| Psychology 11 | ||
| Credits: | 4 |
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| Textbook (s): | No textbook required. | |
| Teacher: | See "Staff & Contact Information" on main page. | |
| Description: | The study of Psychology 11 begins with what defines us as human and compares us to other existing primates and now extinct human prototypes such as Neanderthal and other hominids that existed concurrent with the beginning of modern humans. The issues of evolutionary psychology and comparative anatomy in relation to the evolving brain and its behaviors are discussed. Inherent are the factors defining other primates and hominids from us. There is latitude here to allow for discussion of the opposing view of the Genesis theory if the situation arises. The focus, though, is on Evolutionary Theory and Darwinism as neuroanatomy points to evolving bodies and brains reflecting biological determinum. Scientific journals and the internet provide numerous examples from anthropology and Evolutionary psychology of parallel evolutionary development of human species. Neuroanatomy, physiology and the central nervous system are an essential component in examining the biological foundation of human behavior. As such neurons, neural networks, neurotransmitters, the role of enzymes in brain function are central features. Inherent is a detailed assessment of the roles of specific structures such as the hypothalamus, amygdale et al. and the existence of fundamental rhythms and drives and the process of homeostasis. It is within this part of the course structure where the interplay of biology and the environment appears as evidence is presented where stimulation is shown to produce physical changes in the synapses and dendritic spikes of neural tissue. Following the establishment of the biological role of the brain, in behavior, the elements of cognition, consciousness, memory and awareness are introduced and lead to examination of issues such as identity and cultural influences on behavior. Directly related to brain function is the discussion of pathology of behaviour as a consequences of genetic, structure or chemical alterations in brain behaviour. Genetic and Chemical variances such as Schizophrenic, Bi Polar Disorder, ADD, ADHD, ACC, OCD, ODD, epilepsy and Alzheimerís Disease will be studied. In the same light, drug mediation through phenathiazines, tricyclic anti depressants, Seretonin, reuptake inhibitors, Lithium will be examined along with other behavior modification techniques such as E.C.T (Electro Convulsive Therapy). In comparison to biological aspects of behavior, the theories of environmental influences on human performance, Pavlov, Skinner, Watson and Bandura will be studied, as will then collective impacts on the view of environmental determinism. Social learning theory, single event conditioning and various reinforcers of behaviour will be examined as well the creation of superstition through the establishment of false contingencies. The validity of Freudian theory will be examined through its comparison to behaviorism and biological psychology. Concepts such as ages and stages of development will be compared to those of Eriksen and others. Psychogenesis of behaviour will be discussed as well Defence Mechanisms and the flaws apparent in Freudian psychoanalytic theory. A separate unit on Aggression will be detailed and will include biological, behavioural and psychogenesis viewpoints. The pathology of aggression and sociopathelogical and psychopathological behaviors will be a central focus. Students will also have the opportunity to peruse personality disorders such as neurosis, anxiety disorders, obsessive behaviour, hedonism, Schizoid behavior, etc; disorders of isolation and manipulative disorders in order to set the stage for defining Normal human behavior. Intelligence and creativity and the use of measuring devices to determine and define both concepts will be assessed. Behaviours such as savantism will be compared to intelligence and creative factors. As well, the concept of autistic savants will be examined. The final brief unit in the course will peruse the remaining personality theories such as Humanism, Interpersonal psychology, Existential psychology and eclecticism. This unit will be compared to biological, behavioristic and psychogenesis models as a form of review and to redefine the differences in approaches to assessing human behaviour. | |