PSYC 1300:  Introduction to Psychology

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction and survey of the fundamental principles and concepts in the field of psychology. The focus of the course, our classroom discussion, and activities is on psychology’s most powerful principles – what they are, what they mean for everyday life, and the process by which they are revealed and revised. Critical thinking is fostered throughout the course, as is encouraging the development of student’s inclinations to approach this subject matter with an inquiring, analytical mind-set. During the course, an overview of these major disciplines will be presented. Among the topics covered are: the brain and behavior, influences on development, sensation and perception, intelligence, learning and memory, psychoactive drugs, emotions, sleep and circadian rhythms, personality, psychological disorders, gender differences, and therapy. This course includes all the critical concepts in psychology and is an excellent introduction to the field and study of psychology, for any major.

Instructor Biography

Dr. Lindsey is a lawyer and clinical psychologist. He received his B.A. degrees in psychology and political science from Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, N.C.). His Masters degrees were earned at the University of Louisville (teaching) and the University of Alabama (clinical-correctional psychology). Dr. Lindsey’s legal studies were completed at Villanova Law School (Villanova, Pa), and his doctorate in clinical psychology was awarded at Hahnemann University (Philadelphia, Pa.). Dr. Lindsey is an adjunct professor in the department of psychology, at Southern Methodist University; adjunct professor at the University of Nevada – Reno; and adjunct faculty for The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, in Reno, Nevada. He is a member of the Juvenile Justice Committee of the American Bar Association and a member of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Lindsey serves as a consultant to numerous juvenile and judicial organizations. Nestor Consultants, Inc. (founded in 1985 by Dr. Lindsey) is the primary consulting organization for the work he performs. Those services include management and organizational needs assessment, training and consultation; diversity cultural audits; mission and vision statement planning and consultation; cultural competent program audits; training in administration and interpretation of culturally competent emotional, personality, intellectual, educational, and psychological testing; and juvenile justice staff development, consultation, and training. He has provided these and related services since 1976. Publications include:

• “The Impact of Gault on the Representation of Minority Youth” (Criminal Law Bulletin, 2008)
• “The Impact of Waivers to Adult Court, Alternative Sentencing, and Alternatives to Incarceration on Young Men of Color” (Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, 2006)
• “Cultural diversity strategies to reduce disproportionate minority confinement in secure juvenile detention facilities” (Nestor Consultants Inc, April 2000)
• “Culturally competent psychological assessment of children and adolescents” (Journal of Personality Assessment, 1998)
• “Ethical issues in interviewing, counseling, and the use of psychological data with child and adolescent clients” (Fordham Law Review, March 1996)

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

• To understand how psychological theories guide scientific research
• To understand the techniques for studying the brain
• To know the evolutionary explanations for gender differences in sexuality
• To understand learning and the forms of learning
• To define personality and understand its components
• To identify the criteria for judging whether behavior is psychologically disordered