PSY 201AZ Into to Psychology, 1
Introduction to Psychology, Part 1 is considered a survey course. A survey course is one that covers a selection of topics in a light way (instead of more in-depth). Each topic could be a course on its own if covered fully. The main idea is to gain some background knowledge to become familiar with the field of psychology and the subfields and research areas associated with psychology as a natural science. Students may use that as a foundation to build on as they continue their education or as a prerequisite for other courses or programs. Although PSY 201AZ is not a requirement for PSY 202AZ, it can be helpful to take the sequence of courses in order.
Starting Fall 2024: Course Description: Introduces the science and application of psychology. Emphasizes psychological concepts, theories, and principles related to: Research Methods, Behavioral Neuroscience, Consciousness, Sensation/Perception, Learning, Memory, Thinking and Intelligence, and related topics. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. PSY 201A and PSY 201AZ are equivalent. This is the first course of a two-course sequence. Audit available. [202AZ is the second term of intro]. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement.
Free required e-text!!!
Our course textbook is an OER textbook. If you are unfamiliar with OER, Open Educational Resources, they are generally free or low-cost course materials. In this case, our text is a free online textbook with an available .pdf document that will allow you to download the text and read it offline or print portions of the textbook if needed (let’s talk before you print anything!). There are also low-cost physical copies of the textbook available at the Rock Creek Bookstore (linked below). There are materials embedded in the online text that support learning, so the online version is optimal for your reading, but the .pdf might be worth downloading as a backup for offline reading. This textbook would be accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones (any device you can access the internet on). OpenStax, the book publisher, recommends you use the links from the textbook homepage to ensure you get the latest copy of the textbook. They warn, “Simple printouts sold by third parties on Amazon are not verifiable and not as high-quality.” This is a direct link to their textbook options, including an Amazon link to order a print copy: https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology-2e. The ISBN for the printed text is 9781975076443, updated in 2020. A print copy is not required, and the online version includes additional media that may be helpful.
Below is some general information about textbooks that might be helpful for any class you might take. ISBNs represent the textbook and how it is published (loose leaf, hardback, etc), and there may be multiple ISBNs because of this. The key is to compare the Authors, Year, Title and Edition listed above to know if you are looking at the correct text version.
If you are unfamiliar with the PCC bookstores, you can search for your text at the Rock Creek Bookstore. Students can sell their books directly to other students through the Campus Marketplace. Consider using the Campus Marketplace to sell your course materials if you have an unused e-text access code or physical copy of the text.
Required Access: Desire to Learn will be used for this class for coursework. You can access Desire2learn through MyPCC on the Quick Links Menu on the left side of the home page. If you need help accessing technology or a connection for the courses, please consider reviewing the Student Life Resources, which include a whole list of resources for students that include not only technology resources but also housing, transportation, and so much more. For technology, if you need help figuring out where to get access, click on the Digital Navigators link under the Technology section. PCC has people who help students access low-cost tech and the Internet and can help with skills, too!
Computer labs are available on each campus. See the PCC Resource Index for details for that and more!