Course Outline “INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY”
Instructor Contact Information
Course Instructor : Ms. Iram Abraar Awan
Course Code : Psy-101
Email : iram10719@gmail.com
iram_abrar@s3h.nust.edu.pk
Contact Office : 90853559
Course Overview
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior mental processes and social interaction. It
is a broad and diverse discipline with many areas of scientific inquiry and practice. The
application of psychological knowledge is not restricted to any one setting rather to a
wide variety of human situations or behaviors. e.g. how we know what is going on
around us irrespective of where we are, how do we perceive, remember, learn, forget and
think, what are the underlying emotions, why and how do we behave, how do we form
habits, how do we understand who we are, how and why do we act differently in groups
in different situations in different ways, what and how are behavioral, mood and mental
problems are to be dealt with etc. and how do the combination of variety of the factors
impact the unique individuals differently under different circumstances. The scope of
Psychology therefore is very wide and not limited.
Learning Objectives
Though the students shall not pursue professional study of this subject, however upon
successful completion of this course the student will acquire the following 1. a new
understanding a new perspective to think and assess human behaviour, 2. be able to
interpret certain psychological tests and 3. learn the skill of conducting a scientific
research in the field of Social Sciences.
Instruction / Learning Methods
Interactive Lectures
Role Playing
Discussions
Psychometrics
Group Research Project and its presentation
Outline of Lectures
Chapter 1: Introduction, definition, goals and brief history of Psychology
How Psychology is a science and not a Pseudo-Science though still developing, it’s brief
history how it got evolved, broadly its two types Basic and Applied and related fields
such as Clinical Psychology, Human factor, Social Psychology, Social Community
Psychology and other branches of Psychology. Structuralism, Functionalism,
Behaviorism, Gestalt, Psychodynamics etc. Schools of Psychology
Chapter 2: Research Paradigms in Psychology and related social sciences
Quantitative Research Design
Qualitative Research Design
Mixed Methodology
Psychometric Theory (Testing Technicalities in Primary data collection Procedures,
Validity and Reliability Concerns)
Carrying out a research project based on the above studied concepts and its presentation
(final project)
Chapter 3: Psychology of Personality and Individual Differences
Major Perspectives of Personality
Chapter 4: Psychometric
Chapter 5: Social Psychology
Social Interaction / Relationship Styles, Status, Roles and such dynamics effecting
socialization and related Relationship theories such as Social Exchange, Social
Penetration and Transactional Analysis.
Chapter 6: Psychological Disorders
Focus on Anxiety and Stress related Neurotic Disorders and ways to tackle them
Provision of Guidance and Counseling
In case of your query related to any psychological difficulty you are most welcome to
discuss with me. Be rest assured that information shared will be kept highly confidential,
ethics & sanctity of professionalism would be strictly adhered to. However, before
approaching me for the said purpose get an appointment first.
Distribution of Marks (in Sequence)
• A written assignment on Observation activity Marks: 20
• Johari Window Assignment Marks: 30
• Role Play Marks: 10
• Research Projects Marks: 50
• Mid Term Paper Marks: 50
• Final Term Paper Marks: 100
Attendance Policy
1. The policy is that you must complete 75% of attendance throughout the
semester.
2. The attendance will be taken randomly that is either in the start, mid or
end of each class.
3. For any type of correspondence with the faculty WhatsApp messages
should be avoided; instead email be used. The WhatsApp groups were
created only to facilitate during COVID-19 online learning mode.
Recommended Books
• Bernestein, Penner, Clarke-Stewart & Roy, (2008). Psychology. 8th Edition.
• Weiten.W, (2001). Psychology Themes & Variations. 5th Edition, USA:
Wadsworth Thomson Learning. ISBN 0-534-36714-3
• Passer.M, Smith.R, (2001). Psychology: Frontiers and Applications. New
York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-365795-6
• Friedman, S. H., & Schustack, W. M. (2004). Personality: Classic Theories
and Modern Research. India: SK Printers.
• However note that as and when required book chapters, extra notes and
handouts would be uploaded on LMS / Ms Teams for your best exam
preparation and learning.
Other than these notes will be provided wherever required.
GOOD LUCK!
