| CODE | PSY1354 | ||||||
| TITLE | Foundation in General Psychology | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Psychology | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces the students to a basic introduction to psychology. Following an overview of some major concepts and schools of psychology, the students will be introduced to the psychology of personality and to social psychology, two major areas in psychology which are helpful in most professions. PART 1: Introduction to Psychology This first part of the study unit is meant as an introduction to the history, background and theoretical framework of psychology. The aim is to familiarise students with the major schools of psychology and to sensitise them to relevant concepts within the study of psychology and to the diverse branches of psychology. By the end of this part of the study unit, students are expected to have acquired basic knowledge of psychology necessary for higher level courses. PART 2: Psychology of Personality The study of personality structure and dynamics: needs, drives, conflicts, frustration, defence mechanisms, etc. and an examination of the major theoretical approaches to the study of personality with an emphasis on the psychoanalytic approach will be presented. This part of the study unit is intended to provide a part of the basic psychological knowledge needed for other courses of psychology. It is also meant as an introduction to some of the major theorists and theories of psychology, with an emphasis on psychodynamic theory. PART 3: Social Psychology This part of the study unit offers an introduction to the study of social behaviour from a social psychological perspective. It discusses how individual and group behaviour is influenced by the actual or implied presence of other people. By the end of this part of the study unit, students should be familiar with the main theories which should be covered in a social psychological course. The relevance of social psychology to social issues and problems will also be discussed. PART 1: Introduction to Psychology - History of Psychology - Psychoanalysis - Behaviorism - Humanistic Psychology - Methods of Research in Psychology - Fields in Psychology PART 2: Psychology of Personality - Introduction. What is personality? What is theory? The 3 schools of psychology, personality theory and psychotherapy. - The main domains of personality: physical, cognitive, affective, spiritual, and the relationship between them. - Id, ego and superego. - The unconscious and its manifestations - Defense mechanisms. - Needs, conflict and frustration. - Dreams, sleep, fantasy and personality. - Developmental factors in personality: Psycho-sexual and Psycho-social stages. - Jung's perception of personality. - Adler's perception of personality. - How we study personality. PART 3: Social Psychology - Perceiving self and others: Self-concept; self-perception; person perception; non-verbal communication; attribution theories; biases in perception. - Group and group processes: Models of the social group; social identity theory; group performance; group polarization, minority group influence; groupthink; group conflict. - Social influence: Conformity; compliance; obedience; learned helplessness - Relationships: Interpersonal attraction; developing relationships; types of relationships; falling out of love. - Applying Social Psychology: Applying social psychology to law, business, health, politics Required Text: - Atkinson, R. L. et.al. (1995) Introduction to psychology. (latest ed). USA: Harcourt Brace. - Hall, C. S. & Lindzey, G. (1985 ). Introduction to theories of personality. - Brehm S. and Kassin S. (2002) Social psychology. Boston: Houton Mifflin. Reading List:- Axline, Virginia (1986). Dibs in search of self. NY: Ballantine Books - Bernstein D. A. & Nash, P. W. (1999). Essentials of psychology. Houghton Mifflin Company. - Brenner, C. (1974). An elementary textbook of psychoanalysis. Anchor Books - Frankl, Viktor (1997).: Man's search for meaning. NY: Pocket Books - Hall, C.S. and Lindzey, G (1997). Theories of personality. (4th ed.)NY: Wiley Publications - Lahey, B. B. (2001). Psychology an introduction. (7th ed). McGraw Hill. - Maddi, S. R. (2001). Personality theories: a comparative analysis.(6th ed.) NY:Waveland PR Inc. - Santrock, J. W. (2000). Psychology. (6th ed.). McGraw Hill - Schreiber, Flora (1973). Sybil. NY: Warner Books - Stone Irving (1971). The passions of the mind. Doubleday Books - West, Morris (1983).: The world is made of glass. William Morrowold - Yalom, Irving (2000). Love's executioner. NY: Perennial Classics |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | This study-unit is open only to students as part of their programme of studies. | ||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Claudine Borg Azzopardi Kenneth Camilleri Benna Chase |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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