PSYC 109: General Psychology

Explore the principles of functionalistic psychology, from its emphasis on understanding the purpose behind our thoughts and behaviors to its integration of pragmatism and evolutionary perspectives. Discover how context, individual differences, and a holistic approach play pivotal roles in this psychological framework.

Understand Freud's perspective on dreams as manifestations of unconscious desires and conflicts. Contrast this with the Neural Activation Theory, which links dreaming to random neural activity during REM sleep. Discuss the criticisms and nuances of both theories in modern psychology.

Explore the life and work of Abraham Harold Maslow, a pivotal figure in American psychology. Delve into Maslow's groundbreaking Hierarchy of Needs, a model prioritizing human needs from basic physiological necessities to self-actualization. Understand the significance of satisfying lower-level needs before addressing higher ones.

Explore the fascinating process of maturation and its role in shaping physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Discover how genetic predispositions and environmental experiences intertwine to influence this journey. Uncover the connection between maturation and infantile amnesia, shedding light on the mechanisms behind early childhood memory formation.

Explore the core concept of phonemes in linguistics. Learn how these sound units differentiate words and shape language. Experience the captivating intricacies of speech sounds across languages.