The College of Wooster
Department of Psychology

PSYC100:  Introduction to Psychology
Professor Amy Jo Stavnezer

Course Description:

The main goal of this course is to provide you with a general overview of the field of Psychology as a scientific discipline.  By exploring the various subdisciplines within Psychology, emphasizing the main concepts, theories and methodologies within each area, you will better appreciate how Psychologists study behavior and mental processes.  Though the brain is often considered a subdiscipline of its own, we will focus on the functioning of the brain throughout each section. Though Psychology may appear to be many divergent fields, we will see that the various subdisciplines are working toward the common goal of a deeper and more complete understanding of human (and animal) behavior. We will use the brain as our common thread throughout the semester, drawing these different areas of research together. You may be surprised by what Psychologists actually do.  The general knowledge garnered in this course will provide you with refined critical thinking skills useful in various areas of life, as well as help build a strong foundation for further Psychological study.  The wide variety of topics we cover should allow each of you to find a specific area of interest and enthusiasm. 
The breadth of Psychology is amazing!

Amy Jo Stavnezer     ajstavnezer@wooster.edu     Morgan 109    330-263-2215