PSY204 - Psychology of Perception and Communication

Subject Title
Psychology of Perception and Communication

Subject Description
This subject examines the processes that determine perceptual experience and is intended to provide communication arts students with opportunities to enhance their creative and communicative abilities. At the same time, it focuses on many of the psychological themes found in more traditional introductory psychology courses. Included in the list of topics to be discussed are the brain and creative process, social perception, emotional intelligence, stress management and styles of interpersonal communication.

Prerequisite: EAC149 or equivalent

Credit Status
One general education elective credit in catgory 2 (Social Sciences)

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Describe the different perspectives from which psychologists examine behaviour and mental processes.

Demonstrate an understanding of the difficulties inherent in defining reality and in being objective.

Describe the important characteristics of the scientific approach.

Discuss the implications of research on hemispheric specialization.

Discuss the visual process and its relationship to perceptual experience.

Describe some of the basic principles of perceptual organization and show how they determine perceptual experience.

Demonstrate insight into the psychology of visual composition.

Demonstrate insight into "colour psychology".

Identify some of the different types of intelligence.

Present the principles and processes involved in classical conditioning.

Present the principles and processes involved in operant conditioning.

Describe the nature of observational learning.

Discuss the process of memory retrieval or reconstruction.

Present some strategies for improving memory.

Identify basic concepts of motivation.

Describe the physiology of emotion and assess the effectiveness of the polygraph.

Discuss the psychology of emotion.

Discuss the nature of stress and its relationship to illness.

Identify effective stress management techniques.

Describe "the psychoanalytic perspective" and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.

Compare "the trait perspective" with one other personality theory.

Describe the social-cognitive perspective.

Discuss the dynamics of social perception and their implications where attitude formation and behaviour are concerned.

Demonstrate an awareness of perception where the realms of interpersonal communication and self-development are concerned

Cheating and Plagiarism
Each student should be aware of the College's policy regarding Cheating and Plagiarism. Seneca's Academic Policy will be strictly enforced.

To support academic honesty at Seneca College, all work submitted by students may be reviewed for authenticity and originality, utilizing software tools and third party services. Please visit the Academic Honesty site on http://library.senecacollege.ca for further information regarding cheating and plagiarism policies and procedures.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecacollege.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.