presentations.
- Case study analysis.
- Educational films and excerpts from interviews.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge - the student:
- is familiar with the fundamental concepts, theoretical orientations, and paradigms within psychology.
- understands the main research methods used in psychological inquiry.
- comprehends the basic principles of human psychological functioning across the lifespan.
Skills - the student:
- is able to identify psychological and social processes that influence human behavior.
- can analyze basic social situations from a psychological perspective.
Social Competences - the student:
- demonstrates a willingness to reflect on their own behavior and attitudes.
- understands the importance of individual differences and the need to consider them in pedagogical practice.
Assessment criteria
The final grade for the course is based on the results of three partial tests, which together account for 80% of the final grade, and a written assignment (an essay) reflecting on the application of psychological knowledge in educational settings, which constitutes the remaining 20%.
Bibliography
- Spielman R. M., Jenkins W. J., Lovett M. D., Czarnota-Bojarska J. (2020). Psychologia. OpenStax Poland. Dostęp: www.openstax.pl.
- Strelau J. (2015, red.). Psychologia. Podręcznik akademicki, t. 1–2. Gdańsk: GWP.
- Zimbardo P., Johnson R., McCann V. (2020). Psychologia. Kluczowe koncepcje. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN.
- Gerrig, R.J., Zimbardo, P.G. (2012). Psychologia i życie. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: