Introduction to Psychology Lecture Notes

Instructor Introduction

• Instructor: Dr. Paul Bloom
• Course Title: Introduction to Psychology
• Content: Study of the human mind
• Topics: Brains, children, language, sex, memory, madness, disgust, racism, love, etc.

Course Structure

• Lectures: Two per week
• Readings: Required alongside lectures
• Importance: Attend both lectures and complete readings for success
• Materials: Slides available online (black and white, easy to print)

Course Materials

• Textbook: "Psychology" by Peter Gray, 5th edition
• Reader: "The Norton Reader" by Gary Marcus
• Availability: Labyrinth bookstore on York Street or online

Evaluation

• Exams: Midterm and Final (Final on last class day, not during exam period)
• Exam Format: Multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the-blank
• Additional Requirements:
  • Weekly questions starting Week 3, marked pass/fail
  • Book review
  • Experimental participation requirement
• Strategies for Success: Attend classes, keep up with readings, form study groups

Instructor and Teaching Fellows

• Availability: Dr. Bloom available before/after class, during office hours, by appointment
• Contact: Encourage contact with Dr. Bloom and teaching fellows

Course Goals

• Real World Relevance: Application of psychology to everyday life
• Core Focus: Understanding how the human mind works

Psychological Sub-Areas Covered

1. Neuroscience: Study of the mind via the brain
2. Developmental Psychology: Development, growth, learning
3. Cognitive Psychology: Computational understanding of the mind
4. Social Psychology: Study of group behavior and interactions
5. Clinical Psychology: Mental health and illness

Related Areas in Psychology

• Evolution, economics, game theory, philosophy, computer science, anthropology, literature, theology

Example Topics

1. Brain Function and Mental Life
   • Case study: Terri Schiavo
   • Physical basis of mental life
2. Child Development
   • Example: Dr. Bloom's son, Zachary
   • Questions of innate knowledge versus cultural learning
3. Human Differences
   • Genes vs. Environment
   • Influence of parents
4. Attractiveness
   • Computer-generated attractiveness studies
   • Cultural and cross-cultural aspects
5. Morality and Evil
   • Different types of evil (institutional, mass murder, etc.)
   • Goodness and heroic acts examples
6. Mental Illness
   • Common and rare disorders
   • Case studies: Phineas Gage, multiple personality disorder, Capgras syndrome, Cotard's syndrome

Guest Lecturers

• Dr. Marvin Chun: Cognitive neuroscience
• Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema: Depression and sex differences
• Kelly Brownell: Obesity and eating disorders
• Dr. Peter Salovey: Psychology of love

---

Note: Please refer to the syllabus for detailed course schedule and further information.