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Yale University

Introduction to Psychology

Yale University via YouTube

Overview

What do your dreams mean? Do men and women differ in the nature and intensity of their sexual desires? Can apes learn sign language? Why cant we tickle ourselves? This course tries to answer these questions and many others, providing a comprehensive overview of the scientific study of thought and behavior. It explores topics such as perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, religion, persuasion, love, lust, hunger, art, fiction, and dreams. We will look at how these aspects of the mind develop in children, how they differ across people, how they are wired-up in the brain, and how they break down due to illness and injury.

Syllabus

1. Introduction.
2. Foundations: This Is Your Brain.
3. Foundations: Freud.
4. Foundations: Skinner.
5. What Is It Like to Be a Baby: The Development of Thought.
6. How Do We Communicate?: Language in the Brain, Mouth.
7. Conscious of the Present; Conscious of the Past: Language.
8. Conscious of the Present; Conscious of the Past:.
9. Evolution, Emotion, and Reason: Love (Guest Lecture by.
10. Evolution, Emotion, and Reason: Evolution and Rationality.
11. Evolution, Emotion, and Reason: Emotions, Part I.
12. Evolution, Emotion, and Reason: Emotions, Part II.
13. Why Are People Different?: Differences.
14. What Motivates Us: Sex.
15. A Person in the World of People: Morality.
16. A Person in the World of People: Self and Other, Part I.
17. A Person in the World of People: Self and Other, Part II;.
18. What Happens When Things Go Wrong: Mental Illness, Part I.
19. What Happens When Things Go Wrong: Mental Illness, Part II.
20. The Good Life: Happiness.

Taught by

YaleCourses

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 8 Class Central reviews

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  • Wow! The professor and guest speakers had an amazing way of breaking down each subject and discussing it in a way that was memorable. This course will serve as a fundamental piece in my professional and personal foundation.
  • Profile image for Lameck Dopper
    Lameck Dopper
    Course Content: The course content was comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics in psychology. From foundational concepts to specialized areas, it provided a holistic understanding. The depth of material varied, but overall, it struck a balanc…
  • Yes. I'm improved in the course. So , I am like to very much and Excellent in this course. This course is very useful for me and practicing the medical field.
  • Viviane Fortino Da Silva
    Interessante o curso, recomendo para profissionais na área de educação infantil para ajudar a entender cada aluno.
  • Akaisha Korde
    The 'Introduction to Psychology' course was an enlightening and comprehensive exploration of psychology, meriting a 5-star rating. It skillfully combined theoretical knowledge with real-world applications across well-organized modules covering diverse psychology aspects. The passionate instructors enhanced the learning experience with their expertise and engaging teaching methods, complemented by rich resources like case studies and interactive quizzes. Thought-provoking assignments and practical group projects allowed for the application of theoretical concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject. Overall, this course is highly recommended for anyone interested in the field of psychology.
  • Fragrance Robin
    the introduction of psychology is very interesting that I have learnt alot forexample basic need of life and all the daily routin work the facts that thought is always gonna work
  • Having come from a background in the export industry, which has nothing to do with counselling, I found that the material was easy to comprehend. This course has also sparked a big interest in the profession which has led me to read further on the subjects on a personal and professional level. I am now in the process of establishing my own private counselling practice. The experience has been a valuable one which has given me valuable knowledge and confidence. I am excited about the new direction I am taking in my life!
  • Kell-Ann Nichols
    I liked the study guidelines provided. The Professor does a great job in explaining the topics and he adds jokes in his lectures. The duration is 18.6 hours.
    It is amazing that this is freely available from Open Yale Courses by the Yale University.

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