In this course, students will be exposed to the
significant theories, research findings, and reviews of human cognition and
behaviour. Learning
activities are angled towards developing critical thinking and Psychology is an
ideal discipline for developing critical thinking skills because it’s a
fascinating topic with many applications which are of vital interests to them.
Course Description
This course provides an
in-depth exploration of current issues from many areas of psychology examining
cognitive, behavioural and perceptual approaches to understand human behaviour
and mental processes. It is designed to help develop fundamental
thinking abilities such as clarifying, analysing and evaluating arguments; and
developing attitudes of open-mindedness and curiosity. Critical thinking or
scientific thinking can be taught in psychology because students can study
interesting and engaging topics as they reason, evaluate and analyse situations
and concepts and eventually boost their research competency.
Course
Objectives
The
course is based on the conviction that critical thinking is an ability that can
be developed and improved through guidance and practice. That means anything
students read, hear or see will be analysed, evaluated and interpreted as basis
to resolve a problem or make ethical decisions and increase students’ ability
to:
1.
Understand the techniques of ethical
reasoning and argumentation that are needed to analyse issues, relevant
theories and empirical research findings.
2.
Improve critical thinking through increased
understanding science to investigate how people perceive the world, structure
their thinking, and interact with other people.
3.
Connect the basic principles of Psychology
to increased use of professional and ethical values to guide and inform
practice
4.
Increase students’ ability to understand and
appreciate alternative viewpoints that differ from their own.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the requirements of this course, students should be
able to:
1. Define proper ethical behaviour as a
means of developing research skills and understanding psychological processes
2.
Recognize the need for critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve
problems from professional issues and the ethical standards in the practice of
psychology.
3.
Critically evaluate and apply that knowledge in a variety of
psychological contexts.
4. Become wise consumer of psychological
research and information that they are exposed to through the media
Cognitive Skills Outcomes
Skills students
should gain after completion of the course:
1.Enhance ability to think critically and
scientifically by examining psychological research
2.Develop skills for summarizing, evaluating, and
critiquing scientific research and psychological reports to understand
underlying concepts of human psychology
3.Practice
critical and reflective thinking in making decisions and solving ethical
dilemmas / problems and judge appropriateness of ideas in the context of
psychological practice
4.Improve research and evaluation skills and understand
application of learned materials to specific issues and
challenges
Method of Delivery
Teaching
approaches can vary on a continuum from
direct presentation of information to autonomous discovery approaches. A significant
amount of discussion, in-class activities, assignments and group presentations will
also be included for more meaningful learning experience. Students are expected
to actively participate in class activities and assignments: (information
evaluation skills, presenting views, reflection and analytical paper) to enrich
the learning experience. The course will also cover new and additional
materials not mentioned in the syllabus which will also be required for grading
purposes.
