Wolkite University

College of Education and Behavioral Science

Department of Psychology

Course Title: General Psychology and Life Skills Course Code: PsycL 1011
Course Weight: 3Cr Hrs(5 ECTS) Mode of delivery: Parallel
Target Group(s): All 1st Year Students

Instructor Getu Degu (Asst. professor)

Course Description

This introductory course will provide students with an overview of the current body of knowledge and the
science of psychology. This course examines the role of environmental factors and the interaction of
nature and nurture in determining behaviors and mental processes. Areas to be discussed will include; the
essence psychology, human development, theories of learning, memory and forgetting, motivation and
emotion, personality psychology, psychological disorder and treatments. The course will also focus on
how to develop life skills based on the theories and principles of psychology where self-development,
academic and social skills shall be given due attention.

Course Rationale

The course ‘General Psychology and Life skills’ encompasses the fundamental concepts and principles of
psychology which have immense application to human life problems. Hence, this course is intended to
introduce students to the basic concepts of psychology and acquaint them with how to apply
psychological knowledge, principles, and theories to real life situation and problems. So, it is of
paramount importance for students of any field of study to be effective in their personal, social, and
professional life endeavors. Furthermore, it is to introduce students to the core set of life skills, which are
important in realizing holistic development of students (i.e., sense of well-being, confidence and
academic performance) so that they can lead happy, healthy, successful, and productive life.

Learning outcomes
Up on the completion of this course, students will be able to:

 Describe basic psychological concepts.

 Compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives in psychology.
 Know about important research concepts.
 Compare and contrast different learning theories.

 Know concepts of motivational and emotional processes.

 Describe what constitutes individuals personality.

 Apply knowledge of psychology to one’s own life & to develop life skills.

 Apply different stress coping mechanisms.

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 Know what intrapersonal and interpersonal skills.

 Attempt to develop and apply intrapersonal and interpersonal skills in their life endeavors.

 Know ways on how intrapersonal and interpersonal skills will be strengthened.

Course Contents
Chapter One: Essence of Psychology
1.1. Definition of Basic Concepts
1.2. Goals of Psychology
1.3. Historical Background of Psychology
1.4. Theoretical Perspectives in Psychology
1.5. Branches of Psychology
1.6. Research Methods in Psychology
1.7. Applications of Psychology
Chapter Two: Sensation and Perception
2.1.The Meanings of Sensation and Perception
2.2. The Sensory Laws: Sensory Thresholds and Sensory Adaption.
2.3.Perception
2.3.1.Selectivity of perception: Attention
2.3.2.From perception
2.3.3.Depth perception
2.3.4.Perceptual Constancies
2.3.5.Perceptual Illusion
Chapter Three: Learning and Theories of Learning
3.1 Definition, Principles and Characteristics of Learning
3.2 Factors Influencing Learning
3.3 Theories of Learning and their Applications
3.3.1. Behavioral Theory of Learning
3.3.2. Social Learning Theory
3.3.3. Cognitive Learning Theory
Chapter Four: Memory and Forgetting
4.1. Memory
4.1.1. Meaning and Process Of Memory
4.1.2. Stages of Memory
4.1.3. Factors Affecting Memory
4.2. Forgetting
4.2.1. Meaning and Concepts of Forgetting
4.2.2.Theories of Forgetting
4.3. Improving Memory
Chapter Five: Motivation and Emotion
5.1. Motivation
5.1.1. Definition and Types of Motivation
5.1.2. Theories of Motivation and their Applications
5.1.3. Conflict of Motives and Frustration
5.2. Emotion
5.2.1. Definition of Emotion
5.2.2. Components of Emotion

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 5.2.3. Theories of Emotion and their Applications
Chapter Six: Personality
6.1. Meaning of Personality
6.2. Theories of Personality
6.2.1. The psychoanalytic theory of personality
6.2.2. The trait theory of personality
6.2.3. Humanistic theory of personality
Chapter Seven: Psychological Disorders and Treatment Techniques
7.1. Nature of Psychological Disorders
7.2. Causes of Psychological Disorders
7.3. Types of Psychological Disorders
7.4. Treatment Techniques
Chapter Eight: Introduction to Life Skills
8.1. Nature and Definition of Life skills
8.2. Goals of Life Skills
8.3. Components of Life Skills
Chapter Nine: Intra-personal and Inter-Personal Skills
9.1. Self-Concept and Self-Awareness
9.2. Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
9.3. Self-Control
9.4. Emotional Intelligence and Managing Emotion
9.5. Resilience and Coping with Stress
9.6. Anger Management
9.7. Critical and Creative Thinking
9.8. Problem Solving and Decision Making
Chapter Ten: Academic Skills
10.1. Time Management
10.2. Note-taking and Study Skills
10.3. Test-Taking Skill
10.4. Test Anxiety and Overcoming Test Anxiety
10.5. Goal Setting
10.6. Career Development Skill
Chapter Eleven: Social Skills
11.1. Understanding Intercultural Diversity and Diversity Management
11.2. Gender and Social Inclusion
11.3. Interpersonal Communication Skills
11.4. Social Influences and Peer Pressure
11.5. Assertiveness
11.6. Conflict and Conflict Resolution
11.7. Team Work
11.8. Overcoming Risky Behavior

Assessment & Evaluation Techniques

1. Continuous Assessment 50 %
 Mid exam: 30 %
 Group assignment with Presentation - 10 %
 Individual assignment- 10 %
2. Final exam 50%

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