Quantico Only

Major Concepts/Content: The psychology course introduces students to the study of man as a group member and in the social interactions and patterns that occur. Emphasis will be placed on attitudes and social influences on perception of self and others, conformity to group norms, prejudices and discrimination, communication and persuasion, gender roles and sexism, personal relationships, and cultural diversity. The unit on prejudice and discrimination will include an in-depth study of hate groups in America.

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will be provided using the content of the psychology course. Students will participate in-group and individual activities that enhance the study of specific units, conduct computer-generate interactive exercises using PsychQuest and PsychSim, conduct psychological research, and complete research for oral and written reports.

Major Evaluative Techniques: Evaluation will be comprised of assessment of individual projects, unit tests, group participation, tests defining knowledge of psychological theories, and assessment of research methods.

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the psychology course, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

• Social cognition
• How attributions affect our explanations of behavior
• The nature of bias and discrimination
• Sources of attitude formation and methods used to change attitudes
• Group processes (social influence, intergroup relations, groupthink)
• Phenomena of conformity, obedience, altruism, and aggression

Last Revised: July 21, 2005