PSY 101 Psychology of Human Relations

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Applies psychological principles to understanding relationships with ourselves and others. Includes an overview of basic personality and social psychology principles in addition to skill development in the following areas: dealing with emotions, interpersonal communication, developing close relationships, resolving conflicts, and managing stress.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Discuss self-awareness theories and their relationship to self-control.
Apply effective interpersonal communication skills.
Describe the development of different types of close relationships.
Discuss causes of conflict and identify effective strategies for resolving or managing conflict.
Differentiate among the different types of stress and suggest methods to cope with stress.
Explain personal value systems and ethical behavior in relationships.
Develop a personal goal plan.
Compare and contrast different form of research methods.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior.
Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live.

Content Outline

Self-Awareness
- Personality development and types
- Psychosocial development
- Cognitive and social learning theories
- Self-esteem
Self-Control
- Internal and external control
- Classical conditioning and self-control
- Consequences and reinforcement
- Self-change program or behavioral modification
Interpersonal Communication
- Non-verbal communication
- Verbal communication
- Technology and communication
- Gender, culture and communication
- Listening and responding
  - Barriers to listening
  - Styles of responding
  - Active listening
Close Relationships
- Friendships
- Dating and mate selection
- Committed relationships
Conflict Resolution
- Causes of conflict
- Styles of conflict management
- Assertiveness
- Strategies for handling Conflict
Stress
- Types of stress
- Causes of stress
- Effects of stress
  - Physical
  - Psychological
- Tips for managing stress
Values and Ethics
- Types of value systems
- Clarifying personal values
- Making ethical choices
Goal Planning
- Motivation
- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
- Goal setting
- Time management
Research Methods
- Variables
- Samples and surveys
- Case studies
- Experimental designs
- Observation studies