PSYC 1813 Introduction to Psychology Syllabus W01 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
42.0101
Course Description

This course consists of a survey of the major topics in psychology; analysis of psychological research; intelligence, memory, and thinking; the biological basis of behavior; emotions, perception and sensation, motivation; wellness and stress; personality; heredity and learning; developmental psychology; social psychology, abnormal psychology (including therapy and treatment); and states of consciousness. Some sections of this course are taught in the computer lab; computer literacy skills are recommended. AAS: Business elective. IAI: S6 900.

Prerequisites

Appropriate assessment score or ENGL 1422 with a grade of C or better - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
S6-900
IAI Title
Psychology, Introduction
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Critical Thinking

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Kyle Lamb
Faculty Email

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of psychological research and evidence.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of states of consciousness such as attention, sleep and dreaming, hypnosis and drug use.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the leading social factors that influence behavior, esp. how we relate to, influence, and think about people.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of learning and memory, and the major kinds of learning.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of how psychological factors influence physical health.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and operations of cognitive processes.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of major principles of sensation and perception.
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of the kinds, causes, prevention, and treatments of psychological disorders and ways of coping with them.
  9. Demonstrate an understanding of major developmental changes that occur during the main stages of the lifespan.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of the contributions of both heredity and learning to human behavior.
  11. Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and operations of the major parts of the brain and nervous system.
  12. Demonstrate an understanding of the causes, nature and effects of emotions.
  13. Demonstrate an understanding of the major principles of motivation.
  14. Demonstrate an understanding of the main theories of personality.
Topical Outline
  1. Topical Outline
  2. Research Methods
  3. Biological Processes and Neuroscience
  4. Sensation and Perception
  5. Consciousness
  6. Learning and Behaviorism
  7. Memory and Cognition
  8. Human Development
  9. Personality Theory
  10. Social Psychology
  11. Stress and Health
  12. Psychological Disorders and Treatments
Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.