Information Package / Course Catalogue
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology
MEF University
Degree Programs
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
General Information For Students
Diploma SupplementErasmus Policy Statement
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Bachelor Length of the Programme: 4 Number of Credits: 240 TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF: Level 6

ECTS Course Information Package

School/Faculty/Institute Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
Course Code PSYC 101
Course Title in English Introduction to Psychology
Course Title in Turkish Psikolojiye Giriş
Language of Instruction EN
Type of Course Flipped Classroom
Level of Course Introductory
Semester Fall
Contact Hours per Week
Lecture: 3 Recitation: None Lab: None Other: None
Estimated Student Workload 137 hours per semester
Number of Credits 5 ECTS
Grading Mode Standard Letter Grade
Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None
Expected Prior Knowledge None
Registration Restrictions Only Undergraduate Students
Overall Educational Objective To become familiar with the basic theoretical background of major subdisciplines of psychology such as social, developmental, cognitive, clinical, health and be introduced to psychology as a scientific discipline; to be able to understand and critique empirical articles published in highly acclaimed psychology journals.
Course Description This course aims to introduce the students to the scientific study of human nature. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts in the relation between brain and behaviour, learning theories, thinking and memory, development, social interaction, personality and intelligence, and psychopathology. Students will also be introduced to the methods psychologists use in answering their research questions.

Course Learning Outcomes and Competences

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner is expected to be able to:
1) understand the fundamental theories in major subdisciplines of psychology;
2) evaluate scientific articles in relation to the research methods and theories employed;
3) demonstrate confidence comprehending English and communicating it in a scientific manner;
4) create new research ideas;
5) discuss psychological theories and research in the correct ethical format.
Program Learning Outcomes/Course Learning Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5
1) Scientific competence, knowledge, skills and effective teaching methods and strategies in order to provide psychological help.
2) Knowledge that will enable students to develop the skills to cope with problems they encounter in the school environment.
3) Basic knowledge about developmental processes from early childhood to adulthood and the characteristics and issues unique to each stage.
4) Knowledge about the tools used in school counseling services and being equipped to develop relevant programs.
5) Competence in vocational guidance and counseling practices.
6) Understanding of human relations and interaction.
7) Knowledge, experience and skills in scientific methods in order to conduct research studies in behavioral sciences.
8) Awareness of the necessity of lifelong learning, accessing information, and monitoring developments in education, science, and technology. An ability to solve problems related to the field, continuously developing and renewing oneself, and having critical thinking and questioning skills. An ability to use information technologies.
9) Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written Turkish; ability to use English at least in the European Language Portfolio B2 General Level.
10) Knowledge about past and present regulations and legislations regarding professional applications of the field and being equipped to contribute to its further development.
11) Sensitivity for different cultures, values ​​and democratic rights of individuals; the knowledge of national culture and history, and using that knowledge in increasing awareness and involvement in national and international social, cultural, artistic, and technological developments.
12) A sense of professional and ethical responsibility, and awareness of national and universal sensitivity expressed in the Basic Law of National Education.

Relation to Program Outcomes and Competences

N None S Supportive H Highly Related
     
Program Outcomes and Competences Level Assessed by
1) Scientific competence, knowledge, skills and effective teaching methods and strategies in order to provide psychological help. S Participation,Exam
2) Knowledge that will enable students to develop the skills to cope with problems they encounter in the school environment. N
3) Basic knowledge about developmental processes from early childhood to adulthood and the characteristics and issues unique to each stage. S Exam
4) Knowledge about the tools used in school counseling services and being equipped to develop relevant programs. N
5) Competence in vocational guidance and counseling practices. N
6) Understanding of human relations and interaction. N Presentation
7) Knowledge, experience and skills in scientific methods in order to conduct research studies in behavioral sciences. S Exam
8) Awareness of the necessity of lifelong learning, accessing information, and monitoring developments in education, science, and technology. An ability to solve problems related to the field, continuously developing and renewing oneself, and having critical thinking and questioning skills. An ability to use information technologies. N
9) Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written Turkish; ability to use English at least in the European Language Portfolio B2 General Level. N
10) Knowledge about past and present regulations and legislations regarding professional applications of the field and being equipped to contribute to its further development. N Participation
11) Sensitivity for different cultures, values ​​and democratic rights of individuals; the knowledge of national culture and history, and using that knowledge in increasing awareness and involvement in national and international social, cultural, artistic, and technological developments. N
12) A sense of professional and ethical responsibility, and awareness of national and universal sensitivity expressed in the Basic Law of National Education. N
Prepared by and Date BEYZA TEPE ÇOMOĞLU , December 2017
Course Coordinator BANU FEMİR GÜRTUNA
Semester Fall
Name of Instructor Prof. Dr. MÜJDE PEKER BOOTH

Course Contents

Week Subject
1) Introduction to course, understanding scientific/nonscientific sources
2) Evolution
3) History & Psychological Research Methods
4) Cognitive Psychology
5) Biological Psychology
6) Midterm I
7) Social Psychology
8) Developmental Psychology
9) Psychology of Individual Differences
10) Psychopathology
11) Midterm II
12) Psychological Interventions
13) Industrial Psychology
14) Forensic Psychology
15) Final Examination Period
16) Final Examination Period
Required/Recommended ReadingsRequired Textbook: Banyard, P., Gillon, D., Norman, C., & Winder, B. (2015). Essential psychology (2th ed.). London, UK: Sage Publications, Ltd. There will also be a set of required readings from Psychological Science.
Teaching MethodsThis course will be taught entirely in the flipped format. Course organization consists of three main works: (1) the first one is watching pre-course videos and doing short assessments (quiz) related to video content; (2) the second one is integrating pre-course material and adding new concepts during the main class, participating in group works at the end of the main classes; (3) the third one is reading an empirical article together, as a group work, and discussing the article, finding a good question to discuss together.
Homework and ProjectsStudents will be asked to work on articles as a group work and they will find a discussion question in the discussion sessions of the course based on the assigned required reading of an article published in Psychological Science. They will be asked to read the articles and prepare discussion questions prior to the discussion class.
Laboratory WorkNone
Computer UseNone
Other ActivitiesStudents will be asked to read each week’s book chapter and article prior to that week’s classroom session. Classroom discussions will be based on these readings as well as various videos.
Assessment Methods
Assessment Tools Count Weight
Attendance 14 % 10
Quiz(zes) 10 % 20
Midterm(s) 2 % 40
Final Examination 1 % 30
TOTAL % 100
Course Administration tepebe@mef.edu.tr

Instructor’s mail address: tepebe@mef.edu.tr Attendance at all classes is mandatory. Students arriving late or unprepared will be barred from that class, which will impact upon their continuous assessment grade. Students must provide a legitimate, acceptable and documented excuse for missing a scheduled exam. There will be a make-up exam if students miss the midterm. Make-up exams could be in a different format than midterm or final exam. Students are expected to treat university personnel and one another respectfully at all times; this includes showing respect for class content and for others’ opinions. The commitment of acts of cheating, lying, and deceit in any of their diverse forms such as plagiarism, and copying during examinations is dishonest and will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty and plagiarism: YÖK Disciplinary Regulations.

ECTS Student Workload Estimation

Activity No/Weeks Hours Calculation
No/Weeks per Semester Preparing for the Activity Spent in the Activity Itself Completing the Activity Requirements
Course Hours 14 1 3 1 70
Study Hours Out of Class 10 1 1 20
Quiz(zes) 10 1 1 20
Midterm(s) 2 4 2 12
Final Examination 1 14 1 15
Total Workload 137
Total Workload/25 5.5
ECTS 5