IQ and Intelligence

Course Description

Psychological and psychometric approaches to human intelligence, addressing questions about single versus multiple intelligences, genetic and environmental influences, development and aging, cognitive and neurological bases, improving intelligence, and the validity of intelligence tests. Prerequisite: Grade of at least a C- in PSY 121.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • To analyze and assess the empirical evidence for or against scientific and popular claims about human intelligence
  • To critically evaluate policy arguments regarding intelligence and intelligence testing made by politicians, educators, health professionals, journalists, and social or biological scientists

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Exams 80%
In-Class Attention/Discussion Questions 20%

Grading Scale:

Percentage Letter Grade
92-100%A
90-91%A-
88-89%B+
82-87%B
80-81%B-
78-79%C+
72-77%C
70-71%C-
68-69%D+
62-67%D
60-61%D-
59% and belowF

Attendance/Participation:

Assessed via in-class attention/discussion questions (20% of grade)

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Intelligence: A Very Short Introduction (2nd Edition, 2020) by Ian Deary (Oxford University Press).

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.