Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract/Objectives

In this introductory psychology course, students gain fundamental scientific knowledge about human thinking and behavior processes, as well as an understanding of how this knowledge can lead to the betterment of human performance and well-being in a wide variety of settings in society (e.g., business, education, healthcare, and artificial intelligence). The main objectives of the course are to help students gain insights into how their own thoughts and behavior can be shaped by society, and how they can impact society as well.

Results/Contributions

Introductory psychology courses serve as a foundational course for students who are majoring in psychology; at the same time, they are often of interest to students who would like to learn more about themselves about the world in which they live. With these two goals in mind, this course provides information about classical psychological theories and research studies, but also discusses how these concepts can applied to the world at large. For instance, as shown in the photograph, the course’s section on social psychology introduces the concepts of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, and also discusses how we can reduce prejudice (i.e., negative evaluations towards others) and discrimination (i.e., negative behaviors towards others) in different contexts, such as in the context of Israeli-Palestinian relations. Through lectures, videos, and group discussions, students are encouraged to think about these issues and discuss with each other about how these issues can be studied and resolved. Even if they do not take any more courses in psychology, this course is intended to help students become more thoughtful about themselves and about the societies in which they live.

Keywords

Social science, psychology, cognitive processes, human behavior

Contact Information

Eva E. Chen (陳伊慈)
yitzu @ mx.nthu.edu.tw