BA Psychology Syllabus
BA Psychology Syllabus
Curriculum Syllabus
2016-2017
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Bachelor of Arts Psychology
Programme Description
Psychology is one of the major subjects offered at the undergraduate level as part of the triple major
programme. It is a three year full time course aimed at introducing students to the fundamental
processes underlying human behavior and familiarize them with a few emerging fields and
branches of psychology such as Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Abnormal
Psychology, Industrial Psychology & Consumer Behaviour, Health Psychology and Positive
Psychology. The course also includes two papers of Practical, Statistics and Group Research
Projects.
Programme Objectives
1. To familiarize students to the field of psychology, give them the necessary exposure to
develop interest in the field and thus prepare them for post-graduate programme in
psychology.
2. Appreciate the different branches and emerging fields of psychology
3. To understand the fundamental processes underlying human behavior and the process of
human development and change from biological and psychosocial perspective.
4. To understand the different aspects of human behavior in the social, cultural and
organizational/work context and thus understanding the effects of group membership on
individual behavior.
5. To understand abnormal behavior and the various components that promotes health and
well being through papers such and Health psychology and Positive Psychology.
6. To introduce students to the basic aspects in experimentation and testing in psychology
so that students are able to conduct simple tests and experiments, write brief reports
based on the findings from the tests and experiments
7. To familiarize students with basic statistical techniques and fundamentals of research
methodology. In addition students are trained for the application of the same by engaging
them in simple quantitative research in small groups.
Admission Criteria:
Students who have completed 12th or equivalent in any discipline from any recognized board are
eligible to enroll for the course.
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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE – PSYCHOLOGY UG
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Semester 1
Course Description
This course is offered to the first semester undergraduate students of psychology. This course,
involving the study of Basic Psychological processes, is an introductory paper that gives an
understanding about the field of Psychology. This paper will provide students with an
introduction to the key concepts, theories, and research methods in psychology. It focuses on
various basic processes underlying human behavior.
Level of knowledge:
Knowledge of the courses studied at the higher secondary level in any Discipline.
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UNIT III: Sensory – Perceptual Processes (15hours)
Sensation: Basic concepts and Processes in sensation. Sensory thresholds. Types of senses (an
overview) - visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, vestibular, kinesthetic and organic
senses. Sensory adaptation-advantages and disadvantages, Integration of senses, Perception:
Understanding perception, Gestalt laws of organization, Different Process of perception - depth
perception, constancy of perception, perception of movement.) Correlates of perception-
awareness, set, motives, needs, learning and attention. Illusion .Subliminal perception. Extra
sensory perception (Telepathy, Clairvoyance , Precognition, Forecasting dreams and
memories of the past birth)
Evaluation
CIA (CONTINUOUS INTERNAL ASSESSMENT)
CIA I – Mid Semester Examination - Total marks 50
CIA II –Written Assignment /Individual Assignment - Total Marks 20
Objective - To test basic understanding of concepts studied
CIA III –Activity based Assignment /group assignment - Total marks 20
Objective- To test the application of basic concepts studied
CIA I + II + III = 90 / 100 = 45 / 50
Attendance = 5
Total = 100 = 50
END SEMESTER
EXAMINATION Total
Marks=100=50
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Question paper pattern
References
Essential Reading
Morgan,C.T, King,R.A., Weisz,J.R., and Schopler,J. (2004). Introduction to Psychology, 7th
edition,24th reprint.New Delhi:TataMcGraw-Hill.
Feldman R.S (2011 ).Understanding Psychology, 10th edition.Delhi : Tata- McGraw Hill.
Recommended reading
Baron,R.A. Psychology.(1995). 3rd edition.Delhi:Prentice Hall.
Weiten,W. Psychology : Themes and variations.4th edition.Delhi: Brooks/ Cole Publishing Co.
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Semester 2
Course Description:
This course is a continuation of the first semester PSY 131. It is offered to the second semester
undergraduate students of psychology. This course, continues with the study of the fundamental
processes underlying human behavior such as Learning, Motivation, Emotion, Intelligence,
Personality and Altered States of Consciousness.
Level of Knowledge:
Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of psychology studied in first semester psychology
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Unit III: Psychology Of Individual Differences (15 Hours)
Concepts and nature of Individual differences. Intelligence: Theories of intelligence- factor and
cognitive theories. Characteristics of Intelligence tests, Types of Intelligence tests, Determinants of
Intelligence: Genetic, Environmental influences. Newer trends- Emotional Quotient, Social Quotient,
Spiritual Quotient Gender Difference: Biological basis of gender difference, Sex difference in brain
structure and cognitive processes, Role of hormones in gender related behaviour, Gender differences
in social behaviour, Gender Differences in psychological adjustment, Factor or sources of gender
differences
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References
Essential Reading
Morgan,C.T, King,R.A., Weisz,J.R., and Schopler,J. (2004). Introduction to Psychology, 7th
edition,24th reprint.New Delhi:TataMcGraw-Hill.
Feldman R.S (2011 ).Understanding Psychology, 10th edition.Delhi : Tata- McGraw Hill.
Recommended reading
Baron,R.A. Psychology.(1995). 3rd edition.Delhi:Prentice Hall.
Weiten,W. Psychology : Themes and variations.4th edition.Delhi: Brooks/ Cole Publishing Co.
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Course Title Course Code Credits Total Hours Total Marks
Lifespan PSY 331-13 4 75 100
Development
Semester 3
Course Description
Level of Knowledge
The student should have a foundational course in Basic Psychological Processes.
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Unit III: Childhood (15 hours) Early
and middle childhood Physical and motor development; Cognitive development; Language
development; Psychosocial development: Emotions, play, aggression and altruism.
Evaluation
Total Marks=100/2=50
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Question paper pattern
Section A Brief, concepts, definitions, applications 2 marks x10=20
Section B Short Answers: Conceptual/Application 5 marks x 4 =20
Section C Essay Type: Descriptive/Conceptual 15 marks x 3=45
Section D Compulsory: Case Study (Application) 15 marks x 1=15 marks
References
Essential reading
Papalia,D.E. (2004). Human Development. 9thEdition, New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill.
Recommended reading
Berk, L.C. (2008). Child Development, New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India (Pvt) Ltd.
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Semester 4
Course Description
Social psychology is a branch of Psychology that explains how people's thoughts,feelings, and
behaviours are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. This course
introduces students to the theory and research on the social factors that influence individual and
group behaviour. Prosocial behaviour, aggression, interpersonal attraction, attitudes, prejudice
are among the topics covered in the course. The course will include both individual and group work
to facilitate awareness, understanding and application of social psychological principles and
concepts.
1. Understand the historical and scientific origin and development of the field in
the western and Indian context.
2. Describe the development of the self and the dynamics of interpersonal attraction,
prosocial behaviour, aggression, prejudice, group processes and attitude
formation and change in a social context.
3. Comprehend the nature of scientific methods employed to study behaviour
in the social context.
Level of Knowledge
The student should have a foundational course in Basic Psychological Processes.
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Unit III : Positive Social Relations (No. of hours:16)
Prosocial behavior – Helping influences - Personal, Interpersonal and Situational , Receiving
help. Interpersonal attraction and affiliation – Characteristics of the individual, others and
situational influences.
Aggression – Origin, Influences - Social and Situational ;Forms – Domestic violence, Sexual
violence, Violence against communities(LGBT) and Terrorism; Prevention and control.
Evaluation
Total = 50
2. End semester examination :
Essential reading
Brehm, S.S. and Kassin, SN. (1996) Social Psychology, 3rd edition. Boston : Houghton Mifflin
Company.
Crisp, R.J. and Turner, R.N. (2007), Essential Social Psychology. New Delhi: Sage Publications
India Pvt Ltd.
Misra,G. and Dalal,A.K. (2001).Social Psychology in India: Evolution and Emerging trends.
Edited by Ajit.K.Dalal and Girishwar Misra.New Directions in Indian Psychology,Volume I: Social
Psychology.New Delhi: Sage Publications India Pvt.Ltd. Myers, D.G (2002) Social Psychology,
7th international edition.New York: McGraw Hill Companies.
Taylor ,S .E, Peplau, L.A and Sears, D.O. (2006) Social Psychology, 12th edition.New Delhi:
Pearson Prentice-Hall of India Pvt Ltd.
Recommended reading
Baron, Robert A. and Byrne, D. (2001) .Social Psychology 8th Edition (Reprint).New Delhi :
Prentice-Hall of India Pvt Ltd.
Baumeister.R.F. and Bushman,B.J. (2008).Social Psychology and Human nature.Belmont,CA:
Thomson Wadsworth
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Semester 5
Course Description
Abnormal psychology studies abnormal experiences of individual which surround an individual
quite frequently - at our home, neighborhood, place of study/workplace, or in media
reports and such others. These issues capture our interest, demand our attention and
concern. Hence this specialization paper aims to create interest in the students
regarding these issues by introducing them to the concept of abnormality, different
types of psychological disorders and their causes, etc.
Level of Knowledge
Knowledge of the basic papers studied in the previous four semesters of the undergraduate
course in psychology
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Unit III: Anxiety and Somatoform Disorders
(13 Hours) Brief Description: Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Phobic
Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Causal Factors.
Somatoform Disorders – Somatization Disorder, Somatoform Pain disorder, and Conversion
Disorder with Symptoms and Causal Factors.Hypochondriasis (Student Effort Hours)
Evaluation
References
Essential Readings
Carson,R.C., Butcher,J.N and Mineka,S.(2004). Abnormal psychology. 13th Edition.
New Delhi: Pearson Education.
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Barlow,D.H. and Durand,M.V. (2000). Abnormal Psychology. 2nd Edition.
New Delhi: Thomson Publication.
Recommended Readings
Sue,D.,Sue,,D and Sue.S. (1990). Understanding Abnormal Behaviour. 3rd Edition, Houghton
Miffin Co.
Davidson and Neal (1996). Abnormal psychology. Revised 6th Edition, John Wiley Sons
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(4th ed., text revision). Washington, DC: Author.
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Semester 5
Course Description
This paper is aimed at providing the learners an overview of I/O Psychology by
describing the various individual, group, and organizational behaviour at work. This
paper also intends at enhancing the understanding of the learner about the world of
work and related concerns. The areas covered in the paper include employee
selection, placement, training, performance appraisal, motivation and leadership.
The paper also intends to give an understanding about the issues related to people in
organization and the workplace. The concept of consumer behaviour and the decision
making process of the consumer are also introduced in this paper.
Level of Knowledge
Basic knowledge of psychological concepts and principles
Evaluation
PART 1: CIA (Continuous Internal Assessment)
CIA I – Mid Semester Examination - Total marks 50
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CIA III –Activity based Group Assignment - Total marks 20
Objective-To test the understanding of concepts of Consumer Psychology
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Unit V: Consumer Decision Making (12 hours)
Levels of Decision making, Views of consumer decision making, Model of consumer decision
making: Input – marketing efforts, socio cultural environment. Process – psychological field, need
recognition, pre-purchase search, Evaluation of alternatives Output – Purchase behaviour and post
purchase evaluation.
References
Essential Reading
Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, E. S. (2008). Psychology and Work today. Newyork :
Mac Milan publishing company.
Singh, N. (2011). Industrial Psychology. Delhi, India: Tata Mc Graw hill Education private
limited.
Recommended Reading
Schiffman, L. G., Kanuk, L. L., S, R. K., & Wisenblit, J. (2010). Consumer behaviour. Pearson
publications.
Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, E. S. (2008). Psychology and Work today. Newyork : Mac Milan
publishing company.
Singh, N. (2011). Industrial Psychology. Delhi, India: The Mcgraw hill Education private limited.
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Semester 6
Course Title Course Code Credits Total Hours Total Marks
Course description
1. Understand basic concepts of positive psychology and its relationship to other branches
of psychology
2. Gain fundamental understanding of well-being and happiness in the context of positive
psychology
3. Grasp basic cognitive states and processes in positive psychology
4. Transfer the theoretical concepts into practical setting
5. Develop an awareness of applications and implications of positive psychology concepts
and theories
6. Equip himself/herself with the skill and competence to apply positive psychology
principles in a range of environments to increase individual and collective wellbeing
Level of Knowledge:
Knowledge about the topics studied in the various courses of the previous semesters
Unit III : Self control, Regulation and Personal goal setting (10 Hours)
The value of self control; Personal goals and self regulation; Personal goal and well-being; goals
that create self regulation; everyday explanations for self control failure problems
Activity: SWOT analysis
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Unit IV: Positive Cognitive States and Processes (14 Hours)
Resilience: Developmental and clinical perspectives; Sources of resilience in children; Sources
of resilience in adulthood and later life; Optimism- How optimism works; variation of optimism
and pessimism; Spirituality: the search for meaning(Frankl); Spirituality and well-being;
Forgiveness and gratitude Test: Mental well-being assessment scale;Test: Signature strength
Evaluation
References
Essential Readings
Snyder, C.R. & Lopez, S.J. (2002). Handbook of positive psychology. (eds.). New York:
Oxford University Press.
Baumgardner, S.R & Crothers, M.K.(2009). Positive Psychology. U.P: Dorling Kindersley
Pvt Ltd.
Carr, A. (2004). Positive psychology, The science of happiness and human strengths.New
York: Routledge.
Singh, A.(2013).Behavioral science: Achieving behavioral excellence for success. New
Delhi: Wiley India Pvt ltd.
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Semester 6
Course description
This course will introduce the students to the field of health psychology, providing an overview of
the basic concepts, examining how psychological theories and research are applied to enhance
health and well-being and to prevent and illness. Students will be exposed to a range of
specialized topics like stress and coping, pain, chronic illness management, and health and
behavior, and thereby acquire knowledge of a wide range of psychological principles and
empirically validated procedures. The application of skills and core knowledge will be developed
through independent study experiences
Level of knowledge
Knowledge about the courses studied in the previous semesters with thorough knowledge on the
various basic psychological processes.
Unit I : Introduction (12 Hours) Definition;
Mind-body relationship; Functions and need of health psychologists ; Bio- psychosocial model
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Unit V : Health and Behavior (12 Hours)
Health compromising behaviors: Smoking, Alcoholism and substance abuse
Health enhancing behavior: Weight control, Diet, Exercise, Yoga
Evaluation
2. End Semester
Examination
Total marks: 100
References
Essential Reading
Sarafino, E.P. & Smith, T.W. (2012). Health Psychology : Biopsychosocial interventions. New
Delhi : Wiley
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Semester 5 & 6
Course Description
The coursework consists of tests and experiments related to Basic Psychology, Developmental
Psychology, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology , Consumer Behaviour ,Industrial and
Organizational Psychology. The course imparts training in classic as well as contemporary tests
and experiments in the field of Psychology.
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Any 16 will be chosen each semester for Conduction and Discussion OR Demonstration
I. Experiments on Memory
1. Effect of cueing on recall
2. Test on working memory
3. Effect of serial position on recall
4. Chunking on recall
5. Memory Drum
6. Paired associate learning
II Experiments on Sensation
1. Mapping Retinal colour zones
2. Stroop effect
3.Two point Threshold
4.Localization of sound(Sound Cage)
IV Experiments on Cognition
1.Test on creativity
2.Strategies in problem solving
V Experiments on Learning
2. Bilateral transfer
3. Habit interference
4. Maze learning
5. Test on schedules of reinforcement
6. Test of learning curve
7.Retro achievement in Habituation
VI Tests on Personality
1. Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale
2. Sentence completion test
3. Thematic apperception test/ Children’s apperception test
4. Rorschach Inkblot test
5. Type A/B Behavioural Pattern Scale
6. Personal Value Questionnaire
7. Eysenck’s Personality Inventory
8. 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire
9. Myers Briggs Type Indicator Scale
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VII Experiments/Psychological Tests on Emotion
1. Test on emotional intelligence
2. Test on emotional maturity
VIII Experiments on Motivation
1.Achievement motivation quiz
2.Work motivation scale
3.Level of aspiration and achievement
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