Human Memory

Course Description

Memory is involved in many everyday activities and is essential for personal identity. This course is about theories and applications of research on human memory and learning. Prerequisite: Grade of at least C- in PSY 280; concurrent enrollment in PSY 311 OR previous credit for PSY 311.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

Course Goal

  • Explore the width of human memory biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that occur during late adulthood, while challenging myths and stereotypes of old age.

Learning Objectives

  • Examine the neurobiological mechanisms as well as theoretically and empirically studied memory systems.
  • Evaluate the methodologies and experimental paradigms used in classic and more contemporary memory research
  • Apply theoretical memory principles to real-world contexts such as eyewitness testimony, education, or clinical amnesia.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  • Critically evaluate psychological theories of human memory using empirical research data.
  • Analyze their own memory experience using theoretical memory principles.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Chapter Quizzes 20%
Packbacks 20%
Memory Log Presentation 40%
Lecture Video Comments (participation) 20%

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
93% and aboveA
90-92.99%A-
87-89.99%B+
83-86.99%B
80-82.99%B-
77-79.99%C+
73-76.99%C
70-72.99%C-
67-69.99%D+
63-66.99%D
60-62.99%D-
59.99% and belowF

Attendance/Participation:

This is an online asynchronous course, so attendance isn’t required. However, weekly comment assignments to lecture videos will act as attendance/participation.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

  • Textbook: Human Memory (5th edition) by Gabriel A. Radvansky
  • Packback

Scholarly Perspectives

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